Which smartphones have a magnetic sensor. Sensors and sensors of modern mobile devices
Modern technologies allow a person to largely experience the superiority of the present time in the materialized dreams and assumptions of the past, which are most clearly manifested in devices so familiar to us today as mobile phones.
Turning fantasy into reality
Accelerometer on a phone - what is it and what is it for? It is this necessary function that will be discussed in this article. Today, no one will be surprised by the compact dimensions of an ultra-thin laptop or cell phone, the body of which is only a few millimeters thick. For most of us, the incredible technical capabilities of individual electronic devices are an obvious fact. Today, we humans operate with truly fantastic amounts of data, and the speed of information transfer has long surpassed the “light” mark. But these abilities hide the completely understandable nature of the device, the properties and functionality of which depend only on the level of technology used. A rather complex mechanism that measures gravitational acceleration, the accelerometer, has found its purpose in electronic devices. One of these devices is the modern mobile phone.
The magic of movement
So, the accelerometer in the phone - what is this device? There is a simple answer to this question: it is a sensor that determines the spatial position of the object in which it is embedded. The shape and type of information displayed by the phone display depends on the position in which the device is located. For example, a picture can change orientation relative to the X and Y axes. Due to physical influence - rotation, impact or shaking - a functional algorithm can activate one or another software process. When using a pedometer or a gaming application, the principle of measuring gravitational acceleration remains unchanged.
Accelerometer in a phone - what is this device and what are its advantages?
The versatility of the phone's spatial position sensor greatly simplifies the process of controlling a gaming application. During the game, the user moves the device relative to two planes, thereby influencing the overall process of the program being executed. It is worth noting that the speed at which the gamer changes angles also has a mathematical value, which is a factor in the required reaction. Of course, the accelerometer has significantly expanded the functionality of a modern mobile phone. Thanks to this orientation device, using a compass, GPS navigation and electronic toys has become much easier and more convenient.
Overview of the "utilities" of the spatial controller
Let's look at a few benefits when using the basic functionality of the accelerometer:
1. When jogging, it is advisable to use a pedometer. By exercising control through this application, you will always have information about the number of steps taken, which will become a kind of incentive to improve the results of your training and qualitatively influence the overall progress of sports.
2. The accelerometer sensor in the phone eliminates the sometimes complex, but at the same time time-consuming process of controlling the game, bringing the user closer to an understanding of absolute comfort. Natural body movements allow gamers to get maximum pleasure. The effectiveness of the impact does not depend on the force of pressing or the correctly selected button, but solely depends on the choice of the optimal amplitude of movement and the accuracy of the positioning process. The ease and ease of the gaming moment allow us to consider the accelerometer an undeniable advantage in managing the gaming scenario.
3. When you need to take a comfortable position, say, lie on your side, and the phone is still needed for use, the device’s spatial position sensor will turn the device’s interface upside down, making it easier to perceive the visually displayed information. Games with an accelerometer installed on the phone have now gained total popularity not only among teenagers... It has been noticed that in the circles of the older generation there has also begun to be a certain trend of passion for applications that use spatial positioning technology.
4. Watching videos will become more acceptable if the screen of an electronic device is turned to landscape format, which will also have a beneficial effect on viewing photos, email, or writing short messages. Working with graphic tables and editing articles when using the accelerometer function also results in more efficient performance.
Device reliability issue
The accelerometer in a mobile phone is becoming an integral part of the hardware capabilities of a modern device. The relative simplicity of the structural elements of the spatial sensor allows it to meet a high level of reliability. Judge for yourself, technology by definition is designed to work under extreme operating conditions. Aircraft manufacturing and astronautics made it possible to bring the device to technical perfection. Indeed, in these areas of application, the technology for determining and measuring the acceleration of the spatial position of an object is an obligatory element that determines the pinpoint accuracy and correct operation of on-board control systems. Of course, a mobile phone is not an extremely reliable product. Serial production and automation of the conveyor manufacturing process often allows for defects.
What if?..
Do not shake, beat or rub the phone if the sensor suddenly stops functioning. Shamanic dances with a tambourine and reading magic mantras will also not have the desired result. The problematic situation when the accelerometer does not work can be solved in only two ways:
- Software repair (setup, firmware and phone software update).
