Force Sensor Configurations ----------------------
Piezoelectric Force Sensor Configurations All quartz force sensors function to measure dynamic force in one or more of thefollowing modes: compression, tension, and impact. Each utilizes quartz-sensing crystals to convert the applied force into a proportional, electrical measurement signal. Some sensors contain built-in, microelectronic circuitry to condition this signal for transmission to readout or recording instruments. These are designated as ICP ® sensors. Other-sensors output this signal directly, however, a separate charge converter or amplifier then must condition this signal. These are designated as charge output sensors. Ordinarily, ICP ® sensors are preferred, as they are more cost effective and easier toimplement. Charge output sensors are used mostly when temperatures exceed the limits for ICP ® sensors, typically above +250 °F (+121 °C), or under quasi-static measurementcircumstances.There are several basic styles of piezoelectric force sensors, each offering a variety offull-scale measurement ranges and sensitivities. Each style offers both charge output and ICP ® sensor versions. More than one style may accommodate a particularmeasurement requirement, however, selection of the best-suited sensor may be dictated by the application’s specification requirements, environmental conditions, and installation constraints. The following summarizes the various styles of sensors along with their most common installation techniques. While several installation techniques may be possible for a particular sensor, it shouldbe noted that the factory calibrated sensitivity is achieved when installed with the recommended pre-load force using the supplied, elastic, beryllium copper mounting hardware. If other hardware, or pre-load forces are used with the sensor, the sensitivity, and possibly the linearity, will be different. For example, using a steel stud could cause a measurement to be low by 30 to 40%. For best results, a sensitivity calibration of the sensor should be performed under installed circumstances. When in doubt, please contact the factory for assistance. For information on ICP ® strain sensors, see page 1.67. General Purpose Quartz Force Sensors
General purpose force sensors are offered in either stud or axial mounted configurations. They are internally pre-loaded and can be used for dynamic compression, tension, and impact force measurements. Tapped mounting holes on both ends of the radial connector style support link, platform, integrated link, and free-standing installations. The axial mounted type offers protection of the electrical connector and sensor cable from potential damage during drop testing and in free-standing installations. Supplied impact caps facilitate impact and drop force measurements.Versions offering full-scale measurement ranges of 10 lb to 5000 lb compression (45 to22k N) and 500 lb (2200 N) tension are available. For higher ranges, consider the dedicated ring, link, or impact-style sensor configurations. Applications include matrix print-head studies, drop testing, machinery studies, punching and forming operations, impact testing, fatigue testing, fracture analysis, and materials testing. F
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Free-standing Installation (axial connector) Platform Installation Free-standing Installation Force Link Force Link PCB Piezotronics, Inc. Toll-Freein USA 888-684-0004716-684-0001 www.pcb.com 1.3