How a Smartphone Knows Up from Down (accelerometer)

Рет қаралды 1,929,521

Күн бұрын

Bill takes apart a smartphone and explains how its accelerometer works. He also shares the essential idea underlying the MEMS production of these devices.This video is based on a chapter from the EngineerGuy team's latest book Eight Amazing Engineering Stories (Learn more at www.engineerguy.com/elements)

Пікірлер: 1 100

@greysonsawyer4836 9 жыл бұрын

It's not how it's done that amazes me. It's how people that have the patience to first of all, get it to work, than continue operation until these things can be mass produced for everyone. True heros

@stevegovea1 9 жыл бұрын

I agree

@sim61642 7 жыл бұрын

Greyson Sawyer Our hero the robot of course!

@chubacca7666 7 жыл бұрын

Greyson Sawyer Money. lol it's a great motivator

@glialcell6455 7 жыл бұрын

successful cash grabbers are the closest you're going to get to heroes in this society.

@triplenz 7 жыл бұрын

Greyson Sawyer so true. so much underrated geniuses out there.

@karrotop 8 жыл бұрын

I came expecting you to explain how they made an accelerometer without any moving parts. My mind is officially blown.

@vclarke4433 8 жыл бұрын

Shoutout to the people that thought of recreating an accelerometer in this way. Truly creative

@MrBrew4321 8 жыл бұрын

Agreed. Very creative of them. But it's worth noting that... Necessity is the true mother of invention. It's our obsession with these smart phones that drove the engineers to minify all these cool technologies to the max. Thank you "our obsession" lol. :D

@gauravkar4805 7 жыл бұрын

Engineers are really underrated

@JustinCrediblename 6 жыл бұрын

they're great when they're engineering, but usually terrible outside of it. "I'm studying to be a civil engineer" "You must be mistaken. Civil engineers don't exist"

@_Super_Hans_ 6 жыл бұрын

Not really

@pornhubchairman7 5 жыл бұрын

Nope

@billybassman21 5 жыл бұрын

Sad they get the same reconnition in some circles if not less than a women's or diversity studies major.

@CaveyMoth 5 жыл бұрын

They can capture whole buildings in an enemy base!

@yoloswaggins2161 3 жыл бұрын

Back when it was possible to take smartphones apart nondestructively.

@JordanPeterson. 3 жыл бұрын

Back when they weren't waterproof

@TheOfficialCzex 3 жыл бұрын

@@JordanPeterson. They could be waterproof and still easy to disassemble. Take mechanical wristwatches, for example. The majority have backs that twist off and utilize a sealing ring and silicone sealant.

@JordanPeterson. 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheOfficialCzex yeh true..i was just saying what the phone companies would say as their reason

@redi6460 3 жыл бұрын

Samsung s5 is waterproof and the back is removable as well.

@JordanPeterson. 3 жыл бұрын

@@redi6460 I had S5 and the it damage in water...the back is not 100%

@DrewMarold 12 жыл бұрын

I used to work for the semiconductor firm Analog Devices. I was there when they made the very first MEMS accelerometer. One thing not mentioned here is that that device actually used a force feedback mechanism, not gravity. It constantly measures the force required to keep the moving beam centered between the comb fingers and translates that to acceleration.

@muysantos2859 Жыл бұрын

after 11 years, now thats awesome!!

@inventgineer 8 жыл бұрын

Just want to express my appreciation for your channel. As a soon-to-be engineer, as well as simply someone with a naturally inquisitive mind, I greatly appreciate you sharing these videos with myself and others. I also want to compliment you on your highly-effective ability to present; you speak at a relaxed-but-confident speed and break otherwise (as seen by a layman) complex processes into simple, easy-to-understand explanations. You not only provide engineers like myself entertainment and learning opportunity, but you encourage curiosity in others by making learning very palatable. Keep up the good work :)

@angelofs4 8 жыл бұрын

Amazing. Why don't they tell us this stuff? Im sure people can appreciate phones more if they only knew how interesting it was

@reznoire 8 жыл бұрын

+Billy Willy By "they', the poster meant smart phone manufacturers directly telling people. In which case, the answer is that the masses care more about hard numbers like relative processing power and storage capacity, rather than potentially learning something.

@angelofs4 8 жыл бұрын

+Billy Willy I was telling this to everyone i know and their jaws just dropped. Not one person knew about this and took the tech for granted.

