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How to Choose the Right Silicon Designs Accelerometer
Surface Mount Accelerometer Chips: What’s the Difference?
1521 – The 1521 is Silicon Designs’ flagship chip. It’s rugged, dependable, easy to integrate, and proven across thousands of applications. For general-purpose use, this model is a strong starting point.
1522 – Built on the 1521’s foundation, the 1522 offers enhanced thermal stability. Each unit is temperature-tested to deliver improved performance under extreme or fluctuating conditions. It has half the bias and scale factor variation over temperature compared to the 1521, making it ideal for applications that experience rapid temperature swings or operate continuously at thermal extremes.
1531 – For environments where heat is a serious factor, the 1531 is built with high-temperature materials to maintain performance up to +175°C. It provides the same measurement capabilities as the 1521 but is engineered specifically for sustained operation in high-temperature conditions that would compromise most other MEMS sensors.
1525 – The 1525 is an industrial-grade inertial sensor designed for applications that demand long-term stability. With an average bias repeatability of 5 mg, it performs well in mission-critical roles like backup inertial systems for light- to medium-weight aircraft and helicopters. It has an operational temperature range or -40°C to +85°C.
1527 – This is Silicon Designs’ tactical-grade accelerometer, developed through years of R&D. It delivers superior performance across key stability metrics, including Allan Variance, long-term bias repeatability (better than 2 mg), scale factor stability, axis misalignment, and vibration rectification error, making it an excellent fit for inertial navigation and control systems.
Which G-Level Should I Choose?
Select a g-range that closely matches the maximum acceleration your application will experience. A sensor with too high a g-range may sacrifice sensitivity, while one with too low a range can saturate and miss critical data.
For reference:
- A stationary object on Earth reads approximately 1G due to gravity.
- Driving around a corner typically results in less than 0.5G.
- Seismic systems often use accelerometers with a 2G range or lower.
- Automotive crash testing may require sensors rated for 200G or more.
- In free-fall, a sensor measures 0G until impact.
Also consider frequency range. Each SDI accelerometer is built with a MEMS sense element matched to its g-range, meaning the frequency response varies between models. Higher g-range models accommodate larger motions and therefore may support different bandwidths than low-g versions. For detailed frequency performance, refer to the datasheet for each specific model.
Should I Choose a Low-Cost or High-Performance Module?
The right module depends on your operating environment and how much thermal variation your application will experience.
Low-Cost Modules
If the environment is one a person could withstand without special protective gear, a low-cost module is typically sufficient. These modules use standard Silicon Designs accelerometer chips and are a reliable option for most general-purpose applications. They operate from -55°C to +125°C, accept +8–32V DC excitation, and come individually calibrated and serialized for traceability.
Available models:
High-Performance Modules
For applications involving rapid or sustained exposure to temperature extremes, high-performance modules are recommended. These use the SDI 1522 accelerometer chip, which has been individually tested and temperature corrected to reduce bias and scale factor variation. They include all the standard SDI benefits with added thermal stability.
Available models:
What If I Need to Move Things Around, Replace Cables, or Use Longer Cable Runs?
Choosing between integrated or detachable cables comes down to how much flexibility and durability you need during installation and operation.
Integrated Cable Modules
If your installation is fixed and the cable is unlikely to be moved or replaced often, an integrated cable module is a simple, effective solution.
Recommended models:
Detachable Cable Modules
If you expect to move equipment frequently, work in field environments, or prefer to select your own cable length, choose a module with a connector. These allow for easier cable replacement and greater flexibility.
Recommended models:
Need a longer integrated cable?
We can build modules with extended cable lengths upon request. A minimum build lot of 10 pieces is required for custom cable orders.
What If the Surrounding Environment Is Physically Challenging?
Environmental conditions play a major role in choosing the right module. Consider temperature, exposure to the elements, and the presence of pressure or contaminants when selecting your accelerometer.
Standard Environments
If the operating environment is one that a person could comfortably withstand without protective gear, a low-cost universal module is typically sufficient.
Recommended models:
Extreme Temperatures
For hot or cold extremes, especially if the application involves prolonged exposure to those conditions, choose a high-performance module with improved bias and scale factor temperature coefficients.
Recommended models:
Harsh Physical Environments
For dirty, humid, or high/low pressure conditions, a hermetically sealed titanium module is the best choice. These modules offer enhanced protection against moisture, debris, and pressure variation.
Recommended models:
Which Modules Work with a +8 to +32V DC Power Supply?
Most of Silicon Designs’ universal test and measurement accelerometers support +8 to +32V DC excitation. These models offer both single-ended and differential outputs and are typically in stock.
Recommended modules:
1-Axis Models:
- 2210 – Our most popular module. It uses the SDI 1521 chip, features a traditional 1” × 1” housing, and includes a 3′ integrated cable. Ideal for general-purpose applications.
- 2220 – An upgraded version of the 2210. It uses the 1522 chip, which is individually tested and temperature-corrected for improved performance in extreme or fluctuating temperatures.
- 2240 – Electrically the same as the 2220, but enclosed in a hermetic titanium case with a connector for more rugged or sealed environments.
- 2260 – Offers the same performance as the 2210 but in a smaller-footprint package — useful when space is limited.
- 2266 – A connectorized version of the 2260 for applications where cable replacement or customization is preferred.
- 2276 – A compact, connectorized version of the 2220. It offers high thermal performance in a small footprint, making it the upgraded equivalent of the 2266.
3-Axis Models:
- 2460 – The 3-axis version of the 2260, includes a 3’ integrated cable.
- 2466 – The 3-axis version of the 2266, with a connector.
- 2470 – The 3-axis counterpart to the 2220, featuring high thermal stability and a 3’ integrated cable.
- 2476 – The 3-axis equivalent of the 2276: compact, high-performance, and connectorized.
- 2480 – A hermetic titanium version of the 2476, built for sealed, extreme environments.
These modules are reliable and versatile, making them a good match for most lab and field applications using standard DAQ systems or power supplies.
What If My System Requires +5V DC Excitation?
If you’re using a DAQ system with a limited power supply, SDI’s low-voltage modules are designed specifically to operate at +5V DC while maintaining excellent sensing performance.
1-Axis:
2012 – Uses the SDI 1521 accelerometer chip in a traditional 1” × 1” housing with a 3’ integrated cable. A solid option for space-constrained, low-voltage applications where performance and simplicity are key.
3-Axis:
2422 – The 3-axis version of the 2012, offering the same ease of use and signal stability in a compact footprint with a 3’ integrated cable.
2422H – A hermetically sealed titanium version of the 2422, ideal for harsh or sealed environments where protection against moisture and contaminants is critical.
What If My Mounting Location Has Size or Mass Constraints?
In some applications, such as UAVs, portable systems, or dense instrument panels, available space or allowable mass may limit your sensor choice. Silicon Designs offers both compact and standard-size modules to meet these needs.
If space is limited:
Choose a small-footprint 1-axis module. These are approximately 33% smaller than traditional packages, making them ideal when you need to reduce mass or fit into tight spaces.
Recommended small-footprint models:
- 2260 – Standard performance in a reduced-size housing.
- 2266 – Same as the 2260, but with a connector for cable flexibility.
- 2276 – Compact and connectorized, with high thermal performance using the 1522 chip.
If space is not an issue:
Stick with a standard 1” × 1” module to simplify installation and reduce cost. These are well-suited to general-purpose use where compactness isn’t a priority.
Recommended standard-size models:
