Miniature triaxial accelerometer for high-temp applications

Kistler's new accelerometer has been designed specifically to bring these properties to applications demanding high-accuracy measurements in varying temperature up to 165degC. The small cubical, hermetic titanium housing has threaded mounting holes on each of three sides to facilitate calibration and simplify installation for tests whilst the low mass of only 4g reduces any influence on the test structure. The Kistler PiezoStar shear element design provides a flat frequency response over a wide operating frequency range and very low sensitivity to temperature changes.

The IEPE sensor combines the PiezoStar crystal with high-gain, integral, hybrid microelectronics to achieve very low sensitivity variation over the wide operating temperature range, compared with other sensing element designs, and high immunity to base strain errors. The Transducer Electronic Datasheet (TEDS), embedded in the chips integrated within the IEPE sensor, enable data acquisition systems to automatically recognise the sensor specification and so reduce set up time, minimise risk of human errors and eliminate the need for manual point-to-point connection identification.

Five variants cover the measurement range from +/-50g to +/-1000g all with a 100 per cent overload capability plus a high-temperature option for temperatures of up to 165degC. In contrast to ceramic and quartz, the very stiff piezoelectric crystal sensing element offers a flat frequency response with no slope across the entire useable frequency range of 0.5 to 20,000Hz.

The accelerometer uses a welded titanium construction for low mass and an industry-standard 4 pin connector, as well as a mini 4-pin connector option for lower mass and wider frequency operation. All variations provide reliable measurements and long-term stability, especially at higher operating temperatures. The miniaturised light-weight measuring element in a hermetic titanium housing which has threaded mounting holes on each of the three axes to simplify cable connection and minimise unwanted cable loops. A range of ground-isolated mounting bases are available with adhesive, threaded and magnetic mounting options, and an integral silicone cable variant is available for underwater vibration testing at up to 10bars (150psi).

With its very wide and flat frequency response, the Type 8766A accelerometer from Kistler instruments is suitable for use in modal and durability testing applications at widely varying temperatures. Please visit www.kistler.com for further information.