Vibration refers to mechanical oscillations about an equilibrium point.

The oscillations may be

periodic such as the motion of a pendulum or random such as the movement of a tire on a gravel
road.

Vibration is occasionally "desirable". For example the motion of a tuning fork, the reed in a
woodwind instrument or harmonica, or the cone of a loudspeaker is desirable vibration,
necessary for the correct functioning of the various devices.

More often, vibration is undesirable, wasting energy and creating unwanted sound – noise. For
example, the vibrational motions of engines, electric motors, or any mechanical device in
operation are typically unwanted. Such vibrations can be caused by imbalances in the rotating
parts, uneven friction, the meshing of gear teeth, etc. Careful designs usually minimize unwanted
vibrations.

The study of sound and vibration are closely related. Sound, or "pressure waves", are generated
by vibrating structures (e.g. vocal cords); these pressure waves can also induce the vibration of
structures (e.g. ear drum). Hence, when trying to reduce noise it is often a problem in trying to
reduce vibration.

Types of vibration
Free vibration occurs when a mechanical system is set off with an initial input and then allowed
to vibrate freely. Examples of this type of vibration are pulling a child back on a swing and then
letting go or hitting a tuning fork and letting it ring. The mechanical system will then vibrate at
one or more of its "natural frequencies" and damp down to zero.

Forced vibration is when an alternating force or motion is applied to a mechanical system.

Examples of this type of vibration include a shaking washing machine due to an imbalance,
transportation vibration (caused by truck engine, springs, road, etc), or the vibration of a building
during an earthquake. In forced vibration the frequency of the vibration is the frequency of the
force or motion applied, with order of magnitude being dependent on the actual mechanical
system.

Applications: Features:

Motors Easy replacement of existing

Industrial Fans vibration switches
Heat Exchangers/ Cooling Universal mounting plates and
Towers studs
Engines NEMA 4X, IP65 environmental
Reciprocating Compressors rating
Wide temperature range of -40°C
Centrifuges to 100°C
Rock or Coal Crushers Local and remote reset
Start-up delay
SPDT, (2) SPDT and gold
 contact options
Hazardous area approvals: CSA,
ATEX, CE
Accelerometers and Velocity Sensors
Piezoelectric accelerometers and velocity sensors provide dynamic measurements of
displacement, velocity, and acceleration. Typically used for measuring the vibration of
machine bearings housings.

Options include models with outputs in velocity or acceleration, high temperature

models, low-frequency sensors, and a variety of cable options, including: integral or
non-integral cables, waterproof, armored, and high-temperature.

About Magnetic Speed Sensors

Magnetic speed sensors use a magnet as the sensing element or sensed target
in order to capture rotational or linear speed. Typically, they are used as gear-
tooth speed sensors or incorporated into stroboscopes or tachometers.
Technology choices magnetic speed sensors include magnetoresistive,
inductive, variable reluctance, and Hall Effect. With magnetoresistive sensors,
the resistance of the sensing element is a function of the direction and magnitude
(proximity) of an applied magnetic field. With inductive sensors, an oscillator
circuit generates a radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic field that radiates from a
ferrite core and coil assembly. The field is directed at the sensor face. When a
metal target enters the field, eddy currents are induced into the surfaces of the
target. This causes a reduction in the amplitude of the oscillator circuit (change in
inductance).  
Most variable reluctance magnetic speed sensors are self-generating. In other
words, they do not require an external power source. When a magnetic surface is
passed in close proximity to the sensor, a small voltage is induced. With Hall
Effect magnetic speed sensors, a current is passed through a semiconductor
material. When a magnetic field is applied perpendicularly to the surface of the
semiconductor, a voltage is developed. This Hall voltage is proportional to the
applied field intensity, driving the magnetic speed sensor.
Performance specifications to consider when selecting magnetic speed sensors
include rotary speed range, linear speed range, and accuracy. Rotary speed and
linear speed are two mutually-exclusive ranges. With rotary speed sensors, the
speed is measured in revolutions per minute (rpm). This is useful for gear speed
or belt speeds. With linear speed sensors, the speed is measured in inches per
second. This is useful for linear speed applications such as web processes and
robotic arm movements. Accuracy is measured as a percent of the full-scale
range. A lower percentage indicates a more accurate device.   
Electrical specifications to consider when selecting for magnetic speed sensors
include power requirements and output. Some magnetic speed sensors are self-
generating. Others use direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). Common
outputs for magnetic speed sensors include resistance, voltage, current, and
frequency. Switch output and communication type (serial or parallel) are also
important parameters to consider.  
Magnetic speed sensors carry display options and control options. Display
options include analog meters, digital readouts, and video displays.  Control
options include analog front panels, digital front panels, or computer controls. 
Body-style choices for magnetic speed sensors include barrel, limit switch,
rectangular or block, slot and ring. Other features for magnetic speed
sensors include shielding, an intrinsically safe (IS) rating, short circuit protection,
weld field immunity, the sensing of non-magnetic targets, and the sensing of non-
ferrous targets.