IMU : FAQ
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- Q01Function /
Characteristics M-G370PDT0M-G370PDG0M-G366PDG0M-G355QDG0M-G330PDG0
How can I synchronize the IMU with external sensors (GNSS, camera, etc.)? - Answer
Our IMUs provides two optional features to assist in time synchronizing with an external sensor:
1. The external trigger input function
The external trigger input function allows the output timing of sampling data to be controlled externally by applying an appropriate periodic pulse signal to a specific pin.2. The external counter‑reset input function
The external counter reset input function helps time synchronization with external devices by resetting the IMU's counter value using signals such as a PPS signal for timestamping. With accurate time stamp information of the IMU data relative to GNSS time, the system can correlate the timing of the IMU data with the other external sensor data.
For configuration details, please refer to "External Trigger Input" and "External Counter Reset Input" in the datasheet.If you would like a data sheet, please request it from Contact Form.
- Q02Trouble M-G370PDT0M-G370PDG0M-G366PDG0M-G355QDG0M-G330PDG0
Possible causes when UART/SPI communication cannot connect? - Answer
When using the evaluation board and IMU Logger for UART communication, please refer to Q11
When connecting the IMU directly to your system without using the evaluation board, please check the following:
1. Verify that the IMU pins are correctly wired.
- Refer to "Socket Pin Assignments and Functions" in the datasheet.
2. Check the Power-On Start-Up Time described in the “Interface Specifications” section of the datasheet.
- If communication is initiated before the required time has elapsed after power-on, the IMU may not respond.
3. Confirm that the communication conditions and timing match the UART/SPI interface specifications in the datasheet.
- For UART, pay attention to the baud rate (default: 460.8 kbps).
- For SPI, ensure that the host-side SPI clock frequency, SPI clock phase/polarity , SPI wait times, and other timing parameters are set correctly.
4. Read the ID_Register listed in the datasheet and confirm that the fixed value 0x5345 is obtained.
- If the value cannot be read, there may be an issue with wiring, communication settings, or the power-up sequence.
If you would like a data sheet, please request it from Contact Form.
- Q03Function /
Characteristics M-G370PDT0M-G370PDG0M-G366PDG0M-G355QDG0M-G330PDG0
IMU reliability data (MTBF/MTTF). - Answer
We provide reliability data common to the IMU platform, indicating an MTTF (Mean Time To Failure) of over 50,000 hours. This value is based on our internal reliability evaluation of the IMU. - Q04Function /
Characteristics M-G370PDT0M-G370PDG0M-G366PDG0M-G355QDG0M-G330PDG0M-G570PR20M-G552PR30M-G552PR80M-G552PC30M-G552PC80
How IMU characteristics are measured? - Answer
Measurements are conducted in an air‑conditioned, temperature‑controlled environment after sufficient warm‑up, once the sensor output has stabilized.
During the measurements, static data are acquired using a vibration‑isolated table, and characteristics such as bias stability and Allan variance are evaluated. - Q05Function /
Characteristics M-G370PDT0M-G370PDG0M-G366PDG0M-G355QDG0M-G330PDG0
When using SPI communication to read angular rate and acceleration data, how should the Data Ready (DRDY) signal be handled? - Answer
When reading sensor data via an SPI connection, we recommend using the DRDY (Data Ready) signal.
DRDY is an important signal that notifies the host when new data has been updated inside the sensor.
When acquiring data, first confirm that the DRDY signal has been asserted, and then perform continuous reading according to "6.1.3 SPI Read Timing (Burst Mode)" described in the datasheet.If you would like a data sheet, please request it from Contact Form.
- Q06Setup M-G370PDT0M-G370PDG0M-G366PDG0M-G355QDG0M-G330PDG0
Please tell me about the relationship between the IMU's mounting surface and its measurement accuracy. - Answer
The recommended mounting surface of the IMU is the surface with the 2D barcode.
This surface is machined to ensure a high degree of parallelism between the sensor and the XY plane.
By aligning this recommended mounting surface parallel to the reference plane of the host device, mounting errors can be minimized. - Q07Function /
Characteristics M-G370PDT0M-G370PDG0M-G366PDG0M-G355QDG0M-G330PDG0M-G570PR20M-G552PR30M-G552PR80M-G552PC30M-G552PC80
How to select suitable IMU model? - Answer
Key points for selecting an appropriate model depending on the application requirements are as follows:1. Measurement Range:
Verify the measurement ranges for angular velocity and acceleration, and select a device that is suitable for the operating range required by the intended application.
