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Sensors for Aerospace

Testing and Monitoring
Accelerometers, Pressure Sensors, Microphones, Torque Sensors,
and Load Cells for Precision Measurement Requirements.
 Sensors for Aerospace Testing and Monitoring

General Application Areas

■ Qualification Testing
■ Ground Vibration Testing (GVT)
■ Structural Dynamics
■ Engine Vibration Monitoring
■ Engine Test Stands
■ Shock and Separation Studies
■ Health and Usage Monitoring
Systems (HUMS)
■ Wind Tunnel Testing
■ Flutter Testing

Measurements Supported
■ Vibration
PCB Piezotronics is a globally renown manufacturer of sensors and associated
■ Acceleration signal conditioning instrumentation, to address the demanding requirements of
the Aerospace industry. Whether involved with design evaluations, scale model
■ Acoustics testing, environmental testing, flight test, or critical component monitoring, we
can help with off-the-shelf or custom designed equipment that is qualified to
■ Pressure
meet your specific needs.
■ Load Faithful supplier relationships are crucial to the success of any test or monitoring
■ Dynamic Force program. With an extensive design engineering team, experienced staff of field
application engineers, and 40 years of sensor manufacturing experience, PCB®
■ Dynamic Strain has what it takes to tackle even the most exotic sensor requirements.
Additionally, manufacturing operations are certified to AS9100 and IS0 9001 and
■ Torque calibration procedures are accredited by A2LA to ISO 17025. Products can be
manufactured to meet specific aerospace environmental standards, and
program design requirements to meet RTCA-DO-160 and MIL-STD-810. Low
out-gas material designs are available for specific applications.
This brochure is intended as an overview to the extensive product line and
measurement capabilities available from PCB®. Additional detailed information
is available at www.pcb.com. There is never a risk when purchasing from PCB®
as our policy of Total Customer Satisfaction guarantees your satisfaction or your
money will be refunded.

NOTE: Products as shown are not to scale. For actual product dimensions and specifications please visit www.pcb.com.

2 PCB Piezotronics, Inc. Toll-Free in USA 866-816-8892 716-684-0001 www.pcb.com

 Sensors for Aerospace Testing and Monitoring

Sensor Technologies offered by PCB ®

ICP® sensors are piezoelectric sensors that contain built-in microelectronic signal
conditioning circuitry – yet operate over just two wires. This circuitry requires constant
current excitation and serves to convert the high-impedance charge signal that is
generated by the piezoelectric crystal into a low-impedance voltage signal for ease of
Partial Customer List signal transmission and analysis. Low cost coaxial or two-wire cables may be utilized
with ICP® sensors and the signal fidelity is relatively unaffected by contamination.
■ United Technologies Corporation Generally, ICP® sensors are more cost effective and easier to use than charge output
■ General Dynamics Corporation piezoelectric sensors; however, their temperature range is limited by the survivability of
the built-in microelectronic circuitry. ICP® is an acronym for “Integrated Circuit
■ L-3 Communications Piezoelectric” and is a registered trademark of PCB Group. ICP® sensors are best suited
■ Honeywell International Inc. for general purpose vibration, shock, dynamic strain, dynamic force, and dynamic
pressure measurements at temperatures of up to +325 °F (+163 °C)
■ Parker Hannifin Corporation
■ Computer Sciences Corporation
■ Thales Group
■ Lockheed Martin Corporation
■ Northrop Grumman Corporation Charge output sensors are piezoelectric sensors that do not possess any self-contained
signal conditioning circuitry. The delivered signal is simply the output that is generated
■ The Boeing Company by the piezoelectric crystal, which typically requires a remotely located charge amplifier.
■ EADS Charge output sensors possess the ability to operate at extremely elevated temperatures
and as such are excellent choices for turbine engine vibration monitoring. Since the
■ British Aerospace output impedance of a charge output sensor is quite high, the output signals should be
■ Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. transmitted over specially treated, low-noise cables. For high temperature extremes,
hardline cables are available, which can either be welded directly to the sensor or
■ NASA provided as a separate assembly. Charge output sensors are best suited for dynamic
■ Pratt & Whitney pressure or vibration measurements at high temperatures.
■ General Electric Company
■ Rolls-Royce
■ Sikorsky
■ MBDA Missile Systems MEMS sensors are constructed of silicon elements with etched geometries that form
either a capacitive or resistive bridge circuit. This element may be left as-is to form
■ Alenia passive sensors that require bridge excitation or it may be mated to a variety of on-board
■ Embraer signal conditioning circuits to yield self-amplified sensors with either single-ended or
differential outputs. MEMS sensors are robust, may be miniature, and offer excellent
■ ESA performance characteristics. MEMS sensors are best suited for very low frequency
■ ESTec Systems Corporation acceleration (vibration) measurements.
■ Goodrich Corporation
■ Unison Industries
■ Bell Helicopter
■ JPL Static DC Response sensors encompass silicon strain gage, bonded foil strain gage,
and thin-film chemical vapor deposition styles. Similar to MEMS sensors, the sensing
elements of a piezoresitive sensor are arranged in a bridge circuit and may be left
passive or coupled to on-board signal conditioning circuits. Sensor types utilizing
piezoresitive technology include DC responding pressure sensors, load cells, and
torque sensors.

