MEMs-based inclinometer knows what’s up for industrial applications

Inclinometers are a specialized version of accelerometers that sense how far off from the vertical, sensed by the downward g force, a device is. They’ve been used in some consumer game controllers, but industrial applications require a higher level of accuracy as well as ease-of-calibration that lower-cost consumer-grade devices (~$3) can’t provide.

Analog Devices has come out with the ADIS16209, a programmable dual-axis, MEMs-based inclinometer targeting the industrial market that’s capable of measuring dual-axis tilt with less than 0.1 degrees error across a ±30-degree range when mounted horizontally. (“Dual-mode” means that the device can also be mounted vertically.) The sensor data is available through an industry-standard serial peripheral interface port, and includes inclination (0.025 degree resolution), acceleration (0.244 mg resolution), and temperature. The device also has a 12-bit auxiliary ADC input and DAC output.

What are some typical applications? Surveying equipment, satellite antenna stabilization systems, automotive wheel alignment – even autonomously piloted farm equipment. The price is $34.40 (1000) in a 9.2 mm × 9.2 mm × 3.9 mm laminate-based LGA package.