Micro-Technology for Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (Micro PN&T)
Abstract
The Micro-Technology for Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (Micro PN&T) program is developing technology for self-contained chip-scale inertial navigation and precision guidance. This technology promises to effectively mitigate dependence on Global Positioning System (GPS) or any other external signals, and enable uncompromised navigation and guidance capabilities. The program will enable positioning, navigation and timing functions without the need for external information updates by employing on-chip calibration, thereby overcoming vulnerabilities which arise in environments where external updates are not available such as caves, tunnels, or dense urban locations. The technologies developed will enable small, low-power, micro-gyroscopes capable of operating in both moderate and challenging dynamic environments; chip-scale primary atomic clock standards; and on-chip calibration systems for error correction. Advance micro-fabrication techniques allow a single package containing all the necessary devices (clocks, accelerometers, gyroscopes and calibration) to be incorporated into a volume the size of a sugar cube. The small size, weight and power of these technologies and their integration into a single package responds to the needs of guided munitions, unmanned aerial vehicles and individual soldiers. The Micro PN&T program is an aggregation of Integrated Primary Atomic Clock, Information Tethered Microscale Autonomous Rotary Stages, Microsystem Integrated Navigation and Precision Navigation and Positioning Technologies. The technology is expected to transition through industry.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Source ID
- f6e6822c8a1b738cafe0fccfcab58945