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Angular rate sensor and method of improving output characteristic thereof

  • US 6,415,643 B2
  • Filed: 03/23/2001
  • Issued: 07/09/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/24/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of adjusting an oscillation characteristic of an oscillator of an angular rate sensor, the oscillator having a given length and being shaped to have a plurality of longitudinal edges, the oscillator being excited by input of an excitation signal to oscillate in a first direction perpendicular to the length of the oscillator and, when the angular rate sensor undergoes an angular rate during excitation of the oscillator, oscillating in a second direction perpendicular to the length of the oscillator to provide an output indicative of the angular rate, comprising the steps of:

  • applying to the oscillator an ac voltage having a resonant frequency, at which the oscillator resonates in the first direction, to oscillate the oscillator;

    monitoring an output signal of the oscillator during oscillation of the oscillator by application of the ac voltage; and

    adjusting the oscillation characteristic of the oscillator so as to decrease an amplitude of the monitored output signal of the oscillator to minimize undesired oscillations of the oscillator in the second direction when excited by the input of the excitation signal.

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