Acceleration Pickup Frequently Asked Questions

In a one-axis accelerometer, when the sensor's mounting surface is installed facing downwards, it will output a positive voltage (or positive charge for charge output types) when it experiences upward acceleration, and the opposite sign output when it experiences downward acceleration.

For example, when an accelerometer is mounted on the top surface of a horizontally placed board and the board is struck from below, the board initially experiences an upward acceleration, resulting in the sensor outputting a positive voltage (or positive charge in the case of a charge output type).

In addition, the polarity of the 3-axis type accelerometer pickup is clearly indicated on the pickup body with an 'arrow'.

Please be careful

In charge amplifiers, some devices invert the polarity (shift it by 180 degrees) on the amplifier side. To correctly check the polarity, lightly tap the accelerometer pickup with your fingertip and confirm the output polarity.