What Are Accelerometers?
Accelerometers are widely used for measuring
vibration in rotating machinery, moving vehicles, aircraft, in
structures. In this case, they are used for measuring small muscle
vibrations in the body.
New types of accelerometers and integrated sensor
systems are now replacing more traditional vibration sensors for a number
of reasons such as lower cost, better performance, rugged design, and smaller
size. The new devices offer increased sensitivity, a wider range of
operating frequencies, and much wider range of application in industry.
How do Accelerometers work?
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| BIOPAC Accelerometer 50 G -TSD109F |
Accelerometers work in many different ways. Some
accelerometers use the piezoelectric effect - containing microscopic crystal
structures that get stressed by accelerative forces, causing a voltage to be
generated. Another is by sensing changes in capacitance. If you have two
microstructures next to each other, they have a certain capacitance between
them. If an accelerative force moves one of the structures, the capacitance
will change. Add circuitry to convert from capacitance to voltage, and you get
an accelerometer. There are many other methods, including use of the
piezo-resistive effect and light.
What should I consider when choosing the right
accelerometer:
-Reproducibility of results
You don't just want great results, you want
results that are as accurate and reproducible as possible.
-Sensitivity - Generally
speaking, the more sensitivity the better. This means that for a given change
in acceleration, there will be a larger change in signal. Since larger signal
changes are easier to measure, you will get more accurate readings.
BIOPAC's TSD250
The TSD250 is a sensitive accelerometer for
use with BIOPAC
Vibromyography Systems that use advanced
signal analysis algorithms to monitor muscle vibration.
Accelerometers are secured over the muscle
belly and record the small vibrations that occur when the muscle is
activated. The technique allows researchers to study muscle performance and
strength balance.
VMG provides extremely reproducible results. The
single sensor solution and the lack of skin preparation improve the reliability
and reproducibility of muscle effort recordings between muscles and across
subjects.
Learn More About TSD250 Data Acquisition Software
If you are interested in learning more about
gaining access to the best data acquisition software in the industry, please
check out BIOPAC's Vibromyography Transducer TSD250. (http://www.biopac.com/VMG-transducer)
BIOPAC is dedicated to developing innovative,
high quality and competitively priced life sciences educational and research hardware and
software designed to meet customers’ needs.
