What it is

High-sensitivity, low noise triaxial accelerometers which simultaneously measure acceleration and/or low-frequency vibration in three mutually-perpendicular axes (x, y, z).

The Kistler 8396A is a high-sensitivity, low-noise triaxial capacitive MEMS accelerometer that measures acceleration and low-frequency vibration in x, y, and z down to 0 Hz. It comes in six ranges from ±2 to ±200 g, runs on a single 6 … 50 VDC supply, and adds a temperature output for external compensation. Its welded titanium housing weighs 31 to 33 g.

• Six ranges: ±2, ±10, ±30, ±50, ±100, and ±200 g
• DC response: frequency response from 0 Hz, up to 3,500 Hz (±5%, typ.) on the ±200 g range
• Four output types: 0 ±4 V or 2.5 ±2 V single-ended, 0 ±4 V or 0 ±8 V differential
• Low noise: 0.007 mgrms/√Hz typical on the ±2 g range
• Wide supply range: 6 … 50 VDC, reverse polarity protected
• Temperature output: for external compensation
• Rugged: 6,000 g shock rated, −67 … 257 °F (−55 … 125 °C) operating

What it is used for

Some of the use cases for the 8396A include:

• Aviation and aerospace — ground and flight testing of dynamics and structural vibration
• Automotive — ride, vehicle dynamics, and structural analysis in lab and road testing
• Civil engineering structures — structural response of bridges
• Seismic — ground and structural testing for earthquakes and other natural phenomena
• Railway — comfort and condition maintenance monitoring with differential outputs and halogen-free cable
• Motion studies — human motion, robotics, and platform motion control

Main features / advantages

What does the 8396A measure?

The 8396A measures static and low-frequency acceleration in three mutually perpendicular axes. Each axis uses a silicon MEMS variable-capacitance element: a small inertial mass on a flexure cantilever between two plates. As the mass deflects, the capacitance changes, and internal AC excitation with synchronous demodulation produces an analog voltage proportional to acceleration.

The Type 8396A triaxial capacitive accelerometer family utilizes a silicon Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) variable capacitance sensing element. The sensing element of each axis consists of a very small inertial mass and a flexure element cantilever positioned between two plates. As the mass deflects under acceleration, the capacitance between these plates changes. AC excitation and synchronous amplitude demodulation circuitry contained in the accelerometer's internal signal conditioner provide an analog output signal proportional to the applied acceleration. This output signal is scaled as a voltage which is proportional to the applied acceleration.

Why engineers pick it

• Measures down to DC. The capacitive MEMS element responds from 0 Hz, with 0° phase shift at 0 Hz and no more than 2° at 10 Hz.
• Low noise for low-level signals. On the ±2 g range, typical noise density is 0.007 mgrms/√Hz and typical resolution 0.100 mgrms.
• Thermally stable. Typical sensitivity temperature coefficient is ±0.01 %/°C (±100 ppm/°C), and a built-in temperature output supports external compensation.
• Flexible power and outputs. It runs on a single regulated 6 … 50 VDC supply, with single-ended or differential outputs and reverse polarity protection.

Which 8396A do I need?

Output type: all include a temperature output.

• AT: 0 ±4 V full scale
• BT: 2.5 ±2 V full scale
• CT: 0 ±4 V differential
• DT: 0 ±8 V differential

Electrical interface:

• A00: integral 9-pin connector, IP50
• Bxx / Cxx: IP64 integral PET cable with braided shield, pigtail or 9-pin D-Sub termination
• Dxx / Exx: IP64 integral silicone cable, pigtail or 9-pin D-Sub
• Fxx / Gxx: IP68 integral silicone cable, pigtail or 9-pin D-Sub, tested at 10 bar for 48 hours

Integral cables are available up to 20 m.

How is the 8396A mounted?

Attach the sensor directly with the supplied 10-32 stud, or adhesively on its hard anodized aluminum side for a ground-isolated mount. Optional mounting bases include:

• 8466K01: integral 10-32 stud, ground-isolated adhesive mount
• 8466K02: threaded 10-32 hole, ground-isolated stud mount
• 8466K03: magnetic mount
• 8466K04: interface plate matching the legacy Type 8393 mounting hole pattern

When is the 8396A the wrong choice?

• High-frequency vibration or shock. Bandwidth tops out at a few kHz, with resonance between 1.2 and 11 kHz depending on range.
• Supply voltage at high temperature. Above 212 °F (100 °C), the maximum supply voltage must be reduced, down to 12.5 VDC at 257 °F (125 °C). Exceeding the stated values causes permanent damage.
• Mass-sensitive structures. The sensor weighs 31 to 33 g (excluding cable), which needs to be considered on light test articles.

Configure and order the 8396A

Configure the 8396A by range, output type, and electrical interface, and order directly on this page. For questions, contact us.