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Servo inclinometers – High-precision tilt measurement for demanding applications
Servo inclinometers are high-precision tilt sensors for measuring the smallest angular deviations relative to gravity. Force-balanced servo precision inclinometers are extremely sensitive yet robust transducers that can detect horizontal angles or vertical deviations with virtually infinite resolution.
These sensors respond to tilt changes of just 0.1 arcseconds and generate a high-level DC output signal that is proportional to the sine of the tilt angle. Typical measuring ranges extend from ±1° for high-precision measurements up to ±90° over the full range, allowing servo inclinometers to be used for both ultra-fine precision measurements and larger tilt ranges.
Thanks to their servo-controlled measuring principle, servo inclinometers provide exceptional measurement accuracy, excellent long-term stability and very low drift. This makes them particularly suitable for demanding applications in geotechnics, structural monitoring, mechanical engineering and scientific measurement systems.
How a servo inclinometer works
Servo inclinometers operate with a closed control loop, or servo system, that continuously stabilises the position of a sensitive sensor element.
Inside the sensor is a sensitive pendulum or mass system. As soon as the sensor tilts, the position of this mass changes relative to gravity. An electronic control loop detects this deviation and generates a counter-signal that returns the mass to its original position.
The strength of this counter-signal is directly proportional to the tilt angle and is output as an electrical signal.
This servo-controlled principle offers key advantages:
- Extremely high measurement accuracy
- Very low temperature drift
- Excellent long-term stability
Advantages of servo inclinometers
Servo inclinometers are among the most precise tilt sensors available and offer numerous technical advantages:
- Very high measurement accuracy
Servo inclinometers enable high-resolution angle measurements in the microradian or few-arcsecond range. - Long-term stability
Thanks to the servo-controlled measuring principle, measurement results remain stable even over long periods of time. - Low temperature dependency
The sensors offer excellent temperature stability and are therefore ideal for outdoor or long-term measurements. - High sensitivity
Even the smallest tilt changes can be detected reliably. - Robust technology for continuous operation
Servo inclinometers are suitable for continuous monitoring systems and demanding industrial or infrastructure projects.
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Extreme high precisionServo inclinometers are among the most accurate tilt sensors available and enable measurements in the micro-angle range.
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Outstanding long-term stabilityThe servo-controlled measuring principle ensures minimal drift and reliable measurement results over many years.
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Ideal for critical monitoring applicationsServo inclinometers are particularly suitable for infrastructure, geotechnical and scientific applications with the highest accuracy requirements.
Typical applications
Servo inclinometers are used wherever the highest precision in tilt measurement is required. Typical applications include:
- Monitoring of buildings and infrastructure
- Bridge and tunnel monitoring
- Geotechnical monitoring of slopes or dams
- Precision alignment of machines
- Platform and antenna stabilisation
- Measurement systems in research and science
- Calibration and reference measurement systems
- Precision measurements in test and inspection applications
What is your project?
We are happy to support you in selecting the right servo inclinometer for your application.
How do you choose the right servo inclinometer?
Selecting a suitable servo inclinometer depends strongly on the requirements of the specific application. Important selection criteria include:
- Measuring range
Depending on the application, measuring ranges from just a few degrees to larger tilt angles may be required. - Measurement accuracy and resolution
For precision applications, sensors with very high resolution and minimal noise are required. - Long-term stability
For monitoring projects or geotechnical applications, low drift over long periods is essential. - Environmental conditions
Temperature range, humidity, vibrations or electromagnetic influences can affect sensor selection. - Output signal and integration
Depending on the measurement system, analogue or digital interfaces may be required.
We are happy to support you in selecting the right servo inclinometer for your application. Contact us.
Frequently asked questions about Servo inclinometer
Answers to the most important technical questions
How is a servo inclinometer installed correctly?
A servo inclinometer should be mounted mechanically stable, flat, and as free from stress as possible on the surface to be measured. The sensor’s measuring axis must be precisely aligned with the desired inclination direction. Even small mounting errors, tilting, or uneven mounting surfaces can affect the measurement result, as servo inclinometers detect very small angle changes with high accuracy. Any direction marking on the inclinometer should be observed.
It is also important that the measuring range, installation position, output signal, and environmental conditions match the application. Temperature, humidity, vibration, and electromagnetic influences should be taken into account during installation. Electrical wiring must be carried out according to the respective datasheet, especially for analogue or digital output signals.
After installation, a zero-point check or calibration in the installed position is recommended. This ensures that the servo inclinometer is correctly aligned and delivers stable, reproducible measurement values. Althen supports you in selecting, integrating, and calibrating the right servo inclinometer for your application.
Are servo inclinometers also available as digital versions?
Yes, Althen also offers servo inclinometers as digital versions. One example is the eDXI-100/200, a high-precision digital 1- or 2-axis servo inclinometer with Ethernet interface and Power over Ethernet (PoE). This allows power supply and data transmission via a single Ethernet cable.
In addition, digital servo inclinometers such as the DXI-100/200 are available with RS485 or RS422 output. Both digital versions are suitable for easy integration into data acquisition, control, and monitoring systems.
Which digital version is most suitable depends on the required number of axes, measuring range, interface, and integration into the existing system.
Can servo inclinometers be used in applications with vibration?
Yes, Althen servo inclinometers can also be used in applications with vibration, depending on the model. Particularly suitable versions are designed for high shock and vibration loads, such as the LCF series with flexible suspension and oil damping, or the LCF-300, which is specifically described for applications with high shock and vibration loads. The eDXI-100/200 is also designed for environments with high shock and vibration exposure.
The right sensor selection is important: servo inclinometers measure very small changes in inclination with high precision and are therefore correspondingly sensitive. Vibrations can influence the measurement signal if bandwidth, damping, mounting, and measuring range do not match the application. Important selection criteria include environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, vibration, and electromagnetic influences.
For vibrating machines, vehicles, railway, or industrial applications, a damped or appropriately robust servo inclinometer, and in some cases a version specifically adapted to the application, is recommended. Althen supports you in selecting a suitable model to ensure that precision, stability, and vibration resistance match the measurement task.
Are 2-axis inclinometers available?
Yes, Althen also offers inclinometers in 2-axis versions. These sensors measure inclination in two directions, for example along the X and Y axes, making them suitable for applications such as platform levelling, machine monitoring, vehicle technology, construction and lifting technology, or precise position control.
Depending on the application, various sensor technologies and output signals are available, including MEMS inclinometers, servo inclinometers, and electrolytic tilt sensors. Digital versions, for example with RS485/RS422, Modbus, CAN, or Ethernet, are also available depending on the model.
The most suitable 2-axis version depends on the required measuring range, accuracy, environmental conditions, application dynamics, and desired interface. Althen supports you in selecting the right 2-axis inclinometer for your measurement task.