Sparton SP3003D digital compass for the Oceans 2005 MTS/IEEE Washington, D.C. Proceedings and CD-ROM

The Sparton SP3003D digital compass provides superior performance and flexibility. Using advanced hardware and software, the SP3003D cost effectively offers an impressive list of features. It is the world´s only low-cost digital compass that provides auto-adaptive in-field calibration. The SP3003D can be integrated into any system using a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) or Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). The SP3003D digital compass integrates 3-axis magneto-inductive sensors with 3-axis accelerometers to provide an extremely accurate heading output independent of platform orientation. The SP3003D continuously provides accurate heading due to its unique adaptive auto-calibration feature. The magnetic field conditions are continuously monitored and corrected for magnetic distortion using a proprietary adaptive algorithm. Further, the digital compass has full 360-degree roll and pitch capability and has stabilization algorithms that compensate for variable motion conditions. Magnetic variation is calculated from latitude, longitude, altitude, and date using spherical-harmonic models. The SP3003D uses the magnetic variance to provide a true north heading indication. The unique features of the SP3003D include: 1) adaptive in-field magnetic calibration; 2) full 360° rollover capability; 3) magnetic variation correction; 4) motion stabilization; and 5) robust potted design.