Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)

This unit is responsible for measuring the quadcopter orientation, velocity, and force of gravity. It is generally equipped with a gyroscope and accelerometer but others can also include temperature, barometer, humidity sensors, etc.

 

The gyroscope is used for measuring the angle of the quadcopter in 3 different axises and the accelerometer measures force, also in three different axises. A 3 axis gyro and a 3 axis accelerometer is also referred to as a 6DOF IMU.

 

This device is small and the programming required to use this device is difficult. However, it is a must for a quadcopter so that it is able to sense it’s orientations and provide corrections.