8-Channel IEPE Power Supplies Explained
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Modal analysis and multi-channel vibration testing often require several accelerometers to operate simultaneously. The CTC PS08A 8-Channel IEPE Power Supply provides a centralized way to power up to eight IEPE accelerometers or piezo velocity sensors and route their signals to data acquisition systems, oscilloscopes, analyzers, and other test and measurement equipment.
With eight independent channels, BNC inputs and outputs, sensor status monitoring, and a 19-inch rack-mountable design, the PS08A is built for laboratory, R&D, structural testing, and other multi-channel vibration measurement applications.
Powering Accelerometers For Modal Analysis
During modal analysis, accelerometers are used to measure the vibration response of a structure at multiple measurement points. Each IEPE accelerometer requires constant-current excitation to operate.
The PS08A provides that excitation for up to eight sensors from a single line-powered unit, simplifying test setups that would otherwise require multiple individual sensor power supplies.
Each accelerometer connects to a BNC input on the PS08A, while the corresponding BNC output connects to the user’s measurement equipment.
This allows engineers to use the PS08A as the sensor power interface while selecting the data acquisition and analysis equipment best suited to their application.
The unit provides variable 2–9 mA nominal sensor supply current with +24 VDC compliance voltage. Individual LED indicators provide sensor status for each channel, while the front-panel selector and digital display allow users to monitor sensor bias voltage.
Its 19-inch rack-mountable enclosure also allows the PS08A to integrate with DAQ systems, analyzers, and other test instrumentation in permanent or semi-permanent laboratory setups.
Compatible With Industry-Standard IEPE Sensors
The PS08A can power compatible CTC Test & Measurement accelerometers and piezo velocity sensors as well as compatible industry-standard IEPE sensors from other manufacturers, such as PCB, Dytran and Endeavco.
This makes it a practical option for test facilities that already use IEPE or ICP® accelerometers and need a dedicated multi-channel power source for connecting those sensors to existing measurement equipment.