PCB Piezotronics, Inc. Toll-Free in USA 866-816-8892 716-684-0001 www.pcb.com 3

 Sensors for Aerospace Testing and Monitoring

Vibration and Fatigue Testing

Whether updating or substantiating finite element models,
conducting mode shape investigations, searching for resonances
within frequencies of operation, or evaluating aircraft structural
health and integrity, accelerometers offer the necessary response
signals that are vital to a successful test. PCB® offers an extensive
line of ICP® accelerometers as well as ICP® force sensors, strain
gage load cells, ICP® impact hammers, ICP® strain sensors,
associated signal conditioning electronics, and installation
accessories that are field proven over many years of successful
service. Additionally, sensors with TEDS option are available, which Photo courtesy of Bombardier, Inc.

offer automated identification to speed test set-ups and reduce

potential bookkeeping errors.
■ Ground Vibration Testing ■ Flight Testing
■ Structural Vibration ■ Modal Analysis
■ Engine Thrust Measurements ■ Dynamic Response

■ Aeroelastic Response ■ Buffeting

■ Dynamic Fatigue ■ Stress Testing

■ Qualification Testing ■ MIMO Tests

■ Wing, Fuselage, and ■ Active Vibration Control

Tail Flutter

General Purpose ICP® Accelerometers

■ Single axis and triaxial types
■ Temperature ranges to +325 °F (+163 °C)
■ Low profile styles

■ Adhesive, stud, and thru-hole mounting

■ Welded, hermetically sealed construction

352A24 352C03 352C04 352C15 352C23 352C43
■ Lightweight titanium and aluminum housings Teardrop Side Connector Top Connector Low Profile Teardrop Low Profile
■ Choose from many mechanical configurations,

sensitivities, frequency ranges, and amplitude ranges

354C10 354B20 355B02 355B12 356A01 356A24

Thru Hole Multiple Connectors Thru Hole Thru Hole Miniature Low Profile

MEMS DC Response Accelerometers

■ Single axis and triaxial types
■ Temperature ranges to +250 °F (+121 °C)
■ Self-amplified, single ended or differential styles

■ Lightweight titanium and aluminum housings

■ Welded, hermetically sealed construction

■ Integral cable or connector styles

■ Choose from many sensitivities and amplitude ranges 3711 3713 3741
Single - Ended Output Single - Ended Output Differential Output

4 PCB Piezotronics, Inc. Toll-Free in USA 866-816-8892 716-684-0001 www.pcb.com

 Sensors for Aerospace Testing and Monitoring

(Vibration and Fatigue Testing continued)

Force, Load, Thrust, and Impact Sensors
■ ICP® or charge output dynamic force
and impact sensors
■ Strain gage load cells

■ Triaxial force links

■ 3-Component
208C01 234B 260A02 261A03 1200/1400 263A01
■ Impact hammers for structural testing Series

Torque Sensors
■ Reaction flange
■ Rotary transformer

2308 4115 4102

ICP® Dynamic Strain Sensors

■ High sensitivity
■ Wide frequency range
740B02
■ Simple adhesive installation
■ Durable and reusable
M240

Launch, Separation, and

Shock Considerations
Dynamic events can impart damaging forces to structures and
equipment. Shock accelerometers are used to evaluate impacts,
shock phenomena, and isolation techniques to ensure structural
survivability of the vehicle and any contents. Additionally,
acceleration signals may be utilized to trigger an event or warn of
process upset, particularly during launch or firing.
■ Payload and Structural Survivability Assessments
■ Shock and Vibration Isolation Investigations
■ Electronic Safe and Arming Devices

