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MacRobert Award
1999 Finalist
British Aerospace Systems & Equipment for the Silicon VSG in-car gyroscope
[News Release]
 As the name indicates the Silicon Vibrating Structure Gyroscope (Si VSG) is a gyroscope which works by vibrating rather that rotating. The latest micro-machining techniques are being employed to produce this solid state rate sensor. This has led to an unprecedented increase in affordability, which in turn has spawned a range of novel applications for gyroscopes, in previously unexplored high volume application markets.
Some of the applications in which the Si VSG has undergone extensive evaluation include 3-D computer scanners and car navigation systems. However, the principal application has been in the provision of significant automotive safety enhancements in the anti-lock braking system market. The Si VSG provides information on the yawing motion to initiate automatic individual braking on appropriate wheels. This rapidly corrects any erroneous vehicle rotation.
What is believed to be the worlds largest gyroscope order has been won by British Aerospace Systems and Equipment and now further applications in the automotive industry are being explored including the sensing of vehicle roll to automatically deploy roof air bags and collision avoidance systems.
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