Piezoelectric accelerometers offer tremendous versatility for shock and vibration measurements. These r ed sensors can withstand adverse environmental conditions. A wide variety of configurations are available to support multiple application requirements. Specialty units are also available through mechanical or electrical design adjustments or additional qualification testing.

There are two broad categories for piezoelectric accelerometers – those that contain built-in signal conditioning electronics (IEPE type) and those that do not (Charge Output(PE) type). Generally, IEPE accelerometers are preferred, due to ease of use and lower system cost. Charge Output accelerometers are used for high temperature environments, which would otherwise destroy the electrical components contained in an IEPE type.

Triaxial accelerometers offer simultaneous measurements in three orthogonal directions permitting the entire vibration being experienced by a structure to be analyzed. Each unit incorporates three separate sensing elements that are oriented at right angles with respect to each other. Multi-pin electrical connectors, individual cable leads, or multiple coaxial connectors provide the signal outputs for the x, y, and z-axis acceleration.

The use of triaxial accelerometers has gained popularity since the desire for in-depth structural vibration analysis has increased and multi-channel data acquisition costs have declined. These devices are vital tools for structural analysis testing requirements.