Mechanical Shock Limits

The accelerometers used by the IMU are sensitive instruments that can suffer mechanical damage if subjected to large or frequent accelerations beyond their rated range while in operation. To protect themselves from occasional over-range events, the accelerometer’s control circuitry will temporarily reduce drive power to the sense element if acceleration exceeds twice the full-scale range. While this protective mode is enabled, the reported acceleration values will be inaccurate and will appear to drift towards zero. Normal operation will resume after sensed acceleration returns to an acceptable level.

It is essential to note that, even with this automatic protection circuitry, repeated exposure of the accelerometer to shock and vibration acceleration levels exceeding twice its full-scale range will cause excessive mechanical wear. Over time, damage can accumulate and may cause the device to become defective. Care should be taken not to subject the sensor to accelerations beyond twice the full scale range during normal operating conditions.