diff --git a/libraries/AP_BoardConfig/AP_BoardConfig.h b/libraries/AP_BoardConfig/AP_BoardConfig.h
index a8b9f41c04..d737dea65b 100644
--- a/libraries/AP_BoardConfig/AP_BoardConfig.h
+++ b/libraries/AP_BoardConfig/AP_BoardConfig.h
@@ -189,6 +189,11 @@ public:
 
 #if HAL_HAVE_IMU_HEATER
     void set_imu_temp(float current_temp_c);
+
+    // heater duty cycle is as a percentage (0 to 100)
+    float get_heater_duty_cycle(void) const {
+        return heater.output;
+    }
 #endif
 
 private: