Bently Nevada AS3100S2-Z2 Integrated Electronics Piezo-Electric (IEPE) Accelerometer

The Bently Nevada AS3100S2-Z2 is an Integrated Electronics Piezo-Electric (IEPE) accelerometer engineered for high-density vibration signal acquisition within harsh industrial environments. Operating via a PZT ceramic shear sensing element coupled to an internal charge amplifier, this device converts mechanical acceleration vectors into a proportional low-impedance voltage output over a wide dynamic range. The sensor features a side-exit 2-pin MIL-C-5015 style connector interface, delivers a calibrated nominal sensitivity of 100 mV/g, and maintains a measurement envelope up to 80 g peak acceleration. It requires a standard 18-30 VDC constant-current power source (2-10 mA) to drive the internal electronics, providing high immunity to electromagnetic interference and radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI) while presenting a case-isolated design that prevents ground loops in permanent rotor dynamics monitoring applications.

Hardware Specifications

Engineering Notes

• Bias Voltage Diagnostics: Monitoring the 12 VDC nominal bias output voltage serves as a diagnostic tool for sensor health. A significant shift toward the supply rail indicates an open circuit or unpowered condition, while a drop toward 0 VDC indicates a short-circuit fault within the sensor or field cabling.
• Grounding Isolation: The internal sensing circuit is completely isolated from the outer 316L stainless steel housing and shields, ensuring that case mounting on vibrating machinery structures cannot form parasitic ground paths or corrupt parallel turbomachinery protection monitors.
• Transverse Response Mitigation: To minimize cross-axis signal pollution, ensure the accelerometer axial center-line matches the designated vibration vector exactly; the sensor limits transverse measurement errors to less than ±5% of the primary axial input.

Field Guidelines

• Mounting Torque Execution: Ensure the mating surface is ground flat and free of debris. Secure the 1/4-28 UNF mounting stud using a calibrated torque wrench to prevent high-frequency transmission attenuation or artificial resonant peaking.
• Cable Length Constraints: Limit the shielded twisted-pair cabling runs to a maximum length of 100 feet to mitigate parasitic cable capacitance, which can attenuate high-frequency signals and induce phase shifts.
• Submersion and Connector Sealing: While the housing features a hermetic design, proper environmental boots or IP-rated conduit assemblies must be deployed over the MIL-C-5015 connector pins if the installation site is prone to direct wash-downs or fluid immersion.

Technical & Procurement FAQ

Question: What is the purpose of the integrated ESD and reverse wiring protection circuits in this IEPE model?

Answer: The internal circuitry guards the constant-current internal charge amplifier against electrostatic discharge damage during handling and prevents component failure if the power and signal leads are accidentally cross-wired during field termination.

Question: What accessories are standard inclusions inside the box for this specific Zone 2 rated part number?

Answer: Every factory package includes one AS3100S2-Z2 side-exit accelerometer sensor, one 1/4-28 to 1/4-28 UNF threaded mechanical mounting stud, and the corresponding calibration data sheet.

Question: Can this accelerometer be directly connected to a voltage-input monitoring system channel without a constant-current interface?

Answer: No. As an IEPE style transducer, it requires an external constant-current diode supply providing 2 to 10 mA at 18 to 30 VDC superimposed on the signal line to power its internal amplifier before an AC voltage signal can be read.