Tilt Sensor from Analog Devices is 100 Times Smaller Than Available Solutions

The industry’s most precise MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) inclinometer, the 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. 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. 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, 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.”

The ADIS16209 dual-axis programmable inclinometer, based on an Analog Devices’ iMEMS® (integrated micro-electromechanical systems) core, is capable of measuring dual-axis tilt with less than 0.1 degrees error across a ±30-degree range when mounted horizontally. Because of its unique dual-mode operation, the new sensor also supports a vertically mounted single-axis implementation, over a full 360-degree range. The tuneable digital sensor data is output via an industry-standard SPI (serial peripheral interface) port, which provides access to inclination (0.025 degree resolution), acceleration (0.244 mg resolution), temperature and power supply. The ADIS16209 also features a 12-bit auxiliary ADC input and DAC output, digital self-test function and configurable condition monitoring, including alarms. The sensor operates on a single 3-V to 3.6-V power supply and can withstand a 3500-g shock.