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Defense

Vibration monitoring technologies for underwater and marine monitoring, seismic sensing

Wilcoxon Sensing Technologies products were introduced to the marketplace in 1960 by former staff members of the David Taylor Naval Research Center (now the Naval Surface Warfare Center). Since then, our engineers have been responsible for many advances in piezoelectric accelerometers, including the development of the first underwater accelerometer.

From concept to production, we excel in providing reliable, high performance sensing and monitoring systems for military, energy and industrial applications. Our staff has decades of experience providing complex sensing focused products for specific applications and requirements, along with a successful record designing, building and delivering solutions for multiplex monitoring systems on important programs where Wilcoxon is a valuable partner and proven team member. 

For more information, please email [email protected].

Engineering capabilities

  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA) design and modeling
  • Low power designs
  • Digital interfaces
  • High shock survivability
  • Design to military specifications

Testing capabilities

  • Noise measurements
  • Shock survivability
  • Underwater sensitivity, phase and directionality
  • Magnetic heading and inertial pitch/roll calibrations
  • Pressure and temperature
  • Military standards: MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-810, RTCA/DO-160

Marine and seismic sensing solutions

We provide advanced underwater products and seismic sensors for military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance applications. Other applications include sensor solutions for structural integrity monitoring, oil and gas exploration, and mammal detection. Wilcoxon products are known for reliability, backed by our responsive customer support team.

Marine sensing applications include:

  • Towed and stationary arrays
  • Sonobuoys
  • Listening stations
  • Shipboard machinery and hull monitoring

Seismic and infrastructure monitoring applications include:

  • Perimeter and road surveillance
  • Border intruder detection
  • Underground intruder detection
  • Deep sea acoustic surveillance
  • Vibration monitoring of bridges, buildings and towers

Wilcoxon Sensing Technologies advanced sensing technology products include:

 

Vector sensors

Wilcoxon vector sensors measure the acoustic pressure and particle acceleration in three orthogonal axes. These four sensing elements are located in a single housing with a common acoustic phase center. The four channels of the vector sensor, when combined, produce a cardioid directivity pattern which provides approximately 4.8 dB improvement in the signal to noise ratio over a traditional omni-directional pressure sensor. In addition, engineering sensors are embedded within the housing and, when combined with acoustic sensors, can provide a bearing to the target.

Features

  • 3 orthogonal axis accelerometers and 1 omni-directional hydrophone
  • Preamplifier and differential output
  • Pitch and roll
  • Heading
  • Micro-controller with comm link

Typical applications

  • Oil and gas exploration
  • Marine wildlife monitoring
  • Underwater acoustic research
  • Harbor and inlet security
  • Homeland security
  • Military surveillance
  • Towed arrays
  • Stationary arrays
  • Underwater monitoring stations
  • Sonobuoys

Vector sensor specification sheets

VS-101 low frequency vector sensor

VS-209 mid-frequency vector sensor

VS-301 low frequency vector sensor

 

Hydrophones

Hydrophones are underwater microphones for acoustic measurements. Wilcoxon Sensing Technologies hydrophones are built to withstand the rigors of continuous underwater exposure in both sea water and fresh water environments. Each hydrophone uses piezoelectric crystals with a built-in electronic amplifier, to boost the low level signal of pressure waves underwater signals. The output is a dynamic AC signal superimposed upon the DC Bias Output Voltage (BOV).

Typical applications

  • Underwater biological studies
  • Ship noise studies
  • Pump and machinery studies
  • Monitoring of underwater ordinance

The H505L hydrophone is designed as a small, versatile, self-amplified hydrophone for use in a wide variety of underwater acoustic measurements. Ruggedness, low cost and an ultra low-noise internal amplifier are prime features of this unit. The internal amplifier eliminates triboelectric cable noise, connector contamination problems and the requirement for an expensive in-line amplifier. The hydrophone and cable entry are completely encapsulated in polyurethane, preventing water intrusion caused by cathodic action. The assembly uses preaged piezoelectric (PZT) sensing elements.

H505L hydrophone general specifications

  • Sensitivity tolerance: -160.0 dB re 1V/µPa
  • Low frequency: 2.0 Hz (120 CPM)
  • High frequency: 10.0 kHz (600 kCPM)
  • Maximum temperature: 80°C
  • Designed to military specifications

H505L hydrophone detailed specification sheet

H507A hydrophone detailed specification sheet

H601 low acceleration sensitivity hydrophone detailed specification sheet

 

Seismic sensors

Combine a supersensitive piezoelectric accelerometer, an ultra low-noise amplifier, and excellent electrical/mechanical isolation, and the result will be unmatched performance in measuring low-level vibration. Seismic accelerometers have internal amplifiers similar to the industrial accelerometers. They are powered using the same method: a constant-current diode to provide power to the accelerometer. The seismic accelerometer amplifier output has a characteristic bias output voltage (BOV) and the vibration is superimposed upon this DC voltage level. The accelerometer circuit is isolated from the case, making installation and mounting simple, while the two-wire powering and signal method simplifies the wiring.

