Microstrain

MicroStrain® FAS-A® Inclinometer

FAS-A®

Accelerometer Based Flexion Angle System

Overview

The FAS-A® Inclinometer is designed to provide 1 and 2-axis static and quasi-dynamic orientation measurements. It incorporates 3 accelerometers together with an on-board microprocessor, embedded software algorithm, non-volatile memory for configuration, and serial communication interface. Its form-factor, rated temperature range and power supply requirements are optimized for a broad array of applications. The FAS-A® outputs either one 360° roll axis or two +/-70° pitch and roll axes.

The FAS-A® Inclinometer is initially sold as a starter kit with orientation module, RS-232 communication and power cable, universal wall transformer power supply, software CD, user manual and quick start guide.

The FAS-A® Inclinometer is factory calibrated and ready for use with power-up. The FAS-A® ships with easy-to-use Microsoft Windows software which allows the user to initialize, configure and operate the instrument, view real-time measurements graphically, and write data to file for post-processing. For those users, integrators or OEMs who develop their own applications, the FAS-A® is shipped with a complete Data Communications Protocol guide that provides the developer with a complete instrument command set. Applications of your own design can readily be developed in any coding language and on any computing platform including microprocessors.

When outputting in single axis mode, the FAS-A® provides measurement of 360° about its roll axis. When outputting in dual axis mode, the FAS-A® provides measurement of +/-70° about both its pitch and roll axes.

The FAS-A® requires +5.2 to +12.0 volts DC to operate and can be powered by wall transformer, batteries, or any other capable power source. The enclosure provides a 2 hole mounting boss. Custom communication and power cables can be user fabricated or purchased from the factory.

FAS-A Inclinometer Orientation Sensor
Applications
  • automotive
  • marine
  • military
  • heavy equipment
  • virtual reality
  • antenna, satellite and camera pointing
  • biomechanics
  • robotics
  • container handling
  • tracking and control
  • out-of-the-box inclination sensor in a small package
  • -25 °C to +70 °C operational range
  • digital output includes 360° inclination on one axis or +/-70° inclination on two axes
  • analog output provides voltage linearly proportional to inclination
  • factory calibrated
  • RS-232 communication interface
  • data rate up to 40 Hz
  • ships with software interface, communication and power cable, power supply and analog cable
  • +5.2 to +12.0 volts power range
  • ABS plastic enclosure with mounting holes
  • user programmable

Application

static/quasi-dynamic measurements

Sensor suite

accelerometers

Orientation range

360° in single axis mode; +/-70° in dual axis mode

Accelerometer range

+/-1.7g

Accelerometer bias stability

0.003g

Accelerometer nonlinearity

0.2%

A/D resolution

12 bits

Orientation accuracy

+/-0.7° typical

Orientation resolution

<0.1° at most aggressive setting

Repeatability

pitch and roll 0.7° typical

Output modes

pitch and roll

Analog output

included cable provides voltage linearly proportional to inclination; 0-4.096 volts full scale

Communication interface

RS-232

Communication/power connector

8 pin DIN type

Data rate

40 Hz

Filtering

infinite impulse response (IIR); user programmable weighted moving average

Baud rate

9600

Power supply voltage

+5.2 to +12.0 VDC

Power consumption

40 mA

Operating temperature

-25°C to +70°C

Dimensions

64mm x 89mm x 25mm

Weight

62 grams

Shock limit

500g

Software

XP/Vista/Win7

 

Single/Dual axis orientation sensor
Single/Dual axis orientation sensor

FAS-A-SK1
Includes (1) FAS-A-M, (1) FAS-A/G digital cable, (1) FAS-A/G analog cable, (1) power supply, Windows XP compatible software