Inclination sensors

MEMS technology offers a compact, reliable, and cost-effective solution for most industrial measurement needs. It is particularly well suited for both static and slowly changing angle measurements and has become the standard solution in many mobile and industrial applications.

Alternatively, inclination can also be measured using a magnetic pendulum-based system. In these solutions, an internal mass tilts due to acceleration, and the measurement is based on detecting changes in the resulting magnetic field. This technology is especially suitable for demanding environments with strong vibrations or dynamic motion.

Modern inclination sensors increasingly combine MEMS accelerometers with gyroscopes, enabling significantly higher accuracy and improved resistance to disturbances. This allows compensation for measurement errors caused by vibration and rapid movements.

A good example of this is the FSG 2-axis inclination sensors represented by Fiseg, where an integrated gyroscope enhances signal stability, particularly in dynamic applications.

Typical applications include monitoring the inclination of machines and platforms, controlling the position of lifting equipment, and measuring the boom angle of earth-moving machinery such as excavators and cranes. In addition, inclination sensors are used in various safety systems where accurate positioning directly affects operational and workplace safety, for example in elevators and conveyor systems.

Inclination sensors are also well suited for demanding mobile applications, such as marine environments where vessel tilt must be monitored, as well as in agricultural machinery and other mobile systems. In these applications, sensors are required to provide reliable measurements even under vibration, shock, and dynamic movement conditions.

In the sensors represented by Fiseg, such as FSG models, both continuous 0–360° measurement for single-axis applications and limited measurement ranges (e.g. ±60° or ±85°) for dual-axis applications are available.

When selecting a sensor, it is important to consider whether full 360° rotation is required or if a limited angular range is sufficient. In practice, single-axis solutions often utilize the full 360° measurement range, while dual-axis sensors are typically limited to ranges such as ±60° or ±85°.

In addition, inclination sensors differ in their mounting configurations. Common options include top-mount versions, where one measurement axis is oriented vertically, and bottom-mount versions, where the measurement is directed downward.

For example, Gefran GIB and GIG sensors offer linearity accuracy of less than ±0.5% FS, while premium analog sensors from FSG can achieve accuracy levels as high as ±0.05° under optimized conditions.

In addition to accuracy, resolution and temperature compensation are key performance factors. Modern sensors typically offer resolutions down to 0.05°, both for analog outputs and fieldbus-based signals such as CANopen.

In practice, measurement performance is also influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and vibration. These effects are often described as drift (for example, less than 0.01°/°C), indicating how much the measurement changes with temperature variations.

Most modern inclination sensors offer both analog and digital signal outputs, enabling easy integration into a wide range of control systems.

Typical analog outputs include 0.5–4.5 V, 0–10 V, and 4–20 mA, while on the digital side, CANopen fieldbus is commonly used. For example, Gefran GIB and GIG sensors provide a wide range of output options, and FSG sensors similarly offer both analog outputs and CANopen interfaces—some models also feature redundant configurations, such as CANopen Safety.

Sensor connections are most commonly implemented using industry-standard M12 connectors or cable connections, ensuring reliable operation even in demanding environments.

The supply voltage varies depending on the sensor type. Typically, CANopen versions operate at around 18–33 V DC, while analog sensors support a wider range, such as +9 to 36 V DC.

The sensor housings are typically made of durable aluminum or glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (PBT), and in certain specialized applications, stainless steel is used.

Mechanical stress has also been considered in the design: sensors are generally capable of withstanding high levels of vibration (e.g. 20 g, 10 Hz to 2000 Hz) as well as shock loads (e.g. 50 g, 11 ms), making them an excellent choice for mobile machinery and moving equipment.

In addition, many inclination sensors feature built-in EMI and EMC protection, ensuring stable and interference-free operation in electrically demanding industrial environments and compliance with relevant EN standards.

For example, the Gefran GIB is a compact and cost-effective entry-level MEMS sensor suitable for general applications, while the GIG offers extended functionality for both analog and fieldbus-based systems.

In the FSG product range represented by Fiseg, a wide selection of sensors is available, from simple analog units to advanced CANopen and gyroscope-based solutions. This enables reliable measurement in both static applications and more demanding, dynamic environments.

In addition, specialized solutions are available, such as magnetic pendulum-based sensors for heavy vibration conditions, as well as mechanically adapted versions for different mounting requirements.

When selecting an inclination sensor, it is important to consider key factors such as the number of axes required, measurement method, communication protocol, and any functional safety requirements.