Noise & Vibration Blog https://blog.prosig.com/ Noise & Vibration Blog - Insights into noise & vibration measurement Tue, 26 May 2026 14:59:00 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.5 https://blog.prosig.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/cropped-Prosig-Swirl-square-32x32.png Noise & Vibration Blog https://blog.prosig.com/ 32 32 9621331 Prosig Shock Response Analysis https://blog.prosig.com/2026/05/26/prosig-shock-response-analysis/ https://blog.prosig.com/2026/05/26/prosig-shock-response-analysis/#respond Tue, 26 May 2026 14:47:54 +0000 https://blog.prosig.com/?p=8317 In aerospace and nuclear applications, the failure of electronic components due to mechanical shock is often more difficult to detect than structural failure. These shocks may result from a series of relatively low-level impacts or a single high-energy event. The relationship between a shock event and its potential to cause damage is complex, and direct […]

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]]> https://blog.prosig.com/2026/05/26/prosig-shock-response-analysis/feed/ 0 8317 DATS-HITS Using gfai tech Automatic Impact Hammer https://blog.prosig.com/2026/03/04/dats-hits-using-gfai-tech-automatic-impact-hammer/ https://blog.prosig.com/2026/03/04/dats-hits-using-gfai-tech-automatic-impact-hammer/#respond Wed, 04 Mar 2026 12:04:48 +0000 https://blog.prosig.com/?p=8298 The integration of Prosig DATS ( What Do Prosig Do?)  with the WaveHitMAX from gfai tech offers a modern and highly reliable approach to experimental modal testing. By combining well-controlled excitation with precision data acquisition and advanced analysis tools, this system provides a streamlined workflow from impact to modal parameter extraction. Experimental modal testing requires […]

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]]> https://blog.prosig.com/2026/03/04/dats-hits-using-gfai-tech-automatic-impact-hammer/feed/ 0 8298 Strain Gauge Basics – Part 2 – Shunt Calibration https://blog.prosig.com/2024/02/26/strain-gauge-basics-part-2/ https://blog.prosig.com/2024/02/26/strain-gauge-basics-part-2/#respond Mon, 26 Feb 2024 08:48:39 +0000 https://blog.prosig.com/2024/02/26/strain-gauge-basics-part-1-copy/ As mentioned in the previous post, in order to relate the measured voltage difference across the bridge circuit to a strain measurement, we need a way of calibrating the system. In most systems, including the Prosig acquisition systems, this is done by including a high-precision shunt resistor across one of the legs in the bridge. For example, the following diagram shows a quarter-bridge circuit with a shunt calibration resistor, RS, across the bridge completion resistor R2.

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]]> https://blog.prosig.com/2024/02/26/strain-gauge-basics-part-2/feed/ 0 8031 Bearing & Gearbox Vibration Analysis Using Demodulation Techniques (Part 1) https://blog.prosig.com/2024/02/23/bearings-gearbox-analysis-using-demodulation-techniques/ https://blog.prosig.com/2024/02/23/bearings-gearbox-analysis-using-demodulation-techniques/#comments Fri, 23 Feb 2024 13:52:12 +0000 http://blog.prosig.com/?p=4632 Bearings and gearbox vibration are fundamental issues for rotating machines in many industrial applications. These are critical components; any failure can prove expensive in repair costs and downtime. Because of this condition, monitoring has become increasingly important over the years, usually centred around vibration measurements taken at critical locations, either continuously (online) or as part […]

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]]> https://blog.prosig.com/2024/02/23/bearings-gearbox-analysis-using-demodulation-techniques/feed/ 16 4632 Strain Gauge Basics – Part 1 https://blog.prosig.com/2024/02/09/strain-gauge-basics-part-1/ https://blog.prosig.com/2024/02/09/strain-gauge-basics-part-1/#comments Fri, 09 Feb 2024 09:17:46 +0000 https://blog.prosig.com/?p=7652 The use of strain gauges with Prosig’s data acquisition systems is well understood and has been used in many real-world applications over the years [see What Is A Strain Gauge? by James Wren here on the blog and also available as Strain Gauges Explained in the Prosig Noise and Vibration Measurement Handbook]. The following post […]

