Automotive testing accelerometers

Accelerometers for the Automotive Industry – Precision Sensing for Testing, Development, and Safety

Accelerometers for the automotive industry are specially designed sensors used to measure acceleration, vibration, and dynamic forces in vehicles and test systems. They play a critical role in the development, validation, and quality assurance of modern vehicles. The automotive industry has been a key customer segment for Althen Sensors & Controls for many years. Our accelerometers support demanding test and measurement engineers in finding the right solution for their wide range of challenges.

Typical applications include crash testing, test bench measurements, vehicle dynamics analysis, as well as vibration and load analysis. In these environments, sensors must meet the highest standards in terms of accuracy, reliability, and repeatability.

How Accelerometers Work in Automotive Applications

Accelerometers measure the forces acting on an object due to acceleration. Depending on the sensor type, different measurement principles are used, such as:

• Piezoelectric sensors (IEPE) for dynamic measurements and vibration analysis
• Capacitive sensors for high-resolution measurements at low frequencies
• Servo accelerometers for maximum precision and long-term stability
• MEMS-based sensors for compact and versatile applications

In crash tests or test bench environments, these sensors capture forces and accelerations across different axes. The measurement data is then used to analyze structural behavior, safety systems, and vehicle dynamics.

Depending on the application, single-axis or multi-axis (e.g., triaxial) sensors are used to fully capture motion.

Advantages of Accelerometers for the Automotive Industry

• High measurement accuracy and repeatability
  Reliable data is essential for development and validation processes.
• Wide range of sensor technologies for different applications
  From highly dynamic crash tests to precise vibration analysis, various sensor types are available.
• Robust design for demanding test environments
  Sensors are built to withstand extreme conditions such as high acceleration, shocks, and temperature variations.
• Flexible integration into test and data acquisition systems
  Compatible with common measurement systems and testing platforms.
• Support for complex measurement tasks
  Multi-channel and multi-axis measurements enable detailed analysis of vehicle components and systems.

Typical Applications

Accelerometers are used in a wide range of automotive applications:

• Crash testing and safety analysis
• Test bench applications (e.g., engine and component testing)
• Vehicle dynamics measurements and road testing
• Vibration and NVH analysis (Noise, Vibration, Harshness)
• Structural and load analysis
• Development and validation of driver assistance systems
• Testing of components such as seats, airbags, or suspension systems
• End-of-line testing in production

How to Choose the Right Accelerometer for Automotive Applications

Selecting the right accelerometer for automotive applications strongly depends on the specific use case and testing requirements.

• Measurement range
  Crash tests require sensors capable of measuring very high accelerations, while vibration analysis typically demands more sensitive, lower measurement ranges.
• Frequency range
  Depending on the application, sensors must be able to capture either low-frequency movements or very high-frequency events.
• Sensitivity and accuracy
  High-resolution sensors with low noise are essential for precise analysis and reliable data acquisition.
• Number of measurement axes
  Single-axis or multi-axis accelerometers are selected based on the complexity of the measurement task.
• Mounting and design
  Sensors must be securely and repeatably mounted to the test object to ensure accurate and consistent results.

Althen not only supplies individual sensors but also offers customized solutions for automotive test systems, including consulting, integration, and technical support. Contact us!