How To Choose Accelerometer Cable ?

Accelerometers have been used in industrial automation, automobiles, mechanical equipment, aerospace and other fields. Some accelerometer manufacturers do not provide accelerometer cables, and some customers choose non-original accelerometers because of the price. If not obtained by the manufacturer, how to choose a suitable accelerometer cable ?

What is accelerometer cable

An accelerometer cable is a type of cable that is used to connect an accelerometer to a device or system. An accelerometer is a device that measures acceleration, which is the rate of change of velocity of an object. It is often used to measure the acceleration of a moving object or to detect changes in the orientation or position of a stationary object.

Accelerometers are commonly used in a variety of applications, including smartphones, tablets, gaming controllers, and other electronic devices to detect movement and changes in orientation. They are also used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction to measure acceleration and vibration in order to monitor and diagnose issues with machinery and structures.

The accelerometer cable is used to transmit the signal from the accelerometer to the device or system it is connected to. It typically consists of a connector on one end that plugs into the accelerometer and a connector on the other end that plugs into the device or system. The cable may also include additional wires or conductors for transmitting power to the accelerometer or for transmitting additional data or signals.

Accelerometer manufacturers

There are many companies that manufacture accelerometers. Some of the leading manufacturers include: Bosch Sensortec, PCB , B&K, Hanford, CTC, DYTRAN, accelerometers from different manufacturers may have different connection interface, and different accelerometers from same amnufacturer also have different connectors.

1. Bosch Sensortec: Bosch Sensortec is a subsidiary of Bosch Group, a leading global supplier of technology and services. The company’s accelerometers are used in a variety of applications, including mobile phones, tablets, wearables, and automotive systems.
2. PCB Piezotronics: PCB Piezotronics is a manufacturer of piezoelectric and strain gauge sensors, including accelerometers. The company’s accelerometers are used in a wide range of applications, including structural testing, vibration analysis, and shock testing.
3. B&K Precision: B&K Precision is a manufacturer of test and measurement equipment, including accelerometers. The company’s accelerometers are used in a variety of applications, including vibration analysis and structural testing.
4. Hanford: Hanford is a manufacturer of piezoelectric sensors and accelerometers. The company’s accelerometers are used in a variety of applications, including structural testing and vibration analysis.
5. CTC: CTC is a manufacturer of accelerometers and other sensors for the aerospace, automotive, and industrial markets.
6. Dytran Instruments: Dytran Instruments is a manufacturer of piezoelectric and variable capacitance accelerometers, as well as other sensors and instrumentation. The company’s accelerometers are used in a variety of applications, including structural testing, vibration analysis, and aerospace testing.

Types of accelerometer cable

There many different types of accelerometer cable, can be one end or both end, normally triaxial accelerometers will use female 4 pin accelerometer cables, singe axis accelerometer use 2 pin accelerometer cable or RF cables. The most widely used accelerometer cables are 1/4-28UNF to 3 X BNC cables, 10-32 to BNC cables, 8-36UNF to 3 x BNC cables, 1/2-28 UNEF-2B to 3 BNC cables, M12 to 3 X BNC cables, M3 to BNC cable , SMB to BNC cable, L5 to BNC cables, L5 to L5 cables…

1/4-28UNF to 3 x BNC cables ( or one end 1/4-28UNF 4 pin female cable )

It’s the most popular triaxial accelerometer cable, one end is 4 pin female 1/4-28UNF connector which connect to the triaxial accelerometer, the 4 pin 1/4-28UNF female connector moulded with 4 core low noise cable, and split into 3pcs 2 core cable, each 2 core cable will be moulded with a BNC connector.

Sometimes customer may need one end 4 pin female 1/4-28UNF cable, it’s also available.

The 1/4-28UNF 4 pin male connector on the triaxial accelerometer is standard connector, the above 1/4-28UNF to 3 BNC cable is compatible with these accelerometers .

Female 4 pin 8-36 UNF to 3 x BNC cable (or one end female 4 pin 8-36UNF cable)

It’s a triaxial accelerometer cable adopted by PCB and some other accelerometer manufacturers. The triaxial accelerometers will have a male 4-pin 8-36 UNF connector, and one end of the cable will be a female four-pin 8-36 UNF connector. The 4-core cable that is connected to the 8-36 4-pin connector will split into 3pcs 2 core cables, and each cable will connect a BNC connector.

A 4-pin female 8-36 UNF connector is a type of electrical connector with four female contact points, and it’s designed to mate with a male connector with 8-36 UNF threads. The 8-36 UNF thread size refers to the diameter and pitch (distance between the threads) of the threads on the connector.

