Optimize Industrial Performance with the Right Sensor: Piezoelectric vs. MEMS
Maximize uptime. Minimize risk. Make smarter maintenance decisions.
Industries like food processing, energy, cement, paper, oil and gas rely heavily on motors, pumps, conveyors, and turbines to keep operations moving. To monitor these critical assets effectively, you need accurate, reliable sensing technology. That’s where PCB Piezotronics comes in. We offer a comprehensive range of accelerometers, microphones, pressure, and force sensors designed to keep your equipment running at peak performance. But how do you choose the right sensor for your specific application? Let’s break it down.
Why piezoelectric technology ?
Piezoelectric sensors convert mechanical stress into an electrical charge — delivering highly stable, high-frequency signals ideal for detecting dynamic conditions like vibration and shock.
Why customers choose piezoelectric:
- Exceptional frequency response
- Operates in extreme temperatures
- Minimal sensitivity drift with variations in temperature
Best for: dynamic applications where early detection and long-term stability matter.
Understanding Sensor Options: Charge Mode vs. ICP
Charge Mode Sensors
- Available with circuit isolation for enhanced signal quality
- Ideal for high-temperature environments
- Requires external charge amplifier
- Delivers precise, ratiometric outputs
ICP® Sensors (Integrated Circuit Piezoelectric)
- Simple installation using a recognized standard.
- Good resistance to noise
- Available with circuit isolation for enhanced signal quality
Inside our sensing elements: quartz vs ceramic
Quartz Crystals (Natural)
- Long-term reliability and thermal stability
- High voltage sensitivity
- Non-pyroelectric
Ceramic Crystals (Synthetic)
- High charge sensitivity
- Withstand extreme heat (up to +540°C)
- More susceptible to thermal variation
UHT-12® Sensors: Our patented synthetic quartz solution pushes boundaries with superior sensitivity, and a maximum operating temperature of +650°C.
MEMS technology: Compact but limited
MEMS sensors offer a micro-scale alternative, with integrated electronics for basic monitoring needs.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Measures from 0 Hz
- Integrated signal conditioning
Cons:
- Narrow frequency range
- Reduced accuracy at higher temperatures
- Susceptible to signal drift, and overvoltage
MEMS may suit basic diagnostics — but for predictive maintenance, they often fall short.
Know your bearings: 4 stages of failure
- Early Wear: Piezoelectric sensors catch microscopic defects with high-frequency detection.
- Minor Damage: Vibration patterns shift — your signal tells you it’s time to act.
- Major Degradation: Vibration and heat spike; serious failure looms.
- Catastrophic Failure: Damage spreads, repairs skyrocket — unless you caught it early.
Why Piezoelectric Wins for Machine Monitoring
- Early fault detection
- High accuracy across a wide frequency spectrum
- Reliable, repeatable performance
Predictive maintenance starts with the right sensor. Choose PCB Piezotronics’ piezoelectric accelerometers and take the guesswork out of machine health monitoring.
Top Performing ICP® Sensors
ICP® Series 60 / EX60 (ATEX)
- Rugged and economical
- Axial or lateral output
- Up to +160°C
- Tri-axial options available
ICP® Quartz Accelerometers 627A / 628F
- Sensitivity: 100 mV/g
- Frequency: 0.33 to 12 kHz
- Measurement range: ±50 g
- Weight: 94g
- ATEX versions available; +200°C coming soon
Request a visit from a local engineer
Let’s review your assets and objectives on-site: book an onsite meeting and application review.
