Two-Dimensional Inclinometer/Tilt Sensor With a Large Dynamic Range Utilizing Half-Wavelength Microstrip Resonator

Abstract

This article presents a 2-D inclinometer consisting of two individual sensors oriented orthogonally to one another such that each sensor measures the tilt angle along its respective axis. The sensors are constructed using a combination of a half-wavelength microstrip transmission line on a printed circuit board and a rotating transmission line on an overlapping circuit board. As the inclination angle changes, the overall length of the resonator varies, leading to a shift in the resonance wavelength. This wavelength shift accurately represents the inclination variation. The experimental results demonstrate a sensitivity of 0.507 mm/ • and a resolution of 0.029 • for the sensor. The inclinometer offers a wide dynamic tilt angle measurement range of at least 80 • (±40 • ) along any axis in XY plane. Additionally, the proposed inclinometer exhibits simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and robustness.