Model 261B03

Triax force link, ICP®, 10k lb (Fz), 4k lb (Fx,y), 0.25 mV/lb (z), 1.25 mV/lb (x,y), ground isolated

Installation and Operating Manual

For assistance with the operation of this product,

contact the PCB Piezotronics, Inc.

Toll-free: 716-684-0001
24-hour SensorLine: 716-684-0001
Fax: 716-684-0987
E-mail: info@pcb.com
Web: www.pcb.com
Repair and Maintenance Returning Equipment
If factory repair is required, our representatives will
PCB guarantees Total Customer Satisfaction through its provide you with a Return Material Authorization (RMA)
“Lifetime Warranty Plus” on all Platinum Stock Products number, which we use to reference any information you
sold by PCB and through its limited warranties on all other have already provided and expedite the repair process.
PCB Stock, Standard and Special products. Due to the This number should be clearly marked on the outside of
sophisticated nature of our sensors and associated all returned package(s) and on any packing list(s)
instrumentation, field servicing and repair is not accompanying the shipment.
recommended and, if attempted, will void the factory
warranty.
Contact Information
Beyond routine calibration and battery replacements PCB Piezotronics, Inc.
where applicable, our products require no user 3425 Walden Ave.
maintenance. Clean electrical connectors, housings, and Depew, NY14043 USA
mounting surfaces with solutions and techniques that will
Toll-free: (800) 828-8840
not harm the material of construction. Observe caution
24-hour SensorLine: (716) 684-0001
when using liquids near devices that are not hermetically
General inquiries: info@pcb.com
sealed. Such devices should only be wiped with a
Repair inquiries: rma@pcb.com
dampened cloth—never saturated or submerged.
For a complete list of distributors, global offices and sales
In the event that equipment becomes damaged or ceases
representatives, visit our website, www.pcb.com.
to operate, our Application Engineers are here to support
your troubleshooting efforts 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week. Call or email with model and serial number as well Safety Considerations
as a brief description of the problem.
This product is intended for use by qualified personnel
who recognize shock hazards and are familiar with the
Calibration precautions required to avoid injury. While our equipment
is designed with user safety in mind, the protection
Routine calibration of sensors and associated provided by the equipment may be impaired if equipment
instrumentation is necessary to maintain measurement is used in a manner not specified by this manual.
accuracy. We recommend calibrating on an annual basis,
after exposure to any extreme environmental influence, Discontinue use and contact our 24-Hour Sensorline if:
or prior to any critical test.
 Assistance is needed to safely operate equipment
PCB Piezotronics is an ISO-9001 certified company whose  Damage is visible or suspected
calibration services are accredited by A2LA to ISO/IEC  Equipment fails or malfunctions
17025, with full traceability to SI through N.I.S.T. In
addition to our standard calibration services, we also offer For complete equipment ratings, refer to the enclosed
specialized tests, including: sensitivity at elevated or specification sheet for your product.
cryogenic temperatures, phase response, extended high
or low frequency response, extended range, leak testing, Definition of Terms and Symbols
hydrostatic pressure testing, and others. For more
information, contact your local PCB Piezotronics The following symbols may be used in this manual:
distributor, sales representative, or factory customer
service representative. DANGER
Indicates an immediate hazardous
situation, which, if not avoided, may
result in death or serious injury.

Manual 21354 Rev E

ECN 50523
 CAUTION
Refers to hazards that could damage
the instrument.

NOTE
Indicates tips, recommendations and
important information. The notes
simplify processes and contain
additional information on particular
operating steps.

The following symbols may be found on the equipment

described in this manual:

This symbol on the unit indicates that

high voltage may be present. Use
standard safety precautions to avoid
personal contact with this voltage.

This symbol on the unit indicates that

the user should refer to the operating
instructions located in the manual.

This symbol indicates safety, earth

ground.

