Tilt sensors, also known as inclinometers or tilt meters, are used to measure the inclination or tilt of an object relative to gravity. As we have previously covered in our post Understanding Tilt Sensors: Principles, Types, and Applications,
When selecting a tilt sensor, there are several factors to consider to ensure it meets the specific requirements of your application. Below are key considerations and solutions to help you choose the right tilt sensor for your design.
Considerations for choosing tilt sensors
1. Static vs. Dynamic Environment: It is essential to determine whether the sensor will be used in a static (largely stationary) or dynamic (frequently changing) environment. Some sensors may be more suitable for stable conditions, while others may be better suited for dynamic or vibrating environments.
2. Sensor Technology: Understand the characteristics of different sensor technologies and ensure that the sensor’s accuracy and resolution meet the application’s requirements.
3. Precision & Sensitivity: Some applications may require high precision and fine resolution, so the sensor’s sensitivity must be considered to ensure it can handle the range of tilt angles expected in the application.
4. Dynamic Characteristics and Environmental Conditions: It is important to understand the sensor’s dynamic characteristics to ensure it can operate stably and is not affected by external vibrations and accelerations.
Additionally, how the sensor will perform under various environmental conditions should be considered, including performance under different temperature and humidity conditions, as well as the need for protection features such as waterproofing, dustproofing, or magnetic or electronic shielding.
5. Size & Lifespan: For applications with space constraints, choose a compact and lightweight sensor.
Additionally, consider the sensor’s expected lifespan, long-term stability, and overall reliability, as well as whether the sensor’s cost aligns with the budget without sacrificing too much performance.
6. Output Interface & Manufacturer Reputation: It is important to ensure that the sensor’s output interface meets the requirements of the system or application, such as digital or analog output.
Finally, selecting a reputable manufacturer and checking reviews and application examples of related products is recommended.
Overall, selecting a tilt sensor requires a comprehensive consideration of the specific application requirements, often requiring a balance between different characteristics’ priorities. Before making a selection, thorough research, testing, and evaluation should be conducted to ensure that the chosen sensor meets the required marks for performance and reliability.
Design considerations and solutions for tilt sensors
Tilt sensors play a crucial role in measuring tilt and inclination, but they can encounter challenges due to environmental conditions, device issues, or sensor-related factors.
To ensure reliable performance and long-term stability, it’s important to address common issues like calibration, temperature fluctuations, vibration, and electromagnetic interference.
Below are key considerations and solutions to help maintain optimal sensor functionality.
1. Calibration Issues: Calibration issues are crucial to address, as external environmental or equipment conditions can affect the accuracy of tilt sensor measurements.
- Therefore, regular calibration using precise tools and considering equipment fixation and installation in real-world application scenarios is essential.
2. Temperature Variations: Temperature variations can also impact sensor performance, leading to drift or inaccurate measurements.
- Select sensors with good temperature stability or use temperature compensation techniques, such as adding temperature sensors nearby for calibration.
3. Vibration: Vibration can introduce errors, especially in dynamic applications.
- Use sensors designed to resist vibration or apply damping materials during installation to reduce these effects.
4. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): Electromagnetic interference (EMI) from the application environment can cause electronic component failures or inaccurate measurements.
- Use sensors with EMI protection or shielding materials around the sensor to minimize external electromagnetic field influences.
5. Harsh Environmental Conditions: In extreme environments (high temperature, humidity, or corrosive conditions), sensor durability can be compromised.
- Choose sensors with waterproof, dustproof, and corrosion-resistant properties, ensuring they meet application scene requirements.
6. Improper Installation: Improper installation and fixation can lead to sensor instability and measurement errors.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for correct installation and fixation, using appropriate fixing tools to ensure the sensor remains in a stable position.
7. Power Supply and Connection Issues: Unstable power supply or connection issues may prevent the sensor from operating correctly.
- Ensure stable power for the sensor, check the integrity of connection lines, and perform necessary electrical checks.
8. Cost Considerations: Cost remains an important consideration, balancing sensor performance and cost is essential when selecting a sensor within a limited budget.
- Evaluate application requirements, select sensors that meet performance criteria, and consider budget factors.
9. Manufacturer Support and Maintenance: When encountering problems, promptly contact the sensor manufacturer or supplier for advice on implementing solutions.
- Regular maintenance and monitoring are also essential to ensure long-term stable operation of tilt sensors.
Conclusion
Choosing the right tilt sensor involves considering factors like environment, accuracy, and sensor type. It’s important to address issues like calibration, temperature, and vibration to ensure reliability. By balancing cost and performance, and maintaining the sensor regularly, you can ensure it performs well over time.
