SmartSens
The foundation of PNI's ready-to-integrate® sensor modules, the SmartSens family of magneto-inductive (MI) sensors and ASICs delivers best-in-class magnetic field sensing resolution and repeatability — while using less than half the power of magneto-resistive (MR) sensors. A SmartSens circuit generally consists of 1 to 3 SmartSens MI sensors driven by a SmartSens ASIC in an LR circuit. The output from a SmartSens sensor is inherently digital and can be fed directly into a microprocessor, eliminating the need for signal conditioning or an analog/digital interface. And since the SmartSens sensor works in the frequency domain, resolution and noise are established cleanly by the number of period counts. Optimized for use in game controllers, solid-state navigation devices, and handheld devices with integrated compassing functions, SmartSens sensors are ideal wherever power is at a premium and performance can't be compromised.
The MicroMag product line of magnetic field sensing modules integrates PNI's SmartSens magneto-inductive sensors and ASICs with additional surface mount components onto a single PCB — so they can be designed into research and demo units or product prototypes with little to no engineering cost. They are ideal for use in educational, hobbyist, and other low-volume applications, as well for design and prototyping for high-volume applications.
CompassPoint
The CompassPoint family of cost-effective, low-power consumption compasses harnesses the existing power of Earth's magnetic field to measure orientation in 2 or 3 dimensions. All CompassPoint modules incorporate PNI's magnetic distortion correction to ensure accurate heading measurements when installed in the host system. And because they typically use 2 to 3 times less power than comparable sensor modules, they're perfect for applications in which power sources are few and far between. CompassPoint modules represent exceptional values and are ideal components for cost-sensitive products that historically could not justify such well-featured digital compasses, such as laser range finders, sonobuoys, wind sensing equipment, and acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs).
FieldForce
The FieldForce family of tilt-compensated heading and orientation modules provides unparalleled 3-axis orientation performance. Combining PNI's patented magnetic sensing technology with a 3-axis accelerometer, PNI's proprietary algorithms compensate for tilt in the heading readings and correct for local magnetic distortions, allowing for the most accurate compass heading measurements available. FieldForce modules include electronic gimballing, allowing them to be mounted at virtually any orientation or position. Even in the most demanding conditions and environments, PNI FieldForce products deliver unmatched performance, making them ideal for applications such as high-performance ROV navigation, targeting systems, GPS system integration, vehicle sensing and tracking, drilling applications, robotics, and more.
SpacePoint
Take your motion tracking controller a giant step forward with PNI's revolutionary SpacePoint™ technology. By enabling the creation of controllers with true, 360 degree pointing accuracy, full-range-of-motion tracking and no perceivable lag-time, SpacePoint technology provides an unbeatably accurate interface for high speed gaming controllers, and other motion-tracking devices such as novel remote controllers and augmented reality headwear. Plus, by making full use of the various sensors, new gesture-based controls can be developed, such as ZoomPoint™ in which twisting the controller results in either zooming towards or away from an object.
Legacy Products
PNI will continue to build and support these TCM's, but for new designs, the FieldForce or the CompassPoint products are recommended. The legacy TCMs include the TCM2.5, TCM2.6, TCM3, TCM5 and TCM5LT.