Epson M-G355QDG0 – Functional Safety IMU for Critical Motion Sensing

adammiller961
Jul 9
2 min read

Updated: Jul 15

Introducing the M-G355 Functional Safety IMU

With safety standards tightening across industrial automation, robotics, and autonomous vehicles, engineers are increasingly seeking sensors that meet strict functional safety integrity levels - without compromising performance.

Compact SIL1-Certified IMU for Embedded Systems

The Epson M-G355QDG0 is a next-generation Functional Safety Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) designed for embedded systems requiring IEC 61508 SIL1 compliance. Now in volume production, this sensor extends Epson’s proven 1-inch IMU platform with robust safety support, offering a compact and power-efficient solution for high-reliability motion control and navigation.

Why Functional Safety Matters in Motion Sensing

In sectors such as robotics, agriculture, and heavy machinery, functional safety is no longer optional. The M-G355QDG0 is designed to help system integrators meet international standards for safety-critical systems, particularly where human life or high-value equipment is at stake.

Its SIL1 certification ensures predictable and tested behaviour in failure scenarios, making it a vital part of any motion subsystem in applications with elevated safety requirements.

Key Technical Specifications

The M-G355QDG0 builds on the established M-G366PDG0 form factor while introducing functional safety features allowing for seamless integration into existing designs and reducing development effort.

Feature	M-G355QDG0
Functional Safety	IEC 61508 SIL1
Gyroscope Range	±450 °/s
Accelerometer Range	±8 G / ±16 G
Gyro Bias Instability	1.2 °/h
Angular Random Walk	0.08 °/√h
Accelerometer Bias Instability	24 μG
Velocity Random Walk	0.02 (m/s)/√h
Interfaces	SPI / UART
Output Resolution	16 / 32-bit
Output Rate	Max. 400 Hz
Operating Temperature	−40 °C to +85 °C
Power Consumption	16 mA @ 3.3 V
Dimensions	24 × 24 × 10 mm
Weight	10 g

These parameters enable low-noise, ultra-stable performance, even in rugged and thermally challenging environments.

Application Examples

🔹 GNSS and Inertial Navigation

Enables precise dead reckoning during GNSS outages
Ideal for agricultural machines, fleet tracking, and autonomous vehicles

🔹 Robotics and Unmanned Systems

Supports industrial drones, AGVs, and autonomous marine platforms
Maintains trajectory and angular stability in dynamic environments

🔹 Industrial Automation

Delivers real-time motion feedback for robotic arms and factory equipment
Facilitates SIL1 qualification in automation processes

🔹 Construction and Heavy Equipment

Provides robust tilt and vibration sensing
Operates reliably across wide temperature swings and high-shock scenarios

Epson’s Commitment to Precision Engineering

The M-G355QDG0 continues Epson’s reputation for delivering highly stable and accurate IMUs trusted in:

EO/IR gimbals
Satellite platforms
Antenna and camera stabilisation systems

With factory-calibrated bias, scale, and alignment, this IMU reduces system integration time, enabling faster deployment in complex embedded designs.