The SENSOREX’s SX412xx series inclinometers/accelerometers are closed loop instrumentation transducers. The sensing element isa galvanometer pendulum associated with an optical position sensor.
This technology enables very sensitive inclinometers (<0.5 arc second), without any hysteresis, with a accuracy of the order of 1.10-4 of the measuring range, and with a wide dynamic.
The instrument is powered by a single unregulated voltage (10V to 30V DC). The output is 4-20mA current loop or ±5V bidirectional voltage.
Output is proportional to the sinus of the angle (component of the gravity acceleration). The tough housing and the hydro mechanical damping of the sensiitive element allow this device to be used under severe environments (shocks and vibrations).
Theory of measurement
When the sensor is submitted to a certain angle alpha, the pendulous mass tends to move in the direction of the inclination. Its position is detected and converted into a current which feeds back to the galvanometer in order to bring it back to its initial position.
This current, proportional to the measured gravity, is measured by a precision resistor and provides the output.
This acceleration “a” is equal to: a = g * sin α
With g, the gravity acceleration
After factory adjustment of bias and sensitivity, thevoltage or current output is given by the following formula:
Output signal = S * sin α + Bias
With:
-S, sensitivity of the inclinometer expressed in V/g or A/g.
-Bias; the output voltage (current) for a null slope (2.5V / 12mA).
S and Bias are provided with measurement report delivered with each product.
To find the angle, you have to apply the following formula:
α = Arcsin((Output-Bias)/S)