More article on Tilt Sensors
Understanding Tilt Sensors: Principles, Types, and Applications
Check Tilt Sensors from DigiKey
Inclinometers | Motion Sensors | Electronic Components Distributor DigiKey
Tilt Switches | Motion Sensors | Electronic Components Distributor DigiKey
Sensor Evaluation Boards | Evaluation Boards | Electronic Components Distributor DigiKey
Applicable Part Number
| DigiKey Part Number | Manufacturer Part Number |
|---|---|
| 490-18218-2-ND,490-18218-1-ND,490-18218-6-ND | SCL3300-D01-10 |
| 490-18217-2-ND,490-18217-1-ND,490-18217-6-ND | SCL3300-D01-1 |
| ADIS16201CCCZ-ND | ADIS16201CCCZ |
| ADIS16203CCCZ-ND | ADIS16203CCCZ |
| 505-ADIS16209CCCZ-ND | ADIS16209CCCZ |
| 223-1777-ND | G-NSDOG2-001 |
| 505-ADIS16210CMLZ-ND | ADIS16210CMLZ |
| 2131-H6MM-ND | H6MM |
| 551-1053-2-ND,551-1053-1-ND,551-1053-6-ND | SCA830-D07-1 |
| 490-SCL3400-D01-10TR-ND,490-SCL3400-D01-10CT-ND,490-SCL3400-D01-10DKR-ND | SCL3400-D01-10 |
| 1993-TSDA-J-IR045-HM-W-ND | TSDA-J-IR045-HM-W |
| 1993-TSDA-J-IR045-HM-C-ND | TSDA-J-IR045-HM-C |
| 1993-TSDA-J-IR025-HM-W-ND | TSDA-J-IR025-HM-W |
| 1993-TSDA-J-IR025-HM-C-ND | TSDA-J-IR025-HM-C |
| 490-SCL3400-D01-1TR-ND,490-SCL3400-D01-1CT-ND,490-SCL3400-D01-1DKR-ND | SCL3400-D01-1 |
| 223-1572-ND | G-NSDOG1-006 |
| 223-1576-ND | G-NSDOG2-200 |
| 223-1574-ND | G-NSDOG2-003 |
| 2046-INX360D-F99-I2E2-5M-ND | INX360D-F99-I2E2-5M |
| 2046-INX360D-F99-U2E2-V15-ND | INX360D-F99-U2E2-V15 |
| 2046-INX360D-F99-I2E2-V15-ND | INX360D-F99-I2E2-V15 |
| 2131-H6MM-CANOPEN-ND | H6MM-CANOPEN |
| 490-SCL3400-D01-004-ND | SCL3400-D01-004 |
| 1882-1116334-ND | 1116334 |
| 2539-Tilt-05-B1-ND | Tilt-05-B1 |
| 2539-Tilt-15-S-90-A1-ND | Tilt-15-S-90-A1 |
| 2539-Tilt-15-X-90-A1-ND | Tilt-15-X-90-A1 |
| 2539-Tilt-30-A-4-A1-ND | Tilt-30-A-4-A1 |
| 2539-Tilt-30-A-3-A1-ND | Tilt-30-A-3-A1 |
| 2539-Tilt-30-A-8-A1-ND | Tilt-30-A-8-A1 |
| 2539-Tilt-30-A-U-A1-ND | Tilt-30-A-U-A1 |
| 3925-BND-WILOW-HI-INC-15B-ND | BND-WILOW-HI-INC-15B |
| 3925-BND-WILOW-HI-INC-30B-ND | BND-WILOW-HI-INC-30B |
| 2539-Tilt-33-A-U-A1-ND | Tilt-33-A-U-A1 |
| 2539-Tilt-33-A-8-A1-ND | Tilt-33-A-8-A1 |
| 2539-Tilt-33-A-3-A1-ND | Tilt-33-A-3-A1 |
| 2539-Tilt-33-A-4-A1-ND | Tilt-33-A-4-A1 |
| 3925-BND-WILOW-HI-INC-30B-EHR-ND | BND-WILOW-HI-INC-30B-EHR |
| 1882-1073789-ND | 1073789 |
| 2539-Tilt-50-A-U-A1-ND | Tilt-50-A-U-A1 |
| 2539-Tilt-50-A-8-A1-ND | Tilt-50-A-8-A1 |
| 2539-Tilt-50-A-4-A1-ND | Tilt-50-A-4-A1 |
| 2539-Tilt-50-A-3-A1-ND | Tilt-50-A-3-A1 |
