TCM 5LT: Full-tilt accuracyin real-world conditions.
3-axis Measurement
3D Orientation
Hard-Iron Correction
High-Resolution/Accuracy
Integrated Processor
Module
Soft Iron Correction

TCM 5LT

The TCM5LT combines a full 360 degrees of tilt compensation with transistor-to-transistor level (TTL) output — providing ultra-precise heading information and magnetic field measurement while using less power than any other tilt-compensated module.

The TCM5LT 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. And using its included hard- and soft-iron correction algorithms, the TCM5LT calibrates out most magnetic anomalies for repeatable, high-resolution measurement across a wide range of navigation and tracking applications.

  • Flexible Mounting Options
    Horizontal or vertical
  • Full Tilt Compensation
    ± 90° pitch; ± 180° roll
  • Hard and Soft Iron Calibration
    Customizable by user
  • High Precision
    Heading accuracy 0.3°
  • High Resolution
    Compass heading 0.1°
  • High Resolution Field Measurement
    0.05 µT (0.0005 Gauss)
  • High Tilt Repeatability
    0.05°
  • Instant Startup
    40 to 70 ms from power down for valid measurement;
    10 to 25 ms from power down to power up ackn
  • Low Power
    7.2 to 11.5 mA typical draw;
    85 to 220 µA in sleep mode
  • Ultra-Compact Size
    3.3 × 3.1 × 1.3 cm
  • Wide Field Measurement Range
    ± 80 µT (± 0.8 Gauss)
  • Wide Temperature Range
    −40 to 85 °C (operational)
  • Binary Digital Interface
    LVCMOS (UART)
  • Compact Size
    3.33 × 3.1 × 1.35 cm
  • 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 0.1°
Tilt Resolution 0.1°

Calibration

Hard Iron Calibration Yes
Soft Iron Calibration Yes

Mechanical Specifications

Connector for RS-232 Interface 4-Pin
Dimensions (L × W × H) 3.3 × 3.1 × 1.3 cm
Mounting Options Screw
Mounts/Standoffs
Horizontal
Weight 10 grams

I/O Specifications

Communication Rate 300 to 115200 baud
Latency from Power-On ≤ 25 ms
Latency from Sleep Mode ≤ 70 ms valid measure
Maximum Sample Rate 20 samples/sec
Output Formats Binary High Performance Protocol

Power Specifications

Idle Mode 7.2 mA RMS (push mode)
11.5 mA RMS (poll mode)
Sleep Mode 85 to 220 µA
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.