mems accelerometer working principle

Every MEMS accelerometer starts with the same working principle: a suspended proof mass moves relative to fixed electrodes, changing capacitance. However, getting repeatable measurements out of a structure-monitoring installation takes more than textbook physics. Kingmach builds its capacitive MEMS accelerometers around low-noise ASIC readout chips and thermally compensated mechanical structures. The oscillator frequency and electrode gap are trimmed at the factory to yield sensitivities better than 1 mg/√Hz, so long-term tilt monitoring does not require averaging over hours. The sensing element is hermetically sealed in a ceramic package, then embedded in a stainless steel housing rated IP68. That housing mounts on a steel plate with adjustable legs, speeding up alignment on uneven concrete surfaces. Because the working principle relies on displacement, not piezoelectric charge, our sensors return true DC response. They track static gravity and slow creep just as faithfully as dynamic vibration up to 1 kHz. In practice, a Kingmach MEMS accelerometer is used for structural health monitoring of bridges, retaining wall tilt logging, and seismic switch applications. The standard output is 4–20 mA, RS485, or CAN, eliminating the need for charge amplifiers or separate signal conditioners. Power consumption stays under 15 mA at 12 V, so solar-powered remote stations can run for weeks on a modest battery. For projects requiring a specific range, filter bandwidth, or mounting base, we modify the ASIC settings and mechanical enclosure during order. The working principle stays the same across all variants, which means one calibration procedure and a common set of commissioning checks for every sensor on site. Support engineers provide wiring diagrams and commissioning scripts for Campbell Scientific, Senceive, and other common loggers. If the site has fiber, we can supply an optical version that modulates laser intensity with the proof mass, keeping the identical mechanical core. This focus on the physical sensing mechanism, rather than dressing it up with marketing terms, is why installers and consultants who have dealt with drifting piezo sensors often switch to Kingmach for long-term projects.