What are Vibration Sensors?
A vibration sensor is a device that detects the vibration of physical objects. Vibration can be represented by physical quantities such as displacement, velocity, and acceleration. The appropriate quantity is typically selected based on the characteristics of the vibrating object and the frequency range involved.
| Displacement | Ideal for detecting natural vibration of structures and unbalance of low-speed rotating equipment. Vibration frequency is mainly below 100 Hz. |
|---|---|
| Velocity | Ideal for detecting motors unbalance. Vibration frequency ranges from 10 to 1,000 Hz. |
| Acceleration | Ideal for detecting bearing damage. Vibration frequency is 1,000 Hz or higher. |
Vibration sensors are used not only in production equipment and civil engineering structures, but also in research and development fields. In manufacturing, they are employed for predictive maintenance by detecting early signs of wear or damage in equipment such as motors and bearings, helping to prevent unexpected downtime. In recent years, advancements in data analysis, combined with vibration sensors and IoT devices, have enabled early detection of anomalies, contributing to improved production efficiency by reducing downtime and repair costs. In research and development, vibration sensors have long been used in product design and durability testing. They are widely applied across various industries, including automotive, railway, electrical equipment, and industrial robotics.
Documents About Features and Functions of Epson's Vibration Sensors
You can download documents of the basics, selection, and usage of vibration sensors.
What is an vibration sensors?
You can download a document explaining the basics, features, and main applications of Epson's vibration sensors.
How to compare vibration sensor
You can download a document that explains 13 items to consider when selecting an IMU, with particular emphasis on 5 key items.
Measurement data of bearing deterioration
This document provides data from actual measurements showing the difference in vibration based on the presence or absence of damage to bearings.
Types of Vibration Sensors
Vibration sensors come in two types: contact and non-contact. It is important to select the appropriate type of sensor based on the measurement location and the characteristics of the vibration.
Epson's vibration sensors are contact-type devices that utilize a frequency-based acceleration sensor.
By internally processing the measured acceleration, these sensors can convert and output the data as vibration velocity or displacement.
This method calculates the distance between the sensor and the target object based on the change in capacitance between them.
How Vibration Sensors Work
The basic structure of Epson's vibration sensor consists of a crystal unit, a quartz cantilever, and a sensitivity hammer. When vibration is applied, the quartz cantilever and the sensitivity hammer convert the vibration into tensile or compressive force on the crystal unit. This force causes a change in the resonator's oscillation frequency. The oscillation frequency, which varies according to the magnitude of the vibration, is then converted into physical quantities such as acceleration or velocity, and output as digital values from the sensor.
Documents About Features and Functions of Epson's Vibration Sensors
You can download documents of the basics, selection, and usage of vibration sensors.
What is an vibration sensors?
You can download a document explaining the basics, features, and main applications of Epson's vibration sensors.
How to compare vibration sensor
You can download a document that explains 13 items to consider when selecting an IMU, with particular emphasis on 5 key items.
Measurement data of bearing deterioration
This document provides data from actual measurements showing the difference in vibration based on the presence or absence of damage to bearings.
Differences Between Accelerometers and Vibration Sensors
The term "vibration sensor" refers to a sensor named after the phenomenon it detects, while "acceleration sensor" is named after the physical quantity it measures.
Vibration sensors may incorporate displacement sensors or acceleration sensors, and are capable of detecting both the magnitude of vibration (displacement, velocity, acceleration) and its periodicity (frequency).
Acceleration sensors can measure periodic acceleration acting on an object and constant (DC) acceleration such as gravitational acceleration.
Epson's vibration sensors use accelerometers and convert measured acceleration into vibration velocity and displacement by internal calculations.
| Accelerometer | Detected Phenomena | Vibration, tilt, linear motion, resonant frequency of structures |
|---|---|---|
| Detected measurement | Acceleration | |
| Vibration sensor | Detected Phenomena | Vibration (shaking of object) |
| Detected measurement | Acceleration, velocity, displacement |
How to Choose a Vibration Sensor for Machine Equipment Monitoring
When using a vibration sensor to monitor the condition of machine equipment, you can select the right sensor for your purpose by organizing your requirements into the following three steps.
Step 1: Decide what to monitor
By organizing your requirements around "what type of equipment" and "which failure modes you want to detect," you can clarify the required frequency range and determine which sensor to choose.
- For low-speed rotating equipment, a sensor that can accurately measure low-frequency vibrations is recommended.
- For high-speed equipment, a sensor that can capture high frequencies is required.
-> For low-frequency measurements, Epson vibration sensors are recommended.
Step 2: What vibration level is expected?
When you need to detect small vibrations, you need a sensor that can measure them accurately with low noise.
-> Epson vibration sensors, which offer low noise and high accuracy, are recommended.
Step 3: How will you evaluate the results?
One approach is to determine evaluation criteria and judgment ranges based on ISO guidelines.
-> Epson vibration sensors compliant with the international standards ISO 10816 and ISO 20816 for evaluating equipment vibration are recommended.
Recommended Vibration Sensors
For low-frequency (low-speed) applications and measuring small vibrations -> Epson M-A342VD10 / M-A542VR10 are recommended.
- Enables evaluation in compliance with the international standards ISO 10816 and ISO 20816
- Detectable range: 10-1000 Hz for velocity and 1-100 Hz for displacement
- Supports multiple output formats, including Raw (original waveform), RMS (root mean square), and p-p (peak-to-peak)
- Waterproof and dustproof models are available
- Measures vibration on three axes (X, Y, and Z) with a single unit, reducing the number of sensors required
- Low power consumption
For a thorough review using a 14-item checklist, download the "How to Choose a Vibration Sensor" guide below.
Documents About Features and Functions of Epson's Vibration Sensors
You can download documents of the basics, selection, and usage of vibration sensors.
What is an vibration sensors?
You can download a document explaining the basics, features, and main applications of Epson's vibration sensors.
How to compare vibration sensor
You can download a document that explains 13 items to consider when selecting an IMU, with particular emphasis on 5 key items.
Measurement data of bearing deterioration
This document provides data from actual measurements showing the difference in vibration based on the presence or absence of damage to bearings.