■ Fuses

■ Landing Gear Impact Studies

■ Bird Strike Studies

Shock Accelerometers
■ Ranges to 100,000 g
■ Single axis and triaxial types
■ ICP® or charge output styles
■ Low outgassing version available
350C02 350A96 350B50

PCB Piezotronics, Inc. Toll-Free in USA 866-816-8892 716-684-0001 www.pcb.com 5

 Sensors for Aerospace Testing and Monitoring

Health and Performance Monitoring

PCB ® is an established, world leading manufacturer of
accelerometers, which survive the harsh requirements surrounding
condition monitoring of industrial machinery. This experience,
coupled with leading edge sensor technology, offers a unique
foundation for addressing the critical, varied, and demanding needs
of engine and gearbox monitoring on helicopters and fixed-wing
aircraft. Additionally, proprietary in house piezo-ceramic production
yields crystals that address the need for extreme high temperature
operation while repackaging efforts have permitted unique
accelerometer designs to fulfill space-restricted installation
requirements.
■ Health and Usage Monitoring Systems (HUMS)
■ Turbine Engine Vibration Monitoring

■ Bearing, Gearbox, and Motor Vibration Monitoring

■ Prognostics and Health Management (PHM) of Critical

Systems on Helicopters and Fixed Wing Aircraft
■ Engine Test Stands

High Temperature +500 °F (+260 °C) Charge Output Accelerometers

■ Single axis and triaxial types
■ Single ended or differential outputs signals
■ Welded, hermetically sealed construction

■ Lightweight titanium housings

■ Radiation hardened versions

■ Choice of many mechanical configurations,

357B06 357B12 357B40
sensitivities, frequency and amplitude ranges

357B53 357B54 356A71 357B81

(+550 °F/+288 °C) (+550 °F/+288 °C)

High Temperature +900 °F (+482 °C) Charge Output Accelerometers

■ Single ended or differential outputs signals
■ Welded, hermetically sealed construction
■ Electrically-isolated, Inconel® housings

■ Radiation hardened

■ Available welded hardline cables

357C72 357B61 357B69

HUMS Accelerometers
■ Custom engineered to meet specific requirements
■ Electrically isolated to avoid noise problems
■ Choice of connector types or integral cables

■ Choice of mounting schemes

■ Single or multi-axis varieties

■ Continuous operation to +900 °F (+482 °C) 337A30 337A31 337A32 337A33

6 PCB Piezotronics, Inc. Toll-Free in USA 866-816-8892 716-684-0001 www.pcb.com

 Sensors for Aerospace Testing and Monitoring

Pressure, Acoustics, and

Turbulence Measurements
Whether assessing the airflow and pressure distribution across
scale models, minimizing noise levels for optimizing cabin comfort,
analyzing engine combustion, or evaluating hydraulic equipment,
pressure sensors and microphones provide vital information to
assist engineers with optimizing their designs. PCB® offers a variety
of pressure sensors and acoustic microphones suitable for precision
measurements in off-the-shelf or custom designs.
■ Wind Tunnel Testing ■ Cabin Noise Evaluation
■ Noise Cancellation Systems ■ Engine Test Cells
■ Combustion Profiles & Anomalies ■ Shock Tube Studies

■ Atmospheric Re-entry Studies ■ Pogo Oscillation Detection

■ Hydraulics & Pneumatics

Performance

Precision Microphones
■ Condenser microphones in 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, and 1 inch diameters
■ Prepolarized and externally polarized types 426A10
■ Full complement of low noise preamplifiers

377A50 377B01 377B02 377A42 426A30

Array Microphones
■ Lower cost for multi-channel applications
■ Operate from ICP® sensor signal conditioners 130D20
■ Array test stands also available

130D21

Surface Microphone
■ Low profile for reduced drag
■ Prepolarized 130A40

Dynamic Pressure Sensors

■ Ranges from acoustic levels to >120,000 psi (827,000 kPa)
■ Extremely fast rise times
■ Frequency response to 1 MHz

■ Temperature ranges to +1000 °F (+538 °C)

101A02 103B03 106B52 134
■ Intrinsically safe versions

DC Responding Pressure Sensors

■ Internally amplified
■ Full-scale ranges from 10 to 6000 psi (0.69 to 414 bar)
■ Voltage or current output signals

