Automotive Accelerometers: Understand Motion Signals and Their Limits — working record
Yenra | Updated September 11, 2026
https://yenra.com/accelerometers/

PURPOSE
Explain what an accelerometer measures and how orientation, gravity and other sensors affect interpretation.

HOW TO USE
Open this file in a text editor and save a private copy. Fill each prompt with observations and a source or date where relevant. Use “unknown” for missing evidence, “not applicable” when a field does not apply, and record the next action. Use the relevant vehicle, product and official source instructions. This worksheet is a planning or interpretation record; it does not establish equipment compatibility or regulatory approval. Keep units with measurements and identify hypothetical numbers. Do not post VINs, account details or personal documents publicly.

1. Question to answer and whether data are hypothetical or measured
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2. Sensor/device model, qualification context and mounting/location
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3. Positive axes, vehicle coordinate mapping and orientation evidence
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4. Units, range, calibration and gravity handling; 0.20 g = 1.96133 m/s²
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5. Timestamps, sample rate, missing records and processing
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6. Idealized tilt example: stationary, constrained axis, 0.5 g projection gives 30 degrees; invalid without assumptions
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7. Observed trace features, clipping and alternative explanations
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8. Supported conclusion, unresolved uncertainties and required reference/documentation
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SUPPORTING REFERENCES
Analog Devices ADXL345 documentation
https://www.analog.com/en/products/adxl345.html
Analog Devices’ inclination-sensing application note
https://www.analog.com/en/resources/app-notes/an-1057.html
Bosch automotive inertial-measurement-unit explanation
https://www.bosch-mobility.com/en/solutions/sensors/inertial-measurement-unit/

FINAL CHECK
Unresolved questions:
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