TDK makes PositionSense nine-axis orientation sensor system available worldwide
TDK has opened global distribution of its two-chip IMU-plus-TMR magnetometer system, spanning four configurations for robotics, drones and mobile devices.
TDK has announced worldwide distribution availability of PositionSense, a two-chip nine-axis sensor system combining a six-axis inertial measurement unit with a three-axis tunnel-magnetoresistance (TMR) magnetometer. Released globally on 13 October, the InvenSense product includes on-chip sensor fusion and calibration software intended to provide stable absolute heading and orientation information for wearables, mobile devices, drones and robots. The system was originally introduced in January 2025.
The product range includes four configurations pairing either an ICM-45608 or ICM-45689 six-axis motion sensor with an ICT-15312 or ICT-15318 TMR magnetometer. The higher-dynamic-range IMU option supports up to ±32 g acceleration and ±4,000 degrees-per-second angular rate, compared with ±16 g and ±2,000 degrees-per-second on the other configuration; sensor combinations also support different 1.2 V and 1.8 V interface options. Integrated processing provides synchronised motion and magnetic-field measurements, gyro-assisted calibration and automatic recovery after magnetic disturbances, reducing the amount of fusion and recalibration work needed on the host processor.
TDK’s TMR technology measures the magnetic field used to estimate heading, while the IMU tracks acceleration and angular motion. This combination can help a robot maintain orientation when relying on vision or satellite navigation is difficult, but it does not by itself provide precise global coordinates or obstacle avoidance.