Industrial accelerometer sensors for IoT applications
An accelerometer sensor measures the acceleration of an object in one, two or three axes, in m/s² or g. Piezoelectric sensors capture fast vibrations and shocks, while MEMS sensors also measure static acceleration such as gravity. In the IoT stack they provide raw data for shock detection, vibration analysis and motion monitoring.
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Acceleration sensors in practice
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What to look for
Measuring principles: piezoelectric and MEMS
Accelerometers work on the principle of an inertial mass. When the housing accelerates, the mass exerts a force on a sensing element. In piezoelectric sensors this is a crystal or ceramic that generates an electrical charge under force. They cover high frequencies and large measuring ranges and are the standard for vibration measurement and shock analysis. Many have integrated electronics based on the IEPE principle and run on a constant current supply over a coaxial cable. Piezoelectric sensors cannot measure static acceleration.
MEMS sensors are micromechanical structures on a silicon chip, usually with capacitive sensing. They measure from 0 Hz, including gravity, which also makes them suitable for orientation and tilt detection. They are small, low-cost and energy-efficient, so they are often built into battery-powered wireless sensors.
How they differ from vibration and tilt sensors
Vibration sensors for condition monitoring often use an accelerometer, but evaluate the signal inside the device and output characteristic values such as vibration velocity in mm/s. Tilt sensors deliver an angle directly. Accelerometers in the narrower sense provide the raw signal and leave the evaluation open to an edge device or analytics software, for example a frequency analysis.
What to look for when selecting a sensor
Key criteria are measuring range in g, frequency range, sensitivity, number of axes and output: charge, IEPE voltage, analog signal or digital interface. Mounting affects the usable frequency range, and a stud mount transmits high frequencies better than a magnet. Calibration of vibration and shock transducers is described in the ISO 16063 series. Solution examples range from shock monitoring during transport of sensitive goods to collision detection on robots and structural health monitoring. For IoT use, it also matters how the data leaves the device. Wireless sensors with a MEMS element usually send condensed characteristic values, because raw data at high sampling rates needs a lot of bandwidth and energy. Wired sensors connected to an edge device allow full signal analysis on site.
Frequently asked questions about accelerometer sensors
What is the difference between a MEMS and a piezoelectric accelerometer?
MEMS accelerometers also measure static acceleration from 0 Hz and suit tilt, orientation and slow motion. They are small, low-cost and energy-efficient. Piezoelectric sensors cannot measure static acceleration but offer a wider frequency range, higher measuring ranges and low noise. That makes them the first choice for vibration analysis and shock measurement on machines.
What is a triaxial accelerometer?
A triaxial accelerometer measures acceleration simultaneously in three perpendicular axes, X, Y and Z. This captures movements and vibrations regardless of their direction, without having to align several single-axis sensors. Triaxial sensors are available as MEMS and piezoelectric versions. They are used for machine vibration analysis, shock monitoring and motion detection on mobile equipment.
Can an accelerometer be used for vibration measurement?
Yes, accelerometers are the most common sensor for vibration measurement. They capture the raw acceleration signal, from which software calculates vibration velocity, displacement or a frequency spectrum. Piezoelectric accelerometers suit high frequencies such as bearing damage, while MEMS sensors cover lower frequencies at lower cost. Ready-made vibration sensors evaluate the signal internally and output characteristic values.
How does a piezoelectric accelerometer work?
A piezoelectric accelerometer contains a seismic mass that presses on a piezoelectric crystal or ceramic. When the sensor accelerates, the force on the crystal changes and it generates a proportional electrical charge. A charge amplifier, or electronics integrated in the sensor, converts this into a voltage signal. The principle captures high frequencies precisely but not static acceleration.
Why should an accelerometer be calibrated?
Calibration confirms that an accelerometer's sensitivity and frequency response match its specification, which is the basis for reliable measured values and comparisons over time. It is usually done by comparison: the sensor and a reference sensor are excited together on a vibration exciter at defined frequencies. The methods are described in the ISO 16063 series, and calibration labs issue a certificate.
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