Q: What is the difference between the static inclinometers and dynamic inclinometers?
A: The static inclinometers are equipped with a 2D MEMS accelerometer serving as a sensor cell. This type of inclinometer allows high precision to be achieved in a static system, or when the machine only performs slow movements.
And the dynamic inclinometers (also called as vertical gyros) are equipped with a 3D MEMS accelerometer and a 3D MEMS gyroscope. An intelligent algorithm combines the signals from the accelerometer and the gyroscope to eliminate the effect of accelerations (e.g. due to rapid movement of equipment), vibrations and shocks.
And INC500 inclinometer belong to static inclinometer, which can provide high accuracy tilt angle in a static system or slow movement applications.
Q: How to calibrate the inclinometer?
A: The inclinometer needs to be calibrated on a high-precision turntable, and then the obtained data is used to perform algorithmic compensation on the inclination sensor. At the customer side, if there is no precision turntable, it cannot be calibrated, we can provide inclinometer calibration service.
Q: How to protect the INC500 inclinometer components from failure?
A: The high-precision INC500 inclinometer is mainly used for measurement in a static environment or similar static environment. It adopts IP67 protection, and the device will not fail in normal use.
Q: What factors affect the actual accuracy in the applications?
A: the inclinometer actual accuracy will be influenced by the following factors:
1). The accuracy is mainly affected by the installation error. Since the installation error is inevitable, during the installation process, install as much as possible according to the installation method. If the installation axis of the inclination sensor is parallel to the two sides of the inclination sensor, then the installation error is almost a constant value. The influence of installation error can be removed by measuring relative error.
2). Temperature, the environment temperature change has an impact on accuracy
3). Zero bias error
4). Non-linearity error
5). It will be related to the g value, but it has little effect. It is related to the latitude used. If possible, please tell us the latitude that the inclinometer is used. We will write this value into the inclinometer during the calibration process to reduce the error.
Q: Whether there is possibility of building a one network with several sensors such as accelerometers and inclinometers?
A: yes, no problem, please let us know the details of your applications, so that we can make a solution.
Q: What are the applications of inclinometer?
A: Inclinometers are used for:
– Determining latitude using Polaris (in the Northern Hemisphere) or the two stars of the constellation Crux (in the Southern Hemisphere).
– Determining the angle of the Earth’s magnetic field with respect to the horizontal plane.
– Showing a deviation from the true vertical or horizontal.
– Surveying, to measure an angle of inclination or elevation.
– Alerting an equipment operator that it may tip over.
– Measuring angles of elevation, slope, or incline, e.g. of an embankment.
– Measuring slight differences in slopes, particularly for geophysics. Such inclinometers are, for instance, used for monitoring volcanoes, or for measuring the depth and rate of landslide movement.
– Measuring movements in walls or the ground in civil engineering projects.
– Determining the dip of beds or strata, or the slope of an embankment or cutting; a kind of plumb level.
– Some automotive safety systems.
– Indicating pitch and roll of vehicles, nautical craft, and aircraft. See turn coordinator and slip indicator.
– Monitoring the boom angle of cranes and material handlers.
– Measuring the “look angle” of a satellite antenna towards a satellite.
– Adjusting a solar panel to the optimal angle to maximize its output.
– Measuring the slope angle of a tape or chain during distance measurement.
Q: What is the Measurement Principle of MEMS Inclinometers??
A: Inclinometers measure the orientation angle of an object with respect to the force of gravity. This is done by means of an accelerometer, which monitors the effect of gravity on a tiny mass suspended in an elastic support structure. When the device tilts, this mass will move slightly, causing a change of capacitance between the mass and the supporting structure. The tilt angle is calculated from the measured capacitances.
The function can be illustrated with a simplified model with two electrodes: one fixed, and the other (the proof mass) is movable, suspended by spring elements. When the inclinometer is in a horizontal position, the capacitance between the electrodes is measured. If the sensor is tilted, the movable mass and its electrode will change position relative to the fixed electrode. This resulting change of capacitance between the two electrodes is measured by the sensor cell and used to calculate the new inclination value.
Q: What is the Limitations of Static Inclinometers?
A: In case of strong shock and vibration, the physical damping in static inclinometers might not be sufficient to suppress disturbances. Software filters can only help to a limited extent in reducing the impact of such disturbances. For static inclinometers, “moving average” or “exponential” filters can be activated and configured to smoothen the signal, but with the downside that the fast reaction time of the MEMS inclinometer is lost and the response of sensor becomes slower.
For dynamic movements with strong accelerations, SkyMEMS’s Dynamic inclinometers should be used. They are based on a different technology without physical damping so that there is no tradeoff between stability and response time.
Q: What is Operation Principle of Inclinometer?
A: MEMS inclinometers employ ‘State of the Art’ MEMS sensor technology. MEMS (Micro -Electro – Mechanical Systems) are an integration of mechanical elements, sensors, actuators and electronics on a common silicon substrate through micro fabrication technology.
Acceleration causes deflection of the proof mass from its centre position. Around the four sides of the square proof mass are 32 sets of radial fingers. These fingers are positioned between plates that are fixed to the substrate. Each finger and pair of fixed plates make up a differential capacitor, and the deflection of the proof mass is determined by measuring the differential capacitance.
This sensing method has the ability of sensing both dynamic acceleration (i.e. shock or vibration) and static acceleration (i.e. inclination or rotation). Signal conditioning is carried out within inclinometers so that a simple output signal is obtained. This output can be used in conjunction with a calibration sheet to easily calculate the amount of tilt that has occurred.
The MEMS sensors within inclinometers are configured to measure inclination from vertical. As movement occurs, the inclinometer will move with its mounting, thus changing the inclination of the internal sensors.
Q: whether the connector and cable length can be selected?
A: yes, no problem, please let us know the connector type and cable length you want, then we can do it.
Q: How about the delivery time?
A: for our standard model, if we have them in stock, only need 2~3days to re-test before shipping, if it is out of stock, then need around 2 weeks to arrange the production and tests. For the ODM electronic product, if needing to modify the structure, it will need around 3~4 weeks to arrange the production and tests.
Q: How to arrange the payment?
A: about the payment, please pay to our company account, the beneficiary’s name: NANJING SKY MEMS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. And our email is only @skymems.com to contact with u formally. To notice this to avoid the loss.
