VectorNav Compact Rugged IMU (VN-100)

The VectorNav Compact Rugged IMU (VN-100) is available in both SMD and housed versions. It delivers accurate 3-axis inertial data in a small, reliable module for drones, robotics, defence systems and industrial machines. With fast update rates, factory calibration and flexible interfaces, the VN-100 supports stabilisation, motion tracking and control in space- and weight-limited designs.

High Quality Motion Data for Drones, Robotics and Defence Systems

The VN-100 is a compact rugged IMU that gives you high-quality motion data in a very small IMU module. It combines a 3-axis inertial sensor set with factory calibration and sensor fusion support. As a result, it works well as an IMU for drones, robotics, and defence systems where space is limited and conditions may be harsh.

Key Benefits of VectorNav Compact Rugged IMU (VN-100)

Compact footprint: A small IMU module for tight spaces and embedded designs.
Two versions available: SMD for PCB mounting and Rugged for harsh environments.
Accurate 3-axis inertial sensing: Measures acceleration and rotation on all axes.
Fast update rates: Supports real-time stabilisation and motion control.
Easy to integrate: Interfaces designed for drones, robots and machine systems.

SMD vs Rugged IMU

Feature	VN-100 SMD	VN-100 Rugged
Form factor	Board-level, surface-mount module	Housed module in metal enclosure
Mounting method	Soldered directly to PCB	Mounted via enclosure and connectors
Size & weight	Very small and lightweight	Larger but easier to handle and install
Environmental protection	Relies on system-level enclosure	Sealed metal housing for harsh use
Best suited for	Compact drones, small robots, OEM designs	Industrial, defence, outdoor and mobile platforms
Sensor performance	Same inertial sensors and calibration	Same inertial sensors and calibration

Which Version of the Compact Rugged IMU (VN-100) is Right For Your Project?

Choose VN-100 SMD for PCB-level integration and very small designs.
Choose VN-100 Rugged for field use, vibration and outdoor conditions.

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Where the VN-100 Fits in Your System

The VN-100 provides the motion data needed for many control and stabilisation systems. It can:

Send roll, pitch and yaw data to a UAV flight controller.
Provide tilt and rotation feedback for mobile robots and AGVs.
Measure machine movement and vibration in industrial equipment.
Help stabilise gimbals, cameras and sensor platforms.

If your system requires any of the above, then the VN-100 is a great addition to your project.

Quick Use-Case Table

Use Case	Why the VN-100 Helps
Small drone stabilisation	Compact rugged IMU with fast data for smooth roll, pitch and yaw control.
Mobile robot navigation	Accurate 3-axis sensing supports balance, motion tracking and control loops.
Gimbals and camera platforms	Stable inertial data improves pointing and image stability.
Industrial machine monitoring	Helps track tilt, vibration and machine behaviour in harsh environments.

Why Choose a Compact Rugged IMU Like the VN-100?

Many projects begin with simple needs such as keeping a drone stable or helping a robot maintain balance. The VN-100 provides clean inertial data in a small, strong design. This means you can build stable flight controllers, better robot platforms and more accurate machine systems without bulky or complex hardware.

Related Categories

The values below are taken from the official VectorNav VN-100 specification information. They summarise key performance, electrical, mechanical and environmental ratings for both the SMD (surface-mount) and rugged versions.

Attitude & Navigation Performance

Parameter	VN-100 SMD	VN-100 Rugged
Attitude range (yaw/roll)	±180°	±180°
Attitude range (pitch)	±90°	±90°
Static pitch/roll accuracy	≈ 0.5° RMS	≈ 0.5° RMS
Dynamic pitch/roll accuracy*	≈ 1.0° RMS	≈ 1.0° RMS
Magnetic heading accuracy*	≈ 2.0° RMS	≈ 2.0° RMS
Heave accuracy	≈ 5% or 5 cm	≈ 5% or 5 cm
Angular resolution	0.001°	0.001°
Attitude update rate	Up to 400 Hz	Up to 400 Hz
IMU data rate	Up to 800 Hz	Up to 800 Hz

*Typical values with a suitable magnetic environment, valid calibration and appropriate aiding,
as described in the VectorNav documentation.

Accelerometer Specifications

Parameter	VN-100 SMD	VN-100 Rugged
Measurement range	±16 g	±16 g
In-run bias stability	< 0.04 mg (typical)	< 0.04 mg (typical)
Noise density (VRW)	≈ 0.14 mg/√Hz	≈ 0.14 mg/√Hz
Bandwidth	≈ 230 Hz	≈ 230 Hz
Cross-axis sensitivity	≈ ±0.05°	≈ ±0.05°

Gyroscope Specifications

Parameter	VN-100 SMD	VN-100 Rugged
Measurement range	±2,000°/s	±2,000°/s
In-run bias stability	< 10°/hr (≈ 5°/hr typical)	< 10°/hr (≈ 5°/hr typical)
Noise density	≈ 0.0035°/s/√Hz	≈ 0.0035°/s/√Hz
Bandwidth	≈ 265 Hz	≈ 265 Hz
Cross-axis sensitivity	< 0.05°	< 0.05°

