PCB Piezotronics has released the Model 3753A, a new triaxial variable capacitance (VC) MEMS accelerometer for low-frequency vibration measurement in structural monitoring, seismic testing, and inertial sensing applications. The 3753A extends PCB’s VC MEMS range with a compact triaxial form factor that captures three-axis data from a single mounting point.
Variable Capacitance MEMS Technology for Low-Frequency Work
Unlike piezoelectric ICP® sensors, VC MEMS devices offer true DC response — capturing very slow changes in acceleration, including quasi-static tilts and long-period structural motion. This makes the 3753A well suited for:
- Structural health monitoring of bridges, buildings, and civil infrastructure
- Seismic measurement and earthquake engineering research
- Long-duration vibration surveys where low-frequency content matters
- Platform motion monitoring on ships, offshore structures, and large vehicles
The triaxial configuration allows simultaneous X, Y, and Z axis measurement from a single sensor — reducing channel count, cabling, and installation time on large structures considerably. The differential output gives good immunity to common-mode noise in industrial and field environments.
Compatibility with Modern Data Acquisition Systems
The 3753A is compatible with standard signal conditioning and data acquisition infrastructure, including PCB’s own signal conditioners and third-party DAQ platforms. For customers using Crystal Instruments’ Spider front-ends for structural monitoring and modal analysis and FRF testing, the 3753A can be integrated alongside traditional ICP® sensors to provide a complete measurement chain from DC through to the structural resonance range. THP Systems’ TDAS PRO data acquisition data acquisition platform is also compatible with VC MEMS sensor outputs.
Supporting Structural and Seismic Test Programmes in the UK
THP Systems supplies the full range of PCB Piezotronics accelerometers and instrumentation in the UK. Whether you are setting up a structural monitoring programme, conducting random vibration testing characterisation on civil infrastructure, or instrumenting a large test article for qualification testing, our team can help you select and deploy the right sensors. We can also support sensor calibration services to ensure traceability to national standards.
Looking for VC MEMS accelerometers or structural measurement sensors? Contact THP Systems for expert guidance and competitive pricing.
Original source: https://www.pcb.com/about/press-room/2026-press-releases/pcb-model-3753a-triaxial-vc-mems-accelerometer
