TCM 3: Extra-wide tilt range in a low-power package.
3-axis Measurement
3D Orientation
Hard-Iron Correction
High-Resolution/Accuracy
Integrated Processor
Module
Soft Iron Correction

TCM 3

With greater accuracy than the TCM 2.6, soft-iron calibration, and extended tilt ranges of up to ± 80°, the TCM 3 is designed to provide high-resolution compass heading in almost any environment — and in a cost-effective, low-power package.

The TCM3 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 TCM3 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)
  • High Precision
    Heading accuracy 0.5°
  • High Resolution
    Compass heading 0.1°
  • Wide Field Measurement Range
    ± 80 µT (± 0.8 Gauss)
  • Binary Digital Interface
    RS-232
  • Extended Tilt Compensation
    Up to ± 80°
  • Hard and Soft Iron Calibration
    Customizable by user
  • Digital Interface
    Binary
  • Full Tilt Compensation
    ± 80°
  • RoHS Compliant

Heading Specifications

Accuracy (RMS) 0.8° (Tilt > 70°)
0.5° (Tilt < 70°)
Max Dip Angle 85°
Repeatability (RMS)1 0.1°
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°)
Tilt Range ± 80°
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
Latency from Power-On < 50 ms
Latency from Sleep Mode < 1 ms
Maximum Sample Rate 20 samples/sec
Output Formats Binary High Performance Protocol

Power Specifications

Idle Mode3 14 to 18 mA
Sleep Mode 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.
3 Based on user settings.