Test & Measurement


Tilt, shock and vibration sensors

9 October 2013 Test & Measurement

SignalQuest designs and manufactures electronic sensors that measure tilt angle, vibration, shock, acceleration and movement as well as application specific inertial measurement devices.

The SQ-ASB series sensor is a normally closed omnidirectional shock sensor which is roughly four times more sensitive off-axis than on-axis. Typical cross-axis open signals are in the 2 – 8 mS range, where on-axis open signals are proportional to the duration of acceleration above the threshold. If better accuracy is required, designers can choose the cross-axis specification that matches their requirements and use two sensors at right angles to one another, logically OR’d together.

The SQ-MIN-200 acts like a normally closed switch which chatters open and closed as it is tilted or vibrated. Unlike other rolling-ball sensors, it is a truly omnidirectional movement sensor that will function regardless of how it is mounted or aligned.

When at rest, the sensor normally settles in a closed state. When in motion, it will produce continuous on/off contact closures. It is sensitive to both tilt (static acceleration) and vibration (dynamic acceleration). The SQ-MIN-200 can be used to produce a series of CMOS or TTL logic level or pulse train using a single resistor to limit current. The signal level can be read directly by a digital input.

This can be used to interrupt (wake up) a microcontroller or can be counted to estimate the amount and duration of activity. The sensor is fully passive, requires no signal conditioning, and draws as little as 50 nA of continuous current.

SQ-SEN-6xx series tilt sensors act like a position sensitive switch that is normally open when vertical and normally closed below or between the switch angles. They are designed to be non-sensitive to vibration or lateral movement when vertical.

When at rest in a vertical position, the sensor will settle in an open state. When tipped down from vertical to the ‘switch angle’ it will produce continuous on/off contact closures while in motion. When at rest below or between the switch angles, it will settle normally closed.

The sensor can be used to produce CMOS or TTL pulses to interrupt a microcontroller. Alternatively, these pulses can be counted to estimate the amount and duration of activity. The sensor is fully passive, requires no signal conditioning, and operates from currents as low as 50 nA.

The SQ-SEN-8xx on/off tilt sensor series acts like a position sensitive switch that is normally open when horizontal and normally closed below the switch angle. It is designed to be non-sensitive to vibration in a horizontal orientation. When at rest in a horizontal orientation, the sensor will settle in an open state. When tipped down from vertical to the switch angle, it will produce continuous on/off contact closures while in motion. When at rest below the switch angle, it will settle normally open.

The SQ-SEN-200 sensor acts like a normally closed switch which chatters open and closed as it is tilted or vibrated. It is an omnidirectional movement sensor that will function regardless of how it is mounted or aligned. When at rest, it normally settles in a closed state, and when in motion, it will produce continuous on/off contact closures.

The sensor is sensitive to both tilt (static acceleration) and vibration (dynamic acceleration). It can be used to produce a series of CMOS or TTL logic level or pulse train using a single resistor to limit current; the signal level can be read directly by a digital input. This can be used to interrupt a microcontroller or can be counted to estimate the amount and duration of activity. The sensor is fully passive, requires no signal conditioning, and draws as little as 50 nA of continuous current.

SQ-SEN-390 series sensors act like a position sensitive switch which is normally closed when below horizontal and normally open when above horizontal. When at rest, they normally settle in a closed state, and when in motion, they will produce continuous on/off contact closures. They are sensitive to both tilt and vibration.

The sensors can produce a series of CMOS or TTL logic level or pulse train using a single resistor to limit current and the signal level can be read directly by a digital input. This can be used to interrupt a microcontroller or can be counted to estimate the amount and duration of activity. The sensor is fully passive, requires no signal conditioning, and draws as little as 50 nA of continuous current.

For more information contact Andrew Hutton, RF Design, +27 (0)21 555 8400, [email protected], www.rfdesign.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

AI Experts provide product-specific intelligence
Measuretest Test & Measurement
VIAVI Solutions has announced AI Experts, the first addition to its NITRO AI portfolio of AI-driven capabilities with each Expert providing product-specific intelligence.

Read more...
Rugged spectrum analyser
Vepac Electronics Test & Measurement
The HAROGIC PXR Series is designed for maximum durability and performance in the most demanding environments.

Read more...
Setting a new benchmark for high-power DC load testing
Conical Technologies Test & Measurement Power Electronics / Power Management
The new ITECH IT8900G/L high-speed, high-power DC electronic load offers a powerful combination of speed, scalability, precision and high-power density.

Read more...
Locate underground cable faults faster with the Fluke AF2082 A-Frame
Comtest Editor's Choice Test & Measurement
Underground cable faults can lead to costly downtime, service disruptions, and extensive excavation if the fault location is uncertain. The AF2082 simplifies this process by guiding operators directly to the fault point.

Read more...
Practical design strategies for 5G
RF Design Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The Cavli CQM211 aims to provide a platform that combines strong 5G connectivity with onboard compute capability, as well as interface flexibility that suits both new designs and rapid migrations from earlier products.

Read more...
Nordic expands nRF Cloud with firmware vulnerability scanning
RF Design Computer/Embedded Technology
nRF Cloud identifies vulnerabilities in firmware and shows exactly which deployed devices are affected, empowering device manufacturers to address EU Cyber Resilience Act requirements.

Read more...
An industry-first Android 16 smart module solution
RF Design Computer/Embedded Technology Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The MeiG Smart SLM580 4G Smart Module features native support for Android 16 and covers core frequency bands in major countries and regions worldwide.

Read more...
Precision power for electronics testing
Vepac Electronics Test & Measurement
The PeakTech 6168 switching power supply is a versatile and reliable solution designed for professional applications in laboratories, development environments, service centres, and training facilities.

Read more...
Nordic expands nRF Cloud with firmware vulnerability scanning
RF Design Computer/Embedded Technology
nRF Cloud identifies vulnerabilities in firmware and shows exactly which deployed devices are affected, empowering device manufacturers to address EU Cyber Resilience Act requirements.

Read more...
12-bit 1-wire temperature sensing
RS South Africa Test & Measurement
The DS18B20 digital thermometer from Analog Devices provides 9-bit to 12-bit Celsius temperature measurements in the range -55°C to 125°C.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved