Essential tools for agile measurement

Mastering the measurement process means mastering product quality. PCB Piezotronics offers a toolbox of essential instruments designed to simplify sensor chain validation, measurement simulation, and signal conditioning and acquisition.

This article presents the key tools every metrology specialist should have at hand for fast, reliable, and agile testing environments – whether in the lab or in the field.


Sensor Chain verification

Portable Calibration

The 394C06 is a battery-powered portable vibration source delivering a fixed frequency of 159.2 Hz at ±1 g. Ideal for quickly validating the performance and functionality of accelerometers and vibration monitoring chains.
Key Features:

  • ±1 g RMS excitation at 159.2 Hz
  • Max sensor mass: 210 g
  • Compact design (56 x 200 mm), AA battery powered
  • Operating temperature: -10 to +55 °C

Portable Conditionner

The 4418 conditionner is compatible with resistive full bridge and capacitive sensors (differential output). It provides regulated excitation, tare, selectable gain (x1, x10, x100), and optional 2nd order filter. It can be used for force, pressure, acceleration and angular rate sensors.

Acoustic calibrators

The Larson Davis CAL1200 and CAL1250 are precision acoustic calibrators that comply with IEC Class 1 requirements. They are designed for accurate calibration of both ¼” and ½” microphones.

  • The CAL1200 generates a stable sound pressure level of 114 dB at 1 kHz, ensuring reliable and repeatable results for standard calibration needs.
  • The CAL1250 provides greater flexibility by offering 94 dB or 114 dB outputs at either 1 kHz or 251.2 Hz, making it suitable for a wider range of test environments and applications.

Both calibrators are NIST-traceable, lightweight, and easy to transport. Their robust design makes them equally effective for use in the laboratory or in demanding field conditions.


Simulating the measurement chain

Sensor simulator

The 401B04 simulates the signal output of an ICP® piezoelectric sensor using a standard voltage input. Ideal for validating signal conditioners and acquisition systems before real sensors are connected.
Key Features:

  • Voltage-to-ICP® conversion (gain = 1)
  • ±5 V output signal
  • Frequency range: 0 to 1 kHz
  • Dimensions: 55.9 x 27.9 x 22.9 mm
  • Weight: 70.9 g
  • Operating temperature: -1.1 to +65.5 °C

Multi-signal simulator

The 4830B is a battery-powered signal generator simulating sine, triangle, and square waveforms. Supports ICP® (IEPE), charge mode, voltage (resistive or capacitive) signals. Ideal for diagnostic and validation tasks.
Key Features:

  • Weight: 450 g
  • 4 BNC outputs: mV, tachometer, single-ended and differential charge
  • Frequency range: 1 Hz to 20 kHz (tachometer: up to 25 kHz)
  • Signal amplitude, frequency, shape and sensitivity are configurable
  • Stores up to 40 profiles
  • 24-bit resolution
  • Dimensions: 225 x 102 x 41 mm
  • Operating temp: -10 to +60 °C

Signal conditioning and data acquisition

TEDS Sensor Interface Kit

The 400B76 is a dedicated interface for reading and writing TEDS (Transducer Electronic Data Sheet) information to and from compatible sensors, allowing users to quickly identify the sensor model, serial number, sensitivity, and other specifications, with full support for IEEE 1451.4 templates.

USB Data Acquisition System

The 485B39 is a dual-channel USB acquisition module for ICP® sensors and microphones. It offers plug & play integration with Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS or Linux for signal analysis and data recording.

Key Features:

  • Frequency range: 0.8 Hz to 20.7 kHz
  • Dimensions: 60 x 39 x 19 mm
  • Weight: 125 g
  • High resolution: 24-bit
  • Compatible with MATLAB, LabVIEW, etc.

Signal conditioning systems

Single-Channel ICP® Signal Conditioner

The battery-powered, single-channel ICP® conditioner 480C02 is provided with needle-display to indicate line status (open/short/closed) and equipped with BNC input/output and AC power.
Key Features:

  • Portable (100 x 74 x 56 mm, 300 g)
  • Status verification: open/short/closed circuit
  • Needle display
  • Frequency range: 0.05 Hz to 500 kHz

4-Channel ICP® Signal Conditioner

Multi-channel ICP® conditioners 482C05 & 482C16 offer configurable gain, and are designed for robust signal preparation. Each channel features BNC I/O and AC power. Model 482C16 includes RS-232 remote control and individual channel status indicators (open/short/overload).


Key Features – 482C05:

  • Gain options: x0.1 to x200
  • Frequency range: 0.1 Hz to 1 MHz
  • Weight: 567 g

Key Features – 482C16:

  • Remote control via RS-232
  • Individual channel LED indicators
  • Frequency range: 0.05 Hz to 100 kHz
  • Weight: 907 g

Interested in learning more about these solutions? You can speak directly with our experts:

Mike Keogh

Account manager, Aerospace & Defence

☏: +44 1438 908908

📱: +44 7715667483

Edward Hall

Account manager, Auto & Test and Measurement

☏: +44 1438 582740

📱: +44 7719520531

Ian Evans

Account manager, Industry & Universities

☏: +44 1438 582729

📱: +44 7394562667