Instruction
Manual
Piezotron®
Low Impedance Coupler
Type 5108A
002-147e-06.00
(B12.5108e)
Pages 1of 16
002-147e-06.00 (B12.5108e)
Operating Instructions
Piezotron
Low Impedance Coupler
Type 5108A
Instrument Corp., 75 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228, USA
Phone (716) 691-5100, Fax (716) 691-5226, e-mail kicsales@kistler.com
Instrumente AG Winterthur, Postfach 304, CH-8408 Winterthur, Switzerland
Phone (052) 224 11 11, Fax (052) 224 14 14, e-mail sales@kistler.ch
Type 5108A Piezotron Coupler Page 2
B12.5108e 6.00
Contents
Section Page
Contents...................................................................................................................................... 2
Section Page 2
1. Introduction................................................................................................................... 4
2. Important Guidelines.................................................................................................... 4
2.1 For your safety 4
2.2 Precautions 4
2.3 Using This Manual 5
3. General Description...................................................................................................... 5
3.1 Supplied and Optional Items 6
3.2 Compatibility 6
3.3 Piezoelectric Measurement Concept 6
3.3.1 The High Impedance Sensor 6
3.3.2 The Low Impedance Sensor 6
3.3.3 Low Impedance Measuring System 7
4. Technical Information, Functional Description........................................................... 8
4.1 Power Supply 8
4.1.1 Supply Current 8
4.1.2 Driving Long Lines 8
4.4 Use with Sensor Impedance Converters 9
5. Assembly, Installation, and Operation......................................................................... 10
5.1 Unpacking and Mounting 10
5.1.1 Unpacking 10
5.1.2 Mounting 10
5.2 Connections 10
5.2.1 Signal Connections 10
5.2.2 Power Supply Connection 11
5.3 Operation 11
5.3.1 Relating to ameasurand 11
6. Maintenance and Calibration........................................................................................ 12
6.1 Calibration 12
6.2 Maintenance and Repairs 12
7. Storage and Transportation Considerations............................................................... 12
Type 5108A Piezotron Coupler Page 3
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8. Technical Data............................................................................................................... 13
8.1 Technical Specifications 13
9. Warranty........................................................................................................................13
Appendix A - Condensed Operating Instructions..................................................................... 15
Type 5108A...................................................................................................................... 15
Appendix B – Usage Suggestions and Applications Summary............................................... 15
Type 5108A Piezotron Coupler Page 4
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1. Introduction
By choosing this Kistler quality product you have purchased an instrument
distinguished by precision, long life and technical innovation. Please read
these operating instructions carefully. You will then be able to make the best
use of the versatile capabilities of your new Piezotron Low Impedance
Coupler.
Kistler offers awide selection of measuring instruments and systems:
•Quartz sensors for force, pressure, acceleration, shock, vibration and
strain.
•Associated signal conditioners and calibrators.
•Electronic control, display and evaluation instruments.
•Piezoresistive pressure sensors and transmitters with associated signal
conditioning.
Kistler can also provide entire measuring systems for special applications, as in
the automotive industry, plastics processing and biomechanics.
Our general catalog provides technical information on the overall product line.
Individual detailed technical data sheets are available on virtually every Kistler
product.
Worldwide Kistler customer service is at your disposal for any special
questions still open after studying these instructions. Expert advice is available
on your specific application.
2. Important Guidelines
It is important that the guidelines in this section be observed. The
information contained within this section will ensure both personal safety
and years of trouble-free operation.
2.1 For your safety
This device has been manufactured in accordance with IEC Publication
1010-1 (Safety Rules for Electronic Measuring Equipment). To ensure
operation without danger, the user must follow the safety instructions and
warnings contained within this manual or inscribed on the unit.
2.2 Precautions
The instrument must be taken out of operation IMMEDIATELY if it is
identified as ahazard to personnel or equipment. It must also be secured
against accidental operation.
The instrument may be ahazard if:
•It shows visible damage (e.g. resulting from abuse).
•It does not function properly.
•It has not been installed properly.
•It has been stored in or subjected to adverse environmental
conditions (e.g. excessive moisture).
•It has been exposed to harsh transportation conditions.
Storage or transportation of the unit should be in accordance with the
recommendations given in Section 7.
Type 5108A Piezotron Coupler Page 5
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The following are precautions which should be followed at all times when
using this instrument:
•Never use the equipment in wet conditions.