| 3925-SK-INCLINOMETER-HI-INC-XR-30B-ND | SK-INCLINOMETER-HI-INC-XR-30B |
| 2539-Tilt-55-A-3-A1-ND | Tilt-55-A-3-A1 |
| 2539-Tilt-55-A-4-A1-ND | Tilt-55-A-4-A1 |
| 2539-Tilt-55-A-8-A1-ND | Tilt-55-A-8-A1 |
| 2539-Tilt-55-A-U-A1-ND | Tilt-55-A-U-A1 |
| 2539-Tilt-57-A-4-A1-ND | Tilt-57-A-4-A1 |
| 2539-Tilt-57-A-U-A1-ND | Tilt-57-A-U-A1 |
| 2539-Tilt-57-A-8-A1-ND | Tilt-57-A-8-A1 |
| 2539-Tilt-57-A-3-A1-ND | Tilt-57-A-3-A1 |
| 3925-BND-2.4GHZ-HI-INC-SR-10T-SCM-ND | BND-2.4GHZ-HI-INC-SR-10T-SCM |
| 3925-BND-WILOW-HI-INC-15B-EHR-ND | BND-WILOW-HI-INC-15B-EHR |
| 3925-SK-INCLINOMETER-HI-INC-30B-ND | SK-INCLINOMETER-HI-INC-30B |
| 3925-SK-INCLINOMETER-INC-30B-ND | SK-INCLINOMETER-INC-30B |
| 3925-SK-INCLINOMETER-HI-INC-SR-10T-ND | SK-INCLINOMETER-HI-INC-SR-10T |
| 3925-SK-HI-INC-SR-SCM-OUT-ND | SK-HI-INC-SR-SCM-OUT |
| 223-1573-ND | G-NSDOG2-002 |
| 1993-TSDA-A-IR025-HM-W-ND | TSDA-A-IR025-HM-W |
| 1993-TSDA-A-IR045-HM-W-ND | TSDA-A-IR045-HM-W |
| 1993-TSDA-A-IR090-HM-W-ND | TSDA-A-IR090-HM-W |
| 1993-TSDA-A-IR045-HM-C-ND | TSDA-A-IR045-HM-C |
| 1993-TSDA-A-IR025-HM-C-ND | TSDA-A-IR025-HM-C |
| 1993-TSDA-A-IR090-HM-C-ND | TSDA-A-IR090-HM-C |
| 1993-TSDA-J-IR090-HM-W-ND | TSDA-J-IR090-HM-W |
| 1993-TSDA-J-IR090-HM-C-ND | TSDA-J-IR090-HM-C |
| 1993-TSDA-O-IR045-HM-W-ND | TSDA-O-IR045-HM-W |
| 1993-TSDA-O-IR025-HM-W-ND | TSDA-O-IR025-HM-W |
| 1993-TSDA-O-IR090-HM-W-ND | TSDA-O-IR090-HM-W |
| 1993-TSDA-O-IR025-HM-C-ND | TSDA-O-IR025-HM-C |
| 1993-TSDA-O-IR045-HM-C-ND | TSDA-O-IR045-HM-C |
| 1993-TSDA-O-IR090-HM-C-ND | TSDA-O-IR090-HM-C |
| SCA830-D07-10-ND | SCA830-D07-10 |
| 490-SCA830-D07-004-ND | SCA830-D07-004 |
| 490-SCL3300-D01-004-ND | SCL3300-D01-004 |
| G-NSDOG2-002W/CALCERTG-NSMIS-005-ND | G-NSDOG2-002 W/CAL CERT G-NSMIS-005 |
| G-NSDOG2-001W/CALCERTG-NSMIS-005-ND | G-NSDOG2-001 W/CAL CERT G-NSMIS-005 |
| G-NSDOG2-200W/CALCERTG-NSMIS-005-ND | G-NSDOG2-200 W/CAL CERT G-NSMIS-005 |
| G-NSDOG2-003W/CALCERTG-NSMIS-005-ND | G-NSDOG2-003 W/CAL CERT G-NSMIS-005 |
| 1882-1118561-ND | 1118561 |
| 1882-1116341-ND | 1116341 |
| 1882-1116343-ND | 1116343 |
| G-NSDOG2-021W/CALCERTG-NSMIS-005-ND | G-NSDOG2-021 W/CAL CERT G-NSMIS-005 |
| 1882-1121701-ND | 1121701 |
| 1882-1120312-ND | 1120312 |
| 1882-1116333-ND | 1116333 |
| 1882-1116336-ND | 1116336 |
| 1882-1116303-ND | 1116303 |
| 1882-1116332-ND | 1116332 |
| 1882-1123685-ND | 1123685 |
| 1882-1120743-ND | 1120743 |
| 1882-1116337-ND | 1116337 |
| 1882-1116338-ND | 1116338 |
| 1882-1124311-ND | 1124311 |
