This section provides an overview for charge amplifiers as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 9 charge amplifier manufacturers and their company rankings.
Table of Contents
A charge amplifier is basically a process that converts a very small charge signal generated by a piezoelectric sensor, which is difficult to measure, into a proportional voltage signal.
As mentioned above, the charge signal generated by a piezoelectric sensor is difficult to measure. However, since the value generated by a piezoelectric sensor is exactly proportional to the pressure applied to the piezoelectric sensor, it is very important to measure this value accurately. Charge amplifiers can convert the charge signal generated by a pressure sensor into a voltage that is exactly proportional to the charge.
Charge amplifiers are used in all measurement situations where piezoelectric sensors are used to make measurements. In other words, it overlaps with the use of piezoelectric sensors.
One of the characteristics of piezoelectric sensors is that they are small, so they can be used in places where the sensor can be installed where space is limited. In addition, some piezoelectric sensors have excellent temperature resistance performance, making it possible to measure in environments with high ambient temperatures. Since piezoelectric sensors measure minute displacements, it is possible to manufacture sensors with a high degree of synthesis. This means higher sensor responsiveness, making them ideal for measurements that require responsiveness.
As already mentioned, piezoelectric sensors generate a small electric charge when pressure is applied. The role of the charge amplifier is to convert this small charge into a measurable voltage. The method by which the charge amplifier converts the minute charge into a voltage is done using an integrating amplifier. If the capacitance of the capacitor of the integrating amplifier is Cg and the charge of a minute charge is Q, the voltage V is obtained by V=Q/Cg.
Although the principle of the charge amplifier itself is simple, in practice, it is very important to select the appropriate charge amplifier for the measurement target in order to perform accurate measurements.
One is the number of measurement channels. If there are multiple measurement points, measurement cannot be performed without multiple measurement channels. Of course, if there are not enough measurement channels, measurement is possible by purchasing more charge amplifiers. The cost and adjustment work become more complicated, and there is little merit in this.
The other issue is whether the piezoelectric sensor's charge signal is large or small. Naturally, measurement cannot be performed unless the measurement ranges match, but it is important to introduce a charge amplifier with a measurement range that matches the future measurement plan.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
Sort by Area
Founded in Switzerland, Kistler serves both public and private customers in the automotive, aerospace, maritime, transportation, medical, semiconductor, energy and life sciences industries. Products include sensors as well as connectivity, signal, and data acquisition devices as well as software solutions. Applications of these solutions include R&D to safety testing, and condition monitoring. Key technologies include dynamic pressure, force, torque and acceleration measurement technologies.
Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If you are a resident of another country, please select the appropriate version of Metoree for your country in the drop-down menu.