This works via the piezoelectric effect by converting electrical energy to ultrasonic energy, and vice versa. The piezo transmitter emits ultrasonic pulses that are reflected back to the piezoelectric sensor and converted into a readable measurement. This is known as a piezoelectric transducer.
Often, two ultrasonic piezoelectric elements are utilized with one acting as the transmitter and one acting as the receiver (sensor). Ultrasonic piezo sensors are often placed outside the medium being measured to receive relevant information. They can also be used in cleaning equipment and medical equipment. Ultrasonic piezoelectric sensors are often used to measure distance, liquid levels, and flow. One type of accelerometer, vibration piezoelectric sensors, are commonly used in data acquisition systems in aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing applications to analyze vibration data in real time. When the object accelerates, the block presses onto the piezoelectric slab creating a charge, which is then passed on to an amplifier or computer. A slab of piezoelectric material is held perpendicular to the expected movement, and a block of material is loaded onto the slab.
When the accelerometer piezo sensor is subjected to an accelerative force, it produces an electrical signal proportional to the amount of force applied. This electrical output can then be used to measure the force applied.Ī piezoelectric accelerometer converts changes in mechanical acceleration, vibration, or shock into a measurable electrical output.
When a dynamic force is applied, the piezoelectric crystals deform under this force and produce an electrical signal. Dynamic force can include compression, tensile, shear, and torque force. Pressure sensors are able to detect these changes in pressure very rapidly, generating an electrical signal that can be used to produce the appropriate mechanical response needed to adapt to pressure changes.įorce piezoelectric sensors measure dynamic force along a single axis. Pressure piezo sensors are commonly used in measuring explosions, blasts, turbulence, and engine combustion. Piezoelectric pressure sensors are used to measure dynamic changes in pressure, typically liquid or gaseous pressure changes. Here are a few of the most common piezoelectric sensors based on application: All piezo sensors can be custom made into different shapes depending on their use, including piezo tubes, piezo strips, piezo discs, and piezo plates. There are many types of piezoelectric sensors for various applications. They are utilized for infinite applications across a broad range of industries due to their ability to both operate in confined spaces and high temperatures, and yield high frequency response, transient response, and output. Piezoelectric sensors are mostly used in measuring vibrations, acceleration, strain, force, and movement. These piezo sensors operate below their resonant frequency for maximized range. Passive PZT sensors, as the name implies, wait for a signal, like a microphone, and convert that into output. Active PZT sensors use a transmitter-receiver system releasing intermittent ultrasonic pulses to gauge the environment. Piezo sensors take on two forms to accomplish this: active and passive. A piezoelectric sensor senses mechanical changes in the environment and produces a useable electrical signal output, which can be used to measure the mechanical changes or generate displacement with the electrical output. These sensors are directly compatible with all counters and WIM systems that have piezoelectric input.Piezoelectric products known as piezo sensors detect changes in the environment and convert them into electrical energy. Both the Class 1 and the Class 2 sensors are available in a variety of different lengths from 6 to 13 feet, with standard cable lengths of 100 feet or more (Metric from 2 – 5.5 meters, cable lengths from 35 – 100 meters). The BL sensor is available both as a Class 1 sensor for the highest level of uniformity needed for WIM applications, and as a Class 2 sensor which is more cost effective for counting, classifying, high speed toll booths, and speed detection. These sensors are unencapsulated, conforming to the road profile giving a clean easy-to-read signal that translates into accurate vehicle count, speed and WIM data.
#Piezo sensor portable
The Roadtrax BL Sensor (named for what it looks like – a Brass Linguini®) can be installed directly into a slot in the road for permanent applications, or taped down for portable applications.