SparkFun Piezo Vibration Sensor - Small Horizontal - Cantilever-Type PVDF Film

This is a passive piezoelectric sensor that generates its own voltage signal when subjected to vibration or mechanical stress. It does not require an external power supply. The output is an open-circuit voltage, typically measured with a high-impedance input amplifier or data acquisition system to avoid loading the signal.

The sensor is designed for horizontal mounting using its solderable machine pins. You can solder the pins directly to a PCB or use them with a breadboard via header pins. Ensure the sensor is firmly secured to the surface whose vibration you wish to measure. The two pins are the signal output and ground reference.

The baseline sensitivity of 1.1 V/g represents the sensor's output across a broad frequency range up to its upper limiting frequency of 42 Hz. At its mechanical resonance frequency of 75 Hz, the sensitivity peaks at 6 V/g due to the amplified motion of the cantilever mass. This makes the sensor particularly effective for detecting vibrations near its resonant peak.

Yes, the sensor's wide dynamic range and excellent linearity allow it to detect both continuous vibration patterns and transient impact events. The rugged PVDF film can withstand high shock overload, making it suitable for applications like tamper detection, machinery impact monitoring, or any scenario requiring detection of both sustained and impulsive vibrations.