Contents:

Question: 

The $2 OEM load cell is now possible with Microfused™ technology. How can YOU employ this new capability?

Sensors are being incorporated into a much wider variety of products than ever before, and the increased functionality that results is crystal-clear. Future applications will be limited only by our imaginations. Still, each product's transition from concept to commercial success is limited by economic realities, and the delicate balance of sensor price relative to performance is always critical to that success.

For product development purposes, this balance has lately been shifting in a favorable manner, as paradigm-shift technologies such as MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System) provide increasing functionality at continuously reduced price/performance ratios

One important new technology, Microfused^TM strain gage, represents the current marriage of MEMS technology to force, acceleration and pressure sensor structures, shattering all previous price/performance barriers while creating vast new markets in the process.

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For more information contact Jim Pierson, Product Manager, Load Cells, at (973) 453-4396 or  jim.pierson@msiusa.com

Applications include refrigeration and HVAC systems; off-road vehicle use for common fuel rail and engine oil pressure; and industrial applications such as compressors and process control.

This new platform was developed using a combination of technology from the millions of automotive safety critical brake pressure sensors Measurement Specialties' supplies and the technology derived from their heavy industrial applications.  The balance of cost and performance has lately been shifting in a favorable manner, as paradigm-shift technologies such as MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems) provide increasing functionality at continuously reduced price/performance ratios.

Key Features and Benefits

• Lower cost, better performance than current MSP products
• Proven rugged automotive pressure sensor ASIC
• Microfused™ dependability
• Exceeds heavy industrial CE approval
• Smaller, vibration-proof design
• Extended temperature performance
• More flexible for specialty applications
• Pressure ranges from 50psi to more than 30Kpsi
• Digital compensation with multiple temperature point correction
• Re-designed 100V/M electronics
• New over-molded cable gland

High accuracy and digitally compensated, this new transducer features 100 V/m EMI protection and is over-voltage protected to 16VDC in both positive and reverse polarity. Designed for measurement of liquid or gas pressure, the M5100 is suitable for difficult media such as contaminated water, steam, and mildly corrosive fluids.  The M5100 has a compensated temperature range from -40°C to 85°C and an extended temperature range from -40°C to 125°C

The M5100 offers one-piece stainless steel construction from a solid piece of 17-4PH stainless steel (316L optional) in a cost-effective and compact package design that is suited to a wide range of demanding applications, as there are no O-rings, organics or welds exposed to the pressure media. The result is a heavy industrial sensor that is leak-proof and which can withstand more than 10 million pressure cycles without failure.

M5100 Replaces

MSP400
MSP600
MSP610

For more information, contact Brady "BJ" Hammond at 757-766-4434 or brady.hammond@msiusa.com

Accelerometers measure shock and vibration by providing an output signal proportional to the object to which they are attached. There are many methods of attaching accelerometers (magnetic, tape, epoxy and studs/screws). Where possible and practical, screw or stud mounting is preferred, because this method provides the
stiffest connection with the object under test.

Accelerometers manufactured with holes or flanges for screw/stud mounting provide end users with the most effective way of attaching the sensors in a manner that obtains the best data quality possible.

Occasionally, even the most experienced users end up with bad data because basic mounting guidelines were simply forgotten or ignored.

Below are critical guidelines to consider when evaluating your accelerometer installations.

Guidelines for Accelerometer Installation

1. The mass of the accelerometer must be at least 1/10 of the mass of the object under study.
2. Mounting surfaces must be clean and free of any residue from epoxies, waxes, paint or other foreign materials
3. The mounting surface should be flat.
4. The surface roughness of mating surfaces should be 32 micro-inches RMS.
5. The mounting holes need to be perpendicular, within 1 degree.
6. The mounting hole must be checked to ensure it is longer than the mounting screw, in order to prevent “bottoming out”.
7. Use a torque wrench for tightening screws to the manufacturer’s specifications. Do not use electric tools, as their frequencies may damage the
       accelerometer.
8. Spread the mating surface with a light coat of silicone grease, heavy machine oil or beeswax to ensure that contact is secure, thereby maximizing the
       usable frequency range.
9. Secure the cable using clamps, o-rings, tape or other materials that are best suited to the application. Ensure that you have sufficient slack, to allow for
       free movement of the sensor.
10. Inspect mounting holes and remove any debris, burrs or other foreign materials.

Measurement Specialties Inc.'s Vibration Sensors Business Group in Aliso Viejo, California spearheads the company's global initiative to expand its accelerometer and vibration sensing business with customers in the automotive, medical, military/aerospace and consumer goods industries. The center builds on platform sensing technologies in silicon MEMS, piezoelectric polymer film, piezoelectric ceramic and bonded gage.

Call 949-716-5377 or email vibration@msiusa.com for application assistance.