What is an Electrolytic Tilt Sensor?
Fredericks Precision Electrolytic Tilt Sensors
The Fredericks Company is a premier manufacturer of ultra-precision tilt sensors and angular measurement equipment. Tilt sensors measure angular orientation relative to Earth's gravity and serve as core instruments in laser leveling, seismic geodetic monitoring, railway safety, satellite orientation, and medical positioning platforms.
Fredericks offers patented, hermetically sealed electrolytic sensors capable of measuring from sub-arcseconds (< 0.00003°) up to ±180°. They deliver proven long-term zero stability and repeatable accuracy that substantially outperform MEMS-based inclinometers.
Electrolytic Tilt Sensor Technical Specifications & Features
| Specification Item | Parameter Details |
|---|---|
| Product Family | TrueTilt™ Precision Electrolytic Tilt Sensor Series |
| Manufacturer / Origin | The Fredericks Company (USA) / Authorized Taiwan Distributor: Jinzon |
| Operating Principle | Fluid conductive impedance differential (No moving mechanical parts) |
| Angular Measurement Range | Ultra-narrow (±0.5°), Standard (±10°, ±25°), up to Wide-Angle (±180°) |
| Resolution & Repeatability | Sub-arcsecond (< 0.1 arcsec / 0.00003°) |
| Long-Term Zero Drift | Near Zero (< 1 arcsecond / year, multi-year stable reference) |
| Excitation Requirement | AC Excitation only (400 Hz – 2 kHz, strictly 0.0V DC offset) |
| Axis Configuration | Single-Axis (3-pin) and Dual-Axis X/Y (5-pin) options |
| Housing & Packaging | Hermetic glass-to-metal seal / Ceramic encapsulated |
| Compatible Output Modules | Analog (0–5V, 4–20mA), Digital (RS-485 Modbus, SPI, PWM) |
| Primary Target Applications | Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), Dams, Geodesy, Laser Levels, Satcom |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an electrolytic tilt sensor and how does it work?
An electrolytic tilt sensor is a fluid-based precision inclinometer. It contains a conductive electrolyte liquid sealed in a glass or ceramic cavity with immersed electrodes. When tilted, the fluid maintains a level surface relative to gravity, altering the wetted electrode area and generating an AC resistance differential proportional to tilt angle.
Why are electrolytic tilt sensors superior to MEMS inclinometers in critical applications?
Electrolytic tilt sensors have no moving mechanical parts or micro-machined silicon springs, delivering sub-arcsecond repeatability (<0.00003°), near-zero long-term zero drift, and immunity to mechanical fatigue. MEMS devices are prone to thermal and mechanical creep over extended deployment.
Why do electrolytic tilt sensors require AC excitation circuitry?
Electrolytic sensors must be driven by balanced AC excitation signals (typically 400 Hz to 2 kHz with 0.0V DC offset). Applying DC voltage causes electroplating (electrolysis), which permanently damages the electrodes and degrades internal fluid.
How to request Fredericks tilt sensor datasheets, quotes, or engineering samples from Jinzon?
Jinzon Enterprise is the authorized distributor of The Fredericks Company in Taiwan and Asia. Contact our engineering sales team via our inquiry form for datasheets, customized range evaluation, or volume pricing.
Jinzon Enterprise is the authorized distributor of precision angle and tilt measurement components with over 40 years of engineering expertise, providing technical selection, volume supply, and engineering evaluation samples.
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