KVH's Compact DSP-1500 Fiber Optic Gyro Now Available in a Dual-axis Configuration

MIDDLETOWN, R.I., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In June 2009, KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI) introduced the world's most compact precision fiber optic gyro (FOG), the affordable DSP-1500. With a sensing element only 1.5 inches in diameter and a tethered connection to power, processing, and channel electronics boards, the DSP-1500 offered a breakthrough blend of accuracy, low cost, and reliability for stabilization and pointing applications. Today, KVH expanded the capabilities and versatility of this lightweight FOG with the introduction of a new, dual-axis DSP-1500 configuration, which is now shipping for integration within a wide range of applications, such as gimbaled optical systems.

"The new DSP-1500 dual-axis configuration is an exciting addition to an already versatile product," explains Jay Napoli, KVH's vice president of FOG and OEM sales. "The two-axis configuration, together with the lightweight tethered sensor unit design, makes integration extremely easy in products that are faced with constraints on size, weight, and space. By simultaneously measuring angular rates in two axes, we are also able to offer enhanced precision that is critical to a diverse suite of applications while remaining an affordable package that is very attractive to a wide variety of customers."

Both the single- and dual-axis DSP-1500 configurations are now in use. Among the first applications relying on the DSP-1500 is the SlimSAR small aperture radar system from Artemis, Inc., which is used on small tactical unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). "We've looked at a variety of motion measurement options, but everything that was precise enough was too large and heavy," says Evan Zaugg, an engineer at Artemis. "The KVH products got our attention because they are small, lightweight, and precise. KVH introduced us to the DSP-1500, which met our requirements very well."

The DSP-1500 is a valuable alternative to other gyro stabilization solutions because its optical sensors are only 1.5 inches in diameter and 0.8 inches tall, weigh just .09 lbs., and can be installed up to 12 inches away from the power and processing electronics. With its single strand of optical fiber wound into a package that is approximately the diameter of a U.S. quarter, the DSP-1500 offers outstanding performance in an ultra-compact, lightweight package that facilitates flexible installations.

It also features KVH's patented Digital Signal Processing (DSP) electronics design, which offers significant performance improvements in such critical areas as bias stability, scale factor linearity, turn-on to turn-on repeatability, and high bandwidth. Despite its remarkably small form factor, KVH's DSP electronics design also overcomes the limitations of analog signal processing, virtually eliminating temperature-sensitive drift and rotation errors. As a result, the exceptional low noise (ARW), insensitivity to cross-axis error, and shock and vibration robustness make the DSP-1500 ideal for a variety of demanding applications, including those that require precise measurement of rate and turning angle.

To learn how Artemis, Inc., is using the DSP-1500 for the SlimSAR application, visit http://www.kvh.com/whitepapers to download the free case study from the Guidance, Stabilization, and Navigation library. Visit http://www.fiberopticgyro.com for more information about the DSP-1500 and KVH's complete line of FOG products.

Note to Editors: High-resolution, press-ready images of the DSP-1500 are available at http://press.kvh.com for download and editorial use.

About KVH Industries, Inc.

KVH Industries is a leading manufacturer of solutions that provide global high-speed Internet, television and voice services via satellite to mobile users at sea, on land, and in the air. KVH is also a premier manufacturer of high performance sensors and integrated inertial systems for defense and commercial guidance and stabilization applications. The company is based in Middletown, RI, with facilities in Tinley Park, IL and Kokkedal, Denmark.

This release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, for example, the functionality, characteristics, quality and performance of KVH's products and technology; anticipated innovation and product development; and customer preferences, requirements and expectations. The actual results could differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, among others, those discussed in KVH's most recent Form 10-Q filed with the SEC. KVH does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect new information or developments.

KVH is a registered trademark of KVH Industries, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.

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Joseph (Jay) Napoli

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SOURCE KVH Industries, Inc.