Servo accelerometers

Servo Accelerometers – Highest Precision for Demanding Acceleration Measurements

Servo accelerometers are among the most precise sensors for measuring linear acceleration. They are used wherever maximum accuracy, long-term stability, and reliable measurement data are required—especially in safety-critical and highly dynamic applications.

Servo accelerometers are characterized by excellent stability, high accuracy, low drift, and very low vibration rectification error. At the same time, they offer a wide bandwidth and compact designs, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

Whether in aerospace, rail transport, defense technology, wind energy, structural monitoring, or crash testing according to SAE standards, servo accelerometers deliver precise and reliable measurement data. Althen provides suitable sensor solutions for these applications—optionally including signal conditioning electronics or complete measurement systems with data acquisition and analysis.

How Servo Accelerometers Work

Servo accelerometers operate based on a force-balance measurement principle. Inside the sensor, a movable mass is continuously monitored. When the sensor experiences acceleration, an inertial force acts on this mass.

An electronic control system (servo loop) actively keeps the mass in its neutral position by generating a counteracting force that exactly balances the applied acceleration. The magnitude of this counterforce is output as an electrical signal and is directly proportional to the acceleration.

Advantages of Servo Accelerometers

• Highest measurement accuracy and stability
  Servo accelerometers provide extremely precise measurement results with minimal drift—even over long periods.
• Very low vibration rectification error
  Reliable and accurate results are maintained even under complex vibration conditions.
• Measurement down to DC (0 Hz)
  Unlike many other technologies, servo accelerometers can measure static acceleration and very slow movements.
• Wide bandwidth
  Suitable for a broad frequency range, making them versatile for various applications.
• Robust and compact design
  Designed for demanding environments, offering high reliability and durability.

Typical Applications

Servo accelerometers are primarily used in applications where the highest level of precision is required:

• Aerospace (navigation, flight testing)
• Rail transport and vehicle dynamics
• Crash testing and safety validation (e.g., according to SAE standards)
• Structural and civil engineering monitoring
• Wind turbines and energy systems
• Military and defense applications
• High-precision measurements in research and development
• Geophysical and seismic measurements

How to Choose the Right Servo Accelerometer

Selecting the right servo accelerometer strongly depends on the specific requirements of your application.

• Measurement range
  Depending on the application, sensors are required for measuring very small or larger acceleration levels.
• Accuracy and long-term stability
  Low drift and high linearity are essential for precise measurement systems, especially in long-term monitoring applications.
• Frequency range
  Servo accelerometers are particularly suitable for applications ranging from DC (0 Hz) up to medium frequency ranges.
• Environmental conditions
  Factors such as temperature, vibration, and mechanical stress must be carefully considered.
• Integration and signal processing
  Depending on the application, integration into data acquisition systems or complete measurement solutions may be required.

Althen not only provides individual sensors but also offers customized complete solutions, including signal conditioning electronics and data analysis.