•Never expose the instrument to contamination or oil mist.
•Never operate the instrument if there are visible signs of damage.
•Do not expose the instrument to environmental conditions beyond
those listed in the technical data.
•Connect the instrument only to equipment for which it was designed
to be used.
Additional precautions are given in Section 6which relate to maintenance
and calibration.
2.3 Using This Manual
It is recommended that the user read the entire manual prior to operating
the coupler. Athorough understanding of this instrument will ensure the
maximum utilization of the many instrument features. Adetailed table of
contents has been included to assist the user.
Aconvenient “Quick Start” section can be found in Appendix A.
This section provides the basic information required to place the
coupler into operation immediately without adetailed explanation of
the coupler’s functions.
3. General Description
The Kistler 5108A Piezotron low impedance coupler is designed as a
electronic support unit for alow impedance, voltage mode piezoelectric
sensor such as Piezotron or IEPE compatible units where external power
is available. Specifically the 5108A may be used with alow impedance,
voltage mode pressure sensor, force sensor or accelerometer. Kistler
markets this style of piezoelectric sensors under the trade name of
Piezotron.
The 5108A powers the sensor and provides an AC coupled output for
connection by aBNC connector to readout equipment.
The unit is intended as alow cost convenience for avariety of test and
measurement needs where 24 to 32 Volts DC is available. Force,
pressure and acceleration sensors operate with equal effectiveness.
Type 5108A Piezotron Coupler Page 6
B12.5108e 6.00
Figure 1: Type 5108A showing signal and power
connectors.
3.1 Supplied and Optional Items
The 5108A coupler is supplied as abasic in line unit that requires external
power. It includes this instruction manual B12.5108e.
Refer to the data sheet for alisting of optional accessories.
3.2 Compatibility
The 5108A is compatible with virtually all low impedance piezoelectric
sensors. Sensor types include Piezotron ,PiezoBEAM and any voltage
mode piezoelectric sensor. It is not designed for use with K-BEAM
variable capacitance accelerometers. The 5108A will also power external
impedance converters such as the Kistler Types 557, 558 and many other
“Source Followers” and “Charge Converters” that require aconstant
current power supply.
3.3 Piezoelectric Measurement Concept
This section provides basic information about high and low impedance
piezoelectric sensors. The following descriptions only cover how these
types of sensors are used with the 5108A coupler. Technical papers are
available from Kistler for users that desire amore theoretical discussion.
3.3.1 The High Impedance Sensor
High impedance piezoelectric sensors convert mechanical phenomena of
pressure, force, and acceleration into an electrical charge. The charge
delivered by the sensor is proportional to the force acting on the internal
(piezoelectric) crystal element. For the sensor, the calibration factor is
given in picoCoulombs per mechanical unit (e.g. pC/psi, pC/lb, pC/g,etc.).
The 5108A coupler is designed for use with low impedance, voltage mode
sensors. The coupler can be used with high impedance, charge mode
sensors when used in conjunction with an external impedance converters
such as the Kistler Types 557 and 558. Consult Kistler for more information
on instrumentation for charge-mode sensors.
3.3.2 The Low Impedance Sensor
Aminiature electronic circuit is built into the housing of alow impedance
sensor. This circuit, aKistler development known as the Piezotron,
converts the high impedance charge signal generated by the piezoelectric
material into avoltage signal, with an output impedance typically below
100 Ω.This allows the use of conventional, coaxial or two-wire cable
between the sensor and the remotely located power supply/coupler. Both
the power to and signal from the sensor are transmitted over the two-wire
cable.
Low impedance sensors are ideally suited for applications where long or
moving cables are required or in high humidity or other contaminated
Type 5108A Piezotron Coupler Page 7
B12.5108e 6.00
atmospheres. They eliminate the high impedance problems by providing
avoltage signal with low impedance and awide frequency response. The
calibration factors for these sensors are given in millivolts per mechanical
unit (e.g., mV/psi, mV/lb, mV/g,etc.).
3.3.3 Low Impedance Measuring System
A typical low impedance measuring system consists of the following
components:
•The sensor (with built-in impedance converter).
•Apower supply/coupler
•Aread-out or display instrument.
•Appropriate connecting cables.
