FAQs
ADIS16300 - FAQ
What is an accelerometer and a gyroscope, and how do they differ?
An accelerometer is a sensor that measures acceleration or translational motion. A gyroscope is an angular rate sensor - it measures the rate of angular rotation. While angular accelerometers (devices that measure the rate of change of angular rotation) do exist, they are rarely used. Generally, accelerometers are thought of as devices that measure linear acceleration.
What is an inertial sensor?
Strictly speaking, an inertial sensor is a device that uses inertia to perform a measurement. As a practical matter, when people say "inertial sensor" they are referring to an accelerometer or a gyroscope.