Project Title:

Tri-Axial Miniature Accelerometer with Solid-State Storage

Orbital Technologies Corporation (ORBITEC)
402 Gammon Place, Suite 10
Madison, Wisconsin 53719

93-1      13.12     1992A               Amount Requested $70,000

Tri-Axial Miniature Accelerometer with Solid-State Storage

Abstract:

A tri-axial accelerometer that capitalizes on advances in 
micromachined accelerometers and solid-state memory ICs such that
it can store its data and power itself internally within a volume
of approximately 6 cubic inches is proposed.  Storing timeline
data from acceleration sensors is normally done with bulky magnetic 
recorders due to the large amounts of data typically required. 
By combining memory card packaging with silicon accelerometers, it 
will be possible to put 4 MBytes of storage at the accelerometer. 

With a 4 MByte card, the Tri-Axial Miniature Accelerometer with 
Solid-state Storage of data (TAMASS) could sample each axis at 15
Hz over a 24-hour period.  Using conventional data compression 
techniques, the recording time can be extended to many days.  
Applying this data collection ability to a system would be
reduced from days to hours, allowing data collection of vibrations in 
application that previously couldn't be done due to time or cost 
limitations.

Portability and ease of installation/removal/relocation are key 
features that result from a device that is internally powered and
has its own data storage capability.  This accelerometer can be 
used as a performance monitor and/or a diagnostic tool that can
be moved about as analysis requirements dictate.  As a diagnostic
tool it could be used to locate the source of system disturbances and 
anomalies for everything from industrial equipment to cars.

accelerometer, miniature, solid-state, integrated circuit