Dytran accelerometer (sensor)

Dytran accelerometer is a sensor that can measure acceleration. It is usually composed of mass blocks, dampers, elastic elements, sensitive elements, and adaptive circuits. During the acceleration process, the sensor measures the inertial force acting on the mass block and uses Newton's second law to obtain the acceleration value. According to the different sensitive components of the sensor, common acceleration sensors include capacitive, inductive, strain gauge, piezoresistive, piezoelectric, etc.

The Dytran accelerometer operates based on the principle of piezoelectric effect.

The so-called piezoelectric effect refers to the phenomenon where an external force applied to a crystal without a symmetrical center not only causes deformation, but also changes the polarization state of the crystal, establishing an electric field inside the crystal. This phenomenon of polarization of the medium due to mechanical force is called the positive piezoelectric effect.

Generally, acceleration sensors utilize the characteristic of crystal deformation caused by acceleration inside them. Since this deformation generates voltage, as long as the relationship between the generated voltage and the applied acceleration is calculated, the acceleration can be converted into voltage output. Of course, there are many other methods to make acceleration sensors, such as piezoresistive technology, capacitive effect, thermal bubble effect, and optical effect. However, the most basic principle is that the deformation of a medium is caused by acceleration, and the deformation is measured and converted into voltage output using relevant circuits. Each technology has its own opportunities and challenges.

The piezoresistive accelerometer has developed rapidly due to its wide application in the automotive industry. As safety becomes an increasingly popular selling point for car manufacturers, this type of additional system is also becoming more and more common. The market size of piezoresistive acceleration sensors in 2000 was approximately 420 million US dollars. According to relevant surveys, it is expected that their market value will grow at an average annual rate of 4.1%, reaching 560 million US dollars by 2007. Among them, the European market is the fastest because Europe is home to many airbag and automotive manufacturers.

Piezoelectric technology is mainly used in industry to prevent machine failures. The use of this sensor can detect potential machine failures to achieve self-protection and avoid accidental injuries to workers. This sensor has the repeatability, stability, and self generation that users, especially those in the quality industry, pursue. However, in many new application areas, many users still lack awareness of using such sensors. It would be troublesome for retailers to venture into this untapped market, as end users have limited understanding of the problems and solutions that arise from using such sensors. If these problems can be solved, it will promote the faster development of piezoelectric sensors. In 2002, the market value of piezoelectric sensors was 300 million US dollars, and its annual growth rate is expected to reach 4.9%, reaching 420 million US dollars by 2007.