| 1882-1122883-ND | 1122883 |
| 1882-1116335-ND | 1116335 |
| 1882-1121327-ND | 1121327 |
| 1882-1073784-ND | 1073784 |
| 1882-1073783-ND | 1073783 |
| 1882-1073785-ND | 1073785 |
| 1882-1116345-ND | 1116345 |
| 1882-1116575-ND | 1116575 |
| 1882-1116340-ND | 1116340 |
| 1882-1120611-ND | 1120611 |
| 1882-1121189-ND | 1121189 |
| 1882-1120612-ND | 1120612 |
| 1882-1073780-ND | 1073780 |
| 1882-1073782-ND | 1073782 |
| 1882-1073781-ND | 1073781 |
| 1882-1116342-ND | 1116342 |
| 2046-INX360D-F99-U2E2-5M-ND | INX360D-F99-U2E2-5M |
| 1882-1124499-ND | 1124499 |
| 1882-1129143-ND | 1129143 |
| 1882-1073788-ND | 1073788 |
| 2046-INX360D-F99-I2E2-7M-ND | INX360D-F99-I2E2-7M |
| 2046-INX360D-F99-I2E2-8.5M-ND | INX360D-F99-I2E2-8.5M |
| 1882-1073786-ND | 1073786 |
| 1882-1073787-ND | 1073787 |
| 1882-1073794-ND | 1073794 |
| 1882-1073797-ND | 1073797 |
| 1882-1073795-ND | 1073795 |
| 1882-1073796-ND | 1073796 |
| 2046-INY360D-F99-2U2E2-V17-ND | INY360D-F99-2U2E2-V17 |
| 2046-INY360D-F99-2I2E2-V17-ND | INY360D-F99-2I2E2-V17 |
| 2046-INY360D-F99-2I2E2-5M-ND | INY360D-F99-2I2E2-5M |
| 2046-INY360D-F99-2U2E2-5M-ND | INY360D-F99-2U2E2-5M |
| 1882-1073802-ND | 1073802 |
| 1882-1073805-ND | 1073805 |
| 1882-1125894-ND | 1125894 |
| 2046-INX360D-F99-B16-V15-ND | INX360D-F99-B16-V15 |
| 2046-INX360D-F99-B20-V15-ND | INX360D-F99-B20-V15 |
| 1882-1073792-ND | 1073792 |
| 1882-1073793-ND | 1073793 |
| 1882-1073791-ND | 1073791 |
| 1882-1073790-ND | 1073790 |
| 2046-INY030D-F99-2I2E2-5M-ND | INY030D-F99-2I2E2-5M |
| 2046-INY060D-F99-2I2E2-V17-ND | INY060D-F99-2I2E2-V17 |
| 2046-INY030D-F99-2I2E2-V17-ND | INY030D-F99-2I2E2-V17 |
| 2046-INY030D-F99-2U-V15-ND | INY030D-F99-2U-V15 |
| 1882-1073800-ND | 1073800 |
| 1882-1073798-ND | 1073798 |
| 1882-1073799-ND | 1073799 |
| 1882-1073801-ND | 1073801 |
| 2046-INY360D-F99-B16-V15-ND | INY360D-F99-B16-V15 |
| 2046-INY360D-F99-B20-V15-ND | INY360D-F99-B20-V15 |
| 1882-1115732-ND | 1115732 |
| 2046-INY120D-F99-B20-V15-ND | INY120D-F99-B20-V15 |
| 2046-INY030D-F99-B16-V15-ND | INY030D-F99-B16-V15 |
| 2046-INY030D-F99-B20-V15-ND | INY030D-F99-B20-V15 |
| 2046-INY030D-F99-2I2E2-25M-ND | INY030D-F99-2I2E2-25M |
| 1882-1094483-ND | 1094483 |
| 1882-1094486-ND | 1094486 |
| 1882-1094485-ND | 1094485 |
| 1882-1094488-ND | 1094488 |
| 1882-1098670-ND | 1098670 |
| 1882-1098671-ND | 1098671 |
| 1882-1098668-ND | 1098668 |
| 1882-1098669-ND | 1098669 |
| 2046-INX360D-F99-I2E2-V15-EX-ND | INX360D-F99-I2E2-V15-EX |
