Piezoelectric Temperature & Vibration Composite Sensor

The Piezoelectric Temperature & Vibration Composite Sensor is a high-precision, multi-parameter sensor designed for simultaneous vibration and temperature monitoring in real-time industrial applications. This advanced composite sensor integrates both a vibration sensing element and a temperature measurement component within a single, compact housing, enabling users to collect comprehensive condition data from a single measurement point. This unified design not only simplifies installation but also enhances data accuracy by ensuring that vibration and temperature readings are inherently correlated and time-synchronized.

At the heart of the sensor lies piezoelectric technology, which employs the piezoelectric effect to convert mechanical strain, such as vibration, into an electrical signal. Piezoelectric sensors generate voltage in direct proportion to the stress applied to the sensing material, making them exceptionally sensitive to dynamic changes in vibration and acceleration. The term “piezo” derives from Greek, meaning “press” or “squeeze,” reflecting the core principle behind the technology.

Key Features

• Integrated Sensing: Combines vibration and temperature measurement in one device for efficient monitoring.

• Wide Frequency Response: The vibration sensing component covers a broad frequency range (e.g., 2 Hz to 15 kHz) to detect both low-frequency structural vibrations and high-frequency mechanical signatures.

• High Sensitivity: Typical sensitivity of around 2.5 mV/(m/s²) ensures even subtle changes in vibration are captured accurately.

• Compact Form Factor: With small physical sizes (from Ø14.8 mm up to 26 × 26 × 12 mm) and light weight, the sensor is suitable for space-limited installations.

• Robust Operation: Designed to operate reliably in demanding industrial environments, providing accurate data in applications ranging from manufacturing machinery to aerospace test systems.

Operational Principles

The piezoelectric element in this sensor responds to mechanical deformation due to vibration by producing a proportional electrical charge. This makes it ideal for dynamic measurements such as machinery vibration, imbalance detection, bearing diagnostics, and structural health monitoring. Because the piezoelectric effect generates a signal directly from deformation without needing an external excitation source, these sensors are both highly sensitive and energy-efficient.

Temperature is measured alongside vibration, allowing teams to correlate thermal conditions with mechanical behavior. Monitoring both parameters together is especially valuable for predictive maintenance, where rising temperatures combined with specific vibration patterns can indicate bearing wear, shaft misalignment, or gear issues before catastrophic failure occurs.

Applications

The composite sensor is widely used across industries including:

• Industrial Machinery Monitoring: Detects imbalance, misalignment, or looseness in rotating equipment.

• Automotive Testing: Captures vibration signatures and temperature during engine and drivetrain evaluations.

• Aerospace & Defense: Supports structural and vibration analysis in flight testing and component qualification.

• Civil Engineering: Monitors vibration and thermal effects in bridges, buildings, and infrastructure.

Why Choose This Sensor?

By merging two critical sensing capabilities into one durable, accurate instrument, this piezoelectric composite sensor reduces installation complexity and enhances overall monitoring efficiency. Its broad frequency response and robust design make it indispensable for engineers and maintenance professionals seeking precise condition data with minimized hardware footprint.