LORD MicroStrain 3DM-GX5-15 User manual

LORD USER MANUAL
3DM®-GX5-15
Vertical Reference Unit (VRU)

MicroStrain®Sensing Systems
459 Hurricane Lane
Suite 102
Williston, VT 05495
United States of America
Phone: [phone]
www.microstrain.com
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
Copyright © 2017 LORD Corporation
3DM®, 3DM-DH®, 3DM-DH3®, 3DM-GX2®, Ask Us How™, DEMOD-DC®, DVRT®, EmbedSense®, FAS-A®, G-Link®,
Little Sensors, Big Ideas.®, LORD Microstrain®, Live Connect™, LXRS®, MathEngine®, MicroStrain®, MXRS®, Node
Commander®, SensorCloud™, SG-Link®, Strain Wizard®, TC-Link®, V-Link®, Wireless Simplicity, Hardwired Reliability™,
and WSDA®are trademarks of LORD Corporation.
Document 8500-0061 Revision C
Subject to change without notice.

3DM®-GX5-15 User Manual
Table of Contents
1. System Family Overview 6
2. Sensor Overview 7
2.1 Components 8
2.2 Interface and Indicators 9
3. Basic Setup and Operations 10
3.1 Software Installation 11
3.2 System Connections 12
3.3 Software Interface 12
3.3.1 Interactive Help Menu 13
3.4 Sensor Communication 13
3.5 Sensor Settings 15
3.5.1 Saving Configurations 16
3.6 Data Monitoring and Recording 17
3.7 View Recorded Data 18
4. Sensor Measurements 20
4.1 Direct Sensor Measurements (IMU Outputs) 21
4.2 Computed Outputs 24
4.3 Sensor Reference Frames 26
4.3.1 Geodetic Frame 26
4.3.2 NorthEast Down (NED) Frame 27
4.3.3 Sensor Frame 28
5. Performance Optimization 29
5.1 Gyroscope Bias 29
5.2 Estimation Filter Aiding 30
5.3 Heading Aiding Settings 31

3DM®-GX5-15 User Manual
5.3.1 Bias Convergence 32
5.4 Adaptive Anomaly Rejection 32
5.4.1 Gravity Adaptive 32
5.5 Angular Rate and Acceleration Limits 33
5.6 Communications Bandwidth 33
5.7 Estimation Filter Operation 33
5.8 Estimation Filter Convergence 34
5.8.1 Initial Convergence 34
5.8.2 Output Uncertainty 34
5.9 Vibration Isolation 34
5.10 IMU Sensor Calibration 34
5.11 Temperature Compensation 34
5.12 Import and Export Settings 35
6. Sensor Installation 36
6.1 Sensor Mounting 36
7. OEMSystemIntegration 37
7.1 DataCommunications Protocol (DCP) 37
7.1.1 Packet Builder 38
7.1.2 Sensor Direct Mode 38
7.2 Sensor Wiring 40
7.3 Sampling on Start-up 41
7.4 Connecting to a Datalogger 42
7.5 Using Wireless Adapters 42
8. Troubleshooting 43
8.1 Troubleshooting Guide 43
8.2 Repair and Calibration 46
8.3 Technical Support 47

3DM®-GX5-15 User Manual
8.4 Maintenance 47
9. Parts and Configurations 48
9.1 Standard Configurations 48
9.2 Accessories 50
9.3 Sales Support 50
10. Specifications 51
11. Safety Information 53
11.1 Disposal and Recycling 53
12. Reference Diagrams 54
12.1 Sensor Dimensions and Origin 54
12.2 Power Supply Specifications 55
12.3 Communication and Power Cables 56
13. Reference Documents 58
14. Glossary 59

3DM®-GX5-15 User Manual
1. System Family Overview
The LORD Sensing 3DM-GX5 family of industrial-grade inertial sensors provides a wide range of triaxial
inertial measurements and computed attitude and navigation solutions.
In all models, the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) includes direct measurement of acceleration and
angular rate, and some also offer atmospheric pressure readings. In models that include a Kalman Filter,
sensor measurements are processed through an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) to produce highly
accurate computed outputs. The 3DM-GX5 features include extremely stable and low-noise gyros, a new
accelerometer with noise densities as low as 25 µg/√Hz, and a multi-constellation GNSS receiver. The M7
and M4 dual Cortex processors run a new Auto-Adaptive EKF.The Kalman filter enables compensation
for magnetic and linear acceleration anomalies as applicable to the model. It also provides sensor bias
tracking, auto-zero update options (ZUPT), and user adjustable sensor noise factors. All sensors are fully
temperature-compensated and calibrated over the full operating temperature range.
