A device that detects acceleration and tilt. Built using MEMS technology, accelerometers detect impact and deploy automobile airbags as well as retract the hard disk's read/write heads when a laptop is dropped. Digital cameras employ them in their image stabilization circuits. They are used in washing machines to detect excessive vibration and in pedometers for more accurate distance measurement. They also enable a handheld display to be switched between portrait and landscape modes when the unit is turned.
Springs and Bubbles
MEMS accelerometers initially used a microminiaturized cantilever-type spring, which converts force into a displacement that can be measured. Subsequent accelerometers use a heated gas bubble with thermal sensors and function much like the air bubble in a construction level. When the accelerometer is tilted or accelerated the sensors pick up the location of the gas bubble. See MEMS.
Dual-Axis Thermal Accelerometer
This MEMSIC accelerometer works conceptually like the air bubble in a construction level. The square in the middle of the chip is a resistor that heats up a gas bubble. As the device is moved, surrounding thermal couples sense the location of the bubble. (Image courtesy of MEMSIC, Inc.)
An iPhone Level
Because of its built-in accelerometer, an iPhone can be turned into a digital level with apps such as this one from PosiMotion (www.posimotion.com).
Microfabrica Accelerometer
The device at the bottom left with the C-shaped wings is an accelerometer. Built one metal layer at a time, Microfabrica's EFAB system was the first MEMS foundry process to quickly turn customers' CAD files into micromachines. (Image courtesy of Microfabrica Inc., www.microfabrica.com)
Springs and Bubbles
MEMS accelerometers initially used a microminiaturized cantilever-type spring, which converts force into a displacement that can be measured. Subsequent accelerometers use a heated gas bubble with thermal sensors and function much like the air bubble in a construction level. When the accelerometer is tilted or accelerated the sensors pick up the location of the gas bubble. See MEMS.
Dual-Axis Thermal Accelerometer
This MEMSIC accelerometer works conceptually like the air bubble in a construction level. The square in the middle of the chip is a resistor that heats up a gas bubble. As the device is moved, surrounding thermal couples sense the location of the bubble. (Image courtesy of MEMSIC, Inc.)
An iPhone Level
Because of its built-in accelerometer, an iPhone can be turned into a digital level with apps such as this one from PosiMotion (www.posimotion.com).
Microfabrica Accelerometer
The device at the bottom left with the C-shaped wings is an accelerometer. Built one metal layer at a time, Microfabrica's EFAB system was the first MEMS foundry process to quickly turn customers' CAD files into micromachines. (Image courtesy of Microfabrica Inc., www.microfabrica.com)
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
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