Q: How much battery life difference does the HS-004 low-power capsule make? How to calculate?

Standard IEPE capsules (HS-050, HS-070) draw ~4 mA bias current . HS-004 draws 100 μA at 5V supply, 60 μA at 1.8V — about 40-65× less . Practical battery life calculation: Typical 2× AA alkaline cells (3000 mAh @ 3V): • HS-004 (100 μA @ 5V — with DC-DC converter, ~300 μA total): 3000 / 0.3 ≈ 10,000 hours ≈ 14 months . • HS-050 / HS-070 (4 mA + IEPE supply circuit ~10 mA total): 3000 / 10 = 300 hours ≈ 12.5 days . Result: For a continuously measuring wireless device, HS-004 delivers approximately 30-40× longer battery life. With periodic measurement (e.g., 1 minute sample per hour), the difference grows further because HS-004 supports fast wake-up times. Design note: although HS-004 operates at low voltage (1.8V), real circuit conditions may require a DC-DC boost converter or LDO regulator — these affect total consumption based on efficiency.

Q: What is the difference between HS-004 and HS-004IS? What changes in ATEX device design?

HS-004: Standard low-power capsule — no ATEX certification. For OEM device integration in standard industrial environments. HS-004IS: ATEX Ex ia (Intrinsically Safe) certified low-power capsule. Energy storage elements (capacitors, inductors) inside the sensor chip are limited to defined values — cannot produce a spark capable of igniting a hazardous atmosphere. ATEX OEM device designer must: 1. When integrating HS-004IS into your PCB, the circuit design must pass through an IS barrier (galvanic isolation or IS barrier module). 2. To get ATEX Zone 0/1/2 certification for your complete device (as a device) , you must submit it to an ATEX-approved test laboratory — a single IS part isn't enough. 3. Include the Hansford HS-004IS certification file (declaration of conformity, IS barrier requirements) in your device documentation. Practical: If designing a wireless vibration node for sale in ATEX areas, HS-004IS is mandatory; otherwise your device cannot be approved for Ex zones. For a standard industrial device, HS-004 is sufficient and more economical.

Q: Can I just buy a housed accelerometer like HS-100 and disassemble it instead of using an OEM capsule?

No — for several technical and legal reasons: 1. Technical: Standard accelerometers (HS-100, HS-150) are a single unit consisting of the internal capsule + mounting system + connector + cable assembly + epoxy potting. Disassembly causes the sensor core to drift from its thermal baseline (calibration changes), mechanical protection is lost, IP protection is gone. Warranty is automatically voided. 2. Performance: OEM capsules (HS-004/050/070) are specifically optimized for OEM integration — the sensor core's characteristics are calibrated for unhoused use. The core inside HS-100 has its frequency response and sensitivity values correct for housed use — it behaves differently on its own. 3. Cost: Hansford offers special pricing for volume OEM orders — it's likely cheaper than housed accelerometers. Request a volume quote through IMB Electric. 4. Certification: If HS-100 is ATEX certified, disassembly voids the certification — your device cannot be sold in Ex zones. HS-004IS is certified specifically for OEM design. Conclusion: If developing an OEM product, the OEM capsule series (HS-004/050/070) is the correct investment. Disassembling a standard accelerometer isn't a 'shortcut' — it's an expensive mistake in the long run.

Q: What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) and lead time for OEM volume orders? What's the price advantage?

Hansford OEM capsule volume pricing is three-tiered : 1. Sample / Prototype (1-9 units): List price. Lead time: 2-4 weeks. Design validation phase. 2. Low volume (10-99 units): Approximately 10-15% discount. Lead time: 4-6 weeks. For pre-production pilot batches. 3. Volume OEM (100+ units/year): Custom contract pricing, 25-40% discount possible. Lead time: 6-12 weeks (may require custom calibration file + lot validation). Typical OEM contract elements: • Annual estimated order quantity (forecast) • Fixed pricing (1-2 years) • Stocking agreement (Hansford or distributor holding lot in stock) • Custom calibration file (calibration curve for each sensor) • Lot test report • Failure analysis service (DPPM target) For Turkey: IMB Electric, as Hansford's authorized representative, provides local volume contract services — faster delivery via IMB instead of Hansford direct, VAT handled locally, TR technical support local. For initial quote, email info@imbelectric.com with expected annual quantity + capsule model + calibration accuracy requirements.

