Why We Pulled Our MEMS Vibration Sensor Off The Market

In March of 2017, Instantel launched the SmartGeo, a MEMS-based vibration sensor. We were excited. We felt we would be migrating from traditional solenoid sensors to MEMS. Solenoid sensors are about the size of a spool of thread. A geophone requires three solenoid sensors to account for the transverse, vertical, and longitudinal planes. For decades, solenoid sensors have been the standard in our industry. 

Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems, or MEMS sensors, are smaller than a fingernail. There were some great advantages to our MEMS-based SmartGeo vibration sensor. It worked in most orientations, making installation easier because of greater level tolerances, a real convenience when installed on rock, tunnel walls, or when buried in hard ground. It could be mounted horizontally (on a floor) or vertically (on a wall).

This paper presents the reasons why Instantel concluded that we could not trust certain MEMS* (hereinafter referred to as MEMS) vibration sensors for applications in our industry.

Please download the white paper below for the complete report.

* Tested MEMS vibration sensors ADXL355 and ADXL357 only

Due to the inconsistencies and irregularities found across multiple scenarios in the recorded data provided by the tested MEMS device, Instantel does not have confidence or trust that the MEMS data is reliable and accurate over time. Solenoid-based vibrations sensors, used for decades in the industry, remain a reliable and accurate measurement technology.