@GAMERCREEDbrickjet 8 жыл бұрын

+Angel Kakani bcoz the average or at least majority of users wont understand nor will they care. it'll be bad an unnecessary thing to do business-wise

@predatortheme 8 жыл бұрын

Alot of people just use their phone and dont care about the amount of hours that went into engineering something. People destroy working phones, consoles, tvs, everything.

@klausgaming7365 5 жыл бұрын

It's not simply because people don't care. It's because, if you are trying to sell a product, you must show what makes it different/better compared to the alternative. If every smartphone comes with an accelerometer, it doesn't matter for the decision to buy one.

@stevegovea1 9 жыл бұрын

I just found a great teacher!

@bishopcherrycoke6654 8 жыл бұрын

This is amazing, not only are we able to do this but people have discovered the way to do this. Thank you for the video.

@domsusefulstuff 12 жыл бұрын

I will note the changes I saw; all minor points that everyone misses. I love your approach and humility. Your respect for the past mirrors my own. I recently heard Elisha Otis' first name in an episode of "Archer" and then got to read the history in your wonderful book. I have already repeated the amazing tale to my girlfriend who was equally awe-struck. Your perspective and style are a joy to read.

@AD-ng4mz 8 жыл бұрын

You are fabulous Bill. I really like the way you explain these complex things around us. Thanks.

@MarioDragon 12 жыл бұрын

What the holy, 30 minutes in and 300k views.

@razercp9322 3 жыл бұрын

Hey MarioDragon you grew your channel from 8 years ago, nice job!

@Dan-fe2dq 3 жыл бұрын

Lol that’s nothing in 2020

@Jack-og1th 3 жыл бұрын

@@Dan-fe2dq man that was 8 years ago 😲 if that's true that's amazing just in 30 minutes

@balto2455 3 жыл бұрын

why do i even see this comment 8 years later?

@cranstoncody8120 3 жыл бұрын

I’m amazed all 6 of the people here have arrived in 2020

@danielhuang2488 6 жыл бұрын

This guy is the best teacher on the internet.

@marco8060 5 жыл бұрын

Iv been looking for how this was done for YEARS. He has been advertising this book for a while and this is the episode that finally made me want to read it.

@ketotrucker6262 8 жыл бұрын

Brother, you are one extremely smart dude. Even though I don't have a clue of what you are talking about, I love your videos. Keep them coming and thank you for your time.

@ObjectsInMotion 10 жыл бұрын

What about the phone's magnetometer and gyroscopes?

@visheshl 5 жыл бұрын

Amazing, i always wondered how they did it, my idea was a cylinder with a ball falling with gravity...i was close...

@drivehackstudios 8 жыл бұрын

You are my hero....awesome videos, Bill, I'm truly sad I hadn't found you earlier.

@jeepzj2095 4 жыл бұрын

Whooosh the sound of everything I just learned leaving my brain forever... flawless video as always!

@diggerpete9334 8 жыл бұрын

Than you your videos amaze me without fail.

@grandexandi 7 жыл бұрын

smartphones are so common that we don't appreciate the overwhelming level of technology in them

@PetriAL 8 жыл бұрын

I do love your videos, such clear articulation on engineering related stuff. I hope you will continue to do this videos for a long time. Greetings from Finland :)

@essehnova 3 жыл бұрын

I like the manner in which you explain stuffs. It's always interesting to watch

@TGCtgc0108 7 жыл бұрын

This guy looks like Mark Hamil

@discreet_boson 3 жыл бұрын

@SaltyBrains all we know is, he's the engineer guy

@heroeslore03 3 жыл бұрын

I miss him

@weirdyoda04 8 жыл бұрын

I've been wondering about accelerometers for 9 years now, ever since I took apart a Wii remote and couldn't find any moving parts.

@benderrodriquez 7 жыл бұрын

You learn something new every day! Too bad I'll be dead in two or three decades from now and never experience where this ride is taking us. ... then again, that might be a blessing.

@nealiohelio 12 жыл бұрын

These videos are very educational and entertaining, despite the somewhat dry subject matter. Great job!

@PandoraT377 10 жыл бұрын

Good god it's amazing that people were able to figure this out. The small things that hold our world together that we never notice.

@injusticeanywherethreatens4810 8 жыл бұрын

Ha, you don't need god when you have science!

@smgri 8 жыл бұрын

i feel so dumb when I watch these videos . I always think...if I were the last guy on earth i could not even make a pencil ! This is from a guy with 3 degrees,,,,,;(

@theconqueror1111 7 жыл бұрын

To know what you don't know is the first step to enlightenment. It is a rare skill and a curse.

