Stochastic error simulation method of fiber optic gyros based on performance indicators

Abstract

Gyro simulation is an important process of inertial navigation theory research, with the major difficulty being the stochastic error modeling. One commonly used stochastic model for a fiber optic gyro (FOG) is a Gaussian white (GW) noise plus a first order Markov process. The model parameters are usually obtained by using time series analysis methods or the Allan variance method through FOG static experiment. However, in a real life situation, a FOG may not be used. In this paper, a simulation method is proposed for estimating the stochastic errors of FOG. When using this method, the model parameters are set based on performance indicators, which are chosen as the angle random walk (ARW) and bias stability. During the research, the ARW and bias stability indicators of the GW noise and the first order Markov process are analyzed separately. Their analytical expressions are derived to reveal the relation between the model parameters and performance indicators. In order to verify the theory, a large number of simulations were carried out. The results show that the statistical performance indicators of the simulated signals are consistent with the theory. Furthermore, a simulation of a VG951 FOG is designed in this research. The Allan variance curve of the simulated signal is in agreement with the real one.