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]]> https://blog.prosig.com/2024/02/09/strain-gauge-basics-part-1/feed/ 2 7652 Data Smoothing : RC Filtering And Exponential Averaging https://blog.prosig.com/2024/01/30/data-smoothing-rc-filtering-and-exponential-averaging/ https://blog.prosig.com/2024/01/30/data-smoothing-rc-filtering-and-exponential-averaging/#comments Tue, 30 Jan 2024 10:09:43 +0000 http://blog.prosig.com/2003/04/28/data-smoothing-rc-filtering-and-exponential-averaging/ What are RC Filtering and Exponential Averaging and how do they differ? The answer to the second part of the question is that they are the same process! If one comes from an electronics background then RC Filtering (or RC Smoothing) is the usual expression. On the other hand an approach based on time series […]

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]]> https://blog.prosig.com/2024/01/30/data-smoothing-rc-filtering-and-exponential-averaging/feed/ 22 37 What Are dB, Noise Floor & Dynamic Range? https://blog.prosig.com/2024/01/12/what-is-db-noise-floor-dynamic-range/ https://blog.prosig.com/2024/01/12/what-is-db-noise-floor-dynamic-range/#comments Fri, 12 Jan 2024 11:58:00 +0000 http://blog.prosig.com/?p=64 We are often asked what noise floor & dynamic range actually are. Most engineers are probably familiar with or have come across the decibel or dB as a unit of measurement. Its most common use is in the field of acoustics, where it is used to quantify sound levels. However, as explained in this article, […]

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]]> https://blog.prosig.com/2024/01/12/what-is-db-noise-floor-dynamic-range/feed/ 28 64 Rotating Machinery Vibration Analysis: Keeping Your Machines Humming Along https://blog.prosig.com/2023/11/27/rotating-machinery-vibration-analysis/ https://blog.prosig.com/2023/11/27/rotating-machinery-vibration-analysis/#respond Mon, 27 Nov 2023 09:58:43 +0000 https://blog.prosig.com/2023/11/27/vibration-control-isolation-guide-copy/ [An Introduction To Vibration Analysis – Part 5] Welcome to Part 5 of our ongoing introduction to the world of vibration and acoustic measurement and analysis. Here, we look specifically at the techniques and tools used to look at vibration in rotating machines. Introduction: The Critical Role of Analysis of Vibration in Rotating Machines Vibration […]

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]]> https://blog.prosig.com/2023/11/27/rotating-machinery-vibration-analysis/feed/ 0 7634 Vibration Control and Isolation: A Comprehensive Guide for Engineers https://blog.prosig.com/2023/11/06/vibration-control-isolation-guide/ https://blog.prosig.com/2023/11/06/vibration-control-isolation-guide/#comments Mon, 06 Nov 2023 13:24:10 +0000 https://blog.prosig.com/2023/10/24/vibration-measurement-techniques-copy-copy/ [An Introduction To Vibration Analysis – Part 4] Welcome to the fourth part of our ongoing introduction to the world of vibration and acoustic measurement and analysis. In this post, we look beyond measurement and explain vibration control. Discover what we can do to mitigate the effects of vibration once a problem is understood. Introduction […]

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]]> https://blog.prosig.com/2023/11/06/vibration-control-isolation-guide/feed/ 2 7605 Modal Analysis in the Real World https://blog.prosig.com/2023/10/06/vibration-measurement-techniques-copy/ https://blog.prosig.com/2023/10/06/vibration-measurement-techniques-copy/#comments Fri, 06 Oct 2023 11:09:00 +0000 https://blog.prosig.com/2023/09/01/vibration-measurement-techniques-copy/ [An Introduction To Vibration Analysis – Part 3] Modal analysis is one of the most widely adopted vibration measurement techniques for studying the dynamic behaviour of structures and mechanical components. It allows engineers to identify a system’s natural frequencies, mode shapes, and damping ratios. In real-world applications, modal analysis is often used to troubleshoot operational […]

