accelerometerek

An accelerometer is a sensor that measures acceleration forces acting on an object. In practical terms, it detects changes in velocity over time along one or more axes. Most accelerometers report proper acceleration, including the effect of gravity, and provide signals proportional to acceleration in units such as meters per second squared (m/s^2) or g, the standard gravity.

Technology and types: The dominant technology in consumer devices is micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometers. They come in capacitive, piezoelectric, or piezoresistive variants. Capacitive MEMS accelerometers are the most common in smartphones and tablets, offering tri-axial sensing in a compact form. Piezoelectric devices are frequently used for vibration sensing and high-shock environments.

Applications: Accelerometers enable screen orientation, motion and gesture recognition, and step counting in mobile devices. They are essential for automotive systems such as airbag deployment, rollover detection, and stability control. In aerospace and navigation, accelerometers are paired with gyroscopes in inertial measurement units (IMUs) to track motion when external signals are unavailable.

Performance and considerations: Dynamic ranges typically span from ±2 g to ±16 g, with bandwidth from a few hertz to several kilohertz. Resolution and bias stability depend on the technology and temperature; calibration may be needed for precision applications. MEMS sensors can exhibit temperature sensitivity, bias drift, and nonlinearity, which are addressed through design, compensation, and calibration.

History and scope: Modern MEMS accelerometers emerged in the late 20th century, enabling widespread use in consumer electronics, aviation, automotive safety, and industrial sensing. They continue to evolve in terms of sensitivity, power consumption, and integration with other sensors.