Manual 21354 Rev E

ECN 50523
 PCB工业监视和测量设备 - 中国RoHS2公布表
PCB Industrial Monitoring and Measuring Equipment - China RoHS 2 Disclosure Table
有害物质

汞 镉
部件名称 铅 (Pb) (Hg) (Cd) 六价铬 (Cr(VI)) 多溴联苯 (PBB) 多溴二苯醚 (PBDE)
住房 O O O O O O
PCB板 X O O O O O
电气连接器 O O O O O O

压电晶体 X O O O O O

环氧 O O O O O O

铁氟龙 O O O O O O

电子 O O O O O O
厚膜基板 O O X O O O
电线 O O O O O O

电缆 X O O O O O
塑料 O O O O O O
焊接 X O O O O O

铜合金/黄铜 X O O O O O

本表格依据 SJ/T 11364 的规定编制。

O： 表示该有害物质在该部件所有均质材料中的含量均在 GB/T 26572 规定的限量要求以下。
X： 表示该有害物质至少在该部件的某一均质材料中的含量超出 GB/T 26572 规定的限量要求。
铅是欧洲RoHS指令2011/65/ EU附件三和附件四目前由于允许的豁免。

CHINA RoHS COMPLIANCE

Manual 21354 Rev E

ECN 50523
Component Name Hazardous Substances
Lead (Pb) Mercury (Hg) Cadmium (Cd) Chromium VI Polybrominated Polybrominated
Compounds Biphenyls (PBB) Diphenyl Ethers
(Cr(VI)) (PBDE)
Housing O O O O O O
PCB Board X O O O O O
Electrical Connectors O O O O O O
Piezoelectric Crystals X O O O O O
Epoxy O O O O O O
Teflon O O O O O O
Electronics O O O O O O
Thick Film Substrate O O X O O O
Wires O O O O O O
Cables X O O O O O
Plastic O O O O O O
Solder X O O O O O
Copper Alloy/Brass X O O O O O
This table is prepared in accordance with the provisions of SJ/T 11364.
O: Indicates that said hazardous substance contained in all of the homogeneous materials for this part is below the limit
requirement of GB/T 26572.
X: Indicates that said hazardous substance contained in at least one of the homogeneous materials for this part is above the limit
requirement of GB/T 26572.
Lead is present due to allowed exemption in Annex III or Annex IV of the European RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU.

Manual 21354 Rev E

ECN 50523
 ICP 3-COMPONENT FORCE LINK OPERATION MANUAL 1

Table of Contents

Section Page

1.0 Introduction 2

2.0 Description 2

3.0 Installation 2

4.0 Operation 3

5.0 Polarity 3

6.0 Low Frequency Monitoring 3

7.0 Discharge Time Constant 4

8.0 Calibration 4

9.0 Troubleshooting 5

10.0 Maintenance 5

Figure Page

1 3-Component Force Link Axis Definition 2

2 ICP® 3-Component Force Link 2

3 Cable Strain Relief 3

4 Characteristic Discharge Time Constant Curve 4

5 Step Function Response 4

MANUAL NUMBER: 29015

MANUAL REVISION: A
ECO NUMBER: 52446
 ICP 3-COMPONENT FORCE LINK OPERATION MANUAL 2

1.0 INTRODUCTION If this should occur, refer to the service and repair
document for proper information.

PCB Piezotronics 3-component force link sensors are Measurements along the z-axis are proportional to
designed to simultaneously measure dynamic and quasi- applied compression, tension, and impact forces.
static force measurements in three orthogonal directions; Measurements along the x- and y-axis are proportional
Fx, Fv, and F2. (Figure 1) The sensors utilize an array to shear forces imposed upon the sensor.
of precision aligned, quartz sensing crystals stacked in a
preloaded arrangement. ICP® force link sensors contain built-in, microelectronic
signal conditioning circuitry to provide clean, low-
impedance output signals that can be transmitted over
low cost cables and in adverse, industrial environments.
Multi-pin connectors facilitate a single point hookup
with common, multi-conductor cable.

