Advantages of Vibration sensor | disadvantages of Vibration sensor

This page covers advantages and disadvantages of Vibration sensor. It mentions Vibration sensor advantages or benefits and Vibration sensor disadvantages or drawbacks. The Pros and cons of different types viz. Pin and Spring, Piezoelectric, accelerometer, velocity sensor, proximity sensor are mentioned.

What is Vibration sensor?

• Vibration sensors are sensors used to measure, display and analyze frequency, displacement, velocity or acceleration. Vibration sensors respond to repetitive mechanical motion.
•  Its contacts are normally open and close when it is subjected to vibration in its designed frequency range.
• Mechanical sensors or switches which respond to displacement are best suited for low frequency vibrations. Piezoelectric sensors are sensitive to acceleration and hence are best suited for high frequency vibrations.
• Accelerometers measure acceleration to determine vibration. Proximity sensors are non-contacting sensors which measure distance from a target. It is used in rotating machinery to measure the vibration of the shaft.

Pin and Spring Vibration Sensor

• It is used in various applications to prevent further damage in the event of vibrations. It is also used as shock sensors.
• There are various types of vibration sensors viz. pin and spring type, piezoelectric type, piezoresistive type, chip based piezoelectric, mousetrap, magnetic, mercury, accelerometer etc. The advantages and disadvantages of vibration sensors vary based on these different types as described below.
• Refer Article on vibration sensor basics and types >> for more information.

Benefits or advantages of Vibration sensor

Following are the benefits or advantages of Vibration sensor:
Pin and Spring type: Low cost, ability to respond two out of three axes, no power supply requirement, ability to switch DC or AC.
Piezoelectric type: It has resonant frequency of about 170 Hz when there is no weight attached to its free end.
Accelerometer: It stands high temperature and offers good response at higher frequencies. It is smaller in size and easy to install.
Velocity sensor: It offers good response at mid range of frequencies, do not need external power, withstands at higher temperatures, easy to install and lower in cost.
Proximity sensor: It offers exact response at lower frequencies, no wear, smaller in size, lower in cost, measures static and dynamic displacements etc.

Drawbacks or disadvantages of Vibration sensor

Following are the drawbacks or disadvantages of Vibration sensor:
Pin and Spring type: It requires latching components such as flipflop or 555 timer as internal contact is extremely brief.
Piezoelectric type: It generates voltage during process of deflection but the output diminishes to zero when the strip is held in curved position.
Accelerometer: It is sensitive to higher frequency noise, requires external power.
Velocity sensor: It has lower resonant frequency, bigger in size and higher in weight, cross noise etc.
Proximity sensor: Electrical and mechanical noise, not calibrated for unknown metals, require external power, difficult to install, bounded by higher frequencies etc.



Advantages and Disadvantages of other Sensor Types

Capacitive    Inductive    Photoelectric    Ultrasonic    Infrared    Motion    Biometric    Force    Humidity    Temperature    Light    Barometer    Sound    pH    Soil Moisture   


Different Types of sensors and Transducers


What is Difference between

difference between OFDM and OFDMA
Difference between SC-FDMA and OFDM
Difference between SISO and MIMO
Difference between TDD and FDD
FDMA vs TDMA vs CDMA
FDM vs TDM
CDMA vs GSM

RF and Wireless Terminologies