Statistical evaluation of multiple low-cost MEMS sensors for altitude measurement

This paper describes determination of airplane position angles by usage of five Attitude Heading and Reference Systems based on Micro-ElectroMechanical System pressure sensors. The measurement relates to the properties of the standard atmosphere where the pressure descends with increasing altitude. Because the precision of the measurement strongly depends on the sensor performance the MEMS sensors usually do not provide usable outputs. In this paper we evaluate possibility to use a sensor array whose outputs are statistically evaluated and processed in order to acquire information necessary for altitude measurements and whose outputs will be compared with precision which is required for aviation. The article describes the wireless sensor modules, the data interface and the mechanism used for data exchange with a control station. Last part of the paper deals with possibility to use the statistically processed data from the set of modules for position angles measurements. We summarize technical and economic advantages and disadvantages of this method of positional angles measurement and their applicability for aviation especially for a new concept of blended-wing-body aircrafts.