Power to operate ICP® sensors is generally in the form

of a low cost, 24-27 VDC, 2-20 mA constant current
supply. PCB offers a number of AC or battery-powered,
single or multi-channel power/signal conditioners, with
or without gain capabilities for use with force sensors.
In addition, many data acquisition systems now
2.0 DESCRIPTION incorporate constant current power for directly powering
ICP® sensors. Because static calibration or quasi-static
short-term response lasting up to a few seconds is often
A link consists of a standard PCB 3-component force required, PCB manufactures signal conditioners that
sensor, preloaded between two precision ground plates. provide DC coupling.
(Figure 2) The plates are internally threaded to facilitate
fixturing for both tensile and compressive force If questions arise regarding the operation or
measurements. External preloads are not required with characteristics of the force sensor products as outlined in
these sensors, as they are internally preloaded during this manual, feel free to contact an experienced
manufacture. applications engineer from the Force/Torque Division of
PCB toll-free 888-684-0004.

3.0 INSTALLATION

I
C
P
®
f
o

Refer to the installation/outline drawing supplied with

this manual for specific outline dimensions and
installation details for your particular model. The
specification is also included to provide details of the
sensor's characteristic properties.
Caution: Loosening or tightening of the hex nuts will
change the internal preload of the sensor. At this
point, the sensitivity provided on the calibration
certificate will 110 longer represent that of the sensor.
 ICP 3-COMPONENT FORCE LINK OPERATION MANUAL 3

The condition of the mating surfaces can adversely 30 VDC, while the constant current required ranges
affect the sensitivity of the sensor. It is essential that all from 2 to 20 mA.
surfaces be clean, rigid and perfectly flat to avoid
erroneous data. A good mating surface may be obtained PCB standard battery-powered signal conditioners are
by lapping, turning, spot-facing, or surface grinding. factory set at 2 mA and may be used to adequately drive
Surface flatness should be held to within 0.001 (TIR) a signal for 100 feet. PCB line signal supplies are
over the entire mating surface. The protective cap factory set at 4 mA (and adjustable from 2 to 20 mA),
should remain on the connector during installation to enabling signals to be transmitted over hundreds of feet.
prevent contamination or damage.
It is necessary to supply the sensor with a 2 to 20 mA
A light coating of silicon grease (DC-4 or equivalent) on constant current at +20 to +30 VDC through a current-
the mating surface enhances the coupling between the regulating diode or equivalent circuit, contained in all
mounting base and mounting surface and provides the PCB signal conditioners. See Guide G-000IE for
best high-frequency response. powering and signal conditioning information pertaining
to all ICP® instrumentation.
Connect one end of the interconnect cable to the sensor
connector and the other end to the XDCR jack on the Most of the signal conditioners manufactured by PCB
signal conditioner. Make sure to tighten the cable have an adjustable current feature allowing a choice of
connector to the sensor. DO NOT spin the sensor onto input currents from 2 to 20 mA. In general, for lowest
the cable, as this fatigues the cable pins, resulting in a noise (best resolution), choose the lower current ranges.
shorted signal and a damaged cable. When driving long cables (to several thousand feet), use
The higher current, up to 20 mA maximum. Consult the
For installation in dirty, humid, or rugged environments, factory to determine if higher current settings are
it is suggested that the connection be shielded against required.
dust or moisture with shrink tubing or other protective
material. Strain relieving the cable/sensor connection Operation requires the connection of the force sensor
can also prolong cable life. Mounting cables to a test first to a signal conditioner, then to a readout device
structure with tape, clamps, or adhesives minimizes (oscilloscope, meter, recorder, or A-to-D board) or to a
cable whip. See Figure 3. readout device with built-in ICP® sensor excitation.
Tighten the cable to the sensor by hand to ensure good
electrical contact.

5.0 POLARITY

Compressive forces upon an ICP® 3-component force

link produce a positive-going voltage output. Tensile
forces produce a negative-going voltage output. Sensors
with reversed polarity are available upon request.

6.0 LOW-FREQUENCY MONITORING

Force link sensors used for applications in short term,

steady state monitoring, such as sensor calibration, or
4.0 OPERATION
short term, quasistatic testing should be powered by
ICP® force link sensors require a constant-current signal conditioners that operate in DC-coupled mode.
PCB Series 484 Signal Conditioner operates in either
excitation voltage for operation. The enclosed
specification sheet provides specific power AC or DC-coupled mode and may be supplied with gain
requirements. Required supply voltage is normally 20 to
 ICP 3-COMPONENT FORCE LINK OPERATION MANUAL 4

