Data Sheet ADXL1001/ADXL1002
Rev. 0 | Page 9 of 14
THEORY OF OPERATION
The ADXL1001/ADXL1002 are high frequency, low noise single-
axis microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) accelerometers
that provide an analog output that is proportional to mechanical
vibration. The ADXL1001/ADXL1002 have high g ranges of 100 g
and 50 g and are suitable for vibration measurements in high
bandwidth applications such as vibration analysis systems that
monitor and diagnose machine or system health.
The low noise and high frequency bandwidth allows the
measurement of vibration patterns caused by small moving
parts, such as internal bearings, and the high g range provides
the dynamic range to be used in high vibration environments
such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and
heavy machine equipment. To achieve proper performance, be
aware of system noise, mounting, and signal conditioning.
System noise is affected by supply voltage noise. The analog
output of the ADXL1001/ADXL1002 is a ratiometric output;
therefore, supply voltage modulation affects the output. Use a
properly decoupled stable supply voltage to power the ADXL1001/
ADXL1002 and to provide a reference voltage for the digitizing
system.
The output signal is impacted by an overrange stimulus. An
overload indicator output feature is provided to indicate a
condition that is critical for an intelligent measurement system.
For more information about the overrange features, see the
Overrange section.
Proper mounting is required to ensure full mechanical transfer
of vibration to accurately measure the desired vibration rather
than vibration of the measurement system, including the sensor.
A common technique for high frequency mechanical coupling
is to utilize a sensor stud mount system while considering the
mechanical interface of fixing the ADXL1001/ADXL1002 in the
stud. For lower frequencies (below the full capable bandwidth
of the sensor), it is possible to use magnetic or adhesive
mounting. Proper mounting technique ensures proper and
repeatable results that are not influenced by measurement
system mechanical resonances and/or damping at the desired
frequency, and represents an efficient and proper mechanical
transfer to the system being monitored.
Proper application specific signal conditioning is require to
achieve optimal results. An understanding of measurement
frequency range and managing overload condition is important
to achieve accurate results. The electrical output signal of the
ADXL1001/ADXL1002 requires some band limiting and proper
digitization bandwidth. See the Interfacing Analog Output
Below 10 kHz section and the Interfacing Analog Output
Beyond 10 kHz section for more information.
MECHANICAL DEVICE OPERATION
The moving component of the sensor is a polysilicon surface-
micromachined structure built on top of a silicon wafer.
Polysilicon springs suspend the structure over the surface of the
wafer and provide a resistance against acceleration forces.
Deflection of the structure is measured using differential
capacitors that consist of independent fixed plates and plates
attached to the moving mass. Acceleration deflects the structure
and unbalances the differential capacitor, resulting in a sensor
output with an amplitude proportional to acceleration. Phase-
sensitive demodulation determines the magnitude and polarity
of the acceleration.
OPERATING MODES
The ADXL1001/ADXL1002 have two operating modes:
measurement mode and standby mode. Measurement mode
provides a continuous analog output for active monitoring.
Standby mode is a nonoperational, low power mode.
Measurement Mode
Measurement mode is the normal operating mode of the
ADXL1001/ADXL1002. In this mode, the accelerometer
actively measures acceleration along the axis of sensitivity and
consumes 1.0 mA (typical) using a 5.0 V supply.
Standby
Placing the ADXL1001/ADXL1002 in standby mode suspends
the measurement with internal reduction of current consumption
to 225 μA (typical for 5.0 V supply). The transition time from
standby to measurement mode is <50 μs. The transition from
standby to measure mode is shown in Figure 18.
BANDWIDTH
The ADXL1001/ADXL1002 circuitry supports an output signal
bandwidth beyond the resonant frequency of the sensor,
measuring acceleration over a bandwidth comparable to the
resonant frequency of the sensor. The output response is a
combination of the sensor response and the output amplifier
response. Therefore, external band limiting or filtering is
required; see the Interfacing Analog Output Below 10 kHz
section and the Interfacing Analog Output Beyond 10 kHz
section for more information.
When using the ADXL1001/ADXL1002 beyond 10 kHz,
consider the nonlinearity due to the resonance frequency of the
sensor, the additional noise due to the wideband output of the
amplifier, and the discrete frequency spurious tone due to coupling
of the internal 200 kHz clock. Aliased interferers in the desired
band cannot be removed, and observed performance degrades.
A combination of high speed sampling and appropriate band
limiting filtering is required for optimal performance.