Type 5108A Piezotron Coupler Page 8
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4. Technical Information, Functional Description
This section describes the function of the coupler. Areview of this
section prior to reading the operating instructions in Section 5is
recommended.
4.1 Power Supply
The internal power conditioner consists of aconstant current diode that
provides aconstant current of 4mA, when supplied with 24 to 32 V. This
diode additionally provides reverse polarity protection in the event of
reversed connections at the banana jacks. The output of the constant
current diode is applied to the center conductor of the BNC connector that
supplies power to the Piezotron.
4.1.1 Supply Current The Piezotron electronics require power at aconstant current. The
5108A supplies this at 4mA, avalue for most applications that is more
than adequate. As is common with electronic circuits, and also true of the
Piezotron electronics, the capacitance value that the Piezotron
experiences can affect performance.
This capacitance is asum of the cable capacitances and that of the input
circuit of the read out equipment. The numerical sum of the capacitance
for both cables attached to the 5108A plus the input circuit capacitance
reduce the upper frequency accuracy when these capacitances become
significant. The high frequency limit, above which slew rate limiting
distorts amplitude and waveform, can be accurately determined from this
formula:
FMAX =.96/(Cc+.002 + Cin )(Vo)
Where
FMAX =maximum undistorted sine wave frequency, in
kHz, above which slew rate limiting
distorts amplitude and waveform
Cc=cable capacitance in µF
Typically 30 pF per foot; (100 pF/m)
(30pF = 3 x 10-6 µF)
Cin =readout equipment input capacitance in µF
Vo=signal amplitude in Vp-p
In practical terms, using cables twice as long as necessary could
impact measurement results when fast moving events are involved.
4.1.2 Driving Long Lines
When testing requirements deviate from typical laboratory set ups, long
cables may be necessary, as in instrumenting abridge. When unusually
long cables are required, attention to the feed current should be made. As
stated, the 5108A provides 4mA, acable driving level adequate for most
measurement chains. This current level is not changeble with the 5108A.
Type 5108A Piezotron Coupler Page 9
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For diverse and extreme measurement requirements, acoupler with more
control features would be more appropriate. Provision for aselection of
various constant current power levels is included in more complete
control style couplers from Kistler. Latest versions are shown and
described on the Kistler website –www. Kistler.com.
As areference, table 1shows the effect of long cables on the maximum
undistorted frequency limit discussed in section 4.1.1. The table also
relates different feed current levels. The source of this information is a
more involved relationship than presented in section 4.1.1. The
simplified numerator of the equation assumed 4mA in section 4.1.1. The
formula (any current level) for the expression that determines the
maximum non distorted frequency is:
.32(Piezotron input current in mA –1) /(Cc+0.002 + Cin )(Vo)
The values expressed in Table 1apply to the cable length between the
sensor, the 5108A, and the instrumentation input. As presented in section
4.1.1, the additional capacitances of the output cable and the input circuit
readout equipment act to further reduce the frequency below these
figures.
CTOT in µF
@30 pF/ft 5ft =
.00215 10 ft =
.00236 20ft =
.00260 50ft =
.0035 100
ft =
.0050
200
ft =
.0050
500
ft =
.017
1000
ft =
.032
2000
ft =
.062
Feed
current 5
feet 10
feet 20
feet 50
feet 100
feet 200
feet 500
feet 1000
feet 2000
feet
2mA 30 28 25 18 13 8 4 2 1
4mA 89 83 74 55 38 24 11 6 3
8mA 208 195 172 128 90 56 26 14 7
18mA 506 473 418 311 218 136 64 34 18
Frequency in kHz at 5 Vp-p amplitude
Table1: The highest undistorted frequency for random
cable lengths and various current feeds reproduced by
the Piezotron.
Design notes for field constructed couplers are included in Appendix B.
4.3 Sensor Output Coupling
The second function of the 5108A provides an AC output for read out
equipment. This is accomplished with acoupling capacitor. This
capacitor is connected between the output of the current limiting diode
and the center conductor of the output BNC connector. In this way the
Piezotron bias voltage is blocked and only the sensor output is visible at
the output connector.
