Posted on July 23, 2021 David Sherman
Sensors are common devices for countless systems and applications, serving as components which are capable of detecting changes in their environment and relaying measurements to other electronics. The sensors that are used for measuring motion and direction in a space are essential for the standard functionalities of many systems, often found within aircraft, smartphones, automobiles, processes control systems, and much more. In this blog, we will discuss the accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer, all of which are common types of motion sensors.
An accelerometer is a sensor that is capable of measuring proper acceleration, that of which is the velocity rate of change of a body in relation to its own instantaneous rest frame. With axis-based motion sensing, the accelerometer serves a device in allowing it to detect which way it is facing and its orientation. In order to measure acceleration forces for such readings, accelerometers often measure static forces such as gravity.
Many accelerometers utilize the piezoelectric effect, taking advantage of microscopic crystal structures which become stressed when faced with accelerative forces. This stress causes voltage to be generated, that of which can be interpreted for determining velocity and orientation. Capacitance accelerometers are also common, sensing changes in capacitance between microstructures. As acceleration forces cause an adjustment of a structure, the resulting change in capacitance will allow for a voltage to be read for velocity and orientation readings.
Gyroscopes are another commonly used sensor device, capable of measuring or maintaining gyroscope displacement data such as angular velocity and orientation. Gyroscopes come in the form of a spinning wheel or disc, their axis of rotation being capable of assuming any orientation. Due to the design of their frame, gimbal, and rotor assembly, rotation will have no effect on the orientation of its axis due to the conservation of angular momentum. Gyroscopes can also follow other various operational principles, including devices such as MEMS gyroscopes or fiber optic gyroscopes. With their measurement capabilities, gyroscopes are commonly found within inertial navigation systems, gyrotheodolites, and gyrocompasses. MEMS gyroscopes are also widely used in consumer electronics, often being found within smartphones and similar technologies for motion sensing applications.
A magnetometer is a device that is capable of measuring either magnetic fields or magnetic dipole moment, often being used for a number of applications. A compass is a common form of magnetometer, measuring the ambient magnetic field of Earth in order to determine direction. Ferromagnets are another example, recording the effect of a magnetic dipole on the induced current within a coil. As magnetometers continue to be developed over the years, such devices have become more compact and miniaturized. Some have even been built small enough to be implemented within integrated circuits while maintaining low cost. For electronic sensors, MEMS magnetic field sensors may be used as a type of miniaturized compass.
With the various measurement capabilities of accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers, such sensors can benefit a wide variety of applications and systems. ASAP Supply Chain is an online distributor of aircraft parts, providing customers access to an unrivaled inventory of items that have been sourced from leading global manufacturers that we trust. As an AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B certified and accredited company, we take every step we can to ensure the quality and reliability of our offerings. Explore our expansive part and manufacturer catalogs at your leisure, or take advantage of our included search engine and filters to narrow down your search with ease. When you find the items that you are most interested in, fill out and submit an Instant RFQ form as provided on our website and a dedicated account manager will reach out to you in 15 minutes or less with a personalized quote for your comparisons.
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