Page 42 - Spring 2010

Instrumentation
Dick Stern
Applied Research Laboratory, The Pennsylvania State University PO Box 30, State College, Pennsylvania 16804
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Kistler Instrument Corporation has announced the debut of Type 8688A accelerometers, a globally-patented series of low- cost, high-sensitivity IEPE triaxial accelerometers, with optional Transducer Electronic Data Sheets (TEDS), designed to simultaneously measure vibration in three orthogonal axes.
Available in ranges of ±5g, ±10g and ±50g, with choice of 100, 500 or 1000 mV/g sensitivities, the Type 8688A, Integrated Electronics Piezo Electric (IEPE) triaxial range, incorporates Kistler PiezoBeam® technology, with an integral ceramic can- tilevered beam, enclosed within a lightweight (less than 6.7 grams for 1000 mV/g), robust, welded titanium housing. Sensing elements are designed to provide outstanding ampli- tude and phase response over a wide frequency range and are
temperature-compensated. Type 8688A sensors feature an inte- gral low-noise charge amplifier that converts the charge signal to a proportional high level voltage signal, at an output imped- ance of less than 500 ohms. Units are ground isolated when mounted with a mounting clip or adhesive mounting adapter.
With its low mass design, high sensitivity, high dynamic range, and low noise operation, this precision triaxial accelerometer series is ideal for multi-channel modal and structural analyses of small components or subsystems, aero- space and automotive vehicle testing, and select general pur- pose vibration sensing applications, particularly those where mass loading may be a concern. Contact Chris Smith at chris.smyth@kistler.com
PCB Piezotronics, Inc. has announced Model 352B70, the newest sensor in the family of accelerometers designed for the extreme testing found only in shaker labs. PCB has worked closely with shaker labs around the world developing accelerometers specifically designed to withstand this demanding application. PCB Model 352B70 has a ± 5000g measurement range to accommodate the varying amplitudes experienced during high random vibration test profiles; a built-in 2-pole low pass filter to help reduce the possibility of
saturation due to the presence of high frequency energy that may be present above the frequency band of interest; and is hermetically sealed in a titanium housing to ensure surviv- ability in harsh environments. The robust sensor is also elec- trically isolated to prevent unwanted electrical interference or ground loops, and has a low mass design weighing in at only 4.3 grams. Supplied with mounting studs and an adhesive base allows for a variety of mounting capabilities. Please con- tact Jennifer Beal at prospects@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.
38 Acoustics Today, April 2010