ADI's MEMS accelerometer raises the bar
Analog Devices' 3-axis high-G MEMS delivers more than twice the bandwidth at less than half the power consumption of competing sensors used to measure high-g events
Analog Devices, has introduced a 3-axis, 200-g digital MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) accelerometer with the highest bandwidth and lowest power in its class.
The ADXL375 MEMS accelerometer continuously measures the duration and magnitude of impact or shock events within the full-scale range of ± 200 g without saturation. The new sensor consumes 140 μA at a full bandwidth of up to 1,600 Hz, delivering more than twice the sampling rate of competing sensors at less than half the power.
The ADXL375 is suited for low- and battery-powered wireless sensor networks used in concussion detection, transportation, asset tracking and other applications that are subject to sudden, high-magnitude forces.
The ADXL375 has been designed into the newest generation of the Blast Gauge, a body-worn blast detection system developed by BlackBox Biometrics. The device is currently deployed with U.S. Armed Forces to measure and record concussive event data that is then used for health and safety assessment.
The device also utilises ADI's ADXL362 low-power, 3-axis MEMS accelerometer as part of an intelligent, continuously operational, motion-activated switch to increase battery life in the sealed environment.
"The ADXL375 provides high-g measurement capabilities with an industry-leading sampling rate, enhancing the ability of the Blast Gauge to accurately detect explosive and concussive events affecting our service members in-theater and in training," says David Borkholder, chief technology officer, BlackBox Biometrics. "In combination with the ultra-low power ADXL362, the ADXL375 has enabled an advanced Blast Gauge system which includes an enhanced ability to distinguish between potentially harmful and innocuous events."
The ADXL375 3-axis, 200-g MEMS accelerometer includes an integrated memory management system consisting of a 32-level FIFO (first-in, first-out) memory. The buffer memory includes low-power modes that can be used to set impact thresholds, store data and lower overall system power consumption by offloading those functions from the host processor.
Availability and Pricing
The 3 mm à— 5 mm à— 1 mm 14-lead LGA ADXL375 is in full production. For a 1,000 order each module is currently priced at $4.79 each.