Q: Is my device's IEPE supply circuit (e.g., 4 mA constant current) compatible with Hansford capsules? Do I need a custom drive?

HS-050 and HS-070: Standard IEPE compatible — works with 2-30 Vdc constant voltage source + 0.5-8 mA constant current driver. Most common industry value is 24 Vdc + 4 mA. PCB Piezotronics, Wilcoxon Research, Endevco, Bruel & Kjaer, IMI Sensors compatible IEPE supply circuits work seamlessly with Hansford capsules. Bias voltage is typically 10-12 Vdc — in your device, separate AC signal with a DC blocking capacitor (10-100 nF), send only the AC component to your measurement circuit. HS-004 Low Power — special attention: Not standard IEPE. Its supply is 1.8-24 Vdc constant voltage (not a current source); the sensor draws current as needed from the constant voltage (60-100 μA typical). Powered from battery voltage via DC-DC converter or LDO regulator. Cannot be driven from a 4 mA IEPE drive — would burn the circuit or produce incorrect output. Practical checklist: 1. Does your device have an IEPE 4 mA constant current driver? → HS-050 / HS-070 correct choice. 2. Battery-powered constant voltage system (Vbat → LDO → sensor)? → HS-004 correct choice. 3. Device for sale in ATEX area? → HS-004IS + IS barrier design mandatory. 4. Fastest path for test prototype? → HS-050 + standard IEPE breakout (e.g., PCB 480E09 module). Wrong supply type selection shortens the capsule's life or produces incorrect measurements. When making your design decision, verify the exact power supply line from Hansford datasheets.

Question 1

How do I choose between HS-050 (Compression) and HS-070 (Shear) for my OEM product?

Accepted Answer

Both are standard IEPE supply compatible (10-12 Vdc bias, 0.5-8 mA) with similar sensitivity options, but differ in sensor element characteristics:

HS-050 (PZT/Compression): 34 g · ø18 mm × 20 mm · 1.5 Hz – 15 kHz ±5% · economical. For standard industrial OEM lines, price-sensitive volume applications, general monitoring devices not requiring wide frequency.

HS-070 (PZT/Shear): 13 g (lightest in family) · ø13 mm × 15 mm · 1.5 Hz – 14 kHz ±5% · premium. ~10× superior thermal shock and base-strain isolation — mandatory for devices exposed to mounting surface stress or temperature fluctuation. Lightweight advantage is critical for portable/wearable devices.

Decision rule: Limited target retail price + standard environment → HS-050. Premium product positioning + thermally fluctuating application + size/weight critical → HS-070. Typical volume price difference 25-40%.

Question 2

How much battery life difference does the HS-004 low-power capsule make? How to calculate?

Accepted Answer

Standard IEPE capsules (HS-050, HS-070) draw ~4 mA bias current. HS-004 draws 100 μA at 5V supply, 60 μA at 1.8V — about 40-65× less.

Practical battery life calculation: Typical 2× AA alkaline cells (3000 mAh @ 3V):
• HS-004 (100 μA @ 5V — with DC-DC converter, ~300 μA total): 3000 / 0.3 ≈ 10,000 hours ≈ 14 months.
• HS-050 / HS-070 (4 mA + IEPE supply circuit ~10 mA total): 3000 / 10 = 300 hours ≈ 12.5 days.

Result: For a continuously measuring wireless device, HS-004 delivers approximately 30-40× longer battery life. With periodic measurement (e.g., 1 minute sample per hour), the difference grows further because HS-004 supports fast wake-up times.

Design note: although HS-004 operates at low voltage (1.8V), real circuit conditions may require a DC-DC boost converter or LDO regulator — these affect total consumption based on efficiency.

Question 3

What is the difference between HS-004 and HS-004IS? What changes in ATEX device design?

Accepted Answer

HS-004: Standard low-power capsule — no ATEX certification. For OEM device integration in standard industrial environments.