@smgri 7 жыл бұрын

luckily i know i dont know what i should know..hence i wish i knew what I never knew

@marxmaratpaine 5 жыл бұрын

@@smgri Joe Rogan had a great bit about that and how most of us think we're smart because we can go to the store and buy technology made by people who were _actually_ smart: "If I left you in the woods, completely alone with only an axe, how long until you can send me an e-mail?"

@ihl0700677525 5 жыл бұрын

Yep. The more you know, the more you realize how little you actually know.

@alacastersoi8265 4 жыл бұрын

Partially because you have no access to natural resources without heavy machinery, unlike before we used them all up.

@Brodes1983 12 жыл бұрын

It's people like you who inspire & keep me motivated to complete my engineering degree. I love this stuff.

@chrisdane97 12 жыл бұрын

I know, I commented that before I was even a minute into the video and then I got further in and understood what it was for, but when I was watching your Cell Phone Design video it made me think of that. Your videos are awesome, can't wait for more.

@Tutoelectro1 12 жыл бұрын

Sorry about that :), Great video as always!

@MinecraftEpicPlayer 9 жыл бұрын

So you're telling me there's NOT a miniature wizard inside my phone who casts a spell to tell its orientation? But that's what Wikipedia said!

@Mr.FastZombie 8 жыл бұрын

+MinecraftEpicPlayer They use wizards to do this process.

@saltysoysauce954 5 жыл бұрын

@@potato_x69 Nice spelling

@knockhello2604 5 жыл бұрын

You're a teacher

@yoshiboi5989 5 жыл бұрын

It's not wizard jizz, sadly

@AYouTubeChannelwithNoName 4 жыл бұрын

Yes

@nasaofficial4717 2 жыл бұрын

I truly truly truly appreciate this video. Thank you for sharing your expertise!

@foodlovingpig 12 жыл бұрын

It's awesome to see you doing videos again. You do some of the best stuff on KZfaq.

@cameronbelcher3677 9 жыл бұрын

Your videos are inspiring. :) I want to be an Engineer, now. :D

@strangerinastrangeland8026 9 жыл бұрын

Sir you deserve MUCH more subscriber!! :)

@futuramabender2078 2 ай бұрын

*subscribers

@cravenhammock5401 12 жыл бұрын

These videos have the perfect balance of explanation to the layman, and detail for those interested. Thanks so much.

@pass-123 7 жыл бұрын

Accelerometers can also be used to determine your position relative to a start point using the fact that your position vector is the double integral of your acceleration vector (and your velocity vector is obtained from integrating you acceleration vector once).

@Xanifur 10 жыл бұрын

Science. Is. Amazing.

@sfgjsd 9 жыл бұрын

Xanifur wait until some fanatical god worshiper pops in and say that these tools are instruments of satan.Science fly you to the moon, Religion fly you into the buildings

@noble20xx56 9 жыл бұрын

sfgjsd Lol instruments of Satan.

@AuH2O 5 жыл бұрын

Anal. Sex. Too.

@OKB1133 10 жыл бұрын

Fascinating...

@Zr0Mrcy 12 жыл бұрын

Absolutely amazing. I love your videos and seeing the way this stuff works. Please do more! Lots more!

@AlmightyDemon 7 жыл бұрын

Incredible video series. The explanation is so good and on point.

@Kaushikpatil 3 жыл бұрын

Hi whoever else is watching the video in 2020❤️

@danjbundrick 7 жыл бұрын

I can't believe how brilliant collective humanity can be.

@Jack-og1th 3 жыл бұрын

And still ignores GOD

@angadsingh9314 3 жыл бұрын

@@Jack-og1th Because there is no evidence of God, dear

@SoWhat1221 3 жыл бұрын

Eh, humanity as a collective is pretty stupid. There are bright individuals, though, like the ones who came up with this.

@danjbundrick 3 жыл бұрын

@@angadsingh9314 No evidence for God? Jesus I'm an atheist and I'm not even that dumb

@angadsingh9314 3 жыл бұрын

@@danjbundrick Let's hear them then.

@pryansh_ 2 жыл бұрын

an amazing service to the new generation by you. thanks for it It was so helpful

@tigercake558 12 жыл бұрын

I enjoy your videos - they're clear, interesting, and just nice to watch! (I love the backing music too!)

@dam6.6 10 жыл бұрын

this guy makes me feel so stupid. I must study furtherrrr

@kitty7092 10 жыл бұрын

My brain gets exhausted from trying to understand Q_Q

@sobysunny123 10 жыл бұрын

dnt study just do some project,,, u can also explain like tis 1 day. ur own project ur own idea !

