The challenge of sensor replacement

The request came through ASC’s UK sales partner: Could the German sensor specialist provide a viable alternative to replace a competitor’s triaxial capacitive accelerometers, as that competitor had surprisingly announced a partial market exit.

First, precise client specifications had to be met: identical positions, shape and edge length of through holes to fix the sensor housing to the test object. “At first sight that may not sound overly sophisticated,” says Markus Nowack, Application Engineer at ASC. “However, while most manufacturers wouldn’t consider making adjustments to customize their sensors unless the ordered quantities are substantial, we decided to accommodate the enquiry.”

The client next ordered a couple of ASC’s inertial accelerometer models for validation. The verdict came a few weeks later: superior signal-to-noise ratio compared with the original sensor as well as convincing, wide frequency and temperature ranges. With this, the actual technology had been identified to go into the sensor housing.

Following further iterations and the finetuning of additional components – including a special aluminum housing on client’s request, determination of protection class, PG gland, cable plug specification and TEDS integration, and more – ASC delivered an initial set of the tailormade sensors.

“For us, the single most important priority is understanding and meeting client expectations – or to exceed them,” says Nowack. “Based on a strong relationship, the business will follow.”

The short-term replacement of existing sensor solutions by suitable alternatives can present challenges. For ASC, one way to achieve customer satisfaction and build lasting relationships is to collaborate fast and accommodate special needs as flexibly as possible.

“A key asset in this regard is our long-standing local supplier of sensor cases”, Nowack explains. “Based only 100 meters from ASC’s office, they are the most resourceful professionals to produce any casing we design.” The short distance facilitates the often intense alignment process of new sensor housings. “With reliable manufacturing partners like this, we can meet nearly every client request, never compromise on quality and always go the extra mile.”

Learn more about ASC’s extensive sensor portfolio: https://www.asc-sensors.de/en/sensor-portfolio