Dynamic acceleration/vibration Measurement

Piezoelectric accelerometers are high-performance sensors that measure dynamic acceleration, vibration, and shock by utilizing the piezoelectric effect—the property of certain crystalline materials to generate an electrical charge in response to mechanical stress. These accelerometers are renowned for their accuracy, reliability, and wide frequency response, making them indispensable in industrial monitoring, structural health diagnostics, aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics.

At the core of a piezoelectric accelerometer lies a sensing element made from materials like quartz, PZT (lead zirconate titanate), or other piezoceramics. When subjected to acceleration, the inertial force on a seismic mass compresses the piezoelectric element, producing a proportional electrical charge. This charge is then converted into a usable voltage signal, representing the measured acceleration.

Key Advantages:

• High Sensitivity and Accuracy – Detects small changes in motion with exceptional resolution across a wide dynamic range.

• Broad Frequency Range – Captures low to high-frequency vibrations, ideal for both precision measurement and heavy industrial monitoring.

• Rugged and Durable – Withstands harsh environments, including extreme temperatures, shocks, and mechanical stress.

• No External Power Required (Charge Mode) – In charge-output configurations, the sensor requires no external excitation power.

• Compact and Lightweight – Enables integration into small or embedded systems without adding significant mass or complexity.

• Excellent Linearity and Stability – Delivers consistent performance over time with minimal signal drift.

Types and Applications:

Piezoelectric accelerometers are available in various configurations to suit specific needs:

• Charge Mode Accelerometers – Preferred for high-temperature environments (up to 650°C); requires an external charge amplifier.

• IEPE Accelerometers – Integrated Electronics Piezo-Electric types offer plug-and-play usability with built-in signal conditioning.

• Triaxial Accelerometers – Simultaneously measure acceleration in three orthogonal axes for multi-directional vibration analysis.

Application Areas:

• Industrial Equipment Monitoring – Condition-based maintenance of motors, pumps, gearboxes, and turbines.

• Aerospace & Defense – Vibration analysis in aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and drones.

• Automotive – Crash testing, NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) analysis, engine and suspension diagnostics.

• Consumer Electronics – Motion sensing in smartphones, wearables, and gaming devices.

• Medical Devices – Patient movement tracking, wearable monitoring, and precision diagnostics.

• Structural Health Monitoring – Bridges, buildings, and critical infrastructure.

At HTW, our piezoelectric accelerometers are engineered with premium sensing elements, precision housing, and high-reliability output to deliver dependable, real-time vibration data in the most demanding applications. Whether you're developing intelligent maintenance systems, optimizing mechanical designs, or building cutting-edge devices, HTW provides the sensing performance you can trust.

Measure what matters—with accuracy, durability, and confidence.