Analog Devices’ motion sensing technology helps Cannondale’s Simon mountain bike suspension system

NORWOOD, USA: Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) collaborated with Cannondale Bicycles to incorporate ADI’s industry-leading iMEMS accelerometer technology into Cannondale’s revolutionary Simon electronic front suspension system.

Demonstrated as a concept at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas January 7-10, the programmable Simon suspension system uses an ADI single-axis iMEMS accelerometer to monitor the terrain at 2-millisecond intervals. This data is processed by the Simon system to access more than 10,000 terrain-response maps to provide optimal bicycle suspension control. Unlike previous mountain bike front suspension technologies, which relied on mechanical devices with slower response times, the Simon front suspension system incorporates ADI’s accelerometers for real-time response, which allows riders to instantly adapt to changing trail conditions.

“Leveraging ADI’s accelerometer technology, Cannondale was able to create the first-ever suspension bike that can remain fully rigid on smooth surfaces for pedaling efficiency while seamlessly opening up to maintain comfort and stability,” said Stanley Song, advance projects engineer for Cannondale Bicycles.

“The accelerometer also provides insights into the bicycle system that would otherwise be unattainable. For example, by sensing free fall and the duration of the fall, Simon knows when a mountain biker jumps off a rock. ADI’s accelerometer effectively allows Simon to ‘read’ the terrain in advance and preemptively adjust the suspension settings in real time.”

The Simon electronic suspension system incorporates ADI’s high-g ADXL78 accelerometer at the wheel hub to dynamically monitor the applied forces. That information is transferred over a digital network that processes terrain information and manages the suspension fork’s fluid control system to improve rider safety and control, minimize fork wear and reduce the impact loads that are transferred to the bicycle frame. The programmable settings are controlled using a handlebar-mounted joystick and LCD display.

“Motion sensing technology is enabling a new level of innovation nearly everywhere it can be applied, whether in cars, bicycles, medical devices, industrial equipment, or the latest consumer electronics,” said Mark Martin, vice president for Analog Devices’ MEMS and Sensor Technologies group. “Working with Cannondale, we soon realized how our iMEMS accelerometers could be used in a ground-breaking front fork suspension design that dramatically improves a cyclist’s trail riding experience.”

Analog Devices offers one of the industry’s broadest portfolios of high-performance MEMS sensors, including a wide range of low-g accelerometers, high-g accelerometers, angular rate sensors (gyroscopes), integrated inertial measurement units (IMUs), and MEMS microphones.