Frequency Tailored ICP® Piezoelectric Pressure Sensors

Depew, New York, USA, March 9, 2009 – PCB Aerospace & Defense – a division of PCB Piezotronics, Inc., announces a new frequency tailored ICP® and charge output piezoelectric pressure sensors, Series 113B and 102B. The new quartz dynamic pressure sensors have an extremely fast 1 micro-second response time, with resonant frequencies above 500 kHz. Frequency tailoring, a combination of mass balancing and microelectronics, provides a fast response to shock waves without the high ringing amplitudes experienced with general purpose piezoelectric sensors or resistive silicon semiconductor sensing technologies.

Each sensor is 100% in-process tested for resonant frequency, rise time, and acceleration compensation, and are supplied with NIST traceable, A2LA accredited calibration to ISO17025. Optional gas driven shock-tube response curves can be provided upon request. The sensors are ideal for measuring blast over-pressure and explosion pressure in free-field or closed arenas to obtain peak pressure, total impulse, shock wave and time-of-arrival measurements often used to study blast effects on structures, vehicles, and other surrounding objects. Frequency tailoring allows the sensors to capture both peak pressure and total impulse calculations. Other applications include pulsations, closed bomb combustion, airbag testing, pneumatic, hydraulic, fluid, and other such dynamic pressures.

ICP® technology features integral microelectronics that provides a high signal-to-noise ratio compared to resistive silicon semiconductor sensing technologies, which require external amplification. The high-level 5-volt output signal is capable of driving long cable runs, hundreds of feet in length, to a safe zone for data acquisition. Solid-state construction, hermetically-sealed housings, and laser-welded flush diaphragms provide undistorted high frequency response and durability, even in adverse environmental conditions. PCB® Series 113B and 102B pressure sensors are available with dynamic ranges to 15 kpsi (103 MPa) and sensitivities to 100 mV/psi (14.5 mV/kPa). Stock models and alternate mountings are available.

PCB Aerospace & Defense is a dedicated sales, engineering, manufacturing and support group located in Depew, New York, devoted to the sensing needs of the global market. This team is focused on the development and application of products and services for development, qualification and production verification programs, including modal analysis, ground test, flight test, engine test, maritime environmental test, qualification and certification test, wind tunnel testing, acoustic testing, ballistic testing, and ammunition tests. This PCB® Group also provides sensors for use on aerospace and defense aircraft and vehicle systems including health and usage monitoring, engine vibration monitoring, active noise and vibration cancellation, rotor balance, bearing fault detection, launch and separation shock monitoring, and fuze and safe and arm shock monitoring.

PCB Piezotronics, Inc. is a global leader in the design and manufacture of force, torque, load, strain, pressure, acoustic and vibration sensors, as well as the pioneer of ICP® technology. This instrumentation is used for test, measurement, monitoring, and feedback control requirements in automotive, aerospace, industrial, R&D, military, educational, commercial, and OEM applications. From ready-to-ship stock products, to custom-made specials, PCB® proudly stands behind all products with services customers value most, including 24-hour customer support, a strategic global distribution network, and a Total Customer Satisfaction guarantee. For more information about PCB® visit www.pcb.com.

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PCB and ICP are registered trademarks of P5CB Group, Inc.