- Hardware restoration of the spatial sensor (replacement of the control module, maintenance).
Moreover, the second option is the prerogative of electronics specialists.
However, let's look at a few more important arguments in favor of such an important device.
Station wagon is always in demand
Using a special “level” application, you can easily determine the evenness of walls and slopes or the correct installation of the cornice. It is worth noting that the presence of an accelerometer in a mobile device can significantly simplify the search for the desired object within a populated area, and will also provide invaluable assistance on a hike, when the use of a compass becomes a vital means of orientation. The curious aspects of using the acceleration sensor will be fully satisfied when the user wants to know the actual acceleration parameters of the vehicle. Again, exciting races downloaded from the Internet to a phone with an accelerometer can add variety and relieve boredom in unexpected moments of anticipation. The versatility of use and the breadth of incredible possibilities of the spatial device cannot be reflected in full within the framework of this article. Therefore, you will have to experience the exciting surprise and fascinating process of learning the large-scale purpose of the electronic “vestibular” more than once.
Finally
So what is an accelerometer on a phone? What is this - a new control system or a device for measuring physical parameters? I hasten to please you: both. This is another achievement of technical progress, allowing a person to feel additional comfort and increase the efficiency of using an object with the applied technology.
The accelerometer measures acceleration and allows the smartphone to determine characteristics of movement and position in space. It is this sensor that works when the vertical orientation changes to horizontal when the device is rotated. He is also responsible for counting steps and measuring movement speed in various map applications. The accelerometer provides information about which direction the smartphone is facing, which becomes an important function in various applications with .
This sensor itself consists of small sensors: microscopic crystalline structures that, under the influence of acceleration forces, transform into a stressed state. The voltage is transmitted to the accelerometer, which interprets it into data about speed and direction of movement.
Gyroscope
This sensor helps the accelerometer navigate in space. For example, it allows you to do it on a smartphone. In racing games, where control occurs by moving the device, it is the gyroscope that works. It is sensitive to rotations of the device relative to its axis.
Smartphones use microelectromechanical systems, and the first such devices, which maintain the axis when turning, appeared at the beginning of the 19th century.
Magnetometer
The last of the three sensors for orientation in space is a magnetometer. It measures magnetic fields and can therefore determine where north is. The compass function in various map applications and some compass programs work using a magnetometer.
Metal detectors have similar sensors, so you can find special applications that turn your smartphone into such a device.
The magnetometer works in tandem with the accelerometer and GPS for geo-location and navigation.
GPS
Where would we be without GPS (Global Positioning System) technology? The smartphone connects to several satellites and calculates its position based on the intersection angles. It happens that satellites are unavailable: for example, in cloudy conditions or indoors.
GPS does not use mobile network data, so geolocation also works outside of cellular coverage: even if the map itself cannot be loaded, the geolocation point will still be there.
At the same time, the GPS function consumes a lot of battery power, so it is better to turn it off unless necessary.
Another method of geolocation, although not very accurate, is determining the distance from cell towers. The smartphone adds other information, such as mobile signal strength, to the GPS data to refine its location.
Barometer
Many smartphones, including the iPhone, have this sensor, which measures atmospheric pressure. It is needed to record weather changes and determine altitude above sea level.
Proximity switch
This sensor is usually located near the speaker on the top of the smartphone and consists of an infrared diode and a light sensor. It uses a beam invisible to humans to determine whether the device is near the ear. This is how the smartphone “understands” that while talking on the phone you need to turn off the display.
Light sensor
As you can guess from the name, this sensor measures the level of ambient light, which allows you to automatically adjust the comfortable brightness of the display.
With each new generation of smartphones, sensors become more efficient, smaller and less energy-consuming. Therefore, you should not think that, for example, the GPS function in a device that is several years old will work as well as in a new one. And even if the information about new smartphones does not indicate the characteristics of all these sensors, rest assured that they are the ones that allow you to take advantage of many of the impressive functions of modern gadgets.