features or a zero "clamped" output often necessary in

repetitive, positive polarity pulse train applications. decay. Approximately five DTC intervals are needed
for a peak signal to naturally decay back to zero.
If you wish to learn more about ICP® sensors, consult
PCB's General Signal Conditioning Guide (G-000lE), a The rule of thumb for signal discharge, as outlined in
brochure outlining the technical specifics associated Figure 4, is this: for the first 10% of the DTC, the signal
with piezoelectric sensors. This brochure is available lost is approximately proportional to the time elapsed.
from PCB by request, free of charge.
Step Function Response
For example, a sensor with a 500-second DTC loses
7.0 DISCHARGE TIME CONSTANT approximately 1% of its output level the first five
seconds (I% of 500) after the application of a steady
The discharge time constant (DTC) of the entire state force within the measuring range. In this case, the
transduction system from sensor to readout must be output reading must be taken within five seconds of the
considered when attempting to calibrate an ICP® force force application for I% accuracy. If it is impossible to
sensor by static methods. In order to take full advantage avoid AC coupling somewhere in the sensing system, try
of the long DTC built into the force sensor, it is best to to keep the coupling DTC at least an order of magnitude
DC couple from the sensor to the readout device. longer than the DTC of the force sensor. This avoids
Several dual-mode PCB signal conditioners (e.g., Series compromising the sensor DTC.
484) use direct coupling techniques to decouple the
output signal from the sensor bias voltage. With the
output of the signal conditioner coupled to a DC
readout, such as a digital voltmeter (DVM) or
oscilloscope, the time constant of the sensor is not
compromised by AC coupling elsewhere in the system.

When DC coupling to a system, it is important to DC

couple the entire system and not just from the sensor to
the signal conditioner. The system time constant is
determined by the shortest t ime constant in the system.
For this reason, the signal conditioner, as well as the
readout device, must be DC coupled.

8.0 CALIBRATION

A NIST (National Institute of Standards and

Technology) traceable calibration graph is supplied with
each force sensor certifying its voltage sensitivity
(m V /lb). Calibration procedures follow accepted
guidelines as recommended by ANSI (American
National Standards Institute), ISA (Instrument Society
of America), and ISO (International Organization for
Standardization). These standards provide the
establishment and management of complete calibration
systems, thus controlling the accuracy of a sensor's
The discharge time constant represents the decay rate of specifications by controlling measuring and test
an input signal. One DTC represents the amount of time equipment accuracy. PCB is A2LA accredited for
taken for the signal to decay to 37% of the initial peak technical competence in the field of calibration, meeting
value. As illustrated in Figure 4, this is an exponential the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025-1999 and
ANSI/NCSL 2540-1-1994.
 ICP 3-COMPONENT FORCE LINK OPERATION MANUAL 5

9.0 TROUBLESHOOTING

When a PCB signal conditioner with any of the

following indicators are used, tum the power on and 10.0 MAINTENANCE
observe the voltmeter ( or LED's) on the front panel.
The sensor connector must be kept clean, especially if it
is operating in a dusty and/or wet environment. Because
the force sensor is of welded construction, it should be
returned to the factory for servicing in the event of
serious malfunction.

Observe the following precautions in using the sensor:

■ Do not exceed the maximum load levels for the

force sensor (see specification sheet).

■ Do not subject the sensor to temperatures exceeding

that of the specification, normally 250°F (121°C).

■ Do not apply voltage to the sensor without current-

limiting diodes or other current protection.

■ Do not apply more than 20 mA of current to the

force sensor.

■ When mounting the force sensor, observe

installation procedures detailed in Section 3.0 and as
outlined on the specific sensor installation/outline
drawing to avoid overtorquing when mounting.
Output voltage moves from YELLOW to GREEN
slowly until charging is complete. AC coupled signal ■ Do not apply more than 30 volts to the sensor.
conditioners require sufficient time to charge the
internal coupling capacitor. Allow signal conditioner to ■ Avoid metal-to-metal impacts during applications,
charge for approximately 5 discharge time constants for which can produce high frequency ringing.
stable operation. Electrical low-pass filtering or a damping material
can help reduce such effects.
Note : Most PCB force sensors have an output bias of 8-
14 VDC. Refer to the specification sheet with this ■ Do not spin the sensor onto the cable. This may
manual for the bias range of the model you are using. If fatigue the cable pins, causing cable damage.
you are using a low bias sensor, the indicator will be at Always insert the cable pin into the sensor and
the bottom end of the green portion of the dial indicator, tighten the knurled cable nut to the sensor.
and may even be in the red portion. This is the expected

ICP® is a registered trademark of PCB Piezotronics, Inc.

