When it comes to accurate, reliable motion sensing, not all accelerometers are built the same. Many industries, including aerospace, defense, and structural health monitoring, require sensors that deliver stability in extreme conditions, precise measurement across a broad frequency range, and long-term reliability. Traditional piezoelectric accelerometers often fall short in these areas, making them less effective for applications that require low-frequency and static acceleration measurement.
That’s where SDI’s Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) DC accelerometers provide a performance advantage. Our accelerometers offer continuous, accurate readings even when stationary, superior low-frequency response, and greater resistance to environmental factors.
SDI’s MEMS DC Accelerometers Provide Reliable Motion Sensing Even When Stationary
A key advantage of MEMS DC accelerometers is their ability to measure both static (DC) and dynamic (AC) acceleration, ensuring continuous, real-time monitoring. This makes them invaluable for applications like:
Structural health monitoring – Detecting micro-movements in bridges, buildings, and critical infrastructure over long periods.
Inertial navigation systems – Providing accurate acceleration data even in GPS-denied environments, such as submarines or space vehicles.
Industrial condition monitoring – Capturing subtle shifts in machine alignment or stability on stationary equipment and over long, slow movements.
In contrast, piezoelectric accelerometers generate an electrical charge in response to motion. Because they rely on a changing force to create a signal, they are highly effective at detecting high-frequency dynamic movements, such as vibration or shock, but they cannot measure static acceleration or low-frequency motion accurately. This limitation makes them less suitable for applications that require long-term, precise readings at low frequencies.
Silicon Designs’ MEMS DC accelerometers deliver stable, low-noise performance across a wide frequency range, making them a superior choice for industries that require both static and dynamic motion measurement.
Dependable Stability in Harsh Environments
One of the biggest challenges in motion sensing is ensuring that an accelerometer remains accurate and reliable over time, particularly in harsh environments. Fluctuations in temperature, long distance monitoring, mechanical shock, and time itself can cause many sensors to drift or degrade, leading to unreliable data and costly recalibrations.
MEMS DC accelerometers from Silicon Designs address these pain points through:
Minimal temperature sensitivity – The capacitive sensing mechanism is less affected by temperature variations compared to piezoelectric sensors, reducing the need for added compensation.
Long Distance Accuracy – Low-impedance outputs to reduce signal degradation and noise pickup over extended cable lengths.
Surviving Accidental Drops – An extremely rugged design with no crystal structures to damage in everyday lab mishaps
Long-term stability – Low noise and minimal drift ensure that data remains accurate over years with no loss of sensitivity.
Tailormade for Reduced Noise and Increased Sensitivity
Noise can be a major issue when measuring acceleration by interfering with data accuracy. Silicon Designs’ MEMS DC accelerometers are engineered for minimal noise while maintaining high sensitivity. By customizing the MEMS sense elements for each G-range, these accelerometers optimize the trade-off between damping, flexibility, and responsiveness.
For example:
A 2G MEMS sensor has wings that move more slowly for better low-frequency detection.
A 200G sensor is optimized for high-impact measurements, ensuring rapid response without excessive noise.
By reducing the need for extensive ASIC gain adjustments during programming, Silicon Designs produces some of the lowest noise accelerometers in the industry, a critical feature for applications requiring ultra-precise vibration and motion detection.
Why Engineers and OEMs Choose Silicon Designs’ MEMS DC Accelerometers
Choosing the right accelerometer means considering key decision factors such as precision, integration ease, durability, and compliance with industry standards. Silicon Designs’ MEMS DC accelerometers stand out from competitors by offering:
Long-term reliability – Designed for longevity in applications where sensor obsolescence can disrupt operations.
Simple integration – Features an analog output that makes it easier to incorporate into existing systems with no need for signal conditioning or amplification.
Manufacturing quality that meets stringent standards – Including MIL-STD-883 screening and qualification to MIL-PRF-38534.
U.S.-based manufacturing – Ensuring a stable supply chain and high-quality production standards.
How Industry Trends Are Driving MEMS DC Accelerometer Adoption
Industries are increasingly seeking high-performance sensors for complex applications, fueling demand for MEMS DC accelerometers. The need for precise motion sensing continues to grow with advancements in autonomous vehicles, predictive maintenance, and aerospace and defense technology. As innovation accelerates, MEMS DC accelerometers will remain essential for delivering accurate and stable motion detection.
Choosing the Right Accelerometer for Your Needs
If precision, reliability, and long-term stability are key to your application, SDI’s MEMS DC accelerometers offer a proven solution. Whether for structural monitoring, aerospace navigation, or industrial vibration analysis, our accelerometers provide unmatched performance.
Take the Next Step
Looking for a MEMS DC accelerometer that meets your exact needs? Contact the Silicon Designs team today to discuss your requirements or request a quote.
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