Accelerometer is first with built-in noise filtering, says Kionix
For flexible support for machine condition monitoring of industrial equipment, Kionix has introduced what it claims to be the industry’s first accelerometers with built-in noise filtering.
The KX132-1211 and KX134-1211 are designed for high accuracy, low power motion sensing applications in the industrial equipment and consumer wearable markets.
The KX134-1211 is a three-axis accelerometer optimised for machine condition monitoring. Advanced Data Path (ADP) technology allows noise filtering and sensor signal processing normally carried out by the microcontroller to be performed by the accelerometer. Specifically, multiple customisable frequency filters built into the sensor eliminate unnecessary noise signals by employing a versatile configuration that extracts only the necessary signals. Each filter can be switched on and off as required. Frequency filtering and signal power calculation (root mean square calculation) conventionally carried out by a host microcontroller can now be performed on sensor side, reducing microcontroller load and associated power consumption.
The accelerometers also contribute to reducing microcontroller load and power consumption, says Kionix. The sensing frequency and acceleration detection ranges is 8,500Hz and ±64g, respectively and the accelerometer supports operating temperatures up to 105 degrees C. The sensor consumes less than half the current (0.67 microA in low power mode) of that of conventional products, says Kionix. Additional features include ‘wake up’ and ‘back to sleep’ functions that contribute to lower power consumption. This is particularly beneficial for sensing operation in battery-equipped wearable devices.
A leading supplier of compact accelerometers, Kionix is responding to market needs by developing products for the industrial sector. Kionix will continue to contribute to a growing IoT society by expanding its sensor lineup featuring high accuracy and low power consumption.
The KX132-1211 features a maximum frequency band of 4,200Hz and acceleration detection range from ±2g to ±16g. The high-grade KX134-1211 expands the frequency band to 8,500Hz and acceleration range from ±8g to ±64g. Both operate up to 105 degrees C, whereas conventional products operate up to 85°C. The higher operating temperature, a wider range of frequency and acceleration detection make them suitable for machine condition monitoring such as motor vibration analysis in industrial equipment.
The KX134-1211 consumes 63 per cent lower current than the current consumption of other conventional products (0.67 microA in low power mode). In addition, a high resolution ‘wake up’ function reports when acceleration exceeds an user-defined value. A ‘back to sleep’ function prompts the microcontroller to switch back to an energy saving mode when acceleration is not detected for a certain amount of time. Reducing power consumption of the accelerometer and the microcontroller while the signal of interest is absent improves the power efficiency of the whole application, says Kionix, contributing to longer battery life in portable devices such as wearable and automotive smart keys.
Other application areas are machine health, predictive maintenance, and condition/vibration monitoring (machine condition monitoring) in motor-equipped industrial equipment and logistics tracking in combination with GPS.
Kionix is a Rohm Semiconductor company.
