Hardware Integration

• Sensor alignment
• Physical connections
• Vibrations
• Magnetometer
  • Ferromagnetic materials
  • High currents

This section describes the (mechanical) design and hardware integration considerations of the MTi-320 module.

Sensor alignment

The MTi-320 can be mounted at any angle; misalignments can be compensated for through orientation resets or custom transformation matrices (see BASE for more information). In order to achieve optimal performance, we recommend mounting the MTi-320-2A and MTi-320-3A with its Z-axis in the vertical direction (upward or downward).

Physical connections

The connector on the MTi-320 module is an 8-pin, male Molex Micro-Lock component.  More specific component information can be found in the table below.

Vibrations

The MTi-320 features an industry-leading signal processing pipeline (AttitudeEngine^TM) which rejects vibrations. For best results, however, it is recommended that the MTi-320 is mechanically isolated from vibrations as much as possible. Especially in applications where vibrations are likely to occur, the mounting points of the MTi-320 module should be dampened. The required type of dampening varies from application to application.

Magnetometer

The MTi-320 uses a 3D magnetometer for measuring the geomagnetic field. This part is sensitive to magnetic disturbances. Magnetic disturbances can be calibrated for or identified and rejected by the MTi. However, it is recommended to avoid their influence during hardware integration, especially when using the Active Heading Stabilization functionality.

Ferromagnetic materials

Ferromagnetic materials can be magnetized, and magnetic behaviour can change during operation. This behaviour will influence the measurements of the 3D magnetometer of the MTi-320. Therefore, it is recommended to keep these ferromagnetic materials away from the MTi. Static (ferro)magnetic disturbances that are part of the system into which the MTi is integrated can be compensated for through magnetic calibration. Refer to the Magnetic Calibration Manual for more information.

High currents

High current power lines on the PCB will introduce magnetic fields that may influence the measurements of the 3D magnetometer of the MTi. Place high current power lines away from the MTi. Example: a power line with a current of 100 mA at a distance of 10 mm from the magnetometer, will introduce an error of 2 µT.

More information on magnetic interference can be found in the Family Reference Manual. Static magnetic disturbances can be calibrated for, see the Magnetic Calibration Manual.