Accelerometer Component - MEMS Motion Sensor

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Accelerometer

Definition

An accelerometer is a motion sensor component that detects and measures acceleration forces, including static gravity and dynamic motion-induced forces. Within motion sensor systems, it provides precise measurement of vibration, tilt, shock, and movement in various industrial applications. This component is typically fabricated using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, with a proof mass suspended by springs that moves relative to fixed electrodes when acceleration occurs. The resulting capacitance change is converted into an electrical signal proportional to acceleration. The device is available with a measurement range of ±2 to ±16 g, selectable via register, with lower ranges offering higher resolution. Sensitivity scales with range setting, from 16 to 128 LSB/g. Zero-g offset is factory calibrated at ±40 mg, with temperature drift applicable. Nonlinearity is ±0.5% of full scale (best-fit straight line), and cross-axis sensitivity is ±1% between orthogonal axes. Output data rate is programmable from 1 to 3200 Hz, with higher rates increasing noise. Supply voltage ranges from 1.71 to 3.6 V, with an internal regulator for the digital core. Current consumption is 0.5 to 1.0 mA at 1 kHz output data rate, lower in standby. Operating temperature range is -40 to 85 °C. The device can survive shocks up to 10000 g (0.1 ms half-sine, powered off). It comes in an LGA-16 package measuring 3×3×0.9 mm, with a typical weight of 0.05 g. Materials used include silicon, polysilicon, and glass. This directory entry provides reference parameters; for specific model applications, verify all values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier.

Working Principle

Accelerometers typically operate using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, where a proof mass suspended by springs moves relative to fixed electrodes when acceleration occurs. This movement changes capacitance, which is converted to an electrical signal proportional to acceleration. The device measures both static gravity and dynamic motion-induced forces, enabling detection of tilt, vibration, shock, and movement. The proof mass displacement is sensed capacitively, and the resulting signal is processed to output acceleration data. The measurement range and sensitivity are configurable via registers, allowing adaptation to different application requirements. The principle is based on Newton's second law, where force equals mass times acceleration, and the displacement of the proof mass is directly related to the applied acceleration.

Common Materials

Silicon, Polysilicon, Glass

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Measurement Range	±2–±16 g	Selectable via register; lower range for higher resolution.
Sensitivity	16–128 LSB/g	Scales with range setting.
Zero-g Offset	±40 mg	Factory calibrated; temperature drift applies.
Nonlinearity	±0.5 % FS	Best-fit straight line.
Cross-Axis Sensitivity	±1 %	Between orthogonal axes.
Output Data Rate	1–3200 Hz	Programmable; higher rates increase noise.
Supply Voltage	1.71–3.6 V	Internal regulator for digital core.
Current Consumption	0.5–1.0 mA	At 1 kHz ODR; lower in standby.
Operating Temperature	-40–85 °C	Full specification over range.
Shock Survival	10000 g	0.1 ms half-sine, powered off.
Package Size	3×3×0.9 mm	LGA-16 package.
Weight	0.05 g	Typical for package.

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Proof Mass Part
Moves in response to acceleration forces

Material: Polysilicon
Suspension Springs Part
Allows controlled movement of proof mass

Material: Silicon
Fixed Electrodes Part
Detect capacitance changes from proof mass movement

Material: Silicon
ASIC Part
Signal conditioning and analog-to-digital conversion

Material: Silicon

Application & selection

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits

pressure:	0 to 100 psi
other spec:	Frequency response: 0.5 Hz to 5 kHz, Shock resistance: 10,000 g
temperature:	-40°C to +125°C

Media Compatibility

✓ Structural vibration monitoring in machinery ✓ Aerospace flight testing ✓ Automotive crash testing

Unsuitable: High-pressure hydraulic fluid immersion

Sizing Data Required

Measurement range (g-force)
Frequency bandwidth requirement
Mounting orientation and number of axes

Risk, maintenance & compliance

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause

Signal drift or loss

Cause: Degradation of piezoelectric crystal due to thermal cycling, mechanical shock, or moisture ingress compromising electrical connections.

Mounting resonance or detachment

Cause: Loosening of mounting stud or adhesive from vibration fatigue, improper installation torque, or base surface contamination.

Maintenance Indicators

Erratic or flatlined vibration readings on monitoring system despite known machine operation changes
Audible rattling or physical movement of the accelerometer housing when lightly touched during inspection

Engineering Tips

Use factory-recommended mounting torque and surface preparation (clean, flat, painted surfaces) to ensure optimal frequency response and avoid resonance.
Implement periodic calibration checks against a reference standard and inspect cable/connector integrity to prevent signal degradation from environmental exposure.

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards

ISO 16063-21:2003 - Methods for the calibration of vibration and shock transducers ANSI/ISA-37.12.01-2009 - Specifications and Tests for Piezoelectric Acceleration Transducers DIN EN 60068-2-6:2008 - Environmental testing - Vibration tests

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision

Sensitivity: +/-5% of nominal value
Frequency response: +/-10% across specified range

Quality Inspection

Shock and vibration calibration test
Environmental stress screening (temperature, humidity, vibration)

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

Compare the published product scope and source details, then include your specifications and quantity in an enquiry.

Manufacturers of Accelerometer

10 companies list this product among what they make. Company figures are quoted from each company's own website; every card states where the relationship came from.

Broadsens

Shanghai, CN

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