Accelerometers

Accelerometers

Accelerometers are devices used to measure acceleration, which is the rate of change of velocity of an object. They are commonly used in various fields, including engineering, physics, and sports science. Accelerometers work by measuring the force exerted on a mass due to acceleration, usually by measuring the displacement of the mass from its equilibrium position. This displacement is then converted into an electrical signal that can be analyzed and interpreted. Accelerometers come in different types, including piezoelectric, capacitive, and MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) accelerometers. Piezoelectric accelerometers use a crystal that generates an electrical charge when subjected to mechanical stress. Capacitive accelerometers, on the other hand, use a change in capacitance due to a change in distance between two plates to measure acceleration. MEMS accelerometers are the most common type of accelerometer and use microfabrication techniques to create tiny devices that can measure acceleration. Accelerometers have many applications, including in the automotive industry for measuring the acceleration of a car, in aviation for measuring the acceleration of an aircraft, and in sports science for measuring the acceleration of athletes. They are also used in smartphones and other mobile devices for detecting changes in orientation and for gaming purposes. In summary, accelerometers are devices used to measure acceleration and come in different types, including piezoelectric, capacitive, and MEMS accelerometers. They have many applications in various fields, including engineering, physics, and sports science.

acceleration, piezoelectric, capacitive, MEMS, mobile devices

— Matthew Walker

CITATION : "Matthew Walker. 'Accelerometers.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=282314 (Accessed on July 13, 2025)"