Acceleration Sensors
Precise measurement of acceleration, vibration and shock
Acceleration Sensors for Measurement & Monitoring
Acceleration sensors or accelerometers let you make precise measurements of vibration or shock for a variety of applications. They are used to measure vibration, shock, displacement, velocity, inclination and tilt. Our accelerometers are based on several different technologies and include piezoelectric, strain gauges, MEMS, and capacitive sensors.
All sensors are highly resistant against shock and vibration and are suitable for a wide range of purposes. They operate at frequencies of up to 25,000 Hz, with measurement ranges between ±0.25 g and ±70,000 g, and can be deployed in temperatures ranging from -40°C to +140°C.
We are happy to help you select the most suitable accelerometer or measurement solution. Fill in our contact form or contact us directly: you can find the phone numbers and e-mail addresses of your nearest location on our locations page.
Product Overview Accelerometers & Acceleration Sensors
Find the perfect acceleration sensor for your application. We’d be happy to help you choose.
Features & Advantages
- High-precision measurements
- Excellent impact and shock resistance
- Versatile thanks to flexible parameters
- Available with special certifications, such as for use in crash tests
- Available with different technologies (piezoelectric, strain gauge, MEMS, capacitive, etc.)
- Integrated or external electronics available
- Custom solutions for specific applications available on request
Applications for Acceleration Sensors
- Automotive industry/racing (transmission testing, crash testing, brake controls, engine diagnostics, etc.)
- Transport/railway industry (track bed analysis etc.)
- Construction (geophysical and seismic measurements, bridge and tunnel construction, crane controls, etc.)
- Aerospace (flight simulation etc.)
- Industrial robots (machine controls etc.)
- Sports and entertainment (theme park rides etc.)
- Laboratory testing and biomechanical testing
Wireless IoT Acceleration Measurement
Abnormal accelerations, vibrations or high temperatures give early signs of machine failure due component imbalance, misalignment, wear or improper use of equipment. Those can be now effortlessly identified without manual measurements or expensive wired equipment to increase machine uptime and extend mean time between failures.
Together with our technology partner Treon we supply a smart industrial IoT measurement solution for condition monitoring applications. The system consists of wireless battery powered industrial sensor nodes and a gateway for communication to transmit data to the cloud.
Measure and Monitor Steady and Unsteady Acceleration
Just as there are many different applications for accelerometers, there are many different ways to build them: We offer acceleration sensors with piezoelectric, piezoresistive, strain gauge, MEMS, and capacitive measurement technology. In order to pick the right accelerometer, you should first analyze the conditions and parameters under which the sensor will be deployed. Our experts at Althen are happy to give extensive, independent advice – and help you find exactly the right accelerometer for your task.
Our acceleration sensors are available with integrated or external electronics. We can also integrate our sensors into your application for you. Althen is your competent partner for accelerometers for any of the following fields:
- Submersible and naval installations
- Transport measurements
- Bridge and tunnel construction, Structural monitoring
- Environmental monitoring
- Aviation testing, Explosion testing
- Biomechanical studies
- SAE and racing crash tests
We offer a special range of Euro-NCAP certified, miniature accelerometers for the automotive industry. In addition to NCAP certification, part of the portfolio is also certified for the use in crash tests according to SAE J211/J2570, ISO 6487 and World SID. Our sensors offer single- and multi- axis measurements. You can choose from versions with integrated measurement amplifiers or full open Wheatstone bridges. The sensors can be mounted by glue joints or using fasteners.
In addition to sensors with directly mounted, shielded, low-noise cables, we also offer models with plug connectors. These are particularly suited for mechanically critical positions where the cables are under great stress (such as on test dummies) and frequently need to be replaced.
But you can not only replace the cables. Several sensors for multi-axis measurement can also be repaired should a measurement axis get damaged from excessive load. The casings are available in stainless steel, aluminum, or fully welded titanium versions.
Simply get in touch and let us know your requirements.
Applications with Acceleration Sensors
Would you like to get to know our products in practice? Take a look at these interesting projects from our customers:
How Accelerometers Work
Piezoelectric Acceleration Sensors (AC Response)
Under acceleration, the seismic mass of the sensor causes a change in electrical charge in the piezo element, which can be read out as a charge Q that is proportional to the acceleration. Piezoelectric elements behave like a capacitor providing voltage at a set internal resistance. With an optional charge amplifier integrated in the sensor casing (IEPE interface), the output is converted into a voltage.
Piezoresistive Acceleration Sensors (DC Response)
Direct current acceleration sensors are also called piezoresistive acceleration sensors. A piezoresistive accelerometer is based on changes in electrical resistance in a strain gauge (part of the sensor’s seismic system). To compensate for temperature fluctuations, these sensors require an additional internal or external temperature compensation for their output. Modern piezoresistive sensors accomplish this using special integrated circuits for all forms of on-board signal conditioning as well as on-site temperature compensation. You can either use these sensors with conventional glued-on strain gauges or opt for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology instead.
Capacitive Acceleration Sensors (DC Response)
Capacitive acceleration sensors are based on changes in the electrical capacity of the seismic mass under acceleration. This is a widespread technology commonly used applications such as airbags and mobile devices. Our capacitive acceleration sensors are manufactured using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. Our high-end silicon MEMS accelerometers in instrumentation quality are resistant against prestress and produce very little noise.