Accelerometers are at the heart of vibration monitoring. They allow engineers to detect abnormal oscillations, analyze machine performance, or monitor the structural health of sensitive buildings. But not all accelerometers rely on the same principle. The two most common technologies are MEMS and piezoelectric accelerometers. Each comes with specific advantages and limitations, which makes the choice highly dependent on the application.
MEMS accelerometers
MEMS sensors are compact, affordable, and energy-efficient. They are well suited for portable devices, IoT integration, and long-term monitoring campaigns. Their digital output makes them easy to use without heavy signal conditioning. They are able to measure vibration from DC and are therefore well suited for low-frequency vibrations.
At Micromega Dynamics, the Recovib Tiny is a good example. It is a robust, autonomous MEMS-based device designed for quick deployment in the field. The Feel USB is also based on MEMS technology and provides high-resolution data directly on a PC.
Best for: Structural monitoring, portable vibration monitoring, industrial maintenance, long-duration monitoring, cost-sensitive projects.
Piezoelectric accelerometers
Piezoelectric accelerometers rely on a crystal that generates an electrical charge when subjected to acceleration. This principle gives them an wide frequency range and very high sensitivity. They are considered the benchmark for precise vibration measurements.
Their main limitation is that they cannot measure static or very low-frequency acceleration, because the generated charge tends to leak over time. For that reason, they are not suitable for monitoring slow drifts or static loads.
Best for: laboratory tests, aerospace applications, high-speed rotating machinery, and cases where frequency bandwidth and sensitivity are critical.
How to choose the right accelerometer?
The choice depends on frequency range, environment, and objectives.
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If you need a portable, cost-effective, low-frequency measurement and connected solution for field measurements → choose MEMS.
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If your application requires high-frequency precision (>20kHz)  → go for piezoelectric.
In practice, many organizations combine several technologies: MEMS for routine and long-term monitoring, and piezoelectric for more specific studies.
Beyond the sensor: the value of data
Whichever accelerometer is chosen, the value comes from how data is processed and shared. Software like Recovib Suite for on-site monitoring enables engineers to analyze data during or after a measurement campaign. With  Recovib Cloud for remote monitoring, they can also visualize signals, set alarms, and generate reports in real time. This turns raw vibration data into actionable insights that help prevent failures, protect structures, and optimize maintenance.