Wilcoxon seismic sensors are all characterized by good low frequency response, high output sensitivity and a low noise floor. They are primarily designed to measure low amplitude low frequency signals in applications such as structural monitoring and vibration isolation verification. Accelerometers used for earth seismic monitoring should have a very low noise floor. Model 731A has a noise floor very near the New High Noise Model (NHNM) developed by the U.S. Department of Interior. The 731A ultra-quiet seismic accelerometer can measure vibration levels down to the sub micro-g range by using an ultra low noise internal amplifier and a high sensitivity inertial sensing element. It contains no moving parts, is not sensitive to magnetic fields, and has a relatively low mass.

The P31 amplifier enhances the capabilities of the 731A by providing special low noise signal amplification and conditioning by providing 2.4 mA constant current needed to power the accelerometer's internal amplifier.

Common applications

  • Earthquake detection
  • Geophysics, geothermal development
  • Structural analysis
  • Mine safety

Seismic sensor specification sheets

 

Underwater accelerometers

Wilcoxon underwater accelerometers are designed to be used virtually anywhere under continuous submersion. They are built to withstand the high pressures of deep submergence. Titanium cases are useful when it is desired to have the accelerometer be highly resistant to galvanic corrosion or mounted on titanium structures. Stainless steel can be used for applications where the accelerometer will be mounted on cast iron or mild steel structures since they are near one another on the galvanic series list.

The ability to retain a hermetic seal while submerged is paramount for underwater accelerometers. All Wilcoxon underwater accelerometers are designed for continuous exposure to 650 PSI of water pressure. Helium leak testing is used to verify the hermeticity of the welding for accelerometers.

Underwater accelerometers specification sheets

 

Test and measurement

Test and measurement accelerometers are generally characterized by smaller size than industrial units and typically use a 10-32 coaxial connector to connect to measurement equipment.

Typical applications

  • Industrial machinery vibration collection
  • Laboratories
  • Modal and structural testing

Test and measurement sensors specification sheets

 

TEDS

We offer sensors that feature Transducer Electronic Data Sheets (TEDS) that conform to the IEEE P1451.4 standard. As a member of National Instruments Plug and Play Sensor Program, Wilcoxon TEDS sensors are plug and play compatible with National Instruments LabView software, so system integrators and end users will have pre-configured self-identification information and automation systems for vibration measurements. We currently offer 6 models that include general purpose, low profile, and low frequency vibration accelerometers, as well as velocity sensors. TEDS sensors allow users to greatly simplify setup, use, maintenance, and the collection of calibration data.

TEDS sensors specification sheets

 

Wilcoxon Sensing Technologies additional literature, specialized articles and publications

Advanced Sensing Technologies-MAST brochure

Our vector sensors have been mentioned in the following articles:

  • Discovery of Sound in the Sea – Vector Sensor
  • Exocetus Coastal Glider
  • Modifying a Military-Grade Glider for Coastal Scientific Applications

The following publications contain export-controlled information, which can only be released upon verification of recipient, end use and end user. To inquire, please email [email protected].

  • A miniature vector sensor for line array applications
  • The use of vector sensor for underwater port and waterway security
  • SBIR success story

 

Export statement

MAST technologies and products are controlled for export purposes under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 22 CFR parts 120-130 or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) 15 CFR parts 700-799. For information on our technologies or products, we require verification of the recipient, end use and end user.

To inquire, please email [email protected].

International customers

An export license is required prior to provision of technology, products and services. To comply with all applicable export regulations, we may ask for further information or documentation prior to releasing any regulated technical information. Any information collected will be used solely for the purpose of compliance.

Quality statements

The quality of our products and services is a top priority. Our advanced sensing products are designed, developed, processed and delivered in accordance to certified quality management systems.

  • ISO 9001
  • Wilcoxon Sensing Technologies follows the safety and compliance guidelines specified by the ISO 9001 management system for aerospace manufacturers.
  • ISO 14001 Our facility complies with ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems to ensure a safe workplace for our employees and reduce our environment impact.
  • ATEX Products for hazardous or explosive environments are all manufactured under the strict requirements of the Quality Assurance Notification (QAN).

Customers

As a dedicated and reliable partner, we have provided advanced sensing solutions to the following agencies and businesses:

  • SAIC
  • Sikorsky
  • Electric Boat
  • L3-COM
  • Northrop Grumman
  • NAVMAR
  • NAVSEA
  • ONR
  • DARPA
  • NRL
  • NIST
  • Scripps Institute
  • WHOI
  • SPAWAR
  • Naval Undersea Warfare Center, NJ
  • Naval Surface Warfare Center, PC
  • Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab
  • University of Texas, Applied Research Lab
  • University of Pennsylvania, Applied Research Lab
  • University of Washington, Applied Research Lab

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