@dam6.6 10 жыл бұрын

James S. haha that's how I feel at times

@luckyeddy350 5 жыл бұрын

Amen to that brother.

@gmr47 3 жыл бұрын

So it's 6 years later how did all that studying pay off

@jonnnyboy96 12 жыл бұрын

"How a Smartphone Knows Up from Down" It's smart. Duh..

@virtualbro8571 3 жыл бұрын

8 years but imma still laughing..😂😂😂.... Are you alive mate??😂😂

@dangerousnigga7023 3 жыл бұрын

@@virtualbro8571 I think he dead

@engineerguyvideo 3 жыл бұрын

I am still alive

@virtualbro8571 3 жыл бұрын

@@engineerguyvideo good to hear that... congratulations to survive 2020

@engineerguyvideo 3 жыл бұрын

So, far ... there are nine days left!

@nigratruo 8 жыл бұрын

Hey, you made me curious about your favorite topic, the "micromirrors that focus light in semiconductor lasers", would love to see a video about that. Is that used in digital LCD projectors? I enjoy your shows a lot, always lots of interesting details and precision in explaining things.

@boondibis 12 жыл бұрын

I love these videos. I wish there were a million of them. As it is I will enjoy what is out there.

@whiterook6 8 жыл бұрын

what were the tiny gears was he referring to when he said "spinning at 300,000rpm"?

@AuH2O 5 жыл бұрын

ur dik

@ianmullally3483 5 жыл бұрын

@@AuH2O haha took u three year to say that, but it was good

@AuH2O 5 жыл бұрын

@@ianmullally3483 No, it took me 3 minutes. Why baselessly assume I viewed the video when it was first uploaded?

@ianmullally3483 5 жыл бұрын

@@AuH2O I meant it took you three years to reply to the original comment

@AuH2O 5 жыл бұрын

@@ianmullally3483 And I'm saying it *didn't*, you douche. It didn't take me longer than opening the video and glancing at the comments, and my comment was made the first time I saw the video. That the video was 3 years old at that point is irrelevant to how long it took ME to comment. You may say that I commented after three years, but you can definitely not say it took me three years to comment. You need some fucking grammar and English lessons, fool.

@LeoLol1517 4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely no one : KZfaq : hey, look at this guy explaining computer engineering

@aviavi4684 7 жыл бұрын

love the way you explain the things..

@vanmaren962 12 жыл бұрын

So glad you are back!

@CoolDudeClem 8 жыл бұрын

That's all very well but that doesn't explain how would it know up from down just by measuring motion alone. I mean it could be upside down or sideways when you turn it on and it wouldn't know any different, so what's actually telling it which way is down? (or up)

@engineerguyvideo 8 жыл бұрын

+CoolDudeClem Gravity!

@carlosbarzottowirti1895 8 жыл бұрын

Actually, he explains in the video: the gravity moves the 'blue' part, creating a eletric current in the 'green' parts... when the phone is tilted, the motion is ceased, so is the current

@Tokaisho1 8 жыл бұрын

And to get the different axis, left right, up down, back forward, you just have other sections with this chip on all 3 axis.

@carlosbarzottowirti1895 8 жыл бұрын

***** never tought of that, but yeah, very likely to not work in space... we could ask an astronaut haha

@SlenderSmurf 7 жыл бұрын

there is no real "up" in space anyway

@maheshchaudhary4090 3 жыл бұрын

I got this video at the end of 2020

@StuartAlldritt 12 жыл бұрын

Love your book by the way. Keep up the great work!

@LimitedWard 11 жыл бұрын

I just discovered your videos today and I'm already blown away by how awesome they are :D

@flaplaya 7 жыл бұрын

From steam engines and horses to... Well... Today. Insanity at the very least to out of this world at the most.

@isuraerurevs6806 10 жыл бұрын

question, wheres my bangbros subscription found on my smartfone? which chip is it

@ss33988 11 жыл бұрын

As always, thank you for your valued contribution to society Bill

@GoGoOtaku 12 жыл бұрын

Today my copy of the book arrived. I really like what I've read so far. It even got some historical facts about the inventions only briefly so that the main focus is never lost. I'm a german computer science student btw.

@pdsng69 4 жыл бұрын

Who is watching this in 2020 lockdown.😷

@dzenan.m 4 жыл бұрын

Nobody: KZfaq algorithm: Here is a 7 year old video about smartphones

@OzieCargile 11 жыл бұрын

You explained that so well, I felt like a genius after watching it only one time. Seriously, thank you. I'm subscribing to your channel.

