Page 57 - April 2008

Instrumentation
Dick Stern
Applied Research Laboratory, The Pennsylvania State University PO Box 30, State College, Pennsylvania 16804
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The Automotive Sensors division of PCB Piezotronics (PCB®) has released a new Model 106M160 high intensity ICP® acoustic microphone, designed for measuring airbag deployment noise and total impulse of an inflation event occurring inside of an automo- tive cabin. The unit offers sensitivities of 79.8 mV/kPa (550 mV/psi); a measurement range of 189 dB (57.2 kPa); 96 dB (1.4 Pa) resolution; and frequency response of 0.05 Hz to 20 kHz filtered output, tailored to the human ear. It survives higher intensity signals, up to 216 dB, that would damage most condenser microphones beyond their 3% distor- tion limit. The rugged, hermetically sealed, piezoelectric pressure microphone features also ICP® output, for ease of use and reduced setup time.
Series 106 dynamic pressure sensors also include models which are ideal for measuring low-level and high-intensity sound pressure levels, acoustic and ultrasonic, with sensitiv- ities of up to 725 mV/kPa. Sensors withstand high-static background pressures and fea- ture solid-state construction, no moving parts, and stainless steel housings, and are well- suited for detection of rapid pressure transients, pulsations, turbulence, noise, and spikes for troubleshooting equipment and tuning processes. Available charge output units may be used in temperatures of up to +750 oF (+400 oC). Contact: mbakewell@pcb.com
PCB® Piezotronics Series 102A and 121A sensors offer intrinsic safety certifications to CSA and ATEX standards, permitting use on machinery operating in hazardous envi- ronments. Applications include monitoring dynamic pressure events such as surges, pul- sations, spikes, leak detection, combustor instability, and acoustics found in operation of oil & gas well heads, pumps, gas compressors, pipe-lines, reciprocating engines, and gas turbines. Sensors may be used with ICP® signal conditioning and permit use of a variety of inexpensive 2-wire cable systems. The low-impedance signal may be transmitted over long cable distances, and sensors may be used in dirty environments with no signal degra- dation. PCB® can also assist with providing many other styles of dynamic pressure sen- sors with hazardous area approvals. Contact: mbakewell@pcb.com
Editor’s Note—The items printed in “Instrumentation” are reported for informational purposes only and are not necessar- ily endorsements by the Editor, Acoustics Today, or the Acoustical Society of America.
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