What components can be noted when looking at the body of a smartphone? This is, first of all, a fairly large display, several keys below it, a microphone and several camera windows. In addition, at the ends of the device there will probably be a microUSB port, a volume rocker, a headphone output and a lock key. But does the device components end there? Of course not. Inside it there was room for several processors, many circuits and, most importantly, several different sensors. Which of them can be found in modern devices? Let's find out.
Accelerometer
According to our colleagues from phonearena, the accelerometer is one of the most common sensors. According to the classical definition, its task is to calculate the difference between the true acceleration of an object and the gravitational acceleration.
You've probably heard a lot about how to use it. Without an accelerometer, smartphones would hardly change from portrait to landscape orientation and could do without user clicks in all kinds of racing simulators.
Gyroscope
The gyroscope also provides data about the device's position in space, but does this with much greater accuracy. It is thanks to his help that the Photo Sphere application finds out how many degrees the smartphone was rotated and in what direction it was done.
Magnetometer
That's right, the magnetometer is designed to determine magnetic fields. Without it inside the smartphone, the compass app would hardly be able to figure out where the North Pole is.
This sensor is a combination of an infrared diode and an infrared radiation detector. The principle of its operation is incredibly simple. The diode emits radiation invisible to the human eye, and the detector tries to catch its reflection. The smartphone blocks the display exactly when the beam hits back.
Light sensor
Changing the brightness of the display yourself is another task, right? Another thing is the auto-brightness function, which changes the screen brightness level depending on the surrounding radiation. This may be, as you probably already guessed, thanks to the light sensor.
It is worth noting that some representatives of the Galaxy line from the South Korean manufacturer Samsung use an updated light sensor. Its main feature is the ability to measure the proportion of white, red, green and blue light for further adjustment of the picture on the screen.
Barometer
No, this is not a mistake. Some smartphones actually have a built-in barometer to measure atmospheric pressure levels. Among the first devices with this feature were XOOM and Samsung Galaxy Nexus.
The barometer is also used to measure altitude above sea level, which increases the accuracy of the GPS navigator.
Thermometer
You may be surprised, but a thermometer is found in almost every smartphone. The only difference is that the latter is designed to measure the temperature inside the device. However, there were exceptions. The Galaxy S4 had a thermometer to measure the temperature outside.
Air humidity sensor
In this, by the way, the fourth representative of the Galaxy S line also succeeded. Thanks to this sensor, the fourth Galaxy reported the level of comfort - the ratio of temperature and humidity.
Pedometer
Despite the rather unobvious name, the task of the pedometer is to determine the number of steps taken by the user. Yes, just like most smartwatches and fitness bracelets. One of the first devices with a real pedometer was the Nexus 5.
Fingerprint's scanner
You have, of course, heard about this. Thanks to the fingerprint scanner, you can not only reduce the time it takes to unlock your smartphone, but also reliably protect your data. Among the most popular devices with the notorious scanner are HTC One Max and Samsung Galaxy S5.
Heart rate sensor
Since we're talking about the current South Korean flagship, we can't help but mention the heart rate sensor, designed to measure pulse. However, many users openly doubt the need for its implementation.
Harmful radiation sensor
It’s quite hard to believe, but in this world there really is a smartphone with a built-in sensor for harmful radiation. The Japanese Sharp Pantone 5 can boast of its presence. After launching a special application, the latter demonstrates the surrounding radiation level. Unexpected, isn't it?
As a result, there were as many as 12 sensors. Which ones do you use most often?
A modern smartphone is a complex high-tech computing device that is more powerful than thousands of on-board computers that launched the Apollo missions to the Moon half a century ago. There are also almost more sensors installed on board flagship mobile phones than on board this very Apollo. Each of them quietly but conscientiously performs their work. What do all these smartphone sensors do and how do they work? Read on for more details.
The light sensor in a smartphone is located on the front panel, usually near the earpiece (there are exceptions). Structurally, it is a semiconductor sensor sensitive to photon flux. Depending on its intensity, the sensor controls the display backlight in order to use battery power more efficiently. It can also perform an auxiliary function for other tasks by working with a proximity sensor.
