What is an Accelerometer and How it Works.
                     What is an 
Acceleromete
r and How it 
Works?
Introduction
• An accelerometer is an 
electromechanical device used to 
measure acceleration forces. 
• Such forces may be static, like the 
continuous force of gravity or, as 
is the case with many mobile 
devices, dynamic to sense 
movement or vibrations.
Source: www.livescience.com
How does an 
accelerometer 
work?
• An accelerometer works using an 
electromechanical sensor that is 
designed to measure either static 
or dynamic acceleration. 
• Static acceleration is the constant 
force acting on a body, like 
gravity or friction. 
Source: www.livescience.com
Dynamic 
acceleration 
• Dynamic acceleration forces are 
non-uniform, and the best 
example is vibration or shock. 
• A car crash is an excellent 
example of dynamic acceleration. 
Source: www.livescience.com
Accelerometers 
Types
• There are two types of 
piezoelectric accelerometers 
(vibration sensors).
• The first type is a "high 
impedance" charge output 
accelerometer.
• The second type of accelerometer 
is a low impedance output 
accelerometer.
Source: www. omega.com
High impedance 
Accelerometer
• In this type of accelerometer the 
piezoelectric crystal produces an 
electrical charge which is 
connected directly to the 
measurement instruments. 
• The charge output requires 
special accommodations and 
instrumentation most commonly 
found in research facilities. 
Source: www.realpars.com
Low impedance 
Accelerometer
• A low impedance accelerometer 
has a charge accelerometer as its 
front end but has a tiny built-in 
micro-circuit and FET transistor 
that converts that charge into a 
low impedance voltage that can 
easily interface with standard 
instrumentation. 
Source: www. omega.com
KEY 
APPLICATIONS
Digital Devices
• Accelerometers in smartphones 
and digital cameras are 
responsible for rotating the 
display based on the orientation 
you hold it.
Source: www.witmotion.com
Vehicles
• The invention of airbags have 
saved millions of lives over the 
years. Accelerometers are used to 
trigger the airbags as the sensor 
would send a signal when it 
experiences a sudden shock.
Source: www. omega.com
Drones
• Accelerometers help drones to 
stabilize their orientation 
midflight. Rotating Machinery: 
Accelerometers used in rotating 
machines detect undulating 
vibrations. 
Source: www. omega.com
Vibration 
Monitoring
• Machines that move generate 
vibrations, and these vibrations 
can be harmful to the machines if 
left to amplify without 
supervision. 
• Accelerometers are useful in 
monitoring vibrations and are 
increasingly used in industrial 
plants, turbines, etc.
Source: www. omega.com