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]]> https://blog.prosig.com/2023/10/06/vibration-measurement-techniques-copy/feed/ 1 7570 The Spectrum of Coloured Noise: Beyond White and Pink – Applications and Historical Context https://blog.prosig.com/2023/10/05/spectrum-of-coloured-noise/ https://blog.prosig.com/2023/10/05/spectrum-of-coloured-noise/#respond Thu, 05 Oct 2023 15:10:01 +0000 https://blog.prosig.com/?p=7593 Introduction The auditory world around us is filled with various types of noise, and while some are simply distracting or annoying, others serve practical purposes. You’re probably familiar with the common types of noise like white and pink, but the realm of “coloured noise” extends far beyond these well-known auditory landscapes. Understanding coloured noise is […]

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]]> https://blog.prosig.com/2023/10/05/spectrum-of-coloured-noise/feed/ 0 7593 Vibration Measurement Techniques: A Comprehensive Guide https://blog.prosig.com/2023/08/30/vibration-measurement-techniques/ https://blog.prosig.com/2023/08/30/vibration-measurement-techniques/#comments Wed, 30 Aug 2023 11:08:23 +0000 https://blog.prosig.com/2023/08/24/basics-of-vibration-analysis-copy/ [An Introduction To Vibration Analysis – Part 2] Introduction This post on vibration measurement techniques is the second in our series, introducing vibration analysis. Future posts will continue the exploration of these topics in more detail. Why not sign up for our mailing list and ensure you don’t miss future articles. Vibrations are ubiquitous phenomena that significantly […]

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]]> https://blog.prosig.com/2023/08/30/vibration-measurement-techniques/feed/ 2 7530 On The Shoulders of Giants – Joseph Fourier: The Mathematical Maestro of Vibration and Acoustics https://blog.prosig.com/2023/08/30/on-the-shoulders-of-giants-joseph-fourier-the-mathematical-maestro-of-vibration-and-acoustics/ https://blog.prosig.com/2023/08/30/on-the-shoulders-of-giants-joseph-fourier-the-mathematical-maestro-of-vibration-and-acoustics/#respond Wed, 30 Aug 2023 10:19:50 +0000 https://blog.prosig.com/?p=7544 The following post on Joseph Fourier is our second in the On The Shoulders of Giants series. It is hard to overstate Joseph Fourier’s importance in the field of sound and vibration measurement and analysis. His work touches almost everything we do. Fourier and his work can be found in numerous posts on the Noise […]

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]]> https://blog.prosig.com/2023/08/30/on-the-shoulders-of-giants-joseph-fourier-the-mathematical-maestro-of-vibration-and-acoustics/feed/ 0 7544 Basics of Vibration Analysis: A Technical Dive https://blog.prosig.com/2023/08/09/basics-of-vibration-analysis/ https://blog.prosig.com/2023/08/09/basics-of-vibration-analysis/#respond Wed, 09 Aug 2023 13:15:00 +0000 https://blog.prosig.com/?p=7523 [An Introduction To Vibration Analysis – Part 1] Introduction For professionals delving into the worlds of automotive, aerospace, or industrial engineering, vibrations are not just mere oscillations; they’re a symphony of mechanics, mathematics, and materials science. This article provides a comprehensive look into the basics of vibration analysis, a crucial tool in the toolbox of […]

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]]> https://blog.prosig.com/2023/08/09/basics-of-vibration-analysis/feed/ 0 7523 How To Analyze Noise & Vibration In Rotating Machines https://blog.prosig.com/2023/08/09/how-to-measure-noise-vibration-in-rotating-machines/ https://blog.prosig.com/2023/08/09/how-to-measure-noise-vibration-in-rotating-machines/#comments Wed, 09 Aug 2023 08:07:00 +0000 http://blog.prosig.com/?p=2170 This article will look at the basic steps needed to measure noise & vibration in rotating machines. We won’t look in great detail at some of the techniques involved – we deal with these elsewhere on the blog. This material is suitable for a newcomer to the field who understands the basic concepts of noise & vibration analysis […]