Proximity sensor
This is an optical or ultrasonic sensor that determines whether there are objects in front of the screen. It sends a very weak light or sound pulse, and if it is reflected, it registers the reflected signal. Due to this, the screen is automatically locked during a call or when the smartphone is turned over with the display down. Traditionally, the proximity sensor is calibrated in such a way that it registers only 2 states: “a foreign object is closer than N (usually 5) centimeters” and “a foreign object is further than N cm”.
Accelerometer
This smartphone sensor is located on a circuit board and is a miniature electromechanical device that records the slightest movements. The responsibilities of this sensor include switching the orientation of the smartphone screen when tilted, controlling games, registering special control gestures (such as shaking or tapping the body), and also measuring steps (by counting rhythmic vibrations during walking).
A regular dual-axis accelerometer in a smartphone
There are two-axis and three-axis accelerometers. A feature of the accelerometer is that at rest, one of the axes will always show a value in the region of 9-10 m/s 2 (in a three-axis three-dimensional accelerometer). This is due to the fact that the Earth's gravity is on average 9.8 m/s 2 .
Gyroscope
The gyroscope is responsible for determining the movement and orientation of the smartphone in space. It also structurally represents a MEMS (microelectromechanical circuit) located on the system board. Its areas of application overlap with those of the accelerometer. The main differences are that the gyroscope has noticeably greater accuracy and measures movement not in m/s 2, but in radians or degrees per second. Due to this, it can be used to track head turns in a VR headset, as well as more accurately implement gesture control.
MEMS gyroscope under a microscope
Magnetometer and Hall sensor
A magnetometer measures the magnitude of the magnetic field in the surrounding world. It also takes measurements in three-dimensional space (along three axes of Cartesian coordinates - X, Y and Z). The main function of the magnetometer is to more accurately determine the location during navigation. In this mode of use it functions as a digital compass. Due to the fact that one of the axes, which is located in the plane with the North Pole of the Earth, registers a constantly increased background. The magnetometer helps to more accurately determine in which direction relative to north the smartphone is moving.
Smartphone magnetometer
A magnetometer is often called a Hall sensor, but these are not entirely identical concepts. We wrote more about the Hall sensor in another article. The differences are that the first is more universal and sensitive. The magnetometer is capable of measuring magnetic radiation, while only registering its presence/absence and decrease/increase. In modern smartphones, a separate Hall sensor is usually not installed, since a universal magnetometer completely covers its functionality.
One of the alternative functions of a magnetometer is to find wiring in walls. A live conductor generates weak electromagnetic radiation, and the sensitivity of the sensor is units of microtesla. If you move your smartphone along the wall, the magnetic background will be increased where the cable is laid.
Gravity sensor
Measures the force of gravity of our planet in three-dimensional space. At rest (when the smartphone is lying on the table), its readings should coincide with the accelerometer: along one of the axes the gravitational force will be close to 9.8 m/s 2 . This sensor is usually not used on its own, but it helps the work of others. In navigation mode, it determines which side of the earth's surface is in order to quickly determine the correct position of the smartphone. When used in VR, the gravity sensor ensures the correct positioning of the image.
Linear acceleration sensor in a smartphone
The principle of its operation is almost identical to the accelerometer, the only difference lies in inertia. That is, the readings of this sensor do not depend on any global external factors (like gravity). The only thing it registers is the speed of the smartphone’s movements in space relative to its previous position.
The linear acceleration sensor is not capable of determining the position of the device in space (there is no reference to external landmarks), but this is not necessary (the gravity sensor and accelerometer do an excellent job of this task). The absence of reference to external landmarks allows you to rotate objects on the display regardless of these landmarks, for example, in games. Also, this sensor, in combination with others, increases the overall accuracy of movement detection.
Rotation sensor
It determines the direction and frequency of rotation of the smartphone relative to one of the axes of three-dimensional space. Like the acceleration sensor, it is independent and not tied to external reference points. Often performed as part of a single module with a linear acceleration sensor. Separately, as a rule, it is not used, but it allows you to adjust the operation of other sensors to improve accuracy. It also helps with gesture control, for example, by twisting the smartphone in your hand, the camera is activated.
MEMS gyroscope cutaway
Temperature sensors
A modern smartphone is abundantly stuffed with digital thermometers. Structurally, they are a thermocouple: a resistor with two terminals, the resistance between which varies depending on the temperature. Since it is relatively primitive, it can even be implemented inside a semiconductor chip.
