IMU CAN
A sophisticated inertial measurement unit
6-Axis inertial platform
IMU CAN is the new inertial measurement unit, designed specifically for use on motorcycles with traditional or electric engine, for sports or road use. Thanks to its two 3-axial accelerometers ,one 3-axial gyroscope, it is able to detect the dynamic orientation of the vehicle. A complex algorithm processes the data, comes from the sensors, to calculate the roll angle, the pitch angle, eliminating completely the typical drift effects of these devices. All data are made available for other devices via CAN bus communication.
A complete module for dynamic vehicle management
IMU CAN, in addition to determining the space orientation of the bike, has two digital inputs, thanks to which it can acquire the signal of the speeds of both wheels. These intelligent inputs are able to detect speeds from different types of sensors, such as proximity sensors or even the original ABS speed sensors.
Thanks to this peculiarity, IMU CAN becomes a real vehicle dynamic control module. The thinking heart of the inertial platform includes traction control strategies, anti-wheelie strategies and engine brake strategies. Thanks to the integrated control strategies, IMU CAN can generate directives (via CAN towards the main control unit) on power management in order to maintain normal driving conditions. All strategies are refined by ten years of experience in the sector, through the GUBELLINI Electronics product line.
What an IMU is
The IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) is basically a electronic device that combines both accelerometers and gyros to be able to measure both linear acceleration and changes in orientation.
By measuring these measurements and conbine them as well as readings from wheel speed sensors, a modern IMU-equipped motorcycle knows precisely what’s going on at all times.
It can tell if a wheel is starting to spin or to lock-up, whether both wheels are on the ground, your lean angle and even the angle that you’re wheelying at.
The verified signals of pitch, roll and longitudinal, lateral and vertical acceleration are transmitted to the data bus via standardized interface (CAN bus).
The signals are used in complex control algorithms to enhance comfort and/or safety applications of the motorcycle (e.g. traction control, semi-active suspension, adaptive/active lighting, optimized curve ABS, advanced rider assistance systems, etc.).
Benefits
Lean-sensitive traction control
With a 45 degree lean angle, the rear wheel, due to its tyre shape, has a smaller diameter. When the rear and the front wheel speed are compared a theoretical slip value is found that is at the limit of having traction. A next step for traction control could be made with a lean angle sensor that will solve the problem.
Smart Turn System
Automatic turn signal cancellation system could be developed easily using a IMU. Data such as acceleration, inclination, heading and vibration of the motorcycle is all used to process the output due to switch off the turn signals at just the right time.
Cornering Light System
By using a left beam and a right beam (like fog lights) that turn on when an inclination of the motorcycle above a defined limit is detected would allow the motorcycle to illuminate the roadway in the direction of turn in a smart way. A two-wheeled vehicle necessarily leans toward the inside of the turn when cornering. An electrical switch activated by tilt of the vehicle is provided to operate the appropriate beam only when the vehicle is actually cornering
Adaptive suspension
By using the data of lean angle, the motorcycle can modify in real time the suspension setting to improve the hidraulic response and improve the performance or comfort.
WHO IT IS DESIGNED FOR
Motorsport
IMU CAN is an advanced tool that supply an extremely accurate signal of roll angle. Typically the data acquisition ECUs include 3-axis accelerometer sensor but they do not supply an appropriate the calculation of roll angle. This value is very sensitive to the features and quality of sensors used to obtain it. IMU CAN guarantees an high precision into the determination of roll angle.
Manufacturers
Motorcycle manufacturers, when they want to equip their vehicles with control systems, such as traction control or anti wheelie control, can rely on large external suppliers (who sell a “closed box” product at extremely high costs) or they can get the whole package, simply by integrating IMU CAN as external manager (via CAN bus) of the control strategies. The great advantage of this solution (in addition to the extremely reduced price) is that of having complete management of the strategies and above all having ownership of them.
Aftermarket
IMU CAN is a precise sensor that can be easily integrated by manufacturers of dashboard and manufacturers of data acquisition systems. The CAN bus allows you to easily transfer many crucial data for the management of vehicle dynamics, such as accelerations along the three axes, the inclination speeds along the three axes, the pitch angle and the roll angle. An external inertial platform guarantees a higher level of precision, which cannot be reached with the integrated sensors.
Electric bike
Electric motorcycles have an exceptionally linear power delivery, but they are still two-wheeled vehicles that face the limits of tire grip. By integrating IMU CAN as an external operator (via CAN bus), vehicle control strategies can be easily integrated to increase safety. IMU CAN, in addition to providing the roll angle and the pitch angle, also estabilish the corrections necessary to restore normal driving conditions. Inside the thinking heart, in fact, it includes different strategies such as the traction control, the anti-wheelie and engine brake control.
The IMU CAN comes with the free IMU CAN HID, the software that enables full management of the device. By connecting the device via USB, you can access the setup screen. As shown in the reference image, the “Sensor configuration ” panel allows you to set all the parameters to fit IMU CAN to your needs.
Housing
The MICROLOG housing is made from PA12+35%GF nylon, a high-quality material with excellent mechanical properties that can withstand shocks and vibrations. It is ideal for use in harsh environments.
Technical Specifications
SENSORS
Accelerometer N.1: 3-axis +/- 64g
Accelerometer N.2: 3-axis +/- 32g
Gyro N.1: 3-axis +/- 2000dps
CAN BUS
Baud rate: 1Mbs (500Kbps upon request)
Format: Intel LSB CAN 2.0B 11-bit 1Mbs
ID: programmable
SPEED INPUTS
Input voltage: 1 – 12volts
Max frequency: 3000Hz
MAIN CONNECTOR
JAE ELECTRONIC – MX23A12NF1
RESOLUTION OUTPUT
Accelerations: +/- 0.002g
Gyro: +/- 0.01dps
Roll: +/- 0.1 deg
Pitch: +/- 0.1 deg
OUTPUT SIGNAL
Acceleration X (g) – output rate 100Hz
Acceleration Y (g) – output rate 100Hz
Acceleration Z (g) – output rate 100Hz
Gyro X (dps) – output rate 100Hz
Gyro Y (dps) – output rate 100Hz
Gyro Z (dps) – output rate 100Hz
Roll angle (deg) – output rate 100Hz
Pitch angle (deg) – output rate 100Hz
OUTPUT STRATEGY SIGNAL
Traction control power reduction (%) – output rate 100Hz
Anti wheelie power reduction (%) – output rate 100Hz
Engine brake locking reduction (%) – output rate 100Hz
Contact
PHONE
info@gubellinielectronics.com
+39 3479200208
© 2025. All rights reserved.
GUBELLINI s.a.s. di Diego Gubellini & C.
Via Euridia Bergianti 10B 40059 Medicina BO Italy
P.I. IT03466001207
+39 3801978288
POLICY
APPLICATIONS
Refund policy
Terms and conditions
COMPANY