Female 4 pin M12 to 3 x BNC triaxial accelerometer cable

M12 connectors are widely used in industrial automation and are a popular choice for connecting accelerometers, sensors, and other devices. Accelerometers with M12 connectors make it easier for the process industry to implement vibration monitoring, some triaxial accelerometer manufacturers such as Wilcoxon have accelerometers with M12 connector .

The M12 connector on triaxial acceleroemter is A coded 4 pin male M12 connector, and the connecting cable will be M12 A coded 4 pin female to 3 BNC .

Singe axis accelerometer cable 10-32 UNF to BNC

10-32 UNF is a thread size that is commonly used for connectors and cables in a variety of applications, including accelerometers. A 10-32 UNF to BNC accelerometer cable would typically be a cable that has a 10-32 UNF connector on one end and a BNC (Bayonet Neill-Concelman) connector on the other end. The BNC connector is often used in electronic test and measurement equipment and is known for its ability to provide a secure, reliable connection.

The purpose of this cable would be to connect an accelerometer, which is a device that measures acceleration, to a device that has a BNC connector. This could be used, for example, to connect an accelerometer to a data acquisition system or a oscilloscope.

It’s important to note that there may be variations in the specific design and construction of a 10-32 UNF to BNC accelerometer cable, depending on the manufacturer and the intended use of the cable. It’s always a good idea to carefully review the specifications and features of a cable before making a purchase to ensure that it meets your needs and requirements.

MIL-C-5015 2 pin female to BNC Accelerometer cable

A MIL-C-5015 2-pin to BNC cable would be a cable with a MIL-C-5015 2-pin connector on one end and a BNC connector on the other end. This type of cable would be used to connect an accelerometer, which is a device used to measure acceleration, to a device with a BNC connection. The accelerometer may be used in a variety of applications, such as measuring the acceleration of a vehicle or monitoring the vibration of a structure.

Except 2-pin connector, MIL-C-5015 3 pin, 4 pin connector could also be used for accelerometer cable.

In some applications, it may be necessary to use stainless steel MIL-C-5015 connectors and armor or Teflon cables to provide added protection and durability for the accelerometer and its associated cables.

Stainless steel connectors are resistant to corrosion and can withstand harsh environments, making them suitable for use in outdoor or marine applications. Armor cables are typically braided or coated with a protective material, such as stainless steel, to provide added strength and resistance to mechanical damage. Teflon cables are made of a fluoropolymer material that is resistant to high temperatures, chemical attack, and electrical insulation.

These types of connectors and cables may be used in applications where the accelerometer is exposed to extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, harsh chemicals, or severe vibration. They can help to ensure the reliability and longevity of the accelerometer and its associated cables in these types of environments.

M3 to BNC , SMB to BNC , BNC to BNC , L5 to L5 , 10-32 to 10-32 accelerometer cable

SMB connectors are small coaxial connectors that are commonly used for RF and microwave applications. BNC connectors are also coaxial connectors, but they are slightly larger and more robust than SMB connectors. They are also commonly used for RF and microwave applications.

M3 connectors are small circular connectors that are commonly used in electronic and electrical systems, particularly in industrial and automotive applications.

M5 connectors are also small circular connectors, similar in size to M3 connectors. They are often used in electronic and electrical systems, particularly in industrial and automation applications. B

L5 connectors are circular connectors that are slightly larger than M3 and M5 connectors. They are commonly used in electronic and electrical systems, particularly in industrial and automation applications.
These RF cables are also widely used for B&K and other brand accelerometers.

Why choose low noise accelerometer cable

Low noise accelerometer cables minimize the amount of noise or interference introduced into the signal transmitted from the accelerometer. Accelerometers are sensors that measure acceleration or motion. They are commonly used in a variety of applications, including aircraft testing, automotive testing, and industrial monitoring, which require high signal accuracy for accurate test results and system safety. The low-noise accelerometer cable has a metal shielding layer, which not only reduces the influence of interference on the signal transmitted from the accelerometer, but also shields the signal caused by cable friction.

Key points for purchasing accelerometer cable

1. Find out the accelerometer brand and item number
2. Get the data sheet of the accelerometer from manufacturer’s website or sales team
3. Check the connection interface and pin quantity
4. Confirm the connector at the other end or just one end cable
5. Make sure the length of the cable
6. For triaxial accelerometer cable, need to the confirm the wire definition

Normally the connector on the accelerometer is male, and the cable will need female connector.

Is this article helpful for you to the get the right accelerometer cable? If you have other questions, welcome to contact us.