Description
Geometrics has recently announced a revolutionary new line of magnetometer products based on recent research in miniaturizing atomic clocks and magnetometers. Advances by Geometrics allow for a 10-fold reduction in size and power consumption without sacrificing performance. New devices soon to be on the market are only about 15cc in size, and require only 2W per sensor. Manufacturing technologies for an additional 10-fold reduction in size and power consumption are available now. Recent advances in laser technology and MEMS fabrication techniques, supported by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) , have led to miniaturized components for atomic clocks and magnetometers. Using its long experience in building field-rugged magnetometers, Geometrics has recently achieved the breakthroughs necessary in sensor and electronics design to bring cost-effective, reliable products to market. This advancement in sensing technology will make an enormous impact on sensing and detection applications. Many applications could benefit from lower cost, lower power sensors. Some applications will use a relatively small number of sensors, and others will create demand for a huge number of sensors. These applications and the required production technology must be carefully choreographed for the successful launching of this technology. We recognize that each customer has unique needs, so in order to better meet those needs we have created four different sensors, each with different technical specifications. These sensors are the Low-Noise MFAM, Low-Heading Error MFAM, Super-MFAM (combining the low-noise and low heading error configurations into the same MFAM Module) and the SX-MFAM for export compliance. To see the specifications of each, please refer to the "Spec Sheet" available for download below.
Features and benefits
MFAM Module- Dual-Sensor Module: Two sensors allow for individual or gradient measurements. Reconfigure sensors to achieve dead-zone free operation anywhere in the world. Also allows for heading error compensation
- Small Size: No significant weight increase when added to existing instruments or systems.
- Low Power Operation: Decrease downtime by operating longer on a smaller battery.
- Modular Architecture: Integrate the MFAM module into your existing instruments and expand your service line.
- High Performance: Fast sampling and low noise allow for use in a variety of applications, including geophysics, non-destructive evaluation, magnetocardiography, and structural health fields.
- Four Analog Input Channels: Differential and scalable inputs for versatile integration.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) Support: Single connection for power and downloading data.
- On-board GPS: GPS provides position and 1PPS controls measurement timing.
- Temperature/Pressure/Humidity Sensor: Understand environmental conditions.
- 10 MHz Reference Input: Allows the disciplining of master system clock.
- Schematics and Example Source Code Provided: Modify code as needed for interface requirements and use schematics to start a custom board layout.
Technical Details
MFAM Specification List
MFAM Pin Configuration
Differences between LCS050G (Low-Noise) vs. LCS100S (SuperMag) modules
Cannot Connect to the MFAM Dev Kit through the Ethernet
How to switch the operating mode for SuperMag (LCS100S) MFAM?
- Detailed instructions for changing the operating mode of the SuperMag(LCS100S) MFAM through the SPI can be found in the Module User Guide, located in the USB drive shipped with the product.
- The operating mode can be changed through the MagViewMFAM software (software installation is also in the USB drive). Use the MagViewMFAM to connect to the MFAM.
- After startup, the "Run Mode" indicates the current operating modes.
- To change the operating modes, choose "Run Mode" in the "Command Menu" and then select a different mode in the drop-down menu.
- Click "Send Command" button to change to the selected mode.
- To set the current modes as the default startup operating modes, select "Save Settings" and click "Send Command". Power cycle and make sure that the default startup operating modes have been saved.
How to set up dead-zone-free operation for MFAM
MFAM-SuperMag (LCS100S) or MFAM-SX (LCS100X) can be configured to achieve dead-zone-free operation, in which the combined sensor is always active no matter where in the world and which direction the device is oriented.
To set up the dead-zone-free configuration:
Make sure the MFAM is in the “One Sensor (No Dead Zone) run mode. If not, please refer to “How to switch the operating mode for SuperMag MFAM” on our website found here: (PRODUCT >> MAGNETOMETERS >> Land Magnetometers >> MFAM Developer Kit >> Technical Details).
Orient two sensors orthogonally. The ideal relative orientation is shown below (also in the test report in the USB drive shipped with the unit). This configuration works for both the “Low Heading Error” and the “Low Noise” modes.
Low Heading Error Only mode
If you only wish to run the sensor in the “Low Heading Error” mode (note that SX MFAM does NOT have the “Low Noise” mode), a simpler configuration, as shown below, can also achieve the dead-zone-free operation.
MFAM Developer Kit Shipping Weights & DIMS
Downloads
TYPICAL USES
- Novel UAS Applications: Wellhead locating, pipeline tracking, utility surveying, and more
- Security and Detection Applications: A small unit size, low power requirements, and high sensitivity allow for perimeter monitoring applications.
- Marine Magnetometry Investigations: Customizable architecture allows for integration with autonomous or manned underwater vehicles.