Magnetometer & Pressure Sensor

Parameter	VN-100 SMD	VN-100 Rugged
Magnetometer range	±2.5 gauss	±2.5 gauss
Magnetometer noise density	≈ 140 µGauss/√Hz	≈ 140 µGauss/√Hz
Magnetometer sample rate	Up to 200 Hz	Up to 200 Hz
Pressure sensor range	~10 to 1200 mbar	~10 to 1200 mbar
Pressure sensor accuracy	≈ ±1.5 mbar	≈ ±1.5 mbar

Mechanical & Electrical

Parameter	VN-100 SMD	VN-100 Rugged
Size	24 × 22 × 3 mm	36 × 33 × 9 mm
Weight	3.5 g (approx.)	15 g (approx.)
Input voltage	3.2 – 5.5 V DC	4.5 – 5.5 V DC
Typical current draw	≈ 45 mA @ 3.3 V	≈ 40 mA @ 5 V
Power consumption	≈ 185 mW	≈ 220 mW
Digital interfaces	Serial TTL, SPI	Serial TTL, RS-232
Max baud rate	Up to 921,600 baud	Up to 921,600 baud

Environmental & Reliability

Parameter	VN-100 SMD	VN-100 Rugged
Operating temperature	−40 °C to +85 °C	−40 °C to +85 °C
Storage temperature	−40 °C to +85 °C	−40 °C to +85 °C
MTBF (useful life)	> 280,000 hours (typ.)	> 240,000 hours (typ.)

For full and most current specifications, including any updates, please refer to the official
VectorNav VN-100 datasheet or contact Metromatics for guidance on your specific project.

Core Inertial Sensing

3-axis gyroscopes: Measure angular rate on all axes for rotation and motion sensing.
3-axis accelerometers: Measure linear acceleration and tilt.
Optional magnetometers: Support magnetic heading when enabled and calibrated.
High-rate IMU output: Raw inertial data available at high update rates for real-time control.

Calibration & Data Quality

Factory calibrated: Each VN-100 is calibrated at the factory to improve accuracy and repeatability.
Temperature compensation: Helps maintain stable performance across a wide operating range.
Low noise sensors: Supports smooth stabilisation and control loops.

Mechanical & Environmental Strength

SMD and Rugged versions: Choose PCB-level integration or a sealed, housed module.
Designed for vibration: Suitable for drones, vehicles and moving machinery.
Wide operating temperature range: Supports use in industrial, outdoor and defence environments.

Integration & System Design

Flexible interfaces: Supports common serial interfaces for embedded systems.
Simple data formats: Easy to read and parse in custom software.
Supports external sensor fusion: Can be combined with GNSS or other sensors in user algorithms.

Because the VN-100 is a compact rugged IMU and small IMU module, it fits well into systems where size, weight and reliability all matter.

UAVs & Drones

Primary IMU for multirotor and fixed-wing UAV flight controllers.
Real-time stabilisation using roll, pitch and yaw rate data.
Gimbal and payload stabilisation using 3-axis inertial sensing.

Robotics & AGVs

IMU for robotics to measure tilt, motion and acceleration.
Feedback for balance, motion control and localisation systems.
Support for SLAM and navigation algorithms when combined with other sensors.

Defence & Unmanned Systems

Motion sensing for unmanned ground and aerial platforms.
Stabilisation and orientation input to higher-level navigation systems.
Use in vibration-prone and mobile defence applications.

Industrial & Machine Control

Monitoring tilt, vibration and movement in machinery.
Platform levelling and control feedback.
Integration into industrial automation and test systems.

Research & Development

Rapid prototyping of control and sensing systems.
Laboratory and field testing of inertial algorithms.
Teaching and training applications involving inertial sensing.

What does the VN-100 measure?

The VN-100 is a 3-axis inertial sensor. It measures angular rate and linear acceleration on all three axes. Some versions also support magnetic field sensing.

Is the VN-100 suitable for drones?

Yes. The VN-100 is widely used as an IMU for drones because it is compact, lightweight and designed to handle vibration. It supports real-time stabilisation and control.

Can I use the VN-100 for robotics?

Yes. Many users select the VN-100 as an IMU for robotics and AGVs. It provides motion and tilt data for balance, control and navigation algorithms.

Is the VN-100 a navigation system?

No. The VN-100 is an IMU, not a full navigation system. It does not output position on its own. For navigation, it must be combined with GNSS or replaced with a VectorNav GNSS/INS product.

Which VN-100 version should I choose?

Choose the SMD version for PCB-level integration and very small designs. Choose the Rugged version for easier mounting, wiring and use in harsh or outdoor environments.

VN-100 Product Resources

The following official VectorNav documents provide detailed technical information, integration guidance and performance data for the VN-100 Compact Rugged IMU.

If you cannot find the document you need, please contact Metromatics. We provide local technical support and can assist with product selection and system integration.