Hydrins Inertial Navigation Unit

The IXBLUE (now Exail) Hydrins inertial measurement unit is a high-tech marine navigation device. It is designed to accurately measure a vessel's motion and orientation, providing essential data for navigation, dynamic positioning, and other maritime applications.

The Hydrins IMU is used to provide critical data such as heading, roll, pitch, acceleration, and angular rate. These data are essential for advanced navigation systems, autopilots, multibeam sonars, dynamic positioning (DP) systems, and hydrographic applications, enabling precise knowledge of the vessel's attitude and position even in the absence of GNSS signals.

The Hydrins IMU provides a complete set of motion and positioning data. This typically includes:

Heading (azimuth)
Roll (side tilt)
Pitch (longitudinal tilt)
Linear accelerations on the three axes
Angular rates on the three axes
Positioning and speed data, often enhanced by integration with a GNSS receiver.

IXBLUE (now Exail) is globally recognized for its expertise in fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) technology. The Hydrins series of inertial measurement units typically incorporate this FOG technology, which delivers very high precision, excellent reliability, and long service life, with no moving parts.

Key benefits of the Hydrins inertial navigation unit include:

High accuracy: Provides very precise motion and positioning data.Reliability: Robust FOG technology ensures stable operation in demanding marine environments.Autonomy: Maintains accurate attitude and position awareness even during temporary GNSS signal loss.Easy integration: Designed to interface with a wide range of navigation systems and onboard equipment.

Yes, IXBLUE equipment is specifically designed for marine environments. The Hydrins IMU is built to withstand harsh offshore conditions, including vibrations, shocks, temperature variations, and humidity, ensuring reliable and durable performance.

Inertial measurement units (IMUs) based on FOG technology, such as those from IXBLUE, are known for their low maintenance requirements. With no moving parts, they provide high reliability and long operational lifespan, reducing maintenance interventions.

An inertial measurement unit (IMU) operates by measuring a vessel’s movements via internal sensors. It uses gyroscopes to detect angular rates (rotations) and accelerometers to measure linear accelerations. By integrating these measurements over time, the IMU continuously calculates the vessel’s attitude (heading, roll, pitch), velocity, and position, often fusing this data with GNSS for optimal accuracy.

The Hydrins IMU is a standalone inertial measurement unit capable of providing attitude and motion data. For absolute positioning and long-term accuracy, it is typically designed to be coupled with an external GNSS (GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou) receiver. This integration combines the advantages of both technologies.

The exact physical dimensions and weight of the Hydrins inertial measurement unit are precise technical specifications that vary depending on the configuration or specific version of the model. This information is detailed in the official product datasheet, available from the manufacturer or your dealer.

Yes, IXBLUE (Exail) regularly releases software (firmware) updates for its inertial measurement units to improve performance, add new features, or ensure compatibility with emerging standards. These updates are typically available via the manufacturer's or dealer's technical support.

Thanks to the use of FOG technology with no moving parts and a robust design, IXBLUE Hydrins inertial navigation systems are engineered for very long operational lifespans—often several decades—with stable and reliable performance throughout their lifecycle.

For optimal performance, the Hydrins IMU must be installed on a stable and rigid surface, as close as possible to the vessel’s center of gravity or the point of interest for which measurements are required. It is also crucial to minimize vibrations and avoid heat sources or electromagnetic interference in the vicinity.

The Hydrins IMU is typically mounted permanently on a mounting plate or rigid support, ensuring precise alignment relative to the vessel's axes (fore-aft, port-starboard, up-down). The product installation manual provides detailed instructions on mounting methods and alignment tolerances to ensure maximum accuracy.

Yes, like all professional equipment, the Hydrins inertial measurement unit is delivered with complete documentation, including a detailed installation manual. This manual contains all the necessary information for correct installation, including wiring diagrams, mounting specifications, and initial configuration steps.

Installing the Hydrins central unit requires basic tools for mechanical assembly and electrical wiring, such as wrenches, screwdrivers, and crimping or connection tools. Precision measuring tools (level, square) can be useful to ensure perfect alignment. Specific requirements are detailed in the installation manual.

The Hydrins autopilot computer is designed to integrate with a wide range of professional marine navigation systems, including advanced autopilots, mission management systems, electronic charting software, and dynamic positioning systems. Compatibility is ensured through the use of standard maritime industry communication protocols.

Yes, the Hydrins IMU is specifically designed to be connected and operate in synergy with an external GNSS receiver. This integration significantly improves long-term positioning and speed accuracy while leveraging the stability and robustness of inertial data in the short term.

IXBLUE Hydrins inertial measurement units (IMUs) typically support multiple communication interfaces to simplify integration. These may include serial ports (RS232/RS422), Ethernet interfaces (for data and configuration), and potentially synchronization outputs. Specific data protocols (e.g., NMEA or proprietary formats) are defined in the technical documentation for each model.

Yes, thanks to its communication interfaces such as Ethernet or serial ports, the Hydrins unit is designed to integrate easily into an existing onboard network. This enables efficient distribution of motion and positioning data to all onboard systems and equipment that require it.