2. Accuracy Requirements:
Check whether specifications such as bias stability and angle random walk meet the required accuracy.
3. Output Rate:
Confirm that the device supports the necessary sampling frequency (up to 2 ksps).
4. .Interface:
Select an interface suitable for your system, such as UART, SPI, RS422, or CAN.
5. .Environmental Conditions:
Verify the operating temperature range and protection features such as waterproof/dustproof ratings (e.g., IP67). - Q08Trouble M-G552PC30M-G552PC80
What should I do when data cannot be correctly obtained via CAN/CANopen communication? - Answer
For CAN communication troubleshooting, please check the following:
1. Confirm the CAN communication bit rate described in the datasheet, and ensure that the device is connected using the same bit rate.
2. CAN ID settings: If the default Node ID (NID = 01h) has been changed, verify that communication is being performed with the correct ID.
3. If the LED indicator is blinking red, make sure the device is properly connected to the host through the CAN cable, then power‑cycle the device.
4. When reading from or writing to the Object Dictionary (OD), please note that multi‑byte data uses little‑endian byte order.
5. For CANopen IMUs, some functions such as Object Dictionary read/write access or TPDO messages are restricted. Refer to "Table 5.7 Valid Function of Each NMT State" described in the datasheet for available functions. Send the NMT command to place the CANopen IMU into Pre-operational (OD access) or Operational (OD or TPDO) state. The CANopen IMU's current NMT state is indicated in the Hearbeat message (if enabled), or by decoding the Run LED (Green) blinking pattern (see Table 5.17 Run LED (Green) Status in the datasheet).If you would like a data sheet, please request it from Contact Form.
- Q09Function /
Characteristics M-G370PDT0M-G370PDG0M-G366PDG0M-G355QDG0M-G330PDG0M-G570PR20M-G552PR30M-G552PR80M-G552PC30M-G552PC80
Can you provide the IMU's bias temperature characteristic data? - Answer
A graph showing the bias temperature characteristics is included in Section 3, “Typical Performance Characteristics,” of the datasheet.
Please refer to the datasheet for details.If you would like a data sheet, please request it from Contact Form.
- Q10TroubleM-G370PDT0M-G370PDG0M-G366PDG0M-G355QDG0M-G330PDG0M-G570PR20M-G552PR30M-G552PR80M-G552PC30M-G552PC80
Are there any ways to reduce gyro drift or improve bias stability? - Answer
Methods for improving gyro drift and bias stability include the following:
1. Allowing sufficient warm‑up time:
Providing adequate warm‑up time helps the bias stabilize.
2. Stabilizing the temperature environment:
Temperature variations are a major factor contributing to drift.
Using the device in as stable a temperature environment as possible is recommended. - Q11TroubleM-G370PDT0M-G370PDG0M-G366PDG0M-G355QDG0M-G330PDG0
What should I do when the IMU Logger software does not start or does not recognize the IMU? - Answer
The troubleshooting procedure for the IMU Logger is as follows:
1. Check the connection between the PC and the USB evaluation board:
Ensure that the PC is properly connected to the USB evaluation board and that the red LED on the evaluation board is lit.
2. Verify the FTDI driver:
Confirm in the Device Manager that the board is recognized as a USB Serial Port.
If it is not recognized, reinstall the FTDI driver.
(IMU_LoggerSoftware_UserGuid, Page 6.)3. Configure the COM port settings:
In the Config screen, set the SerialSetting → Port to match the COM number shown in the Device Manager.
(IMU_LoggerSoftware_UserGuid, Page 8.)4. Check the logger version:
Make sure you are using the latest version of the evaluation software"IMU Logger". Older versions may not support newer IMU models.
- Q12SetupM-G370PDT0M-G370PDG0M-G366PDG0M-G355QDG0M-G330PDG0
Are sample codes or software development support available for acquiring data from the IMU? - Answer
We provide the following resources to support your software development:
1. GitHub
Python sample code (py_esensorlib), driver code for Arduino, and IMU drivers for ROS1/ROS2 are available.
2. Sample Code:
The datasheet includes UART/SPI communication sequences and sample C code.
