PCB 3991/3501 series shock accelerometers

The PCB 3991/3501 series of MEMS shock accelerometers are suitable for miniature, high-amplitude, DC-response acceleration sensors, capable of measuring long duration transient motion and responding to and surviving extremely fast rise-times typical of high-g shock events. They are supplied in packaged and OEM configurations and are suitable for a variety of installation requirements.

The air-damped acceleration sensing element, which is micro-machined from silicon, is manufactured using advanced etching techniques and equipment. Claimed to be the smallest, most accurate shock accelerometer, it measures 2.5 x 1.7 x 0.9 mm and incorporates a seismic mass, protective over-range stops and a full-active, piezoresistive Wheatstone bridge.

Slight air-damping reduces the resonant amplification which increases measurement accuracy and the over-range stops give the sensor survivability. It is suitable for safe and arm; smart fuses; penetrator tests; weapons data recorders/launch characteristics; metal-to metal impact/armour piercing; blast loading of structures; drop testing; pile driving; jack hammer testing; down hole drilling; and shot counting applications.