Inclinometers

Capacitive inclinometers use the natural earth gravity of 9.81m/s2 to modify the capacity between the Mems’ feeder. Our inclinometers measure inclinations in the 3 axes X Y and Z . The most accurate is available with Murata‘s SCL3300. This sensor also has a direct tilt angle output, making it a perfect choice for a variety of different use cases and applications. Encapsulated in a 12-pin (8.6 mm x 7.6 mm x 3.3 mm) pre-molded plastic housing, ensuring reliable operation over the product’s lifetime, the inclinometer is suitable for SMD mounting and is RoHS and ELV compatible.

Due to their design the inclinometers are resistant to accelerations of more than 20,000 g. They are usually supplied with 3.3V and cover a temperature range from -40°C to +125°C. The output signal is digital, SPI type.

These inclinometers are used for tilt angle measurement where high accuracy and repeatability are required. The inclination measurement is carried out dynamically and simultaneously in up to 3 axes over a measuring range of up to -180 to +180°.

The servo-controlled inclinometers offer the best accuracy (0.02%) and resolution (1 µradian) over the measurement range. Capacitive MEMS inclinometers are the best compromise between accuracy / robustness / budget / bandwidth. Electrolytic sensors have a negligible time drift and are mainly used in geophysics.

These inclinometers are used for test instrumentation, for the monitoring of structures, buildings, as well as in railways (rail, train), offshore platforms, elevators, production lines.

Other typical applications are : Levelling control, inclination detection, machine control, structure monitoring, inertial units, robotics, positioning and guidance systems where the inclination of the probe can be measured, position evaluation Drilling: inclination evaluation, position monitoring …

In applications inclinometers can be associated with other devices such as digital anemometers and air velocity measurement system, dynamic torque meters.

Based on its long experience as a reliable supplier of sensors for automotive safety applications, the company today develops MEMS solutions perfectly adapted to the most demanding agricultural and other heavy machinery applications.

Sensor requirements for heavy machinery are generally higher than for passenger car applications due to the harsher working conditions. Components must withstand extremely harsh conditions, including very high or low temperatures, humidity, dust, continuous shock and/or vibration. Harvesting equipment, forestry machines, tractors, mining equipment and other heavy machinery generally require a longer service life. Sensors must withstand these conditions without compromising performance and accuracy.

Murata’s proprietary 3D MEMS technology, combined with a highly reliable ASIC and housing, results in highly stable, robust and accurate sensors that meet the demands of these demanding applications.