Low Level Pressure Oscillation Measurements in High, Varying DC Pressure Environments

Passive motor stability diagnostics require high s/n measurements of low level (60 to 80 db below mean pressure) oscillatory pressures in environments with large and varying DC pressures. Three approaches are briefly examined relative to passive diagnostic demands. Although the high pass filter approach has been demonstrated by Hessler, the 'short time constant' approach is recommended because it enables the use of sensitive p-ducers (resolutions approx. 10(exp -4) psi). Pieso-electric transducers are described and a methodology for using high sensitivity designs for passive diagnostics measurements is presented.