4.4 Use with Sensor Impedance Converters
Type 5108A Piezotron Coupler Page 10
B12.5108e 6.00
The inline convenience of the 5108A is often teamed up with related
Kistler inline products. To gain the advantages of low impedance
operation, charge mode, high impedance sensors are often converted to
low impedance operation by simply adding an inline impedance converter
after the high impedance sensor. Impedance converters may be added at
the sensor or after alength of cable from the sensor. Application
requirements usually dictate the position of the converters. Kistler 557
impedance converter is designed for sensor attachment. The 558
impedance converter mounts inline. Both employ Piezotron-like
electronic circuitry to perform the conversion. This circuitry requires the
same power as Piezotron sensors. The output of the impedance
converter and the output of aPiezotron sensor are electrically the same.
Thus an often used component to inline impedance conversion is inline
coupling.
The same cable considerations apply after an impedance converter as
with aPiezotron sensor.
This discussion is not meant as a complete guide for high impedance
sensors converted to low impedance operation. Additional considerations
apply to the high impedance portion of the measuring chain, particularly
cabling and use of inline range capacitors.
5. Assembly, Installation, and Operation
5.1 Unpacking and Mounting
5.1.1 Unpacking
Unpack the instrument and inspect it for any visible damage caused
during shipment.
5.1.2 Mounting
The 5108A coupler is designed to be used in field and laboratory
locations. Cable routing and power wire dress typically dictate
positioning.
5.2 Connections
This section provides information on connector locations for power and
input/output signals. Information on cable types is also provided.
5.2.1 Signal Connections
Connect the low impedance, voltage mode sensor to the BNC negative
connector on the side panel. This cable conducts Piezotron electronics
operating power to the sensor and sensor output information to the
coupler.
Connect the read out equipment input cable to the BNC positive
connector located opposite to the BNC negative connector. The signal
output from the sensor is obtained here.
Type 5108A Piezotron Coupler Page 11
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The Sensor or input cable typically is associated with the sensor. Kistler
offers avariety of cable styles in various lengths. The input cable for use
with inline impedance converters 557 and 558 is the Kistler 1761B(X).
The sensor output cable is usually the BNC general purpose type or
readout equipment based. Popular Kistler cables are listed in Table 2.
Type Cable Description
1631Csp Sensor or Input, Premium Low Noise, 10-32 to BNC pos., specify length
1761B(X) Sensor or Input, General Purpose, 10-32 to BNC pos., specify length
1511sp Output Cable, BNC pos. to BNC pos., specify length
Table 2. Kistler cables
5.2.2 Power Supply Connection
External power is applied to the pair of binding post banana jacks located
on the top of the coupler. The jacks are color coded to indicate the
correct polarity for the 24-32 VDC power with aminimum of 4mA. Red is
positive. The unit is protected against reverse polarity. Connections to
wiring should be in accordance with good instrumentation practice.
5.3 Operation
The 5108A has no controls or indicators. There is no required sequence
of connections. The sensor draws power continuously.
5.3.1 Relating to ameasurand
To check operation, this example will serve as ageneral guideline. In
this example an accelerometer, type 8712A5M1, is being used as the
sensor and amultimeter is the read out equipment. Set the multimeter for
AC operation on arange to measure 5Volts. This represents the level of
vibration. There will be no indication until the sensor is subjected to
vibration.
Using the calibrated sensitivity (mV/g)reported on the calibration
certificate, and the full measuring range of the accelerometer, the full
reading in volts is easily determined. The accelerometer has anominal
sensitivity of 1,000 mV/g.It has ameasuring range of ±5g. Multiplying
these together will relate the reading in voltage to the glevel:
(1,000 mV/g)(5g) = 5,000 mV or 5Volts
thus an indication of 2Volts is 2g
Type 5108A Piezotron Coupler Page 12
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6. Maintenance and Calibration
6.1 Calibration
The 5108A coupler does not require calibration.
6.2 Maintenance and Repairs
No periodic maintenance is required. Factory repair is recommended
where trained personnel and appropriate measuring equipment and
fixtures are available. However, this is alow cost unit and in some
instances a factory repair may not be practical.
Always remove all sources of power from the unit before cleaning. Use
only mild detergent or isopropyl alcohol when cleaning the exterior of the
case. Do not allow any of the cleaning solutions to enter the case. Allow
the case to dry thoroughly before returning the unit to service.
7. Storage and Transportation Considerations
If the instrument is to be stored for an extended period or transported, the
following precautions should be taken to assure safe conditions:
1. All BNC connectors should be covered with non-shorting dust
caps. Avoid dropping the unit, which may damage the
connectors.
