New KiVibe Miniature triaxial IEPE accelerometer raises the bar in vibration measurement

Hi Max! Could you start by outlining the KiVibe Miniature’s features and benefits?

Max Sackenreuther: Sure! Our KiVibe Miniature family offers customers a choice of four measurement ranges: 100 g, 250 g, 500 g and 1,000 g – and all of them deliver exceptional performance. Each KiVibe Miniature is only the size of a 6 mm cube – and with a weight of just 0.9 grams, it’s the lightest triaxial Integrated Electronics Piezo-Electric (IEPE ) accelerometeron the market. The variant with the lowest measuring range of 100 g delivers signal output of 50 mV/g, which is five times morethan the previous market standard. KiVibe Miniature features a completely case-isolated design, so it’s immune to electromagnetic interference. What’s more, all the materials used are low outgassing, making them ideal for aerospace applications. And to round out the benefits, this sensor offers a very broadfrequency range of up to 10,900 Hz on the main axis.

KiVibe Miniature was innovated in Winterthur – what can you tell us about its development?

We developed the new triaxial IEPE accelerometer in response to growing market demand for miniaturization, robustness, and high-quality performance. Kistler has really pushed the boundaries of precision vibration measurement here, thanks to our innovative PiezoStar crystal technology combined with advanced electronics that were newly developed for this product. Because of the innovative sensor design, we needed to create new production capabilities at Kistler’s headquarters in Winterthur, Switzerland – reinforcing our company’s commitment to Swiss engineering excellence.

What are the main applications for this ultra-compact accelerometer?

We specifically designed the KiVibe Miniature triaxial accelerometer for R&D vibration analysis across multiple industries: the aerospace, aviation, and automotive sectors, to name but a few. Other applications include semiconductor research and production monitoring. KiVibe Miniature’s precision and compact dimensions make it ideal for structural dynamic testing of space components – nanosatellites, for example – as well as vibration analysis and Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) testing. It could also play a key role in battery package testing and monitoring, as well as Environmental Stress Screening (ESS) in aerospace applications.

Why is it so crucial to have such a small and lightweight accelerometer?

One reason is that many industries face space constraints when mounting sensors – so compact solutions are essential. Also, a sensor must not significantly alter the component or system being tested: to ensure this condition is met, our KiVibe Miniature triaxial accelerometer minimizes mass loading effects thanks to its extremely low mass. This is a particularly critical factor in precision testing environments, where even the slightest interference can compromise the results.

As regards installing the new sensor, are there any particular points you’d like to highlight?

KiVibe Miniature features a durable cable attachment that allows flexible installation of the sensor itself as well as the cable. The case-isolated sensor design means that engineers need have no concerns about electromagnetic interference affecting measurement accuracy. Each triaxial IEPE accelerometer is equipped with a Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS) for quick and efficient sensitivity readings: this streamlines the measurement process. The PiezoStar crystal sensing element ensures unmatched temperature stability, so sensitivity shifts are minimized and precise results are guaranteed even in demanding conditions. And to ensure an even smoother user experience, Kistler offers a comprehensive range of accessories that make it simpler to install and remove the sensor – so it’s an even more practical choice for engineers.

To conclude, please could you summarize the reasons why customers should opt for this new triaxial IEPE accelerometer?

Our new KiVibe Miniature delivers unmatched precision, providing a very high output signal (50 mV/g). We designed this innovation in compliance with Kistler’s rigorous development standards, which ensure reliable engineering of the highest quality. KiVibe Miniature users – like all our customers – will benefit from our strong global support network, ensuring access to expert assistance whenever needed. In short, our KiVibe Miniature triaxial IEPE accelerometer is the ultimate solution for engineers facing the challenge of high-precision vibration measurements that require a very compact and lightweight form factor. Thanks to its cutting-edge technology, robust Swiss engineering and industry-leading performance, KiVibe Miniature is about to set a new standard in vibration testing.

Thank you very much, Max, for this wide-ranging interview!