HS-004IS: ATEX Ex ia (Intrinsically Safe) certified low-power capsule. Energy storage elements (capacitors, inductors) inside the sensor chip are limited to defined values — cannot produce a spark capable of igniting a hazardous atmosphere.

ATEX OEM device designer must:
1. When integrating HS-004IS into your PCB, the circuit design must pass through an IS barrier (galvanic isolation or IS barrier module).
2. To get ATEX Zone 0/1/2 certification for your complete device (as a device), you must submit it to an ATEX-approved test laboratory — a single IS part isn't enough.
3. Include the Hansford HS-004IS certification file (declaration of conformity, IS barrier requirements) in your device documentation.

Practical: If designing a wireless vibration node for sale in ATEX areas, HS-004IS is mandatory; otherwise your device cannot be approved for Ex zones. For a standard industrial device, HS-004 is sufficient and more economical.

Question 4

Can I just buy a housed accelerometer like HS-100 and disassemble it instead of using an OEM capsule?

Accepted Answer

No — for several technical and legal reasons:

1. Technical: Standard accelerometers (HS-100, HS-150) are a single unit consisting of the internal capsule + mounting system + connector + cable assembly + epoxy potting. Disassembly causes the sensor core to drift from its thermal baseline (calibration changes), mechanical protection is lost, IP protection is gone. Warranty is automatically voided.

2. Performance: OEM capsules (HS-004/050/070) are specifically optimized for OEM integration — the sensor core's characteristics are calibrated for unhoused use. The core inside HS-100 has its frequency response and sensitivity values correct for housed use — it behaves differently on its own.

3. Cost: Hansford offers special pricing for volume OEM orders — it's likely cheaper than housed accelerometers. Request a volume quote through IMB Electric.

4. Certification: If HS-100 is ATEX certified, disassembly voids the certification — your device cannot be sold in Ex zones. HS-004IS is certified specifically for OEM design.

Conclusion: If developing an OEM product, the OEM capsule series (HS-004/050/070) is the correct investment. Disassembling a standard accelerometer isn't a 'shortcut' — it's an expensive mistake in the long run.

Question 5

How should I integrate an OEM capsule into my own device enclosure? What about IP protection?

Accepted Answer

OEM capsules are IP55 rated — not weatherproof on their own. The final IP rating of your device depends on your enclosure design.

Mechanical integration basics:
• Bond the capsule directly and tightly to your device's metallic base (epoxy adhesive or M3-M4 screw). Any soft buffer between the sensor and the mounting surface degrades high-frequency signal.
• Vibration coupling: The capsule body must contact the device enclosure (not float on air). Air gap isolates the internal PZT — signal drops.
• Axis: Standard Top Exit capsules measure along the long axis of the body. Side Exit (S) variant is 90° different. Orient correctly in your design.

IP protection:
• IP65: Enclosure design with O-ring sealing + IP65-rated connector.
• IP67/IP68: Fully sealed enclosure + epoxy/silicone potting + IP-rated cable gland.

Thermal management: Capsule operating temp is -40°C → +120°C for HS-004, -55°C → +130°C for HS-050/070. Internal heating of your device (PCB electronics, battery load) raises the sensor's effective temperature — account for this.

Grounding: Capsule case is isolated — body is not connected to ground. Your device's shield/ground design is critical for accurately transmitting the sensor's external vibration data.

Question 6

What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) and lead time for OEM volume orders? What's the price advantage?

Accepted Answer

Hansford OEM capsule volume pricing is three-tiered:

1. Sample / Prototype (1-9 units): List price. Lead time: 2-4 weeks. Design validation phase.
2. Low volume (10-99 units): Approximately 10-15% discount. Lead time: 4-6 weeks. For pre-production pilot batches.
3. Volume OEM (100+ units/year): Custom contract pricing, 25-40% discount possible. Lead time: 6-12 weeks (may require custom calibration file + lot validation).

