Industry's First Analogue 3-axis, High-g MEMS Accelerometer
Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), has revealed what it claims is the industry's first commercially available analogue, 3-axis, high-g MEMS accelerometer.
The ADXL377 measures acceleration of high-impact events resulting from shock and vibration, within a range of ± 200 g with no signal saturation. This measurement range, combined with an analogue output that continuously captures impact data, makes the ADXL377 a good sensor for contact sports where the detection of concussive forces can reveal indictors of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
With a bandwidth of 1600Hz, the ADXL377 is also suited for use in industrial equipment where shock levels must be closely monitored. The accelerometer also eliminates the need for alignment and the placement of orthogonal sensors, which significantly simplifies design. ADI says the board space required is reduced by up to five times compared to typical solutions requiring multiple, single-axis accelerometers.
The ADXL377 has also been designed for incorporation into the IZOD 2012 INDYCAR Series driver impact safety system. INDYCAR worked in closely with Analog Devices at the ADXL377 product definition phase.
The resulting device allowed INDYCAR to upgrade the sensors located in its communications earpieces, which are used to measure driver impacts triggered by collisions during practice, time trials and during races, according to Jeff Horton, director of engineering for INDYCAR.
"The new Analog Devices ADXL377 3-axis accelerometer is going to be a great addition to our ear sensor program," says Horton.
"Not only will the smaller size greatly reduce the manufacturing time needed to place the components into the custom ear molds that we make for each of the drivers, it also will allow us to place the accelerometer closer to the ear canal opening which should help with the coupling of the accelerometer to the driver's head for a more accurate reading. In the past we had to use three separate ICs in each ear to obtain the same amount of data."
"With TBI now a serious medical concern in many facets of life, from athletes and workers to military personnel, ADI is helping customers design smaller, more accurate and simpler impact systems," adds Mark Martin, vice president and general manager, MEMS/Sensors group, Analog Devices.
"Because so many of these applications require extreme mobility, the ability to eliminate orthogonal sensors while simultaneously lowering energy consumption means that these battery-operated devices can run longer between charges."
The 16-lead LFCSP 3 mm x 3 mm x 1.45 mm sample ADXL377 devices are available now. Once in volume production, expected to start in September, for 1000 pieces, the cost will be $4.79 for each module.
