Ballistic Pressure Sensors Demystified

Issue #106, August 2016

Our Calibration Team spent last week at the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturer's Institute (SAAMI). SAAMI is an association of the nation's leading manufacturers of firearms, ammunition and components. We were inspired by the group of professionals who assembled with a shared commitment to maintaining the industry's stellar record of safety and reliability. Thank you for joining us for another month of Dynamic Sensors & Calibration Tips!

Understanding Ballistic Pressure Sensors

By PCB Piezotronics

In order to better understand the characteristics or behavior of firearms and ammunition, various types of ballistics measurements are often made. To make these measurements, test fixtures are instrumented with various types of sensors, such as piezoelectric pressure sensors. The Ballistics Pressure Sensor Reference Guide is a helpful tool to use to understand the basics of making ballistics measurements.

Click here for full Reference Guide

Microphones in Action

Excerpted from PCB Piezotronics' Microphone Handbook

Acoustical testing is performed for a variety of reasons, ranging from designing new products, to monitoring products, to predictive maintenance functions, to personal protection. Learn more about typical applications for acoustical studies that require microphones...

Click to read the full article

Upcoming Educational Events

Microphone Fundamentals & Advanced Applications Seminar and Workshop

Sept 20-21 in Depew, NY

Join PCB Piezotronics and Dr. Andrew Barnard, Assistant Professor at Michigan Technological University, to learn more about the world of acoustics measurements. Click here for details!

Expanding Mechanical Metrology

Sept 21 in Cincinnati, OH

We invite you to join The Modal Shop for a free full day seminar hosted at our Headquarters. Topics covered will include: Types and Theories of Accelerometers, Dynamic Sensor Types, Principles and Practical Considerations for Calibration, and Calibration Method Basics. Click to register!

Tip of the Month

On extremely small ICP accelerometers consider using ultra fine 36 AWG wire for the signal cable to eliminate measurement error from cable forces. If available, consider the solder terminal connector option for the sensor to allow easy field repair when there is a failure of such fine gauge cable.

Blast from the Past:

Benefits of Understanding ICP� Sensor Bias

ICP sensors require a constant current power source providing 2 to 20 mA at 18 to 28 V DC. In most applications, 2 to 4 mA current is adequate. In special applications driving long cables (>100 ft) at high frequencies (100 kHz), higher current is required to avoid high frequency attenuation. For specifics, please read on...

Click to read the full article

Thanks for joining us for another issue of Dynamic Sensors & Calibration Tips. As always, please speak up and let us know what you like. We appreciate all feedback: positive, critical or otherwise. Take care!