Acoustic Emission Amplifiers

Acoustic Emission Amplifiers The output voltage of an AE sensor is usually very small (in millivolt or less), a preamplifier and/or postamplifier is needed to enlarge the signal before it feeds into an AE system or other signal processing equipment.

As applications and testing conditions vary along with customers� needs, the applicable amplifier is also different. There are different ways to categorize the amplifiers. For example:

Specifications & Features subject to change without notice.

Preamplifier	versus	Postamplifier
An amplifier that is directly connected to an AE sensor in one end and to a post- amplifier or AE system in another end. DC power is needed and supplied either by the post-amplifier or the AE system.		An amplifier that is directly connected to a preamplifier or a sensor (by option) in one end and to an AE system in another end. DC power is not required. Powered by 110 V or 220 V AC.

Intrinsically Safe Preamplifier	versus	Non-Intrinsically Safe Preamplifier
An amplifier that can be used in hazardous, gaseous and other testing environment where intrinsically safe regulation is imposed.		An amplifier that can be used in any testing environment where no intrinsically safe regulation is imposed. Most testing environment is non- intrinsically safe required.

Voltage Preamplifier	versus	Charge Preamplifier
A preamplifier that amplifies the voltage output from the sensor. This is the most commonly used preamplifier type.		A preamplifier that takes the charge output from the sensor and outputs an amplified voltage. It is mainly used in in cases where there is a need for long lengths of sensor input cable.

Auto-Sensor-Testing Preamplifier	versus	Non-Auto-Sensor-Testing Preamplifier
A preamplifier with Auto Sensor Testing (AST) function that allows the sensor to characterize its own condition, as well as sends out a simulated acoustic emission wave for other sensors to detect.		A preamplifier that has no Auto Sensor Testing function.

Raw Signal Output Amplifier	versus	RMS or 4-20 mA Output Amplifier
An amplifier that outputs the enlarged original signal without any conversion or rectification.		An amplifier whose output is converted, e.g. 4-20 mA or rectified, e.g. RMS from the input signal.

General Purpose Preamplifier	versus	Inline Preamplifier
A preamplifier that can be used with either single-ended or differential sensor for variety of applications by simply adjusting the gain with a switch and changing the plug-in filter board inside the preamplifier.		A preamplifier that is usually used in tests where the preamplifier gain and the bandwidth are known and fixed.

Physical Acoustics Corporation is the only company who provides all categories of preamplifiers and postamplifiers that meet different application needs. Standard market available amplifiers are listed in the following table. Physical Acoustics Corporation also accepts order for customized amplifiers.

Product Photo	Model	Description	Applications
	0/2/4, 2/4/6	General purpose voltage preamplifier with 0/20/40 dB gain (0/2/4), or 20/40/60 dB gain (2/4/6), single-ended and differential sensor inputs, bandwidth changeable plug-in filter and standard AST. 28V DC power.	Wide variety of applications where signal strength, frequency band, and sensor type may change application by application.
	2/4/6-C	General purpose voltage preamplifier with 40/60 dB gain, single-ended and differential sensor inputs, bandwidth changeable plug-in filter. 28V DC power supplied from separated BNC connector.	Wide variety of applications where signal strength, frequency band, and sensor type may change application by application.
	IL-XX-S, IL-XX-D	In-line voltage amplifier that has fixed gain ��XX��, fixed frequency band, either single-ended �S� or differential �D� sensor input. 28V DC power. Low cost.	Used in known testing environment where the gain, frequency band and sensor type can be predetermined before purchasing.
	1222	Charge amplifier with internally selectable 40/60 dB gain, single-ended sensor input and plug-in filter of 20 � 600 KHz.	Ideal for applications where there is a need for long lengths of sensor input cable. It maintains the signal amplitude regardless of distance from the passive sensor to the preamplifier.
	1222LF	Charge amplifier with internally selectable 40/60 dB gain, differential sensor input.	Ideal for applications where there is a need for long lengths of sensor input cable. Particularly this preamplifier is used for loose part monitoring in nuclear industry.
	1224D	Line driver or repeater for boosting the signal up by 0 or 20 dB.	Used in exceptional circumstances where the required cable length exceeds the drive capability of the normal preamplifier.
	1276 & 1278	Intrinsically safe preamplifier. Works with intrinsically safe sensor and 1276B barrier.	Used in hazardous, gaseous environments that require chass IIC, intrinsically safe apparatus.
Photo not Available	1276B	A barrier that connected in between the 1225A and the AE system outside the hazardous area.	Used as an interconnect to link the 1225A and the AE system for intrinsically safe applications.
Photo not Available	Il40S-HP	Wide temperature preamplifier with 40 dB gain and operation environment temperatureup to 125^oC.	Ideal for use in very extreme temperature environment (cold and hot).
	1272	Preamplifier with 0/10/20/30/40 dB internally selectable gain, RMS or 4-20 mA output, two alarm thresholds, open drain (collector) alarm output.	Ideal for use with industrial on-line condition or continuous monitoring and alarming.
	AE2A, AE5A	Post amplifier with 0 � 41 dB gain switchable in 3 dB steps. Optional direct sensor input, optional RMS output.	Ideal for lab testing and industrial applications where other AE or A/D system is available.

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