What it is

The miniature pressure sensors of the 603C series are, due to their high natural frequency, suited for a variety of applications where highly dynamic pressure transients need to be measured. The acceleration compensation ensures reliable measurements even under highly vibrating conditions.

The Kistler 603C is a miniature, acceleration-compensated quartz pressure sensor for highly dynamic pressure transients up to 15,000 psi (1,000 bar). Its natural frequency is above 500 kHz and its rise time below 0.4 µs. It is built for hydraulics, shock tubes, and blast tests, and is available with charge (PE) or voltage (IEPE) output.

• Pressure range: up to 15,000 psi (1,000 bar)
• Acceleration compensated: 0.00200 psi/g (0.00014 bar/g) axial acceleration sensitivity
• Fast response: rise time <0.4 µs, natural frequency >500 kHz
• Wide temperature range: −321 to +392 °F (−196 to +200 °C) on the PE version
• Two outputs: charge (PE) or voltage (IEPE)
• All-welded, hermetically sealed: quartz crystal in a 17-4 stainless steel housing and diaphragm

What it is used for

Some of the use cases for the 603C include:

• Hydraulic and pneumatic systems — high pressure measurements
• Shock tubes — highly dynamic pressure transients
• Blast tests — fast pressure events under heavy vibration

Main features / advantages

What does the 603C measure?

The miniature pressure sensors of the 603C series are, due to their high natural frequency, suited for a variety of applications where highly dynamic pressure transients need to be measured. The acceleration compensation ensures reliable measurements even under highly vibrating conditions.

Due to their high natural frequencies, piezoelectric pressure sensors can be used for a variety of applications where dynamic pressures need to be measured. Another unique characteristic of piezoelectric pressure sensors is their ability to measure small pressure fluctuations superimposed on top of high static pressures with exceptional resolution. By contrast, piezoresistive pressure sensors are the right choice when measuring static pressure curves.

At the core of the all-welded, hermetically sealed 603C series is a quartz crystal. The pressure acts on the sensor's diaphragm and compresses the crystal, which produces a charge proportional to the pressure. A charge amplifier converts the charge signal into a voltage that can be read.

Why engineers pick it

• Built for fast transients. A rise time below 0.4 µs and a natural frequency above 500 kHz capture shock tube and blast pressure fronts.
• Reliable under vibration. Acceleration compensation holds axial acceleration sensitivity to 0.00014 bar/g, so structural vibration stays out of the pressure signal.
• High pressure in a miniature sensor. The 603C covers up to 15,000 psi (1,000 bar), with overload at 15,950 psi (1,100 bar).
• Extreme temperatures with PE output. The PE version operates from −321 to +392 °F (−196 to +200 °C) and is rated for at least 400 kGy of gamma radiation.

Which 603C version do I need?

• Choose IEPE for long-term measurement of small pressure pulsations without static content, connected directly to an IEPE-capable input.
• Choose PE for quasi-static or dynamic pressure profiles lasting up to a few minutes, for extreme temperatures, or when you need an adjustable measuring range set on the charge amplifier.
• Choose the short housing (603CAB) where the mechanical structure can't be weakened. It mounts with a Type 6482A connector extender, made to order with a 10-32, BNC, or TNC connector.

How is the 603C mounted?

The adapter sets the pressure ceiling of the installation. For the upper part of the 603C range, use direct mounting or the 6503C0A, 6503C1A, or 6503C3A adapters.

For splashing water or underwater use, the IP68-rated Type 1983A FKM cable fits sensors with the standard housing. It can be screwed on or welded to the sensor at the factory, and both have been qualified for IP68 from vacuum to 232 psi (16 bar).

When is the 603C the wrong choice?

• Static pressure. Piezoelectric sensors measure dynamic and quasi-static pressure. For static pressure curves, use a piezoresistive sensor.
• Very small pressure pulsations. The 603C trades sensitivity for range: −0.35 pC/psi (−5.0 pC/bar) and 126 µbar rms typical noise on the PE version.
• IEPE at high temperature. The IEPE version's built-in electronics limit it to −67 … +248 °F (−55 … +120 °C) and a fixed measuring range.
• Adapter pressure limits. The ground-isolating adapters are rated to 1,450 psi (100 bar), and the 6507B and 6509B adapters to 4,350 psi (300 bar).

Configure and order the 603C

Configure the 603C by output, housing, and pressure range, add the mounting accessories your installation needs, and order directly on this page. For questions, contact us.