Products
Capacitive accelerometers
- Measuring range: up to ±400 g
- Resolution: up to <1 µg
- Excellent temperature stability
IEPE (piezo electric) accelerometers
- Measuring range ±10 g to ±2.000 g
- Operate in temperatures up to 150°C
- Excellent non-linearity
Servo accelerometers
- Measuring range ±0.1 g to ±20 g
- Resolution as great as 0.0005 % FRO
- Good shock resistance and stability
MEMS accelerometers (single & multi axis)
- Measuring range ±2 g to ±2.500 g
- Made of Piezoelectric ceramics
- Excellent Immunity against EMI
Multi axis accelerometers
- Measuring range ±2 g to ±5.000 g
- Offered as MEMS or piezo-crystal sensors
- Great shock-resistance
Automotive testing accelerometers
- Measuring range ±25 g to ±10.000 g
- Various measurement axis available
Our offer to you
We offer standard acceleration sensors but can also help you with a customized design or a complete measurement solution.
Understanding accelerometers
Accelerometers are devices designed to measure acceleration forces in three-dimensional space. They utilize various technologies, such as piezoelectric, piezoresistive, and capacitive, to convert mechanical acceleration into electrical signals. Althen Sensors & Controls specializes in delivering high-performance accelerometers that cater to the specific needs of industries like automotive, aerospace, industrial automation, and more.
How accelerometers work
Piezoelectric acceleration sensors (AC Response)
Under acceleration, the seismic mass of the sensor causes a change in electrical charge in the piezo element, which can be read out as a charge Q that is proportional to the acceleration. Piezoelectric elements behave like a capacitor providing voltage at a set internal resistance. With an optional charge amplifier integrated in the sensor casing (IEPE interface), the output is converted into a voltage.
Piezoresistive acceleration sensors (DC Response)
Direct current acceleration sensors are also called piezoresistive acceleration sensors. A piezoresistive accelerometer is based on changes in electrical resistance in a strain gauge (part of the sensor’s seismic system). To compensate for temperature fluctuations, these sensors require an additional internal or external temperature compensation for their output. Modern piezoresistive sensors accomplish this using special integrated circuits for all forms of on-board signal conditioning as well as on-site temperature compensation. You can either use these sensors with conventional glued-on strain gauges or opt for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology instead.
Capacitive Acceleration sensors (DC Response)
Capacitive acceleration sensors are based on changes in the electrical capacity of the seismic mass under acceleration. This is a widespread technology commonly used applications such as airbags and mobile devices. Our capacitive acceleration sensors are manufactured using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. Our high-end silicon MEMS accelerometers in instrumentation quality are resistant against prestress and produce very little noise.
Features and advantages
- High-precision measurements
- Excellent impact and shock resistance
- Versatile thanks to flexible parameters
- Available with special certifications, such as for use in crash tests
- Available with different technologies (piezoelectric, strain gauge, MEMS, capacitive, etc.)
- Integrated or external electronics available
- Custom solutions for specific applications available on request
Applications
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Modern technologyOur acceleration sensors are based on various technologies.
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Robust designsOur sensors are highly resistant to impact and shock.
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Wide measuring rangeOur sensors offer measuring ranges between ±0.25 g and ±70,000 g.
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Individual customisationCustomised solutions for specific applications possible on request.
Measure and monitor steady and unsteady acceleration
Just as there are many different applications for accelerometers, there are many different ways to build them: We offer acceleration sensors with piezoelectric, piezoresistive, strain gauge, MEMS, and capacitive measurement technology. In order to pick the right accelerometer, you should first analyze the conditions and parameters under which the sensor will be deployed. Our experts at Althen are happy to give extensive, independent advice – and help you find exactly the right accelerometer for your task.
Our acceleration sensors are available with integrated or external electronics. We can also integrate our sensors into your application for you. Althen is your competent partner for accelerometers for any of the following fields:
- Submersible and naval installations
- Transport measurements
- Bridge and tunnel construction, Structural monitoring
- Environmental monitoring
- Aviation testing, Explosion testing
- Biomechanical studies
- SAE and racing crash tests
We offer a special range of Euro-NCAP certified, miniature accelerometers for the automotive industry. In addition to NCAP certification, part of the portfolio is also certified for the use in crash tests according to SAE J211/J2570, ISO 6487 and World SID. Our sensors offer single- and multi- axis measurements. You can choose from versions with integrated measurement amplifiers or full open Wheatstone bridges. The sensors can be mounted by glue joints or using fasteners.
In addition to sensors with directly mounted, shielded, low-noise cables, we also offer models with plug connectors. These are particularly suited for mechanically critical positions where the cables are under great stress (such as on test dummies) and frequently need to be replaced.
But you can not only replace the cables. Several sensors for multi-axis measurement can also be repaired should a measurement axis get damaged from excessive load. The casings are available in stainless steel, aluminum, or fully welded titanium versions.
Our products in practice
Take a look at these interesting projects from our customersIn conclusion, Althen Sensors & Controls stands as a reliable partner in the realm of acceleration sensors, offering a diverse range of products with advanced features. As industries evolve, the company continues to innovate, ensuring their accelerometers meet the ever-changing demands of modern applications.
Accelerometers in action
Acceleration sensors from Althen put to the testOptimize ship and hyperloop design with high-precision accelerometers
Triaxial Accelerometer in HIC impact tester
Structural health monitoring of a bridge
Our Services
How can we help you with your application?
We offer standard acceleration sensors but can also help you with a customized design or a complete measurement solution.
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Wireless IoT Acceleration Measurement
Abnormal accelerations, vibrations or high temperatures give early signs of machine failure due component imbalance, misalignment, wear or improper use of equipment. Those can also easily be identified without manual measurements or wired equipment. Test our smart industrial IoT measurement solution for condition monitoring applications now! Wireless battery powered industrial sensor nodes and a gateway for communication to transmit data to the cloud is all you need to increase machine uptime and extend mean time between failures.