Compact force transducers use piezoelectric technology

The transducers measure with virtually no displacement and attain a high frequency range in fast, highly dynamic applications such as cracking.

These new piezoelectric force transducers can be connected directly to HBM data acquisition systems. Alternatively, HBM offers a small charge amplifier including a voltage output and an integrated TEDS (Transducer Electronic Data Sheet) chip that enables the measurement chain to be configured quickly and reliably.

HBM says the piezoelectric transducers complement its existing range of force transducers based on strain gauge (SG) technology and give end users greater flexibility for measurement tasks since the two force transducer principles provide different advantages.

Strain-gauge force transducers offer increased linearity and are best used for static measurement tasks, while piezoelectric force transducers are characterised by their compact design and are especially suitable for installation where limited space is available.