@TheRefinedGentleman 3 жыл бұрын

That manufacturing process is very impressive... I'm amazed someone was able to figure that out

@cafearga 8 жыл бұрын

We have an inner ear to balance. Smart phones have the same thing. cool

@instalemong6498 10 жыл бұрын

No you aren't the engineer guy your the awesome guy,great videos :)

@thebowlzack 7 жыл бұрын

he answers questions that I didnt even know I had. Brilliant videos

@macbuff81 7 жыл бұрын

Great narration and method of explanation

@leardvr 8 жыл бұрын

You didn't just publish your phone number, did you?

@engineerguyvideo 8 жыл бұрын

+Nik Halaszi try it if you like.

@leardvr 8 жыл бұрын

+engineerguy it's getting late, maybe I'll give you a call tomorrow. :)

@militaryiraqi5662 7 жыл бұрын

ɷɷ I Have Watcheddd Thisss Movieee Leakedddd Versionn Hereeee : - t.co/e6QlTccFx6

@tasveergraphy8492 4 жыл бұрын

Nobody: KZfaq algorithm:

@semanavidi8694 4 жыл бұрын

Great production, thank you.

@kruks 3 жыл бұрын

Ugh, I wish this channel still uploaded. Easily some of the best engineering and science explanations on KZfaq.

@engineerguyvideo 3 жыл бұрын

I am producing another series now ... just starting on it, has a companion book with it.

@phenomX4 6 жыл бұрын

0:28 That's clearly a polarized capacitor and not a mems accelerometer.

@marcan42 6 жыл бұрын

This is correct. That's a tantalum capacitor, definitely not an accelerometer.

@gsuskinful 12 жыл бұрын

Thank's for this amazing explanation! I always wondered how they fit tiny gyro's and accelerometers into phones. I always assumed it was a liquid material of some sort.

@GWhizard 3 жыл бұрын

This guy is awesome. I learn more from him in a quicksnap than from anybody else in a month.

@TestingPyros 2 жыл бұрын

That was quite neat! I've always wondered how etching of microchips (in general) worked! Thanks!

@Vyz3r 12 жыл бұрын

Amazing video! It's very enlightening on how accelerometer works. It would be great if you also explain how gyroscopes in electronic devices/modern technology works.

@BrianThorstad 3 жыл бұрын

I just purchased the book, I’m looking forward to enjoying it.

@domsusefulstuff 12 жыл бұрын

Love your book and your videos. Thanks for enjoying the world, the past and our universe's hard workers. I was thinking of highlighting the (few) editing errors in your stories to give you a hand. Let me know if that would help.

@yagami0186 11 жыл бұрын

I have been waiting for a channel like this! SO AWESOME!

@TheDevelopmentChannel 8 жыл бұрын

Really nice tutorial man congratulation! I'm studying on how to make a tutorial on sensor fusion on my embedded course and this really helps

@Psychic9008 12 жыл бұрын

one word to describe this video. "perfect". thank you very much!

@juliotironi7694 6 жыл бұрын

Really appreciate your work man

@mrtnoppnhmr 12 жыл бұрын

Quite impressive. I need these to come out every day. For the rest of my life. And my children's lives. Keep your voice clean and find immortality, please! I would pay a subscription for these videos, if that were the case.

@jorgebassmaster22 12 жыл бұрын

Your videos are so awesome, they make me proud of being an engineer myself!

@j-r-hill 6 жыл бұрын

This is one of the best channels on KZfaq

@IanGacek 12 жыл бұрын

YES!!!!!!! A new video!!!! Thank you so much, Engineer Guy!

@anomalyp8584 5 жыл бұрын

This just blows the mind. First the knowledge, then the idea, then the trials and error and error and error again and again, then nail it, optimise it, automate it and sell it cost effectively... HOW!

@DavideDamore 8 жыл бұрын

you are my new hero of the month, professor.

@exer45 12 жыл бұрын

same here :) they way they present the shows makes them fun to watch, much better than just reading a book about it.

@Jarvalicious 3 жыл бұрын

Love these 8 year old videos in my recommended. Miss these old days

@billcosbyeatsbabies9947 7 жыл бұрын

engineerguy, if your not already doing narration and voice over work you should start putting the word out ASAP. You have a million dollar voice if I have ever heard one! With you having a strong understand of STEM, that just makes your skill that much more valuable. When I imagine a documentary involving science or technology, I imagine your voice. You could be the next Morgan Freeman, no joke.