Sensor Properties

Sensor Definition

Sensor: A device that responds to a physical stimulus, such as thermal energy, electromagnetic energy, acoustic energy, pressure, magnetism, or motion, by producing a signal, usually electrical.

Sensors sense a physical stimulus by producing either current (A), or voltage (V). If the output is current, then if more than one sensor is being used they all should be connected in parallel. But if the output is voltage, all the sensors must be connected is series.

In our design, because the output of these ICP force sensors is voltage and also because we're using about 25 of these sensors, they all should be connected in series.

ICP force Sensors

ICP force sensors are quartz sensors measuring impact force to 222,4 kN (50.000 lbs) in applications involving drop and shock-test apparatus, punch machines, table presses, controlling, counting, and metal forming machines.

Series 200 Impact force sensors monitor single or unattended repetitive pulses over a wide range, 0,0009 N to 222,4 kN (0,0002 to 50.000 lbs). The naturally stable quartz sensing element provides long-term output stability. A rigid, stainless steel housing in a package 53,7 mm or less in diameter offers ruggedness, linearity, and repeatability over an extended frequency range. Welded, hermetically sealed construction ensures long sensor life in controlled laboratory experiments or the harsh surroundings of factory environments.

ICP's internal microelectronic amplifier is incorporated into its design. This amplifier converts the high impedance output of the sensing element to a low impedance voltage signal without the need for additional costly charge amplifiers. The output voltage signal produced from the amplifier can be transmitted over long cables.

Typical Sensor Response

Different sensors respond differently. The way that ICP force sensors respond has roughly a direct relationship between voltage(V) and force(lbs).