The use of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) technology allows for small, lightweight devices.
Sensors are integrated into customer systems using serial communication protocols such as RS422,
RS232 and USB. The LORD Sensing MIPMonitor software can be used for device configuration, real
time measurement monitoring, and data recording. The LORD Sensing MIPData Communications
Protocol (DCP) that is used to communicate with LORD Sensing inertial sensors is also available for users
who want to develop customized software solutions. Because of the unified set of commands across the
sensor family, it is easy to migrate code from one inertial sensor to another.
Common applications of LORD Sensing inertial sensor products include vehicle health monitoring,
platform stabilization, down- hole and drilling operations, and inertial navigation systems such as
unmanned air and ground vehicles and personal navigation systems.
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3DM®-GX5-15 User Manual
2. Sensor Overview
The 3DM-GX5-15 is a high-performance, industrial-grade Inertial Measurement and Vertical Reference
Unit (IMU/VRU) that utilizes micro inertial sensors for use in a wide range of industrial-grade applications,
such as platform stabilization and vehicle health monitoringplatform stabilization, motion tracking and
analysis, vehicle health monitoring, and device aiming.
The 3DM-GX5-15 combines the strengths of an integrated multi-axis gyroscope and accelerometer,in
combination with pressure readings to provide highly accurate inertial measurements . All sensor
measurements are temperature- compensated and are mathematically aligned to an orthogonal
coordinate system. The combination of sensors, environmental compensation, and dual on- board
processing with an Auto-AdaptiveExtended Kalman Filter (EKF) allows the 3DM-GX5-15 to perform well
in a wide variety of applications that require low noise, drift, gain, and offset errors.
The 3DM-GX5-15 communicates through a serial connection and is monitored by a host computer.
Sensor measurements and computed outputs can be viewed and recorded with the LORD Sensing
MIPMonitor software that is available as a free download from the LORD Sensing website. Alternatively,
users can write custom software with the LORD Sensing open source data communication protocol. The
data is time-aligned and available by either polling or continuous stream.
Figure 1 -3DM-GX5-15 Sensor
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3DM®-GX5-15 User Manual
2.1 Components
The 3DM-GX5-15 Inertial Sensor can be purchased by itself or as part of a Connectivity Kit. All
software, drivers, and links to detailed documentation are included with the sensor purchase. For a
complete list of available configurations, accessories, additional system products, and ordering
information, see Parts and Configurations on page 48 .
Item Description Model LORD Sensing
Part Number
Included with Sensor Purchase
A3DM-GX5-15 Inertial Sensor VRU 8G, 300
DPS* 6254-4220
MIPMonitor Software Suite http://www.microstrain.com/software
* For additional options available see Specifications on page 1
USB Connectivity Kit
BUSB Communication Cable -- 6212-3004
RS232 Connectivity Kit
C
RS232 Communication Cable
-- 6212-3001
RS232 Power Supply and Plug
Adapters
Table 1 - 3DM-GX5-15 Components
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3DM®-GX5-15 User Manual
2.2 Interface and Indicators
The 3DM-GX5-15 sensor interface includes a communications and power input connector. The sensor
is installed using the mounting and alignment holes as needed ( see Sensor Mounting on page 1 ).
The indicators on the 3DM-GX5-15 include a device status indicator and the device information label.
The table below describes the basic status indicator behavior. The device information label includes the
sensor frame diagram (axis orientation), which will be critical during device installation ( see Sensor
Frame on page 28 ).
Indicator Behavior Device Status
device status
indicator
OFF no power applied
rapid flash streaming data
slow pulse idle mode, awaiting
commands
Figure 2 -Senor Indicator Behaviors
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3DM®-GX5-15 User Manual
3. Basic Setup and Operations
To acquire sensor measurements and computed outputs, the 3DM-GX5-15 uses a host computer,an
RS232 or USBcommunications port, and applicable software. The LORD Sensing MIPMonitor software
is provided with the system and includes all functions needed for sensor configuration and data
acquisition. Users may also utilize the LORD Sensing MIPData Communications Protocol (DCP) to write
custom software applications with expanded or specific feature sets needed for the application.
MIPMonitor includes a message building tool that can be used to streamline this process. For more
information, see OEMSystemIntegration on page 37 .
In this section, hardware and software setup is described, including an overview of the MIPMonitor
software menus required to configure a sensor and begin data acquisition. This is not a complete
demonstration of all system or software features and capabilities.
