Development of RF Resonator-Based 3-D Printed Tilt Sensor

Abstract

This paper describes the development of an RF resonator based tilt sensor. The sensor is designed using 3D printing and metallization. It operates in the frequency range of 1 to 2 GHz. The essential parameter to detect the change in the tilt or inclination of the surface is variation in resonant frequency. The RF-based 3D printed tilt sensor consists of two parts. One is a semi-circular fixed hollow RF resonator and the other is a semi-circular pendulum. Due to the inclination of the surface, the pendulum will move inside the hollow RF resonator which results in change in relative permittivity and consequently to the variation in resonant frequency. Using an RF resonator and pendulum-based structure with 3D printing makes it applicable for a wide range, low cost and accurate. This sensing system provides a linear correlation and resolution of 2 MHz.