 Model Number Revision: C
261B03 3-COMPONENT ICP® FORCE SENSOR ECN #: 55595
Performance EN GLISH SI OPTION AL VERSION S
Sensitivity(± 20 %)(Z Axis) 0.25 mV/lb 0.06 mV/N Optional versions have identical specifications and accessories as listed for the standard model except
Sensitivity(± 20 %)(X or Y Axis) 1.25 mV/lb 0.28 mV/N where noted below. More than one option may be used.
Measurement Range(Z Axis) 10,000 lb 44.48 kN M - Metric Mount
Measurement Range(X or Y Axis) 4,000 lb 17.79 kN
Maximum Force(Z Axis) 11,000 lb 48.93 kN W - Water Resistant Cable
Maximum Force(X or Y Axis) 4,400 lb 19.57 kN
Maximum Moment(Z Axis) 375 ft-lb 508.4 Nm
Maximum Moment(X or Y Axis) 470 ft-lb 637.2 Nm
Broadband Resolution(Z Axis) 0.05 lb-rms 0.222 N-rms [1]
Broadband Resolution(X or Y Axis) 0.01 lb-rms 0.044 N-rms [1]
Low Frequency Response(- 5 %)(Z-Axis) 0.01 Hz 0.01 Hz
Low Frequency Response(- 5 %)(X or Y Axis) 0.001 Hz 0.001 Hz
Non-Linearity ≤ 1 % FS ≤ 1 % FS [2]
Cross Talk(between X and Y Axis) ±3% ±3%
Cross Talk(between (X or Y Axis) and Z ±5% ±5%
Axis)
Environmental
Temperature Range -65 to +250 °F -54 to +121 °C
Electrical
Full Scale Output(Z Direction) ± 2.5 VDC ± 2.5 VDC
Full Scale Output(X and Y Direction) ± 5 VDC ± 5 VDC
Discharge Time Constant(Z Axis) ≥ 50 sec ≥ 50 sec
Discharge Time Constant(X or Y Axis) ≥ 500 sec ≥ 500 sec
Excitation Voltage(all channels) 20 to 30 VDC 20 to 30 VDC
Constant Current Excitation(all channels) 2 to 20 mA 2 to 20 mA
Output Impedance ≤ 100 Ohm ≤ 100 Ohm
Output Bias Voltage 8 to 14 VDC 8 to 14 VDC
Spectral Noise(1 Hz)(X & Y) 0.003 lb/√Hz 0.0133 N/√Hz
Spectral Noise(10 Hz)(X & Y) 0.001 lb/√Hz 0.00445 N/√Hz
Spectral Noise(100 Hz)(X & Y) 0.0004 lb/√Hz 0.00178 N/√Hz
Spectral Noise(1,000 Hz)(X & Y) 0.0001 lb/√Hz 0.00044 N/√Hz
Spectral Noise(1 Hz)(Z) 0.02 lb/√Hz 0.089 N/√Hz
Spectral Noise(10 Hz)(Z) 0.005 lb/√Hz 0.0222 N/√Hz
Spectral Noise(100 Hz)(Z) 0.002 lb/√Hz 0.0089 N/√Hz
Spectral Noise(1,000 Hz)(Z) 0.0005 lb/√Hz 0.00222 N/√Hz
Output Polarity Positive Positive
Electrical Isolation N OTES:
≥ 108 Ohm ≥ 108 Ohm [1]Typical.
Physical [2]Zero-based, least-squares, straight line method.
Stiffness(X or Y Axis) 5.5 lb/µin 960 N/µm [1]
Stiffness(Z Axis) 15.0 lb/µin 2,630 N/µm [1] [3]See PCB White Paper WPL_88_1121 for details.
Stiffness(RX or RY Axis) 1.7E7 lbf*in/radian 1.9E6 N*m/radian [1][3] [4]See PCB Declaration of Conformance PS023 for details.
Stiffness(RZ Axis) 7.1E6 lbf*in/radian 8.0E5 N*m/radian [1][3]
Coupled Stiffness(X-RY or Y-RX Axis) 7.9 lbf*in/µin 35 N*m/µm [1][3]
Size (Height x Length x Width) 3.54 in x 3.15 in x 3.15 in 89.9 mm x 80.0 mm x 80.0
mm
Weight 108.65 oz 3,080 gm
Housing Material Stainless Steel Stainless Steel
Sealing Hermetic Hermetic
Electrical Connector 4-Pin 4-Pin
Electrical Connection Position Side Side

