Fiber Optic Sensor Principles
The Fotonic Sensor™ is a non-contact instrument, which uses the fiber optics lever principle to perform displacement measurement, vibration analysis and surface-condition measurements. The Fotonic Sensor transmits a beam of light through a flexible fiber-optic probe, receives light reflected from a target surface, and converts this light into an electrical signal proportional to the distance between the probe tip and the target being measured. A simplified example of the fiber optic principal is shown in Figure 2. The output signal voltage from the fiber optic sensor is then used to determine position, displacement, vibration amplitude, frequency and waveshape of a [...]
Common Test and Calibration Uses of the 1510A Portable Signal Generator
Introduction As one of the most versatile and powerful hand-held signal generators on the market, the 1510A is a two-channel, battery-powered, microprocessor-controlled direct digital signal generator. It has an average battery life of 3 hours of continuous use. Weighing in at under two pounds, makes it ideal for use in the field. There are many different ways this sophisticated device can be leveraged to perform precise test and calibration of equipment, wires, cables, sensors and much more. Use Case #1 | Sensor Simulation You can simulate sensors during system development, bring-up, and test. Often during [...]
Selecting a Displacement Sensor / Measuring System
Capacitive displacement sensors Capacitive displacement sensors are non-contact devices that are used for measurements at a high-resolution. It can also be used to check the position of any conductive object as well as measure the width or density of non-conductive materials. Capacitive displacement sensors have a large variety of uses including precision thickness measurements, assembly line testing, assembly metrology, and semiconductor processing. Capacitive displacement sensors can be found in manufacturing facilities all around the globe. There’s more to selecting the proper type of displacement sensor and measurement system than meets the eye. To select the appropriate type of device [...]
Target Material and Characteristics
Target Material and Characteristics Transparent/Opaque Targets There are a number of measurement systems that are capable of measuring a target that is opaque. When it comes to transparent targets, the measurement system being used must match the material of the target being measured. For example, if you’re attempting to measure plastic you should use a contact-type measurement system such as a micrometer. When performing a soft target measurement, such as film, a non-contact measurement system (such as a laser displacement sensor) should be utilized. Hard/Soft Targets Objects made out of hard material (such as a block of wood), would [...]
What is Measurement?
Measurement is about determining the quantifiable attributes of a target object. Examples of these attributes include: length weight distance thickness position capacity size The following sections explain more about what measurement is – and isn’t. Why is measurement misunderstood? Sometimes, people use the term “measure” instead of “calculate” or “quantify”. All these terms are related, but they’re not the same. For clarity’s sake, think of measurement as a single action that you perform with instrumentation. Collectively, “instrumentation” describes devices (i.e., instruments) that measure, indicate, and sometimes record values. Today, there are many different types of specialized measuring instruments. Bakers [...]
What is a displacement sensor?
What are Displacement Sensors (Displacement Gauges) and Dimension Measurement Systems? What is a displacement sensor? A displacement sensor (displacement gauge) is primarily used to measure the range of where an object has to travel and in relation to a reference position. Displacement sensors have multiple uses. Its primary use is for dimension measurement to figure out an object’s width, height, and thickness. Accuracy, application and usage environment is required when selecting the best equipment. What is a measurement sensor? A measurement sensor is a device that is used to measure an object to ascertain its dimensions such as by [...]
Displacement Measurement
Types of Displacement Measurement Run-Out/Vibration There are many ways to measure run-out/vibration including the type of measurement system, run-out or vibration (direction), and environment where the system is being installed. Choosing the wrong kind of equipment can lead to drastic consequences. You can run into issues such as increased man-hours during production and issues with insufficient precision. Example Applications Run-out measurement of HDD surface Laser displacement sensors are very helpful in measuring the oscillation at a single point on a specific target’s exterior. The further away that vibration amplitude is from the center of rotation from a target, [...]