| 2046-ACX04-F99-I-V15-916070-ND | ACX04-F99-I-V15-916070 |
| 2046-INY030D-F99-2I2E2-Y915743-ND | INY030D-F99-2I2E2-Y915743 |
| 1724-1442-ND | T-P2-15-A1-CS10 |
| T-M1-360-A1-M12/8-ND | T-M1-360-A1-M12/8 |
| T-P1Y-60-A1-CS10-ND | T-P1Y-60-A1-CS10 |
| SCL3300-D01-ND | SCL3300-D01 |
| EG4917TR-ND,EG4917CT-ND | TM1000Q |
| 1835-1000-ND | CW1300-1 |
| 1835-1156-ND | AG1262-1 |
| 360-2188-ND | DSBA1H |
| 360-2187-ND | DSBA1P |
| 1835-1002-ND | AG3011-77C |
| 735-1012-ND | T3-B-LS |
| 1835-1004-ND | PD5005-7TC |
| 735-1011-ND | T1-AB-JS |
| CKN10398-ND | RB-220-07A R |
| CKN10375-ND | RB-231X2 |
| 1835-PD6045-ND | PD6045 |
| 360-2291-ND | DSA01 |
| 255-5187-ND | AHF21 |
| 255-5916-ND | AHF23 |
| 1835-PD6045-LC-ND | PD6045-LC |
| 1835-1003-ND | PD6010 |
| 1835-PD6011-NO-1-ND | PD6011-NO-1 |
| 881-RBS306-TILT-HP-US-ND | RBS306-TILT-HP-US |
| 255-5186-ND | AHF22 |
| 1528-173-ND | 173 |
| 1568-SEN-10289-ND | SEN-10289 |
| 1835-PD5000-ND | PD5000 |
| 1835-PD5005-ND | PD5005 |
| 1835-PD5005-74-ND | PD5005-74 |
| 1835-PD5005-73-ND | PD5005-73 |
| 1835-PD5004-ND | PD5004 |
| 2027-1004-ND | RBS101-TILT-RCZ2 |
| 1835-PD5009-ND | PD5009 |
| 1835-PD6011-NC-1-ND | PD6011-NC-1 |
| 1835-PD6011-NO-2-ND | PD6011-NO-2 |
| 1835-PD6011-NC-2-ND | PD6011-NC-2 |
| 1835-PD6000-ND | PD6000 |
| 1920-08330000504-ND | 08330000504 |
| 1920-08330000505-ND | 08330000505 |
| 1920-08330000067-ND | 08330000067 |
| 1920-08330000095-ND | 08330000095 |
| 1920-08330000075-ND | 08330000075 |
| 1920-08330000502-ND | 08330000502 |
| 1920-08330000076-ND | 08330000076 |
| 1920-08330000503-ND | 08330000503 |
| 1920-08330000087-ND | 08330000087 |
| 1920-08330000107-ND | 08330000107 |
| 1920-08330000500-ND | 08330000500 |
| 1920-08330000501-ND | 08330000501 |
| 1920-08330000066-ND | 08330000066 |
| 1920-08330000080-ND | 08330000080 |
| ADIS16209/PCBZ-ND | ADIS16209/PCBZ |
| 505-EVAL-ADIS-FX3Z-ND | EVAL-ADIS-FX3Z |
| ADIS16203/PCBZ-ND | ADIS16203/PCBZ |
| 490-SCL3300-D01-PCB-ND | SCL3300-D01-PCB |
| EVAL-CN0189-SDPZ-ND | EVAL-CN0189-SDPZ |
| ADIS16201/PCBZ-ND | ADIS16201/PCBZ |
| 490-MEMS-EVAL-BOARD-ND | MEMS-EVAL-BOARD |
| 551-1059-ND | SCA830-D07-PCB |
| 490-SCL3400-D01-PCB-ND | SCL3400-D01-PCB |
| SEN0079-ND | SEN0079 |
| SEN0183-ND | SEN0183 |
| 813-1028-ND | DLP-TILT-G |
| ADIS16210/PCBZ-ND | ADIS16210/PCBZ |
| 490-8620-ND | SCA100T-D01-PCB |
| 490-8621-ND | SCA100T-D02-PCB |
| 490-8623-ND | SCA103T-D04-PCB |
| 490-8624-ND | SCA103T-D05-PCB |
| 551-1006-ND | DEMO KIT |