3. Evaluation Tools:
The IMU Logger software (Windows) is available free of charge.
However,the DLL specifications and APIs are not disclosed.4. Linux Environments:
For use on Linux platforms such as Raspberry Pi, please refer to the sample code available on GitHub.
Although we do not provide samples for specific development environments such as LabVIEW, implementation is possible based on the UART/SPI communication specifications.GitHub:link
- Q13Function /
Characteristics M-G330PDG0M-G366PDG0M-G552PR30M-G552PC30M-G552PC80
Please tell me about the characteristics and accuracy of each axis in the attitude output function. - Answer
In our IMU's attitude output function, ANG1: Roll and ANG2: Pitch achieve stable accuracy by applying correction processing based on the direction of gravity.
On the other hand, ANG3: Yaw cannot be corrected in the same manner as Roll and Pitch because its axis is aligned with the gravity vector.
For detailed accuracy specifications, please refer to the "Characteristics and Electrical Specifications" section of the datasheet.If you would like a data sheet, please request it from Contact Form.
- Q14SetupM-G370PDT0M-G370PDG0M-G366PDG0M-G355QDG0M-G330PDG0
Please tell me the recommended torque values and precautions when tightening the mounting screws and using the mounting holes. - Answer
The following points should be observed when mounting the IMU:
1. Recommended torque:
Although no specific recommended torque value is defined for the M2 mounting screws of the IMU, avoid excessive tightening. As a guideline, a hand‑tightened level sufficient to secure the unit (approximately 0.2–0.3 N·m) is appropriate.
2. Mounting hole specifications:
Using the diagonal mounting holes helps maintain the directional accuracy of the sensor axes. Refer to the dimensional drawing in the datasheet for details on hole diameter and positional tolerances.
3. Use of washers:
Washers may be used without issue; however, ensure that the bottom surface of the IMU remains parallel to the mounting surface.
4. Impact of positional misalignment:
Misalignment during tightening of the M2 screws may affect data accuracy. If higher precision is required, consider using positioning pins to help maintain mechanical alignment to the mounting surface's reference frame.
- Q15SetupM-G370PDT0M-G370PDG0M-G366PDG0M-G355QDG0M-G330PDG0
Where is the sensor origin (the reference point of the coordinate system), and what is the relationship between the device's exterior and the detection axes? - Answer
The sensor origin and its relationship to the sensor axes are as follows:
1. Sensor origin location
The sensor origin (accelerometer origin) is defined as the coordinate origin shown in the external dimension drawing of the datasheet. It is typically located near the center of the bottom surface of the housing.
2. Misalignment
Individual errors between the external reference surfaces and the detection axes are not specified. For the inter‑axis misalignment values, please refer to the Misalignment parameters in the “Characteristics and Electrical Specifications” section of the datasheet.
3. Coordinate markings
The coordinate axis markings printed on the IMU surface indicate the directions of the detection axes.
4. Relationship to mounting holes
The distances from the mounting holes to the sensor origin are provided in the dimensional drawings of the datasheet.
If you would like a data sheet, please request it from Contact Form.
- Q16Function /
Characteristics M-G370PDT0M-G370PDG0M-G366PDG0M-G355QDG0M-G330PDG0M-G570PR20M-G552PR30M-G552PR80
Please tell me the criteria of the self‑test function and how to deal with errors when the test results indicate a failure. - Answer
The self‑test function checks whether the stationary output values of the gyroscope and accelerometer fall within the specified ranges, ensuring that the sensors are operating normally.
Therefore, the self‑test must always be performed in a stationary environment free of vibration.
The self‑test function operates as follows:1. Evaluation Criteria
Gyroscope:
The bias value at rest must be within internal limits.
Accelerometer:
The magnitude of the three‑axis acceleration vector must fall within an internal defined range.2. Actions to Take if an Error Occurs
2.1. Verify the Environment and Retry
Ensure that there is no vibration, movement, or impact, and run the self‑test again in a completely stationary condition.2.2. About IMU Operation
Even if the self‑test results in NG (fail), the IMU will continue to operate (including the ability to switch to UART automatic mode).
However, in this case, sensor accuracy may not be guaranteed.2.3. If the Issue Persists
If NG continues after multiple attempts, a sensor malfunction may be suspected.
In such cases, please consider replacing the unit.



