Can Analog Discovery 3 replace an impedance analyzer for measuring PZT-5H resonance frequency?

Maker, DIY
1

Hello,

I am conducting a research project on a piezoelectric resonant sensor for monitoring bolt preload.

Currently, I use an NF-LCR-ZM2376 impedance analyzer to measure a PZT-5H piezoelectric ceramic (Φ8 mm × 0.3 mm) bonded to the top of an M10 bolt.

The basic principle is to apply different bolt preload forces and monitor the change in the resonance frequency of the PZT.

I am considering replacing the NF-LCR-ZM2376 with an Analog Discovery 3 (AD3) and would like to confirm whether AD3 is suitable for this application.

My experimental conditions are:

  • PZT material: PZT-5H
  • PZT size: Φ8 mm × 0.3 mm
  • Frequency range: 50 kHz–350 kHz
  • Coarse sweep: approximately 100 Hz step
  • Fine sweep: 5–10 Hz step
  • Excitation voltage: approximately 1–2 V
  • Measured impedance magnitude: approximately 150–1500 Ω
  • Required measurements: impedance magnitude, phase, and resonance frequency

I would like to use the WaveForms Impedance Analyzer with AD3.

Could you please help me confirm:

1. Is AD3 suitable for measuring the complex impedance of a PZT-5H piezoelectric ceramic under these conditions?

2. Is the 200–1400 Ω impedance range suitable for the AD3 impedance measurement method?

3. What reference resistor or impedance analyzer adapter should I use?

4. Is 1–2 V excitation appropriate for this PZT, and can AD3 drive it directly without an external amplifier?

5. Can the AD3 reliably measure resonance-frequency changes on the order of several Hz or tens of Hz?

6. Are there any additional accessories required besides the AD3 and BNC adapter?

7. If possible, could you provide a recommended connection diagram for this application?

My main concern is not simply whether AD3 covers the 50–350 kHz frequency range, but whether it can provide sufficiently stable and repeatable impedance/phase measurements to identify the resonance-frequency shift of the PZT.

Thank you.

2

Hello @zqq,

That’s a challenging question.

As I understand your situation, you are asking if a low-cost, general-purpose instrument may replace a specialized LCR analyzer.

Unfortunately, I cannot provide a direct answer. The best I can do is point to a somewhat related experiment where I used the AD3 to frequency sweep a wire-wound resistor.

Note:

  • Start and stop frequency as well as the number of steps are user configurable.
  • My experiment was conducted on a 50 Ω resistor which is lower than your 200-1400 Ω requirement.
  • The Digilent Impedance Analyzer card is not strictly necessary. However, it does make the field connections considerably easier.
  • You can select the load resistor to best match your DUT.

Sincerely,

APDahlen