Figure 3 -Viewing Sensor Data with MIPMonitor
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3DM®-GX5-15 User Manual
3.1 Software Installation
NOTE
The MIPMonitor Software Suite includes hardware drivers required for 3DM-GX5-15 sensor
operation. Sensors will not be recognized without these drivers installed.
To Install the MIPMonitor software on the host computer, complete the following steps:
1. Launch the MIPMonitor software installation menu at:
https://www.microstrain.com/software.
2. Download and open the MIPMonitor .zip file.
3. Run the setup.exe file, and follow the on-screen prompts to completion.
4. Download and open the Inertial Drivers zip folder to install the hardware drivers required
for operating the sensor.
5. Run the .msi file, and follow the on-screen prompts to completion.
6. Run the setup.exe file, and follow the on-screen prompts to completion. If prompted,
reboot the computer when complete.
Figure 4 -Software Installation Menu
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3DM®-GX5-15 User Manual
3.2 System Connections
Power is applied to the sensor through a host computer USB
port or an external power supply, such as the one provided in
the RS232 connectivitykit. Use only power supplies within the
operating range of the sensor, or damage or injury could
result. Once power is applied the sensor is on and active ( see
Specifications on page 1 ).
To acquire sensor data the following components are needed: 3DM-GX5-15 sensor, communication
cable, power cable (as applicable for RS232 communications), and a host computer with LORD
Sensing MIPMonitor installed.
Figure 5 -System Connections
3.3 Software Interface
The MIPMonitor software includes a main window with system information and menus, a device
settings window, and several data monitoring windows.
The main window provides an overview of connected devices. Devices are selected by clicking on
them. A device menu is available by right-clicking on the device name and includes the most used items
from the header row menus. The header row menu includes selections for data sampling, recording,
device settings, opening windows, selecting which open window to view, and advanced features such
as selecting the communications mode. The icon toolbar includes buttons for Help Menu access,
where all related documentation is available in Web Resources, device refresh, and data sampling and
recording.
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3DM®-GX5-15 User Manual
Figure 6 - Main Window Display
3.3.1 Interactive Help Menu
MIPMonitor also includes a mouse-over feature that provides explanations of the information and
settings. This feature is enabled by selecting the question mark icon or Help button in any window.
Figure 7 - Context Sensitive Help Menu
3.4 Sensor Communication
Once power has been applied to the sensor, it is functional. If the hardware drivers have been installed,
communication can be established using the MIPMonitor software interface.
1. Verify the sensor device status indicator is on.
2. Open the MIPMonitor software.
3. The sensor should appear in the device list automatically when the software is running.
The list includes the device information and communication port assignment. If the
sensor is not automatically discovered, use the refresh button.
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3DM®-GX5-15 User Manual
Figure 8 -Sensor Communication
NOTE
If data is not actively being exchanged between the sensor and host computer, the status
message may display Not Connected. This indicates the port status, not the sensor
availability. When commands are sent to the sensor, the software will automatically connect
to it before sending the message.
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3DM®-GX5-15 User Manual
3.5 Sensor Settings
Device settings are stored in the sensor memory. Only the configuration options available for the
sensor being used are displayed in the menus.
To enter the settings menu, either right-click on the sensor name highlighted in the main window, and
then select Device Settings, or select Settings > Device from the main menu.
a. Main menu tabs: The main tabs divide the settings into functional groups for the available
measurements. For the 3DM-GX5-15 these include calculated measurements (Estimation Fil-
ter) and direct inertial sensor measurements (IMU/AHRS).
b. Message Format (first sub-menu tab): Under each main menu tab there are additional sub-
menu tabs, including the Message Format tab, which allows the user to select the meas-
urement type to be displayed and recorded (b1) and the data rate in samples/second(b2).
c. Measurement parameters: Available sub-menu tabs depend on the selected main menu tab.
They include the configurable settings for each measurement.
d. Scrolling: used to navigate to additional sub-menus
e. Help button: Enable the context-sensitive help menu for more information ( see Interactive
Help Menu on page 13 ).
Figure 9 -Device Settings Menu
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3DM®-GX5-15 User Manual
NOTE
When selecting sensor and estimation outputs to be recorded, communications bandwidth
considerations should be taken into account. Lower baud rates equate to lower
communications bandwidth, which can be consumed quickly by selecting a large number of
measurements at high sample rates. Overrunning the communications bandwidth will result
in dropped communications packets and lost data.
3.5.1 Saving Configurations
Sensor settings are saved temporarily by selecting the OK button in the Device Setup window after
configuration, but they are lost when the device is powered off. To save current settings, so they are
automatically restored the next time the device is powered on, select Settings > Save Current
Settings.
