Lecture 8 - How do Accelerometers Work: What are the 5 types ( Extraction from Main Set)

Question 1

– Seismic mass accelerometer:

Answer 1

A seismic mass is connected to the object undergoing acceleration through a spring and a damper;

Question 2

– Piezoelectric accelerometers:

Answer 2

a microscopic crystal structure is mounted on a mass undergoing acceleration; the piezo crystal is stressed by acceleration forces thus producing a voltage.

Question 3

– Capacitive accelerometer:

Answer 3

consists of two microstructures (micromachined features) forming a capacitor; acceleration forces move one of the structure causing a capacitance changes.

Question 4

– Piezoresistive accelerometer:

Answer 4

consists of a beam or micromachined feature whose resistance changes with acceleration

Question 5

– Thermal accelerometer:

Answer 5

tracks location of a heated mass during acceleration by temperature sensing