Every smartphone must have a battery temperature sensor. If it overheats, it turns off charging or reduces the output current to prevent the electrolyte from boiling, which leads to a fire or explosion. Thermometers inside the SoC are also common (from a couple of pieces to a dozen or more). They measure the temperatures of processor cores, graphics accelerators, and various controllers. Sometimes there are also ambient temperature sensors, but they are not widespread. The reason for this is low accuracy, since heat from the inside of the device and the user’s hands distorts the readings.
Pressure sensor (barometer) in a smartphone
The barometer on your smartphone measures atmospheric pressure (in mmHg, bar or pascals). It allows you to more accurately determine your location and altitude above sea level, since the pressure decreases as you rise. It can also be used as an altimeter, measuring altitude above sea level, but the accuracy leaves much to be desired, since atmospheric pressure changes with the weather. The function of adjusting the weather forecast in meteorological programs and widgets is even less in demand.
Hygrometer
A hygrometer measures air humidity. Its main purpose is obvious, but this sensor is not popular. In theory, it can be used to correct weather forecast data. Knowing the readings, you can also control the indoor climate by turning on a humidifier or dehumidifier. The only known smartphone with a hygrometer is the old Samsung Galaxy S4.
Heart rate monitor or heart rate sensor in smartphones
The heart rate monitor is capable of measuring the frequency and rhythm of heart contractions. During sports, it makes it possible to monitor the work of the heart and adjust the load to increase the effectiveness of training. The disadvantage of a heart rate monitor is the need for close contact of the smartphone with a part of the body in which the blood vessels are close to the surface (for example, fingers) in order to catch the slightest pulsations. Because of this, it has not gained popularity in smartphones, but is found everywhere in smart watches and fitness trackers.
Most Android phones have built-in sensors that measure motion, orientation, and various environmental conditions. These sensors will help monitor the three-dimensional movement of the device or positioning, or changes in the environment. For example, a weather app uses your phone's temperature sensor and humidity sensor to calculate the saturation point. Similarly, your app will use the travel geomagnetic field sensor and accelerometer to find a specific destination. Various sensors on Android devices provide accurate and accurate data to other applications or directly to you.
If you think that your Android phone's sensors are not working as they should, you can always check if it is actually working fine or not. So how do you determine exactly what's wrong with your phone's sensors?
Whatever the problem, there are apps that can help you figure out the problem and solve it. Even if you don't have a specific problem, it may still be good to go through a small registration on your phone to ensure the health of the phone. Please note that your device may or may not support all of the sensors mentioned above. This article will list some of the most popular apps available for free to test the sensors in your mobile phone. Most of these applications include short test instructions for each sensor test.
The Android platform supports the following three broad categories of sensors:
Motion sensors
The force motion sensor measures acceleration and rotational forces. Such sensors include accelerometers, gravity sensors, gyroscopes and rotational vector sensors.
Environmental sensors
The environmental sensor measures various environmental parameters. Examples of environmental sensors are barometers, photometric and thermometers.
Position sensors
A position sensor measures the physical position of a device. Orientation sensors and magnetometers are examples of position sensors.
Now, before we continue, let's take a quick look at some of the main sensors, what they do, and what to do to test these sensors. Later we'll tell you about apps that can automatically run sensor tests.
gyroscope sensor
The gyroscope is used to measure 6 directions simultaneously. This allows the device screen to rotate from portrait to landscape. You can tilt your phone slowly to check if the gyroscope sensor is working.
Accelerometer Sensor
The accelerometer detects the orientation of the phone and measures the acceleration due to gravity, including in three axes. You can rotate the phone slowly to check if the accelerometer sensor is working.
Light sensor
The light sensor automatically adjusts the screen brightness according to the light intensity of your surroundings. You can test the sensor in a dark place and then by moving the phone to an area with bright light. If the screen light changes, it means the sensor is working.
orientation sensor
The orientation sensor detects the directional state of your Android device. It checks for automatic screen rotation. Rotate your phone to check if the sensor is working properly.
