Kistler reports on its new 5811A family of easy-to-handle field measurement devices with integrated charge amplifiers. These offer users of piezoelectric sensors the possibility of checking process parameters and quality control anywhere. Among other innovative features, the 5811A allows the user to display the measurement curve directly. It also includes a recording function for saving measurement data on the device.
Many industries use piezoelectric sensors to measure mechanical quantities, for example in machine construction or maintenance processes. However, some environments - such as cramped workshops or laboratories, where space is limited - do not lend themselves to the various conventional systems required for data acquisition, control and visualization. This is where the new handheld devices come in.
With the 5811A family, Kistler replaces the proven 5995A manual-reading charge amplifier and 5493 insulation tester. The new 5811A devices have been optimized to meet today's more complex requirements, offering a variety of additional features combined with unique performance and signal quality.
Models 5811A00 and 5811A01: similar but different
Thanks to its wide measurement range and high-performance signal conditioning, the 5811A family is ideally suited to data acquisition to determine the requirements of the in-situ measurement chain. Combined with Kistler's accredited calibration service, the new hand-held devices can be used as a reference tool to check sensor operation.
To date, the 5811A family consists of two devices - the 5811A00 and the 5811A01 - which may look similar, but are in fact designed to meet different requirements. In addition to being a charge amplifier, model 5811A00 can be used as a service tool for testing the insulation of piezoelectric measurement chains (sensor and cable) to check the quality of the measurement chain. Model 5811A01, on the other hand, features three channels for multi-channel measurements. So, in addition to being a charge amplifier, this model can be used as a monitoring device wherever mechanical quantities are measured with piezoelectric sensors, transmitters and Kistler IO-Link devices.
Both devices feature a rugged, shock-protected housing and a touch-sensitive graphic display that allows users to configure the device and view the acquired measurement data in numerical, bar or y/t chart form. Two side buttons enable the main functions to be operated with gloves on. Weighing in at just 800 grams, the new devices offer a practical, lightweight alternative to the more fragmented, functionally limited solutions of the past, enabling signals to be measured and recorded on site without the need for power sources. Designed to withstand harsh conditions, with IP54 protection against dust and water splashes, they offer a multitude of measurement options and can be adapted to a variety of measurement tasks.
A modern, user-friendly measurement option
Evaluation mode enables periodic testing of a process against user-defined limits. It also offers the option of displaying the measurement signal on a customizable gauge graph. The device can store user-defined measurement configurations, which not only enables rapid switching from one task to another, but also ensures that these tasks are carried out with identical parameters, resulting in consistent data sets. This makes it easy for users to compare, study and verify results.
Kistler's new 5811A handheld devices offer a modern, practical solution for data acquisition and visualization of piezoelectric measurement chains: they feature customizable measurement modes, including logging functionality, a variety of visualization options and a user-friendly design. The devices guarantee reliable, comprehensive verification of process parameters, and enable quality control processes even in the tightest of spaces and in the field.
