Technical Information

Overview

An electrolytic tilt sensor provides an output voltage that is proportional to the tilt angle of the sensor with reference to gravity. A typical tilt sensor has three electrodes: a common electrode and two outer electrodes. As the sensor is tilted, the electrolytic fluid inside the sensor covers more or less of the outer electrodes depending on the direction of tilt. The tilt is calculated by measuring the difference in electrical impedance between the two outer electrodes to the common.

The following links contain more information about how tilt sensors operate, typical terminology used to specify the performance or construction of tilt sensors, and how to interface electrolytic tilt sensors into an electronic circuit.

Application Notes

Datasheets

Manuals

Sample Applications

More Resources


IMPORTANT NOTE: Electrolytic tilt sensors must be operated in the AC mode. Any direct current (DC) will cause the level to become unstable and even inoperable. The amount of current through the level must not exceed the maximum as specified on the data sheet. Currents that are above the typical recommended value will cause the level to self-heat and the readings will drift.