Murata SCH16T-K30 IMU for High-Vibration Industrial Applications

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has announced the expansion of its SCH16T series of high-performance inertial measurement units (IMUs) with the introduction of the SCH16T-K30, a high-dynamic-range variant designed for demanding industrial applications where high-amplitude vibration or rapid movement can cause sensor saturation. Target applications include excavators, heavy machinery control, and survey poles, where the new sensor can operate without clipping. Samples of the SCH16T-K30 are available now, and mass production is scheduled to begin at the end of 2026. The SCH16T-K30 will also be showcased at electronica 2026, held at the Messe München in Munich, Germany, from November 10 to 13, 2026.

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In demanding industrial environments such as excavators and surveying equipment, inertial sensors are exposed not only to the motion they are intended to measure, but also to strong mechanical vibration. When acceleration or angular velocity exceeds the effective dynamic capability of a sensor, its output can saturate or clip, making it difficult to accurately capture the full motion of the machine. To address these challenges, Murata developed the SCH16T-K30 with a new accelerometer MEMS featuring increased damping characteristics compared with standard SCH16T variants. The accelerometer MEMS is designed to attenuate unwanted vibration at frequencies above 200 Hz range, helping prevent sensor saturation in high-vibration environments.

The SCH16T-K30 combines a 3-axis gyroscope and a 3-axis accelerometer in a single 6-axis IMU for measuring rotation and acceleration. Based on Murata’s 3D MEMS technology, its new accelerometer MEMS provides increased damping of unwanted vibration. The sensor has a high saturation limit of 180 g at 1,000 Hz. Murata has also extended the gyroscope measurement range from the ±300 °/s range in the SCH16T-K01 and SCH16T-K20 to ±490 °/s, providing additional headroom for higher rotational dynamics. The sensor has a typical gyroscope noise density of 0.0004 (°/s)/√Hz, typical gyroscope bias instability of 0.3 °/h, and typical accelerometer noise density of 80 µg/√Hz. It operates from a 3.0–3.6 V supply and has a wide operating temperature range from -40 °C to +110 °C, with performance validated with a test set based on AEC-Q100 operating temperature Grade 1 (-40 °C to +125 °C) standards*. The SCH16T-K30 comes in a compact 0.46 × 0.53 × 0.11-inch (11.8 × 13.4 × 2.9 mm) package and includes extensive self-diagnostic features for safety-critical applications. It also maintains software and pin-to-pin compatibility across the SCH16T series.

Murata will continue developing industrial gyroscope and accelerometer technologies aligned with evolving market demands.

For more details, please visit the product page, or for inquiries regarding this product, please contact us.

Notes:
*This product is not for use in automotive applications.
*This product is under development, and product specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.