Structured with highly sensitive piezoceramic sensing elements, miniature Ceramic Shear ICP® Accelerometers have an excellent signal-to-noise ratio, high measurement resolution, and are ideal for conducting low-level vibration measurements. Due to their inherent higher sensitivity, a ceramic ICP® accelerometer can be assembled with a smaller mass than comparable quartz units, resulting in a sensor that is lighter in weight, has a higher frequency response, and has a lower noise floor. To further reduce the mass of the sensors, all ceramic shear accelerometers are housed in either tough, lightweight, laser-welded, hermetically sealed, titanium or aluminum housings. By minimizing the mass of the sensor, mass loading effects are reduced, which maximizes the accuracy of the data obtained.
High sensitivity ICP® accelerometers are specifically designed to enable the detection of ultra-low-level, low-frequency vibrations associated with very large structures, foundations, and earth tremors. These sensors typically possess exceptional measurement resolution as the result of its comparatively larger size, which furnishes a stronger output signal and a lower noise floor. All units are hermetically sealed in a titanium or stainless steel housing. Models that include a 2-pin, military style connector provide the added benefit of being electrically case isolated for superior RF and EMI protection.
Conventional structural test data systems use few to several hundred sensors. Cables bundles can be complex and confusing resulting in setup errors. Sensors with TEDS (Transducer Electronic Data Sheet) allow for an internal sensor digital chip to store sensor information. This information contains descriptive identifiers that when connected to a TEDS compatible signal conditioner or data system, reads the descriptive information and automatically aligns the data system. Human error is minimized, reducing time consuming data verification or re-test. The Series 333 ICP® accelerometers, and their accessories, are designed to address the needs of multi-point modal and structural test measurement applications. This equipment was developed in conjunction with the world renowned University of Cincinnati Structural Dynamics Research Laboratory and proven in real-world testing situations. The PCB 333 Series accelerometers delivers rapid system setup, reduces human documentation errors, maintains calibration data of each sensor, allows for “Plug-and-Play” installation, reduces overall test time lowering project test costs.
PCB® series 3711F, 3713F, 3741F, and 3743F MEMS DC response sensors are used to measure low frequency motion down to zero hertz. These accelerometers are used in applications such as structural monitoring, aerospace vibration testing, drivability, and gravitational force measurements. Each series includes a full scale measurement range from ± 2g to ± 200g and features low spectral noise with high resolution.
Piezoresistive shock accelerometers, manufactured by MEMS technology, have low power consumption while still providing +/- 200 mV full scale output. They afford a wider operating temperature range when compared to mechanically isolated ICP® accelerometers. Their frequency response ranges from DC (0 Hz) to 20 kHz. To lessen the severity of response when their resonant frequency is excited, they incorporate squeeze film damping, achieving values of 0.02 to 0.06 of critical.
Piezoelectric ICP® accelerometers afford a very high signal output (+/- 5 volts full scale) and the ease of two-wire electrical connectivity. Their inherent ruggedness enables them to be severely over ranged without damage. The addition of internal mechanical isolation minimizes the high frequency stress that would otherwise be encountered by their ceramic sensing elements. This mechanical isolation, coupled with an internal 2-pole electrical filter, built into the ICP® circuitry, tailors the overall accelerometer response to assure data quality to frequencies as high as 10 kHz. Depending on the specific model, accelerations in excess of 50 kg can be successfully measured. These modern designs, with their internal elastomeric isolation materials are verified through calibration to remain dynamically linear and are enabling piezoelectric accelerometers to operate in increasingly severe acceleration environments.
The single and triaxial ICP® accelerometers are designed with a low temperature coefficient, wide operating temperature range, and good broadband measurement resolution, making them ideal for any vibration measurement requiring tight control of amplitude sensitivity over a wide thermal gradient. To alleviate the effects of high frequency overloads caused by metal-to-metal inputs, a low pass filter has been incorporated in all models, ensuring accurate data in the frequency range of interest.
Cryogenic ICP® accelerometers are specifically designed to operate at temperatures below the typical -65 ºF (-54 ºC) temperature limit of most voltage mode sensors. The use of specialized, built-in, cryogenic circuitry and quartz shear sensing technology promote survivability in demanding environments such as liquid nitrogen. Each sensor is hermetically sealed and individually tested to determine the thermal coefficient of sensitivity at -320 ºF (-196 ºC) ensuring reliable operation and accurate measurements. These sensors have been successfully used in the presence of liquid helium during structural testing of rocket boosters.
The Mechanical Impedance Sensor simultaneously measures an applied, driving-point force and response acceleration of a test structure for determining parameters such as mechanical mobility and mechanical impedance. The unit consists of a precision, shear mode accelerometer and a quartz force sensor in a common housing. Installation is primarily facilitated at the structural excitation points, in series with a stinger and vibration shaker.
Piezoelectric accelerometers offer tremendous versatility for shock and vibration measurements. These rugged sensors can withstand adverse environmental conditions. A wide variety of configurations are available to support multiple application requirements. Specialty units are also available through mechanical or electrical design modifications or additional qualification testing.
PCB's acquisition of Endevco's full line of testing sensors means all Endevco sensors are now backed by PCB's Total Customer Satisfaction (TCS) guarantee. Endevco® cryogenic piezoelectric accelerometers are built specifically for measuring vibration under cryogenic conditions down to -452° F (-269° C). Signal outputs of these units are very stable even at extremely low temperatures. Their rugged internal construction is designed to withstand multiple cycles of thermal shock with steep temperature gradient. The accelerometers are self-generating devices that require no external power source for operation and contain no electronics. This allows them to operate below the -320° F (-196° C) limit of ICP accelerometers, down to -452° F (-269° C).
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