Typical OEM contract elements:
• Annual estimated order quantity (forecast)
• Fixed pricing (1-2 years)
• Stocking agreement (Hansford or distributor holding lot in stock)
• Custom calibration file (calibration curve for each sensor)
• Lot test report
• Failure analysis service (DPPM target)

For Turkey: IMB Electric, as Hansford's authorized representative, provides local volume contract services — faster delivery via IMB instead of Hansford direct, VAT handled locally, TR technical support local. For initial quote, email info@imbelectric.com with expected annual quantity + capsule model + calibration accuracy requirements.

Question 7

Can I get a custom calibration report, custom sensitivity, or custom frequency response curve for my OEM product?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Hansford offers customization options for OEM customers:

1. Individual Calibration Report: Separate calibration file for each capsule (sensitivity actual value, frequency response curve, transverse sensitivity, linearity). Actual measured values instead of standard datasheet nominal values. Lead time: +1-2 weeks. Cost: Varies by volume (marginal for 50+ units).

2. Custom Sensitivity: Custom value outside the standard 10/30/50/100/250/500 mV/g range (e.g., 75 mV/g, 150 mV/g). Lead time: +2-4 weeks. MOQ typically 100+ units, price increase 10-20%.

3. Custom Frequency Response: Optimized for a specific frequency band (e.g., sharp response for 5-30 kHz high-frequency bearing monitoring). Volume order required (200+ units).

4. Custom Wiring / Pin Layout: Custom pin layout instead of standard 2-wire or 3-wire (logic / power / output / shield). MOQ 500+ units.

5. Tolerance Class: Class A instead of standard Class B (tighter sensitivity tolerance ±5%). Cost +20-30%.

6. Custom Marking: Device serial number, your logo, or custom label. Free for volume, minor cost at low volumes.

All customizations begin with a technical specification document (TSD) — Hansford engineering team confirms feasibility and cost. IMB Electric manages this process in Turkey; initial technical consultation is free.

Question 8

Is my device's IEPE supply circuit (e.g., 4 mA constant current) compatible with Hansford capsules? Do I need a custom drive?

Accepted Answer

HS-050 and HS-070: Standard IEPE compatible — works with 2-30 Vdc constant voltage source + 0.5-8 mA constant current driver. Most common industry value is 24 Vdc + 4 mA. PCB Piezotronics, Wilcoxon Research, Endevco, Bruel & Kjaer, IMI Sensors compatible IEPE supply circuits work seamlessly with Hansford capsules. Bias voltage is typically 10-12 Vdc — in your device, separate AC signal with a DC blocking capacitor (10-100 nF), send only the AC component to your measurement circuit.

HS-004 Low Power — special attention: Not standard IEPE. Its supply is 1.8-24 Vdc constant voltage (not a current source); the sensor draws current as needed from the constant voltage (60-100 μA typical). Powered from battery voltage via DC-DC converter or LDO regulator. Cannot be driven from a 4 mA IEPE drive — would burn the circuit or produce incorrect output.

Practical checklist:
1. Does your device have an IEPE 4 mA constant current driver? → HS-050 / HS-070 correct choice.
2. Battery-powered constant voltage system (Vbat → LDO → sensor)? → HS-004 correct choice.
3. Device for sale in ATEX area? → HS-004IS + IS barrier design mandatory.
4. Fastest path for test prototype? → HS-050 + standard IEPE breakout (e.g., PCB 480E09 module).

Wrong supply type selection shortens the capsule's life or produces incorrect measurements. When making your design decision, verify the exact power supply line from Hansford datasheets.

About the OEM Accelerometer Capsules series

01How do I choose between HS-050 (Compression) and HS-070 (Shear) for my OEM product?

02How much battery life difference does the HS-004 low-power capsule make? How to calculate?

03What is the difference between HS-004 and HS-004IS? What changes in ATEX device design?

04Can I just buy a housed accelerometer like HS-100 and disassemble it instead of using an OEM capsule?

05How should I integrate an OEM capsule into my own device enclosure? What about IP protection?

06What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) and lead time for OEM volume orders? What's the price advantage?

07Can I get a custom calibration report, custom sensitivity, or custom frequency response curve for my OEM product?

08Is my device's IEPE supply circuit (e.g., 4 mA constant current) compatible with Hansford capsules? Do I need a custom drive?