Proximity sensor
The proximity sensor measures the distance of an object from the front of the phone. For example, your phone's screen turns off when you hold it closer to your ears during an active call.
temperature sensor
The temperature sensor checks the battery temperature of your Android device. If you surf the Internet using 3G or play HD games you will experience a rise in battery temperature to the point where it becomes quite hot to the touch.
sound sensor
The sound sensor detects the intensity of sound around you and gives you detailed information about changes in intensity.
Magnetic field sensor
The magnetic sensor measures magnetic fields along the three axes of the phone. It is mainly used to determine direction. Examples include the Google app and the Compass app. Just move with your phone to check the magnetic sensor.
Pressure meter
The pressure sensor measures atmospheric pressure. It is used for weather forecasting and for measuring ambient temperature.
CPU-Z
The CPU-Z application collects all the necessary information about the phone and presents it in one window. For each option tab, the corresponding details are displayed at the top of the window.
SOC tab- Displays the System on Chip (SoC) Architecture details of your Android smartphone as shown in the image below.
Device tab- Displays device details like model, manufacturer, hardware, screen size, total and used RAM, total and used memory, etc.
System tab- displays detailed information about your smartphone, such as model, manufacturer, board type, display resolution, Android version installed, etc.
Battery tab- Displays battery charging status, level, power source, status, technology, temperature and voltage, etc.
Thermal tab- displays a list of temperature readings. Since CPU load causes your phone to heat up, it is good to check that the temperature does not cross 60°C as this indicates a faulty device. This sensor may not be available on all device models. If it is missing, the tab will not display any values.
Sensors tab- displays the values of sensors supported on the device. You can play with the phone to check if individual sensors are working; for example, tilting the phone to check the gyroscope or moving your palms across the screen to check the proximity sensor, etc. If the CPU-Z readings change in response to your actions, then the sensors are fine and working. If you still feel that the sensors are not functioning properly, then you need to check and compare the values with another similar model or device.
Sensor Kinetics
Sensor Kinetics allows you to view, track and understand the behavior of all the standard sensors installed on your phone. You can change the delay setting or activate or deactivate certain sensors. This application demonstrates the use of each of the sensors available on the phone. This way you can easily check the sensors in your phone. Each sensor is attached to a viewer circuit with raw and processed data. It also includes documentation with easy to understand examples on how to test each of the sensors on your phone.
Sensor test
Testing the Sensor app is designed to detect and test the functionality of each of the sensors that are available on your phone. It displays default sensors and displays real time data and information about each sensor. It also displays the vendor, maximum range, resolution and absorption current for each sensor.
Sensor Box for Android
Sensor Box for Android app is a good looking app with impressive graphical presentation. It detects all the sensors that are available on your Android device. The application displays all sensors and a corresponding message appears if the selected sensor is not supported by your phone. This application only detects sensor changes, if any, and displays the values. It may not show the correct temperature, proximity, light and pressure values unless some changes occur.
Phone tester
The phone tester app not only checks the sensors on the phone, but also checks the health of the device's hardware, Wi-Fi, telephony, GPS, touch, battery and system information. It also checks ambient temperature, humidity, step detector, heart rate monitor and fingerprint sensor - provided that is supported by your device. A Pro A version of the application is also available that displays additional information such as phone memory, processor speed and SD card memory.
AndroSensor
AndroSensor supports all sensors that an Android device may have, but displays real-time sensor details only those supported by your device. Detailed information is displayed in graphical and text format. This app also allows you to save sensor data to a CSV file.
Programs and options Other
Apart from the apps mentioned above, there are many other apps available for free from the Google Play Store. All these apps will help you in testing your phone's sensors. Some of the apps that are worth mentioning are Multitool Sensors, Sensor Checker and Advanced Sensor Checker. You can install and try several applications and see if it provides you with the information that you were looking for.
If you are using a Samsung phone, enter the secret code * # 0 * # to perform a phone test without the need to install any additional applications. Select the sensor tab from the screen that appears and follow the instructions to check the supported sensors on your phone.
If you have any questions about this topic, please feel free to ask in the comments section. We at TechWelkin and our reader community will try to help you. Thank you for using TechWelkin!
