EVAL-ADXL377Z

The EVAL-ADXL377Z is a precision, dual-axis analog accelerometer that measures the dynamic acceleration of an object in the direction of the two orthogonal axes. It is among the newer generation of accelerometers with improved design that feature low power, reduced noise, enhanced stability and temperature range. Its working principle involves sensing acceleration to generate a proportional output voltage. The design is based on the Analog Devices core technology.

Features

The EVAL-ADXL377Z contains a high performance, dual-axis (XY) acceleration sensor with signal conditioner. It is designed for use with the ADXL377Z-EVALZ, ADXL377Z-EVALC and ADXL377Z-EVALS evaluation boards. It offers excellent noise performance, a wide input dynamic range, very low power consumption, high accuracy and mV/g range flexibility. It offers the possibility to measure vibration up to 2g in X and Y axes.

The EVAL-ADXL377Z also features a self-test mode, allowing users to measure and verify the accuracy and performance of the device. It can support various power saving modes and modes of operation such as offset and temperature compensation. Its on-board buffer will support up to 40,000 samples.

Applications

The EVAL-ADXL377Z is ideally suited for a wide variety of vibration and motion analysis applications, such as accelerometer-based industrial and automotive vibration monitoring, as well as health and fitness monitoring. Additionally, it can also be used in combinations with other motion sensors such as gyroscopes and magnetometers to track various degrees of freedom. Due to its low power consumption it can be used in battery powered applications.

Working Principle

Accelerometers measure dynamic acceleration by using the inertial force generated when an object is subjected to vibration or when the object experiences a change in motion. The type of accelerometer used in this application is based on the Analog Devices core technology. The process involves capacitive sensing elements which change capacitance in accordance with acceleration.

The EVAL-ADXL377Z application uses a micromachined capacitive accelerometer which is composed of a sealed enclosure that contains four layers of conductive surfaces divided into two orthogonal sets of interdigitated fingers. When acceleration is present, one set of fingers experiences a mechanical motion due to the inertial force, which results in a movement of electrical charge.

The charge is then processed by the on-board integrated circuit amplifier that provides an analog output voltage proportional to the applied acceleration. This output voltage can then be digitized and processed by a microcontroller to provide various readings such as vibration, tilt or motion-tracking.