Acelerómetros

Acelerómetros are devices that measure acceleration. They detect changes in velocity and are sensitive to forces acting upon them. These devices are commonly found in a wide variety of applications, from smartphones and game controllers to automotive safety systems and industrial machinery.

The principle behind most accelerometers involves a proof mass that is allowed to move relative to a housing. When the device experiences acceleration, the proof mass shifts, and this displacement is measured. Different types of accelerometers employ various methods to detect this shift, including capacitive, piezoelectric, and piezoresistive techniques. Capacitive accelerometers use changes in capacitance between the proof mass and fixed electrodes. Piezoelectric accelerometers generate an electrical charge proportional to the applied force. Piezoresistive accelerometers utilize strain gauges whose resistance changes with deformation.

In consumer electronics, accelerometers are crucial for features like screen rotation, motion sensing in games, and step counting. In automotive systems, they are used in airbags to detect crashes and in electronic stability control to monitor vehicle dynamics. Industrial applications include monitoring vibrations in machinery, measuring tilt, and controlling robotic arms. The sensitivity and accuracy of accelerometers vary greatly depending on their intended use, with some designed for detecting subtle movements and others for withstanding extreme forces.