Vishay Measurements P3 Strain Indicator and Recorder

The Vishay Measurements P3 Strain Indicator and Recorder is a portable, battery-operated instrument for precise strain measurement and data logging in laboratory and field environments. It accepts simultaneous input from up to four independent bridge channels configured as quarter-, half-, shear, Poisson half-, or full-bridge circuits, including strain-gage-based transducers. The P3 functions as a bridge amplifier, static strain indicator, and digital data logger with menu-driven control via front-panel keypad or USB-connected PC software.

– Technical Specifications

• Input Channels: 4 independent bridge inputs
• Bridge Configurations: Quarter-bridge, half-bridge (adjacent arms with equal/opposite strains; opposite arms with equal strains), shear bridge (2 active arms), Poisson half-bridge, full bridge (4 fully active arms)
• Internal Bridge Completion Resistors: Quarter-bridge: 120 Ω, 350 Ω, 1000 Ω; Half or full bridge: 60 Ω to 2000 Ω
• Gage Factor Range: 0.500 to 9.900
• Bridge Excitation: 1.5 VDC nominal, ratiometric
• Data Conversion: High-resolution sigma-delta converter with user-selectable 60 Hz or 50 Hz noise rejection
• Measurement Range: ±31,000 microstrain with ±1 microstrain resolution (at Gage Factor 2.000)
• Accuracy: ±0.1% with 1 microstrain resolution
• Display: 128 × 64 dot FSTN positive LCD with backlight; 2 readings per second update rate
• Data Storage: Removable SD or Multimedia Card (up to 32 GB); up to 64 data files
• Recording Rates: 1 reading per second maximum; automatic recording from 1 reading per 1 to 3600 seconds per channel
• Communication: USB Type B connector; treated as HID device (no driver required)

– Key Features

• Single-key automatic software balance and shunt calibration (±0.1% across dummy resistor, simulating 5000 microstrain)
• Remote calibration via accessible switch contacts at input terminal block
• Calibration date stored in flash memory
• Automatic date/time stamping on recorded data
• Manual and automatic data recording modes
• Programmable backlight control (5, 15, or 60 seconds) or manual on/off
• Software-adjustable display contrast

– Typical Applications

• Structural health monitoring and field strain testing
• Material characterization and stress analysis
• Transducer output verification and calibration
• Long-term data acquisition in portable configurations

– Compatibility & Integration

USB interface supports firmware updates and direct data transfer. Windows-based P3 software provided for instrument control and data management.