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Difference Between Gyroscope and Accelerometer
Gyroscopes and accelerometers are sensor technologies that are often found in electronic devices such as smartphones, drones, game consoles, and navigation systems. While they are often used in combination to provide a more comprehensive motion sensing capacity, they serve separate functions and operate on different principles.
Read this article to find out more about Gyroscope and Accelerometer and how they are different from each other.
What is Gyroscope?
A gyroscope is a device that measures or maintains orientation and angular velocity. It detects changes in an object's rotational motion and delivers information about its spatial orientation. A gyroscope's underlying principle is based on the conservation of angular momentum.
Structure − A gyroscope typically consists of a rotating rotor that maintains its axis of rotation. The rotor is supported by gimbals, which are rings or pivots that allow the rotor to freely rotate on all three axes. A frame or enclosure supports the gimbals.
Angular Momentum − Angular momentum is a property of rotating objects that is conserved until it is affected by an external torque. This conservation principle supports the gyroscopic effect.
Precession − Precession happens when a gyroscope experiences a torque or force that is not aligned with its axis of rotation. The subsequent rotation of the gyroscopic system along an axis perpendicular to the applied torque is known as precession. This rotation causes the gyroscopic axis to align with the direction of the applied force.
Gyroscopic Stability − The gyroscopic effect stabilizes the axis of rotation of the gyroscope. Once in motion, the gyroscope resists changes in orientation due to the conservation of angular momentum. This stability is used in a variety of applications where exact orientation is required.
It's important to remember that gyroscopes have some limits. External factors, such as vibrations or acceleration, could change their measurements, introducing mistakes. To overcome these limitations, gyroscopes are frequently used in sensor fusion systems in conjunction with other sensors such as accelerometers and magnetometers to offer more accurate motion tracking and orientation data.
What is Accelerometer?
An accelerometer is a type of sensor that measures the correct acceleration, which includes both static forces like gravity and dynamic forces like movement or vibration. It detects changes in linear acceleration along one or more axes and reports on the device's position and orientation.
Structure − There are several types of accelerometers, but the most popular is the Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometer. It consists of a tiny, inert substance that is suspended by tiny springs or cantilevers. The mass moves relative to the sensor structure when the accelerometer receives acceleration.
Inertia Principle − The principle of inertia determines the operation of an accelerometer. When a force is applied to an object, it accelerates, according to Newton's second law of motion. In the case of an accelerometer, the inert mass within the sensor is subjected to a force as a result of acceleration, forcing it to move.
Sensing Mechanism − Accelerometers use a variety of sensor technologies to measure the movement of an inert mass. The most typical way is to take advantage of the change in capacitance or resistance induced by mass displacement. This difference is subsequently translated into an electrical signal representing the acceleration.
In sensor fusion systems, accelerometers are frequently combined with additional sensors such as gyroscopes and magnetometers to offer more accurate motion tracking and orientation information. This sensor data fusion improves the overall performance and reliability of motion sensing systems.
Difference between Gyroscope and Accelerometer
The following table highlights the major differences between Gyroscope and Accelerometer −
Characteristics |
Gyroscope |
Accelerometer |
|---|---|---|
Axis of Measurement |
Typically measures rotation or angular velocity along one or more axes. |
Measures linear acceleration along one or more axes. |
Example |
It is used in navigation systems for tracking the orientation of a spacecraft. |
It is used in smartphones for screen rotation and tracking steps in fitness trackers. |
Limitations |
Can be affected by external forces or vibrations, introducing errors. |
Can be affected by external forces or vibrations, introducing errors. |
Measurement |
Measures changes in angular velocity, providing information about rotational motion or changes in orientation. |
Measures changes in linear acceleration, capturing movement, vibration, tilt, or changes in velocity. |
Applications |
Used in navigation systems, image stabilization, robotics, virtual reality (VR), and aerospace applications requiring precise orientation tracking. |
Used in screen rotation, gesture recognition, fitness trackers, vehicle stability control systems, seismic monitoring, and many motion-related applications. |
Output |
Provides angular velocity or rate of rotation, typically in degrees per second (°/s) or radians per second (rad/s). |
Provides linear acceleration data, typically in meters per second squared (m/s²) or gravitational units (g). |
Conclusion
Both gyroscope and accelerometer are motion sensors, however they operate on separate principles and offer different types of data.
Accelerometers measure linear acceleration, whereas gyroscopes detect angular velocity or rotational motion. They represent the basis of motion sensing technology in many products, which allows precise motion tracking and orientation detection.
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