Analog Devices calls latest MEMS tilt sensor the industry’s most accurate


Analog Devices says its ADIS16209 provides direct angle output with 0.1-degree linear inclination accuracy. (Photo: Analog Devices)

October 29, 2007 — Analog Devices Inc., which develops high-performance semiconductors for signal processing applications, has introduced a highly integrated, dual-axis inclinometer that it says makes extremely accurate, easy-to-use tilt sensing an affordable and accessible option for industrial equipment manufacturers, the company announced in a news release.

The ADIS16209 programmable, dual-mode inclinometer sensor is suited to a diverse set of industrial applications that require inclination changes to be measured, including surveying equipment, factory machine tools, satellite antenna stabilization systems, motion safety monitors, and automotive wheel alignment. Functionally equivalent inclinometer solutions are typically 100 times larger than the ADIS16209.

The MEMS-based ADIS16209 provides a fully compensated direct angle output with less than 0.1-degree linear inclination error, making it at least twice as accurate as competitive tilt sensors, the company announced in a news release. This is due to the addition of an embedded controller, which uses factory-installed calibration coefficients to dynamically sense the system environment and compensate the direct-digital angular output to account for changes in voltage, temperature, angle and other variables.

Other MEMS-based tilt sensors typically require industrial engineers to perform additional external calibration and signal processing that adds time, cost and complexity to product design, the company said. ADI’s MEMS-based inclinometer is also significantly smaller than alternative sensing technologies, especially bulky, fluid-filled electrolytic sensors, which can require special board mounting. As a result, the ADIS16209 affords designers the option to more easily integrate the new sensor precisely at the point of sensing interest.

“The ADIS16209 provides an accurate and simple bits-out angle in a standard semiconductor format,” said Andy Garner, product line director for iSensor intelligent sensor products at Analog Devices. “This is a big departure from both electrolytic sensors and less integrated MEMS-based sensors. The on-chip dynamic compensation of the ADIS16209 is important for two reasons: it allows our customers to confidently absorb mid-stream system design changes without losing their time-to-market advantage; and it provides end users with equipment that delivers accurate sensing data that is resistant to in-field environmental changes that can often result in costly, cumbersome recalibration.”

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