TCM 5: Low-power accuracy in any orientation.
3-axis Measurement
3D Orientation
Hard-Iron Correction
Integrated Processor
Module
Soft Iron Correction

TCM 5

A full 360 degrees of tilt compensation enables the "flippable" TCM5 compass module to combine ultra-precise, magneticelectronic compass heading information with complete flexibility in a low-power module. The compact TCM5 can be mounted in multiple positions and orientations without compromising performance.

The TCM5 combines PNI's patented magneto-inductive sensors with a 3-axis MEMS accelerometer in a single temperature- and noise-stabilized ASIC that's inherently free of offset drift. Using its included hard- and soft-iron correction algorithms, the TCM5 calibrates out most magnetic anomalies for repeatable, high-resolution measurement across a wide range of navigation and tracking applications.

  • High Resolution Field Measurement
    0.05 µT (0.0005 Gauss)
  • Low Power
    < 20 mA typical draw
  • Compact Size
    3.5 × 4.3 × 1.3 cm
  • Wide Temperature Range
    −40 to 85 °C (operational)
  • Flexible Mounting Options
    Horizontal or vertical
  • Magnetic Distortion Compensation
    Customizable by user
  • High Precision
    Heading accuracy 0.3°
  • High Resolution
    Compass heading 0.1°
  • High Tilt Repeatability
    0.05°
  • Wide Field Measurement Range
    ± 80 µT (± 0.8 Gauss)
  • Full Tilt Compensation
    ± 90° pitch; ± 180° roll
  • Binary Digital Interface
    RS-232
  • Digital Interface
    Binary
  • RoHS Compliant

Heading Specifications

Accuracy (RMS) 0.5° (Tilt > 70°)
0.3° (Tilt < 70°)
Max Dip Angle 85°
Repeatability (RMS)1 0.05°
Resolution 0.1°

Magnetometer Specifications

Calibrated Field Measurement Range ± 80 µT
Magnetic Repeatability ± 0.1 µT
Magnetic Resolution ± 0.05 µT

Tilt Specifications

Pitch Accuracy 0.2° RMS
Roll Accuracy (RMS) 0.2° (Pitch < 65°)
0.5° (Pitch < 80°)
1.0° (Pitch < 86°)
Tilt Range ± 90° Pitch
± 180° Roll
Tilt Repeatability2 0.01°
Tilt Resolution 0.01°

Calibration

Hard Iron Calibration Yes
Soft Iron Calibration Yes

Mechanical Specifications

Connector for RS-232 Interface 9-Pin
Dimensions (L × W × H) 3.5 × 4.3 × 1.3 cm
Mounting Options Screw
Mounts/Standoffs
Horizontal
Weight 12 grams

I/O Specifications

Communication Rate 300 to 115200 baud
Initial Power Up Time < 50 ms
Maximum Sample Rate 20 samples/sec
Output Formats Binary High Performance Protocol
Sleep Mode Recovery < 1 ms

Power Specifications

Idle Mode 18 mA
Sleep Mode Current Draw 0.6 mA
Supply Voltage (VDC) 3.6 to 5 V (Unregulated)
Typical Current Draw
(Continuous Output)		 Maximum: 22 mA
Typical: < 20 mA

Environmental Specifications

Humidity Non-condensing / Qualified to MIL-STD-810F
Operating Temperature Range −40 to 85 °C
Shock 2500 g, per MIL-STD-810F
Storage Temperature Range −40 to 125 °C
Vibration Qualified to MIL-STD-810F

1 Repeatability is based on statistical data at ± 3 sigma limit about the mean.
2 Repeatability is based on statistical data at ± 3 sigma limit about the mean.