GA50 Single-Axis Open-Loop MEMS Accelerometer

The Gladiator Technologies GA50 is a high-performance, single-axis MEMS accelerometer featuring open-loop technology for precision inertial sensing applications requiring ultra-low noise, compact size and low power consumption.

The GA50 combines a bulk micromachined silicon MEMS sensing element with an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), incorporating an analog front end (AFE) and an integrated temperature sensor. These components are housed in a compact, hermetically sealed LCC20 package.

Available in ±5 g, ±40 g and ±70 g measurement ranges, the GA50 delivers exceptionally low noise, with Velocity Random Walk (VRW) as low as 1.3 µg/√Hz, depending on the configuration. Its miniature dimensions and analog output make it suitable for demanding aerospace, defense, inertial navigation, unmanned systems and precision motion sensing applications.

The GA50 is also available mounted on an evaluation board, enabling simplified testing, performance evaluation and system integration during development.

Key Features

• Open-Loop MEMS Technology – Single-axis accelerometer featuring an open-loop architecture for precision acceleration measurement.
• Multiple Measurement Ranges – Available in ±5 g, ±40 g and ±70 g configurations to accommodate different application requirements.
• Ultra-Low Noise – Velocity Random Walk (VRW) as low as 1.3 µg/√Hz, depending on the configuration.
• Excellent Short-Term Stability – As low as 60 µg, depending on the measurement range.
• Dependable Long-Term Bias Repeatability – As low as 0.8 mg in the ±5 g configuration.
• Ultra-Compact Design – Miniature LCC20 package measuring 8.9 × 8.9 × 3.2 mm and weighing less than 0.7 g.
• Low Power Consumption – Operates from a 3.3 V supply with current consumption below 13 mA.
• Analog Output – Enables integration into analog sensing and control systems.
• Hermetically Sealed Package – Compact packaging designed to protect the internal sensing components.
• Evaluation Board Available – Supports performance evaluation, testing and system integration during development.

Available on Evaluation Board
The GA50 Accelerometers are customizable for a wide range of applications and can be delivered individually or mounted on an evaluation board for simplified testing.

GA50 Open-Loop vs. GA100 Closed-Loop – Which Accelerometer Should You Choose?

The GA50 and GA100 accelerometers from Gladiator Technologies are both based on MEMS technology but use two different measurement architectures: Open-Loop and Closed-Loop.

The GA50 uses open-loop MEMS technology, measuring acceleration by detecting the displacement of the internal proof mass without an active force-rebalance mechanism.

This architecture enables a compact, low-power design. The GA50 offers exceptionally low noise, miniature dimensions and an analog output, making it particularly attractive for inertial sensing applications where noise performance, size and power consumption are critical.

The GA50 is available in three measurement ranges: ±5 g, ±40 g and ±70 g, with Velocity Random Walk (VRW) noise as low as 1.3 µg/√Hz, depending on the configuration.

The GA100 uses closed-loop force-rebalance technology, continuously applying a feedback force to keep the proof mass near its reference position. Rather than relying solely on proof mass displacement, this architecture uses an active balancing mechanism to measure acceleration.

This approach is particularly attractive for precision inertial applications where bias stability, scale factor performance and vibration rectification error are important considerations.

The GA100 offers a ±15 g measurement range, digital SPI interface, bandwidth greater than 300 Hz and multiple performance configurations.

Which Accelerometer Is Right for Your Application?

• Choose GA50 when ultra-low noise, compact size, low power consumption, analog output or multiple measurement ranges are key priorities.
• Choose GA100 when closed-loop force-rebalance technology, digital SPI integration and specific bias stability and scale factor performance requirements are priorities.

Neither technology is universally superior. The optimal choice depends on the application’s requirements for noise, bias stability, measurement range, vibration performance, size, power consumption and interface.

For a more detailed technical comparison, read our article: Open-Loop vs. Closed-Loop Accelerometers – Which Technology Is Right for Your Application?