Sensitivity Analysis of RINS Using a Comprehensive Error Analysis

This article introduces a method for sensitivity analysis (SA), which leads to the component selection of rotational inertial navigation systems (RINSs) based on a comprehensive error analysis model. RINS improves traditional inertial navigation systems (INSs) by mounting inertial measurement units (IMUs) on rotating platforms. Despite their advantages, RINSs are susceptible to deterministic and stochastic errors such as sensor bias, installation error, and nonorthogonality, especially in micro-electromechanic system (MEMS)-based. In this article, a comprehensive error analysis model is developed for RINS, which accounts for all potential error parameters. The derived model is invoked for SA and importance factor (IF) calculation, which can prioritize error factors and aid in the identification and elimination of critical errors to enhance the system performance. The results of experimental tests in validation of the method indicate that in MEMS-based platforms, any improvement in navigation accuracy, even during simple maneuvers, is achievable. Furthermore, the selection obtained from the SA-based component selection process represents the optimal choice.