How to Calculate Acceleration on the X Axis Using Tri-axial Accelerometers?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Murs
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating acceleration on the X axis using tri-axial accelerometers. Participants explore the initial steps needed to interpret accelerometer data, focusing on the relationship between voltage output and acceleration values.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks guidance on calculating acceleration on the X axis from accelerometer data, expressing a lack of understanding of the process.
  • Another participant suggests that the tri-axial aspect may not be necessary if only one axis is considered and inquires about the type of accelerometer and its output measurement method.
  • A participant mentions their intention to understand all three axes and provides specific ADC values for the accelerometer's output, questioning how to derive acceleration from these values.
  • One contributor recalls a previous experience with accelerometers and suggests that knowing the voltage output could facilitate acceleration calculations, although they express uncertainty about their knowledge due to past difficulties.
  • A participant provides specific voltage outputs for the accelerometer at different conditions and requests clarification on how these values relate to acceleration calculations.
  • Another participant recommends consulting the accelerometer's spec sheet and asks for the model number to assist further.
  • The model number is shared, along with a link to the data sheet, which may contain relevant information for calculations.
  • A later reply explains how to calculate acceleration using the output voltage, zero point, and sensitivity values from the data sheet, providing a formula for participants to use.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the calculation method initially, but there is a progression towards understanding how to use voltage outputs for acceleration calculations. Multiple viewpoints and levels of understanding are present throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about their prior knowledge and the specifics of the accelerometer's output, indicating potential limitations in their understanding of the calculations involved.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals new to working with accelerometers, those seeking to understand the relationship between voltage output and acceleration, and anyone interested in practical applications of tri-axial accelerometers in experimental settings.

Murs
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Hi,

I am very new to accelerometers and I don't seem to be making any head way with them and I was wondering if someone could tell me what would be my first step in calculating acceleration on the X axis.
 
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Well the tri-axial bit is irrelevant if you're only considering one axis. What type of accelerometer do you have, and what are you using to measure its output?
 
Hi,
I am concerned with all the axis( X, Y, and Z ) but I figured if I was told how to find one. I would be able to figure out the others. I am using a ±1.5g Three Axis Low-g Micromachined Accelerometer. So far all I am seeing are the accelerometer ADC values

19.405 2318 2038 2037
19.605 2320 2044 2036
19.805 2323 2049 2035

In the Format: <timeSec> <accX> <accY> <accZ>

The problem is I don't know what to do with these values to find the acceleration in each of the axis.
 
I only worked with an acceleromter briefly 2 years ago as a freshman project, but shouldn't there be some sort of rating for the meter (I think the one I worked with happened to be .01v/g). Knowing the voltage output you can calculate acceleration.

I did only get a B for the course due to troubles with hooking it up to an 8-digit display, so I probably don't know what I'm talking about. :P
 
Hi,

The voltage output for the
XOut @ 0g = 1.65V
YOut @ -1g = 0.85V
ZOut @ 0g = 1.6V

I would greatly appreciate it if you could tell me how the voltage output can help you calculate acceleration - Or anyone else that knows and can help me

Thanks!
 
A spec sheet for your accelerometer may help. Do you have a model number?
 
MMA7260Q
Located @ http://www.freescale.com/files/sensors/doc/data_sheet/MMA7260QT.pdf

Thanks
 
You have a zero point and a sensitivity for each channel. Basically, using the values given in your data sheet (and comparing to what you've posted):

Acceleration (g) = (Output in mV - Zero point in mV) / (Sensitivity in mV/g)

So for example...

Acceleration (g) = (850 mV - 1650 mV) / 800 mV/g = -1g

Hope this helps.
 
Thanks Man!

Much appreciated
 

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