Motion Sensors - Tilt Switches

Part Number	Description / PDF	Quantity
AG1262-1 Comus International	TILT SWITCH THROUGH HOLE SPST	574
RB-220-07A R C&K	SENSOR ROLLING BALL	0
0729-1757-99 The Fredericks Company	TILT SWITCH OC 45DEG 1AXS	48
173 Adafruit	TILT BALL SWITCH	0
DSBA1P NKK Switches	SENSOR TILT SW 30-60DEG 20MA TH	550156
PD6045 Comus International	TILT SWITCH 10 DEGREE 20A	7
28036 Parallax, Inc.	FOUR DIRECTIONAL TILT SENSOR	1
T3-B-LS Magnasphere Corp.	MAG OMNI-DIRECTIONAL TILT SWITCH	0
D7E-3 Omron Electronics Components	SENSOR TILT 50-80DEG 0.1A GRY	87
0729-1758-99 The Fredericks Company	TILT SWITCH OC 45DEG 1AXS	47
RB44145 C&K	TILT SENSOR	4022
RPI-1035 ROHM Semiconductor	IC DETECTOR 4 DIRECTION SMD	311
0729-1736-99 The Fredericks Company	TILT SWITCH RELAY 35DEG 2AXS	50
CW1300-1 Comus International	TILT SWITCH VIBRATION .25A 60V	0
RBS301-TILT-US Radio Bridge Inc.	LORA TILT SENSOR	80
RB-231X2 C&K	SENSOR ROLLING BALL	2749
AHF23 Panasonic	TIP (AHF2) SWITCH	83
DSA01 NKK Switches	SENSOR TILT SWITCH PCB ADAPTER	36632099
PD6045-LC Comus International	TILT SWITCH 10 DEGREE 1.5A	7
AG3011-77C Comus International	TILT SWITCH ENCAP SPST	41

Motion Sensors - Tilt Switches

1. Overview

Tilt switches are a type of motion sensor that detects angular orientation or inclination changes in a system. These electromechanical or solid-state devices convert physical tilt angles into electrical signals, enabling position-aware functionality in various applications. As a fundamental component in modern automation, robotics, and IoT systems, tilt switches provide critical spatial awareness for devices ranging from consumer electronics to industrial machinery.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

Type	Functional Characteristics	Application Examples
Mechanical Tilt Switches	Uses conductive spheres/balls in a cage structure with physical contacts	Smartphone orientation detection, toy motion control
Mercury Tilt Switches	Liquid metal conductive path with sealed glass capsule	Security systems, industrial level monitoring
MEMS Accelerometers	Micro-electromechanical systems with digital angle output	Automotive airbag deployment, drone stabilization
Optical Tilt Sensors	Uses infrared LED and photodetector array for angle measurement	Precision instruments, medical equipment leveling

3. Structure and Components

Typical tilt switch construction includes: - Housing (usually glass/plastic/metal casing) - Conductive elements (metal balls, mercury, or MEMS structures) - Electrical contacts (gold-plated for reliability) - Damping materials (to prevent false triggering) - Environmental seals (IP65-IP68 ratings common) Mechanical variants employ rolling contacts while electronic versions use capacitive or piezoresistive sensing elements with signal conditioning circuits.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter	Significance
Operating Angle Range	Determines detection coverage (typically 15 to 90 )
Contact Current Rating	Defines maximum load capacity (100mA-5A range)
Response Time	Affects real-time performance (1ms-50ms typical)
Shock Resistance	Defines reliability under impact (expressed in G-forces)
Temperature Range	Operational limits (-40 C to +125 C standard)
IP Rating	Environmental protection level

5. Application Fields

Consumer Electronics: Smartphone screen rotation, gaming controllers
Automotive: Rollover detection systems, parking assist sensors
Industrial: Machine leveling systems, safety interlocks
Security: Burglar alarm triggers, asset tracking devices
Medical: Patient monitoring systems, infusion pump orientation control

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer	Representative Product	Key Specifications
TE Connectivity	KSC11D15D0Z	15 range, 10A rating, IP67
STMicroelectronics	LIS3DH	Digital MEMS, 3-axis, 16-bit resolution
Omron	D8T15SNL15	Mercury switch, 5A, vibration resistant
Analog Devices	ADXL362	Low-power MEMS, 1.5g range

7. Selection Recommendations

Key selection factors include: - Environmental conditions (temperature, vibration, moisture) - Required detection angle and sensitivity - Electrical load requirements - Mounting orientation constraints - Long-term reliability needs - EMC/ESD protection requirements - Cost vs. performance trade-offs

Industry Development Trends

Current trends show increasing adoption of MEMS-based solutions with integrated signal processing. Wireless tilt sensor nodes are emerging in IoT applications, while automotive safety systems drive demand for high-reliability devices. Advances in nanotechnology enable smaller form factors with improved accuracy. Environmental regulations are also accelerating mercury-free designs using alternative conductive materials and optical sensing methods.