Hello Andrew,
Answering this may require contributions from multiple teams, but I can start with the basics.
- Yes, we have a University program. http://www.analog.com/en/university/topic.html
- For a quad copter application, you might want to start with one of our fully-calibrated IMU products. The ADIS16445 or ADIS16448 might provide the best combination of the "ready to use" performance and size.
- To connect this to a processor system, you might want to consider using the breakout board solutions, ADIS16445/PCBZ or ADIS16448/PCBZ, which provide an flex cable and interface PCB, which contribute to simpler prototype connection with a SPI interface on an embedded platform.
- Both of the breakout boards connect directly with the EVAL-ADISZ, which is the iSensor Evaluation system. this comes with software that supports basic data collection and register configuration.
- Here is a Wiki Guide that will likely be very useful for you:
http://wiki.analog.com/resources/eval/user-guides/inertial-mems/imu/adis16448 - For processor options, I would start with this link:
http://www.analog.com/en/processors-dsp/products/index.htm
I hope that this helps you get started.
Very best,
NevadaMark