Nice article. The photo of the accelerometer against the thread hole of a needle says everything. Now I understand how Motorola was able to get an accelerometer into a cell phone. Amazing.
Rob, you're right. That photo really shows how small these things are. What's even more amazing is to then consider how tiny the actual machines are inside this chip (remembering that MEMS stands for micro-electromechanical systems). Tiny accelerometers like these, along with gyrometers, are what make possible the movements of the Japanese flying sphere I wrote about
Yes, I remember that the Japanese flying machine was a great story. The size of the accelerometer makes for a wide range of applications. Years ago, Deisgn News flew me out to Research Triangle to do a video interview with Motorola when they included an accelerometer in a phone. It was used for games and to shake the song list to the next song.
I didn't realize accelerometer were getting deployed into medical applications. Make sense. Do you recall what the applications were? Heart monitoring, perhaps.
The inherent reliability of these thermal accelerometer due to the absence of moving parts makes them ideal for some designs. Not sure how much these devices will be limited as specialty components or if additional research will enable them to penetrate additional applications. Seems to be part of the challenge going forward.
Auto Crash and Rollover Sensing requires higher bandwidth due to the higher da/dt jerk content of crash signals. ESC requires < 1.0 g because lower amplitude and slower da/dt and less rapidly chaning forces are involved.
Rob, I believe the MEMS accelerometer application had something to do with gauging patients' motion, such as during walking, but I don't recall the exact details.
By refining topologies and using new fluid technology, Moog's new peak sine drive controller increases available power without increasing controller volume.
Lantronix Inc. has expanded its line of controllers for sensor networks with the release of a rugged controller that improves management of automation systems used in a number of industries, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and chemicals.
Inspired by the hooks a parasitic worm uses to penetrate its host's intestines, the Karp Lab has invented a flexible adhesive patch covered with microneedles that adheres well to wet, soft tissues, but doesn't cause damage when removed.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
7 