■ Variety of cables, connectors, and pressure ports

1500 Series

PCB Piezotronics, Inc. Toll-Free in USA 866-816-8892 716-684-0001 www.pcb.com 7

 Sensors for Aerospace Testing and Monitoring

Flight-Hardened Signal Conditioners

PCB® offers airborne charge amplifiers and ICP® sensor signal
conditioners, which survive severe shock environments and are 422M156 495M50 495B10
compatible with 28 VDC power and telemetry VCO systems. Many
options are available including multiple channels, gain, filtering,
built-in test signals, and TEDS.
495M76 495M77

Worldwide Direct Sales Offices

Corporate Headquarters Acoustics Italy

Toll-Free in USA: 800-258-3222
PCB Piezotronics, Inc. E-mail: acoustics@pcb.com PCB Piezotronics srl
3425 Walden Avenue Fax: 716-685-3886 Phone: +39 035 201421
Depew, NY 14043-2495 USA Fax: +39 035 203754
24-hour SensorLineSM 716-684-0001 Worldwide Sales Offices
Email: info@pcbpiezotronics.it
Fax: 716-684-0987 China
E-mail: info@pcb.com PCB Piezotronics, Inc. Japan
www.pcb.com Beijing Representative Office
Phone: (86) 010 84477840 Toyo Corporation - Team PCB
Shock & Vibration Phone: +81 (0) 3 3245 1240
Fax: (86) 010 84477840
Toll-Free in USA: 888-684-0013 E-mail: pcbchina@pcb.com
Fax: 716-685-3886 Fax: +81 (0) 3 5205 2030
E-mail: vibration@pcb.com Shanghai Representative Office E-mail: pcb@toyo.co.jp
Phone: (86) 021 6374 1517
IMI Sensors Fax: (86) 021 6374 1510 Sweden
Toll-Free in USA: 800-959-4464 Email: pcbchina@pcb.com PCB Scandinavia AB
Fax: 716-684-3823
E-mail: imi@pcb.com France Phone: +46 (0) 8 444 3870
PCB Piezotronics SA Fax: +46 (0) 8 444 3875
Force, Torque, Load, & Strain Phone: +33 (0) 1 69 33 1960
Toll-Free in USA: 888-684-0004 Fax: +33 (0) 1 69 33 1976 E-mail: pcbscandinavia@pcb.com
Fax: 716-684-8877 E-mail: pcbfrance@pcb.com
E-mail: force@pcb.com United Kingdom
Germany PCB Piezotronics Ltd.
Pressure Synotech GmbH
Toll-Free in USA: 888-684-0011 Phone: +44 (0) 1462 429710
Phone: +49 (0) 2462 99190
Fax: 716-686-9129 Fax: +49 (0) 2462 991979 Fax: +44 (0) 1462 429798
E-mail: pressure@pcb.com E-mail: info@synotech.de E-mail: info@pcbpiezotronics.co.uk

The Aerospace & Defense division of PCB Piezotronics serves the Turbine
Engine, Helicopter Health and Usage Monitoring (HUMS), Ground Vibration
Test, Flight Test, Wind Tunnel Test, Fuze/Safe and Arm, Spacecraft and
3425 Walden Avenue, Depew, NY 14043-2495 USA Aerospace Systems design and development communities with sensors and
associated signal conditioning for measurement of acceleration (vibration,
Toll free 866-816-8892 shock and rigid body); acoustics; pressure; force; strain; and torque. Sensor
24-hour SensorLineSM 716-684-0001 technologies employed include piezoelectric, piezoresistive (both strain gauge
and MEMS) and variable capacitive (both MEMS and microphone).
Fax 716-684-0987 E-mail aerosales@pcb.com Manufacturing operations are certified to AS9100:2004 and ISO 9001:2000,
Web site www.pcb.com with calibration procedures accredited by A2LA to ISO 17025. Products can be
manufactured to meet specific aerospace environmental standards, with
ISO 9001:2000 CERTIFIED AS9100:2004 CERTIFIED program design requirements to meet RTCA-DO-160 and MIL-STD-810, and
A2LA ACCREDITED to ISO 17025 low outgassing designs available for specific applications.
© 2008 PCB Group, Inc. In the interest of constant product improvement, specifications are subject to change
without notice. PCB, IMI with associated logo, Blaze, ICP, Modally Tuned,Swiveler, Soundtrack, Spark, Spindler Visit www.pcb.com to locate
and TORKDISC are registered trademarks of PCB Group, Inc. SensorLine is a service mark of PCB Group, Inc. All
other trademarks are properties of their respective owners. your nearest sales office
AD-AEROSPACE-0208 Printed in U.S.A.