Silicon Designs Inc., a global industry leader in the design, development and manufacture of highly rugged industrial-grade MEMS variable capacitive (MEMS VC) accelerometer chips, modules and supporting data acquisition, has announced the global market introduction of the compact, low-mass Model 2220 Series.

The single-axis SDI Model 2220 is a higher-performance version of the company's Model 2210, combining an integrated low-noise, nitrogen-damped, fully-calibrated MEMS VC accelerometer chip with high-drive, low-impedance buffering, each contained in an epoxy-sealed rugged anodized aluminum housing that mounts via two M3 screws. This design is ideal for measuring acceleration within industrial and commercial environments, where low mass (10 g) and small size (1" by 0.5" by 0.44") help to minimize mass loading effects. Available in seven unique models, with measurement ranges from ±2 g to ±200 and a wide frequency response, the SDI Model 2220 series responds to both DC and AC acceleration, with either two analog ±4 V (differential); or 0.5 to 4.5 V (single-ended) outputs that vary with acceleration. At zero acceleration, output differential voltage is nominally 0 VDC (DC response). Differential sensitivity ranges are from 2000 mV/g for the ±2 g module; to 20 mV/g for the ±2000 g module, with typical 1% cross-axis sensitivity. Onboard voltage regulation also minimizes supply voltage variation effects. SDI Model 2220 series modules can withstand shock inputs of up to 2000 g and can reliably operate over a temperature range of –55°C to +125°C. Each module is serialized for traceability and is fully calibrated.

All Silicon Designs MEMS VC accelerometers and data acquisition products are 100% designed, manufactured, assembled and tested at the company's own state-of-the-art facility in Kirkland, Washington, USA, including manufacture of the chips and dies themselves. This completely vertically integrated manufacturing process allows the company to offer high-quality products at a price that is the most competitive within its product class, with some of the industry's shortest lead times and on-time to promise delivery rates. Standard quantities can typically ship in less than two weeks. Non-standard g ranges, packages and connector configurations are also available on request.

The combined low mass, small size, and low-impedance outputs of SDI Model 2220 make the series particularly ideal for flight test, aircraft flutter testing, vibration monitoring and analysis, robotics, biomechanics, automotive RLDA, machinery and equipment control, modal analysis, crash testing, and general in-laboratory applications.