PCB SENSORS
SENSORS FOR CHALLENGING TEST AND MEASUREMENT APPLICATIONS
Our partner PCB manufactures sensors used by design engineers and predictive maintenance professionals to test and measure vibration, pressure, force, acoustics, load, and shock in research and development as well as industrial applications.
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Accelerometers
High Temperature Accelerometers
PCB offers specially designed and tested ICP and charge mode accelerometers for testing in extremely high temperatures. ICP accelerometers can withstand conditions of up to 356 °F (180 °C). These sensors combine proven quartz and ceramic shear sensing technology with specialized, built-in microelectronic signal conditioning circuitry to achieve dependable operation in extreme temperatures and through repetitive temperature cycling. Charge mode output accelerometers can operate at extremely high temperatures, up to 1200 °F (649 °C), because they do not contain the built-in signal conditioning electronics that limit the temperature range of ICP accelerometers. They use piezo-ceramic sensing elements that output an electrostatic charge signal proportional to the applied acceleration.
High Temperature ICP® Accelerometers (≤ +356 ºF/+180 ºC)
These sensors combine proven quartz and ceramic shear sensing technology with specialized, built-in microelectronic signal conditioning circuitry to achieve dependable operation in extreme temperatures and through repetitive temperature cycling. Laser-welded, hermetically sealed, lightweight titanium or stainless steel housings offer further protection from the environment. Prior to shipment, each sensor undergoes a battery of tests to ensure survivability for its intended use. Such tests include temperature soak at elevated temperatures, temperature cycling, and exposure to highly accelerated screening procedures with hydraulically actuated shakers.
High Temp Accelerometers ≥ +490 to +1200° F
(+254 to +649° C)
Charge mode output accelerometers from PCB use piezo-ceramic sensing elements that output an electrostatic charge signal proportional to the applied acceleration. These sensors can operate at extremely high temperatures because they do not contain the built-in signal conditioning electronics that limit the temperature range of ICP accelerometers. Charge mode sensors are used in the testing of gas and steam turbines, jet engines, high power motors, exhaust systems and automobile engines where temperatures can range from 500° F (260° C) to 1200° F (649° C). External signal conditioning is required to interface charge mode measurement signals to readout or recording instruments. The charge output signals can be conditioned with either a laboratory style charge amplifier or an in-line fixed charge converter. Each of these products convert the charge output to a low impedance voltage signal. It is important to note that measurement resolution and low-frequency response for charge mode sensing systems are dependent upon the noise floor and discharge time constant characteristics of the signal conditioning and readout devices used.
Cryogenic ICP Accelerometers
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.
Piezoresistive MEMS Shock Accelerometers
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. The Endevco brand has long been the industry standard for reliable measurements in extreme high g environments. As a part of PCB's line of sensors, these sensors are now backed by our Total Customer Satisfaction guarantee. Endevco brand piezoresistive high g shock accelerometers are available in both damped and undamped models to provide high-reliability shock and vibration measurements in extreme environments. With available measurement ranges from 2,000 to 200,000 g, these accelerometers feature rugged piezoresistive MEMS sensing elements.
SMT Surface Mount MEMS High-G Shock Accelerometers
Piezoresistive MEMS high-amplitude shock accelerometers represent state-of-the-art industry technology for miniature, high amplitude, DC response acceleration sensors. This series is capable of measuring long duration transient motion as well as responding to and surviving extremely fast rise times, typical of a high-g shock event as found in explosive, gun and impact testing. Both packaged and OEM configurations are offered, to fulfill a variety of installation requirements. The hermetically sealed sensing element is air-damped with over range stops intended to improve survivability and is a full active Wheatstone bridge with high input resistance for low power consumption. It is micromachined from single crystal silicon and manufactured with the latest advances in etching techniques and equipment using deep reactive ion etching (DRIE).
Damped MEMS High-G Shock Accelerometers
Damped MEMS high-amplitude shock accelerometers represent state-of-the-art industry technology for miniature, high amplitude, DC response acceleration sensors. This series is capable of measuring long duration transient motion, as well as responding to and surviving extremely fast rise times, typical of a high-g shock event as found in explosive, gun and impact testing. Both packaged and OEM configurations are offered, to fulfill a variety of installation requirements. The hermetically sealed sensing element is air-damped with over range stops intended to improve survivability and is a full active Wheatstone bridge with high input resistance for low power consumption. It is micromachined from single crystal silicon and manufactured with the latest advances in etching techniques and equipment using deep reactive ion etching (DRIE).
LOAD CELLS
General Purpose Low Profile
Piezoresistive MEMS high-amplitude shock accelerometers represent state-of-the-art industry technology for miniature, high amplitude, DC response acceleration sensors. This series is capable of measuring long duration transient motion as well as responding to and surviving extremely fast rise times, typical of a high-g shock event as found in explosive, gun and impact testing. Both packaged and OEM configurations are offered, to fulfill a variety of installation requirements. The hermetically sealed sensing element is air-damped with over range stops intended to improve survivability and is a full active Wheatstone bridge with high input resistance for low power consumption. It is micromachined from single crystal silicon and manufactured with the latest advances in etching techniques and equipment using deep reactive ion etching (DRIE).
Canister Load Cells
PCB's cost-effective canister load cells are easy to install and ideal for low-capacity applications. Canister style load cells include a built-in mounting base for a simplified installation in both tension and compression applications.
