Application Note: Why Charge Amplifiers Remain Essential in Aerospace Test Systems
Introduction Many aerospace test programs rely on charge-output piezoelectric accelerometers, force sensors, and dynamic pressure transducers because of their wide frequency response, rugged construction, and ability to capture rapidly changing events. These sensors generate extremely small electrical charge signals—often measured in picocoulombs (pC)—that are susceptible to cable capacitance effects, electrical noise, leakage currents, and environmental influences that can compromise measurement accuracy. Charge amplifiers address these challenges by converting the sensor’s high-impedance charge output into a stable, low impedance voltage signal suitable for transmission, recording, and analysis. By making measurements largely independent of cable capacitance while maintaining low noise, stable [...]
Application Note: Accessing Digital Engine Data for Multi-Platform Aircraft Balancing with MTI PBS Systems
Introduction Modern aircraft engines are no longer dependent solely on discrete analog sensors for critical performance data. Increasingly, vibration amplitudes, phase information, and engine speed are transmitted digitally through aircraft data buses such as ARINC 429 and ARINC 664 Part 7 (AFDX). Yet in many MRO environments, balancing systems continue to rely on accelerometers and tachometer pickups—introducing additional setup time, cabling complexity, and potential variability in measurements. This disconnect between available digital data and traditional measurement approaches creates inefficiencies, particularly for facilities servicing multiple aircraft platforms. For organizations supporting a diverse fleet, the opportunity is clear: leverage the aircraft’s [...]
Press Release: MTI Instruments Highlights MRO Benefits of ARINC 429 and AFDX Integration in PBS-4100 Engine Balancing Systems
MTI Instruments Highlights MRO Benefits of ARINC 429 and AFDX Integration in PBS-4100 Engine Balancing Systems Lockport, IL —May 20, 2025— MTI Instruments, a Vitrek brand and provider of precision measurement and aviation maintenance technologies, is highlighting the growing role of digital aircraft data integration in modern maintenance operations following the introduction of ARINC 429 and ARINC 664 (AFDX) support in its PBS-4100 and PBS-4100R engine vibration balancing systems. As commercial aircraft increasingly rely on digital avionics networks for engine monitoring and diagnostics, maintenance teams must be able to access these same data streams during vibration analysis [...]
Press Release: Vitrek Expands MTI PBS Engine Balancing Systems for Both On-Wing and Test Cell Applications with ARINC Data Integration
Vitrek Expands MTI PBS Engine Balancing Systems for Both On-Wing and Test Cell Applications with ARINC Data Integration Lockport, IL — April 15, 2026 —Vitrek is enabling MRO providers to access and utilize aircraft-generated digital engine data across both on-wing and test cell balancing applications through its MTI Instruments PBS eXpress platform. By interfacing directly with ARINC 429 and AFDX data buses, both the PBS eXpress (portable/on-wing) and the PBS eXpress R+ (test cell/rack configuration) allow technicians to acquire vibration, phase, and speed data from the aircraft itself—reducing reliance on external sensors and simplifying setup. The PBS [...]
Press Release: Vitrek Demonstrates MTI Vibration Signal Generator for Validating Predictive Maintenance Systems at MRO America
Vitrek Demonstrates MTI Vibration Signal Generator for Validating Predictive Maintenance Systems at MRO America Lockport, IL — April 5, 2025 — As predictive maintenance transforms industrial operations, engineers face a critical challenge: verifying that vibration monitoring systems detect faults accurately before real failures occur. At MRO America Booth 3456, MTI Instruments, a Vitrek company, will demonstrate how its 1510A Vibration Signal Generator enables safe, controlled validation of monitoring and protection systems. Predictive maintenance depends on vibration analysis to identify issues such as imbalance, misalignment, and bearing wear. However, confirming system accuracy without inducing real faults or risking equipment [...]
Portable Engine Balancing: Solving the Small Jet MRO Capacity Crunch
Introduction As the business and regional aviation sector continues its rapid growth, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers are struggling to keep up with demand. Portable engine-balancing technology allows maintenance teams—even less experienced staff—to perform precise vibration assessment and rapid, oneshot balancing onsite. Business Jet Fleet Growth Outpaces MRO Infrastructure The business aviation market has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years, with an increasing number of companies and private owners investing in small business jets for both personal and corporate travel. Increases in fractional ownership models and charter services are also helping drive growth. According to recent industry reports, [...]
PBS-4100+ ROI Calculator
PBS 4100+ ROI Calculator Find Out How Much You Can Save There are many advantages to using the PBS-4100+ for troubleshooting or simply keeping your turbine engines running smoothly. The amount of time and money your organization will save is significant in times where keeping your operational costs low, without sacrificing safety, is paramount. PBS-4100+ Versus "Three Shot" method When an airplane comes in with a squawk for an abnormally high vibration level, it can be a frustrating experience for maintenance techs to identify and address the problem. [...]
Press Release: Vitrek Breakthrough: Time-Saving MTI “Trim Balance Wizard” Now Available for Mid-Frame Jet Engine MROs
Vitrek Breakthrough: Time-Saving MTI “Trim Balance Wizard” Available for Mid-Frame Jet Engine MROs Innovative Trim Balance Wizard Enables Fast Turbine Balancing by Novice Technicians. Lockport, IL—November 5, 2025 — Vitrek, LLC, a maker of high- precision measurement equipment, has integrated the MTI Trim Balance Wizard, an advanced guided-balancing interface into its PBS eXpress turbine vibration and balancing system for smaller frame jet engines. The Trim Balance Wizard functionality was previously only available to large jet makers and MROs as part of the standard PBS product line. Now incorporated into the PBS eXpress this same labor-saving technology is [...]
High Precision Portable Signal Generators and Calibrators: Everything You Need to Know
High precision portable signal generators are portable electronic devices that generate highly precise signals for testing, system calibration, sensor simulation, troubleshooting, and monitoring. Unlike the benchtop signal generators that are used in laboratories, these hand-held portable devices are designed to be used in the field. The best high precision portable signal generators are also rugged and NIST traceable, meaning that their manufacturer calibrates them to standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). In terms of cost, high precision portable signal generators are more expensive than less precise, lower-end devices that can be held in the hand; [...]
PBS eXpress ROI Calculator
PBS eXpress ROI Calculator Find Out How Much You Can Save There are many advantages to using the PBS eXpress for troubleshooting or simply keeping your business or regional jet engines running smoothly. The amount of time and money your organization will save is significant in times where keeping your operational costs low, without sacrificing safety, is paramount. PBS eXpress Versus "Three Shot" method When an airplane comes in with a squawk for an abnormally high vibration level, it can be a frustrating experience [...]