First adjust the sensor settings to the desired values. Next select Settings > Save Current Settings
from the main window ( Figure 10 - Save Sensor Settings ). The settings will now remain intact when
the sensor is powered off and then on again.
To recall the last saved settings select Settings > Load Startup Settings. To revert the settings back
to the factory defaults, select Settings > Load Default Settings.
Figure 10 -Save Sensor Settings
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3DM®-GX5-15 User Manual
3.6 Data Monitoring and Recording
NOTE
During viewing and recording, only the outputs that are selected in the Message Format tabs
in the Device Setup menu are displayed and recorded ( see Sensor Settings on page 15 ).
Throughout the MIPMonitor views the same icons are used to control data streaming (sampling) and
recording. These icons can be found in the MIPMonitor main window icon toolbar and in each data
monitoring window. The same commands are also found in the main window Control menu.
Figure 11 -Main Window Controls
There are several data monitoring views available depending on what measurements are desired for
monitoring and recording. Each view corresponds to one of the main categories in the Device Settings
window. For example, the 3DM - GX5 - 15 includes Sensor Data Monitoring for the IMU/AHRS
measurements and EFMonitoring for the Estimation Filter outputs.During viewing and recording only
the outputs that are selected in the Message Format tab of the Device Settings menu are displayed and
recorded ( see Sensor Settings on page 15 ).
Data streaming must be started in order for data to be recorded, however it is not necessary to view it in
a data monitoring window. Data monitoring is used primarily to confirm the system is operating
correctly or to view the outputs in near real time. If sensor setup has already been confirmed, streaming
and recording can be initiated from the main window.
Figure 12 - Data Streaming is an example of Sensor Data Monitoring, which displays the selected
IMU/AHRS measurements. In data monitoring windows, no data will be displayed until data streaming
is started, and no data will be recorded (even if it is being viewed) until data recording is initiated
(armed). In the example below, the y-axis of the graph indicates data points, the x-axis is the
measurement units, and there is a tab for each measurement.
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3DM®-GX5-15 User Manual
1. Right- click on the device in the MIPMonitor software main window, and select
SensorData Monitor.
2. Click the blue Start Streaming icon to start sampling.
Figure 12 -Data Streaming
3.7 View Recorded Data
Recorded data is stored in either Binary (.bin) or Comma Separated Values(.csv) format,
depending on what was selected at the initiation of data recording. The files can be found in the
directory specified at that time or in the default directory on the host computer desktop.
CSV files can be viewed with Microsoft Excel, Quattro Pro, Open Office, or other CSV editors
and spreadsheet programs.
Data recorded in Binary format requires a translation program utilizing the LORD Sensing
MIPData Communications Protocol (DCP) to make it user-readable.
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3DM®-GX5-15 User Manual
1. To record data, select the Arm Recording icon at any time.
2. Select the type of data file to generate: Binary or CSV.The CSV file is the most common
and can be viewed and processed by data editors such as Microsoft Excel.
3. To save a settings file when creating a data file, check the box next to this option. This
settings file is the same as selecting Export Settings from the Settings menu.
NOTE
If the data is recorded in Binary format it will require a translation program that utilizes
the LORD Sensing MIPData Communications Protocol (DCP) to make it user-
readable.
Figure 13 -Data Recording
4. To end recording press the Arm Recording button again, and select OK in the confirmation
prompt window.
5. Select the Stop Streaming icon to end sampling.
6. Use the red "X" in the upper right of the sensor monitoring window to exit monitoring mode.
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3DM®-GX5-15 User Manual
4. Sensor Measurements
The 3DM-GX5-15 block diagram ( Figure 14 - 3DM-GX5-15 Block Diagram ) describes its primary
hardware components and internal configuration. Integrated Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS)
sensors within the 3DM-GX5-15 are collectively known as the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and
include tri-axial gyroscopes (gyros), tri-axial accelerometersand a pressure altimeter. This technology
provides direct measurements of acceleration, angular rate, pressure, Delta-theta (change in angular
rate), and Delta-velocity (change in velocity). Temperature and pressure sensors provide environmental
information for measurement compensation and altitude estimations. information can be read directly but
is not used internally for attitude or navigation estimations on the 3DM-GX5-15.
Computed estimations for attitude, acceleration, angular rate, and heading are available outputs on the
3DM-GX5-15. To achieve these estimations, the MEMS sensors are processed by an IMU Estimation
Filter (EF) microprocessor with an Adaptive Kalman Filter (AKF) . Additional user settings such as
measurement filtering, biasing, and tolerance values offer adjustments for specific applications.
Figure 14 -3DM-GX5-15 Block Diagram
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