Definition:

-is an electromechanical device which measures the

vibration, or acceleration of motion of a structure.

Forces measured:
*Static- constant force of gravity pulling at your feet
(g=9.81m/s
2
).
*Dynamic- caused by changes of the speed and the direction
of the movement (vibrations).

Purpose:
-accelerometers allow the user to understand the
surroundings of an item better. With this device, you can
determine if an object is moving uphill, whether it will fall
over if it tilts any more, or whether its flying horizontally or
angling downward.

Structure:
-accelerometer behaves as a damped mass on a spring. When
the accelerometer experiences acceleration, the mass is
displaced to the point that the spring is able to accelerate the
mass at the same rate as the casing. The displacement is then
measured to give the acceleration.
-accelerometer brings a known amount of mass, called
seismic mass, into mechanical junction with the object being
measured. The measured force value is related to the
acceleration value by Newtons second law.


Components commonly used to convert the mechanical
motion to electrical signal:
*Piezoelectric accelerometer- relies on piezoceramics or
single crystals. (2types: HIGH and
LOW impedance)
*Piezoresistive accelerometer- preferred in high shock
applications.
*Capacitive accelerometer- typically uses a silicon micro-
machined sensing element.
Superior in low frequency range
and they can be operated in servo
mode to achieve high stability and
linearity.
Specifications:
*Dynamic range
-is the +/- maximum amplitude that the accelerometer can
measure before distorting or clipping the output signal.
Typically specified in gs.

*Frequency response
-it is the frequency range where the output of the
accelerometer is within a specified deviation, typically +/-5%.

*g or 1g
-is the acceleration due to earths gravity which is 32.2 ft/s
2
,
386 in/s
2
or 9.8m/s
2
.

*Grounding
-Case grounded and Ground isolated accelerometers.

*High frequency limit
-is the frequency where the output exceeds the stated output
deviation.

*Low frequency cut-off
-is the frequency where the output starts to fall off below the
stated accuracy.

*Noise
-electronic noise is generated by the amplifying circuit.

*Resonance frequency
-is the frequency at which the sensor resonates or rings.

*Sensitivity
-is the output voltage produced by a certain force measured
in gs. (two categories: 10mV/g or 100mV/g)

*Temperature sensitivity
-is the voltage output per degree of measured temperature.

*Temperature range
-is limited by the electronic micro circuit that converts the
charge to a low impedance output. Typically -50 to 120C

Other Types:
*Premium Grade
*Industrial Grade
*High Vibration
*Triaxial

Applications:
*Tilt/Roll
*Vibration/ Rough Road detection
*Vehicle skid detection
*Impact detection
*Input/ feedback for active suspension control systems