On the application of Allan variance method for Ring Laser Gyro performance characterization

Technical Report · Fri Oct 15 04:00:00 EDT 1993

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10196087· OSTI ID:10196087

Ng, L C

This report describes the method of Allan variance and its application to the characterization of a Ring Laser Gyro`s (RLG) performance. Allan variance, a time domain analysis technique, is an accepted IEEE standard for gyro specifications. The method was initially developed by David Allan of the National Bureau of Standards to quantify the error statistics of a Cesium beam frequency standard employed as the US Frequency Standards in 1960`s. The method can, in general, be applied to analyze the error characteristics of any precision measurement instrument. The key attribute of the method is that it allows for a finer, easier characterization and identification of error sources and their contribution to the overall noise statistics. This report presents an overview of the method, explains the relationship between Allan variance and power spectral density distribution of underlying noise sources, describes the batch and recursive implementation approaches, validates the Allan variance computation with a simulation model, and illustrates the Allan variance method using data collected from several Honeywell LIMU units.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 10196087
• Report Number(s): UCRL-ID--115695; ON: DE94003880
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450000
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
990200
GYROSCOPES
INERTIAL GUIDANCE
MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTERS
MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
NAVIGATIONAL INSTRUMENTS
NOISE
PERFORMANCE
RECURSION RELATIONS
RING LASERS
SPECIFICATIONS
SPECTRAL FUNCTIONS
STATISTICS
STOCHASTIC PROCESSES
VARIATIONAL METHODS