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]]> https://blog.prosig.com/2023/08/09/how-to-measure-noise-vibration-in-rotating-machines/feed/ 6 2170 Measure Vibration – Should we use Acceleration, Velocity or Displacement? https://blog.prosig.com/2023/07/04/measure-vibration-should-we-measure-acceleration-velocity-or-displacement/ https://blog.prosig.com/2023/07/04/measure-vibration-should-we-measure-acceleration-velocity-or-displacement/#comments Tue, 04 Jul 2023 05:43:00 +0000 http://blog.prosig.com/?p=2250 When using vibration data, especially in conjunction with modelling systems, the measured data is often needed as an acceleration, as a velocity and as a displacement. Sometimes different analysis groups require the measured signals in a different form. Clearly, it is impractical to measure all three at once even if we could. Physically it is nigh on impossible to put three different types of transducer in the same place.

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]]> https://blog.prosig.com/2023/07/04/measure-vibration-should-we-measure-acceleration-velocity-or-displacement/feed/ 25 2250 On The Shoulders Of Giants – The Life and Legacy of Claude Shannon: Father of the Information Age https://blog.prosig.com/2023/07/03/claude-shannon-father-of-the-information-age/ https://blog.prosig.com/2023/07/03/claude-shannon-father-of-the-information-age/#comments Mon, 03 Jul 2023 09:58:00 +0000 https://blog.prosig.com/?p=7490 This piece on Claude Shannon is the first in what will become a series of posts looking at the key figures who shaped the thoughts, theories, algorithms and technologies that we rely on in the world of vibration and acoustic measurement. Shannon is found in a number of posts on the Noise & Vibration Measurement […]

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]]> https://blog.prosig.com/2023/07/03/claude-shannon-father-of-the-information-age/feed/ 1 7490 Impact Hammer Double Hit – An Investigation https://blog.prosig.com/2023/06/13/impact-hammer-double-hit-prosig-dats/ https://blog.prosig.com/2023/06/13/impact-hammer-double-hit-prosig-dats/#comments Tue, 13 Jun 2023 16:46:20 +0000 https://blog.prosig.com/2023/06/13/basic-vibration-signals-qualities-prosig-dats-copy/ An Impact Hammer double hit is viewed as a common problem, and most hammer impact testing software offers a “Double hit” rejection function. Signals captured with double impacts are not desirable and are generally considered unacceptable. In some instances, a double impact is unavoidable. However, it raises concerns regarding the adequacy and accuracy of the […]

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]]> https://blog.prosig.com/2023/06/13/impact-hammer-double-hit-prosig-dats/feed/ 1 7448 Understanding CAN Bus: The Nervous System of a Modern Vehicle https://blog.prosig.com/2023/05/19/understanding-can-bus-the-nervous-system-of-a-modern-vehicle/ https://blog.prosig.com/2023/05/19/understanding-can-bus-the-nervous-system-of-a-modern-vehicle/#respond Fri, 19 May 2023 08:17:58 +0000 https://blog.prosig.com/?p=7430 Understanding CAN bus (Controller Area Network Bus) is essential to modern automotive engineering. The CAN bus, and its variants, are now universal across the automotive industry and beyond. On many vehicles, thousands of parameters are available and are transmitted around the vehicle. In addition to being vital to correct vehicle operation, this information is invaluable […]

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]]> https://blog.prosig.com/2023/05/19/understanding-can-bus-the-nervous-system-of-a-modern-vehicle/feed/ 0 7430 Electric Vehicles – Vibration & Acoustic Testing https://blog.prosig.com/2023/04/19/electric-vehicles-noise-vibration-testing/ https://blog.prosig.com/2023/04/19/electric-vehicles-noise-vibration-testing/#comments Wed, 19 Apr 2023 10:25:37 +0000 https://blog.prosig.com/?p=7388 Electric vehicle noise & vibration testing is crucial for vehicle development, ensuring the final product’s comfort, safety, and reliability. While electric vehicles (EVs) and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles undergo such testing, the nature and sources of the vibrations and noises differ significantly due to their distinct powertrain configurations. How different or similar is acoustic […]

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