PCB Piezotronics Announces the Launch of New ICP® Blast Pressure Sensors

Enhanced Pencil Probe Design Survives Severe Shock and Provides a More Reliable Signal

October 30, 2013, Depew, NY -PCB Piezotronics, Inc. (PCB®) announces the release of the new Series 137B quartz, free-field, ICP® blast pressure pencil probe that provides 2 significant user advantages: a more reliable signal and a distortion-free measurement. Demand for the new pressure sensor was spurred by PCB's test engineer customers at weapons and armaments research and evaluation ranges. Typical applications for the new pencil probe design involve environments that are subject to severe mechanical shock.

To address the need for signal reliability and measurement accuracy in such a volatile, high shock environment, the new pencil probe technology has been re-engineered to include a 10-32 coaxial jack connector. "Pencil probes are designed to measure blast pressure caused from explosions in air, where severe shock is present," said Chris Miller, Business Development Manager for Aerospace & Defense at PCB®. "The new connector is very reliable in areas of shock, and allows the pressure sensor to be used in more creative ways."

Because of its unique pencil shape, the Series 137B ICP® blast pressure sensor continues to measure without reflections unlike skimmer plates. Miller went on to say, "Another exciting design improvement is the new single piece body that aids in probe alignment, compared to the legacy three-piece design. Better alignment leads to more accurate measurements and helps blast test engineers ensure warfighters have the proper capabilities for success."

Highlights of ICP® blast pressure pencil probes include:

• Quartz sensing elements that provide micro-second response time and resonant frequency above 400k Hz
• Fully amplified ICP® technology allowing the output signal to travel over long distances
• Measurement capability of blast pressure to obtain peak values and total impulse
• Shock wave and time-of-arrival measurement

For technical information, please contact Chris Miller, Business Development Manager, telephone 866-816-8892, email: cmiller@pcb.com.