Entered: ND Engineer: EB Sales: BS Approved: RPF Spec Number:

Date: 03/17/2025 Date: 03/17/2025 Date: 03/17/2025 Date: 03/17/2025 74528

Phone: 716-684-0001
Fax: 716-684-0987
[4] E-M ail: info@ pcb.com
All specifications are at room temperature unless otherwise specified.
In the interest of constant product improvement, we reserve the right to change specifications without notice. 3425 Walden Avenue, Depew, NY 14043
ICP® is a registered trademark of PCB Piezotronics, Inc.
 4 3 2 1
PCB Piezotronics Inc. claims proprietary rights in
the information disclosed hereon. Neither it nor any REVISIONS
reproduction thereof will be disclosed to others
without the written consent of PCB Piezotronics Inc.
2X 3.150 .001 [80.01 .03] REV DESCRIPTION DIN

A UPDATED FOR METRIC & REFERENCE DIMENSIONS 52939

2X 2.362 .001 [59.99 .03]
74529

NOTCH
Z X-AXIS GROUND

B X B

Z-AXIS Y-AXIS

8X 3/8-24 UNF - 2B THRU

[M10x1.5 - 6H THRU]
PIN OUT
SCALE 4.5X

.05 [1.3]
Y 28783-01 WASHER 7/8-14 UNF-2B NUT
A 16X (.790 [20.07]) (SUPPLIED) (SUPPLIED)

081M181 MOUNTING STUD

8X (.582 [14.77]) (SUPPLIED)
083M19 BUSHING
2X (1.376 [34.94]) (SUPPLIED)

1/4-28 UNF - 2A
4-PIN ELECTRICAL
3.541 .006 [89.94 .15] CONNECTOR NON-CONDUCTIVE
CERAMIC COATING

A A

A SECTION A-A
UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED TOLERANCES ARE: DRAWN CHECKED ENGINEER
DIMENSIONS IN INCHES DIMENSIONS IN MILLIMETERS
[ IN BRACKETS ] NJF 08/11/22 JDM 08/11/22 EDB 08/11/22
DECIMALS XX ±.03 DECIMALS X ± 0.8
XXX ±.010
ANGLES  2 DEGREES
XX ± 0.25
ANGLES  2 DEGREES
TITLE 3425 WALDEN AVE. DEPEW, NY 14043
CABLE TOLERANCES IN ENGLISH CABLE TOLERANCES IN METRIC OUTLINE DRAWING (716) 684-0001 E-MAIL: sales@pcb.com
1"≤ LENGTH < 1' = +1"/ - 0 2.54cm ≤ LENGTH < 30.5cm = +2.54cm/ - 0 DWG. NO.
CODE
MODEL 261B03, M261B03
74529
1'≤ LENGTH < 5' = +2"/ - 0 30.5cm ≤ LENGTH < 1.5m = +5.1cm/ - 0
5'≤ LENGTH < 100' = +6"/ - 0 1.5m ≤ LENGTH < 30.5m = +15.2cm/ - 0 IDENT. NO.
100'≤ LENGTH = +1'/ - 0
30.5m ≤ LENGTH = +30.5cm/ - 0
TRIAXIAL FORCE SENSOR 52681
FILLETS AND RADII FILLETS AND RADII
.003 - .005 0.07 - 0.13 SCALE: .9X SHEET 1 OF 1
4 3 2 1