Canister Load Cells
PCB's rod-end load cells are designed for integration into tension measurement. They are versatile, durable, and fit easily into small spaces such as inline with vehicle tie rods. Futhermore are available sphere and clevis style models, which are particularly effective for off-axis/side loading applications due to their excellent bending strength.
S-Type Load Cells
S-Type load cells are low-cost and high performance side mounted load cells suitable for a number of weighing and general force measurement applications. They come with a 6-foot strain relieved integral cable with pigtail leads that are stripped and tinned for electrical interface.
S-Type Load Cells
Fatigue rated load cells are specifically designed for component durability and fatigue test machines where highly cyclical loading is present. These rugged load cells are extremely resistant to extraneous bending and side loading forces. They are used for material testing, component life cycle testing and structural testing. All fatigue rated load cells are guaranteed against fatigue failure for 100 million fully reversed cycles.
Pedal Force Load Cells
Pedal Effort Sensors are designed to measure load applied to the brake, accelerator, and clutch pedals during acceleration, deceleration, and transmission shift events. The units are compact and light weight, making them easy to install and remove.
MICROPHONES
Acoustic Condenser Microphones & Preamplifiers
When you need a microphone for product tests such as sound power, sound quality, noise source location, there's no need to compromise quality and performance for a great price. With 100% of its microphone manufacturing in-house, PCB Piezotronics provides condenser, modern prepolarized, traditional externally polarized, array, probe, low-profile surface and other specialty purpose microphones, preamplifiers and accessories.
Prepolarized Precision Condenser Microphones & Preamplifiers
Modern prepolarized microphones are designed with newer technology than traditional externally polarized microphones. Prepolarized microphones have many advantages over the externally polarized models. They use ICP® power circuitry invented for sensors by PCB®. By applying a polymer coating to the top of the backplate and embedding a charge on it, expensive 200V power supplies can be eliminated and 2-20 mA constant current supplies or signal conditioners can be used as the power source. Prepolarized models are better suited for portable applications or those in high humidity environments. An added benefit is the interchangeability with other test equipment such as accelerometers or piezoelectric pressure sensors. This lets you use low cost coaxial cables with 10-32, SMB or BNC connectors. With a multiple channel power supply, you can perform your vibration and acoustic tests within the same set-up, saving both time and money.
Externally Polarized Precision Condenser Microphones & Preamplifiers
Externally polarized microphones were the original standard for all test and measurement acoustic applications. This design utilizes a separate 200V power supply and special cables with 7 pin LEMO® connectors. Their simple design enables a large product offering. These microphones are commonly used to replace existing externally polarized microphones, or in cases where a prepolarized alternative is not available.
Externally Polarized Precision Condenser Microphones & Preamplifiers
PCB's phantom powered preamplifier 426A14 preamp offers flexibility by adapting to various microphone cartridges for specific tests. Users leverage one preamp with different cartridges for varied needs: low noise, high frequency, or multiple field responses. All compatible cartridges are high-quality, designed for accurate measurements and natural sound representation. Unlike some, PCB uses a stable metal diaphragm for consistent results and easy calibration. This system caters to precise test and measurement needs, even for stereo recording where matched microphones capture subtle sound details
Low Frequency Microphone System
This 1/2" microphone and preamplifier system, model 378A07 aids in low frequency testing, ideal for infrasound measurements and studies ranging from wind turbines to natural events like tornadoes. Model 378A07 is comprised of a 1/2” (12mm) 377A07 prepolarized microphone, a 426E01 preamplifier, and a low frequency filter adapter, Model 079A43. Low frequency measurements are commonly required for wind turbines, sonic booms, diesel engines and specialized loudspeaker systems to name a few.
Low Noise Prepolarized Microphone
The 378A04 is a matched system that is comprised of a high sensitivity microphone and a low noise preamplifier that contains a built-in filter that enables the free-field response to remain flat over a wide frequency range.
Dust and Water Resistant Array Microphone
This microphone with a replaceable water and dust resistant cover is ideal for high humidity applications, outdoor measurements or harsh industrial settings where dust or oil splash is a concern.
High Temperature Microphones
These microphones are used to make measurements in environments where operating temperatures can reach +257 ºF (+125 ºC). Typical high temperature applications include engine, manifold, exhaust, transfer path, and HVAC testing.
Surface Microphones
These low profile microphones are used for measuring true surface pressure and noise. Its footprint allows noise measurements to be taken where traditional microphones will not fit. A water and dust resistant grid cap is ideal for dirty and rough environments. Typical applications include wind tunnel noise measurements, brake noise, acoustic fatigue analysis, and clear air turbulence (CAT) testing.
Prepolarized Probe Microphone
The small profile Probe Microphone is used for acoustic measurements in small, hard-to-reach places and where precise placement is required in near-field testing within confined areas. This probe microphone is used in extremely high temperatures environments (800◦C).
Side Vented Pressure Field Microphones
These low profile microphones are used for measuring true surface pressure and noise. Its footprint allows noise measurements to be taken where traditional microphones will not fit. A water and dust resistant grid cap is ideal for dirty and rough environments. Typical applications include wind tunnel noise measurements, brake noise, acoustic fatigue analysis, and clear air turbulence (CAT) testing.
High Amplitude Pressure Microphones
High amplitude applications such as airbag testing, gunshot analysis, blast detection, and hearing preservation/safety require microphones that accurately measure high sound pressure levels.