#MEMS: "Sensor to prevent smart-meter tampering"

MEMS sensors have become so inexpensive that even specialized functions have been targeted by suppliers like Freescale Semiconductor, which announced its smart-meter tamper-prevention sensor at the MEMS Executive Congress 2012 (Nov. 7-9, Scottsdale, Ariz.): R. Colin Johnson @NextGenLog


Freescale's three-axis accelerometer optimized for sensing tilt can be used to prevent tampering with stationary smart meters.

Here is what EETimes says about MEMS sensors for tamper prevention: Sensing "tilt" in old style pinball machines used a mechanical ball-in-tube sensor, but the micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) version should harness a tri-axis accelerometer, according to Freescale Semiconductor Inc.

At the MEMS Executive Congress 2012 here, Freescale rolled out a tilt sensor— Xtrinsic MMA8491Q—that the company says could be used for a modern version of tilt-detection in pinball. But the target application for the device is preventing tampering in smart meters.
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