2. Contamination must be prevented from entering the unit.
3. The environment should be dry and as free from vibration as
possible.
4. When not in use, the instrument should be stored in the original
packing materials or carrying case whenever possible.
Type 5108A Piezotron Coupler Page 13
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8. Technical Data
8.1 Technical Specifications
Refer to the current product data sheet for technical specifications. The
specifications correspond to those of the unit shipped. If you do not have
adata sheet, contact Kistler or your local representative/distributor.
CAUTION: This instrument has been designed in accord with IEC
publication 1010-1: "Safety Requirements for Electronic Measuring
Equipment". As delivered, the unit meets all such safety
requirements. To guarantee safe operation, all notes and cautionary
warnings given in this manual must be obeyed.
This instrument meets the requirements of the European Community
Electro-magnetic Compatibility Directive (89/33/EEC) and Amendment
(92/31/EEC). Test methods are EN 50082-2, for immunity and EN
50081-1, for emissions.
9. Warranty
Regarding the warranty reference is made to the
agreement between the respective contracting parties.
Type 5108A Piezotron Coupler Page 14
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Type 5108A Piezotron Coupler Page 15
B12.5108e 6.00
Appendix A - Condensed Operating Instructions
This section provides the user with aquick means of placing the 5110 into
operation. The notes in parentheses, refer to the manual sections where
more detailed information is available.
Type 5108A
1. Connect alow impedance sensor to the BNC negative jack found on
the side panel of the coupler (Section 5.4.3).
2. Connect the readout equipment using an appropriate cable for the
read out equipment..
3. Connect the external power source to the top of the coupler using the
color code banana jack pair. The unit requires 24 to 32 VDC. Red is
positive.
4. There will be an indication of sensor output only when the sensor is
subjected to the dynamic activity being measured.
Appendix B - Usage Suggestions and Reference Information
Adapting from single axis to triaxial operation –Kistler offers
accelerometers that are easily reconfigured for measuring in three axes
by connecting three single axis units with aclip or cube. Two additional
single channel 5108 couplers will be needed. The additional couplers can
supplement any style Kistler low impedance, voltage mode coupler.
Usage with quartz and ceramic accelerometers -The 5108A may be
used directly with low impedance, voltage mode piezoelectric
accelerometers that employ either quartz or ceramic elements.
As asolution to solving difficulties involved with ahigh impedance,
charge mode measurement system –The 5108A is low enough in cost
to enable changing ahigh impedance sensor to low impedance operation
in an effort to reduce noise or interference that is over running sensed
data. An inline impedance converter will also be required as explained in
Section 4.4.
Noise Notes –The 5108A is abasic coupler with aminimum of internal
components. In itself it does not introduce noise into the measurement
system with only ablocking capacitor between the input and output. Noise
could enter the 5108A at the external power connection if the incoming
power is noisy. Ground loop noise will be conducted through the 5108A
to the readout equipment. Normal ground loop noise reduction
techniques should be observed.
The 5108A coupler is CE marked, designed and tested to meet the
requirements of EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) including all applicable
parts of EN 50081-1 and EN 50082-2.
While the 5108A meets the CE standard, it is only part of the
measurement chain. The entire measurement system should be
evaluated for its measurement integrity if it is to be used in an electrically
noisy environment.
Type 5108A Piezotron Coupler Page 16
B12.5108e 6.00
Reference Information
Review the Kistler website at www.kistler.com for the latest product and
application information. Helpful related printed information is summarized
below.
Title Kistler Form Number
Piezotron Simplified Coupler Circuit K12.001
Accelerometer Guidelines KI 8.002
Piezoelectric Measuring Instruments and their
Applications K20.260
Disposal Instructions
for Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Do not discard old electronic instruments in municipal trash.
For disposal at end of life, please return this product to an
authorized local electronic waste disposal service or contact
the nearest Kistler Instrument sales office for return instruc-
tions.
©2005 , Kistler Instrumente AG, PO Box, Eulachstr. 22, CH-8408 Winterthur
Tel +41 52 224 11 11, Fax 224 14 14, info@kistler.com, www.kistler.com
This information corresponds to the current state of knowledge. Kistler reser-
ves the right to make technical changes. Liability for consequential damage
resulting from the use of Kistler products is excluded.
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