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xWave

Central Recording and Processing Unit

xWave Digital Accelerometer Unit

 The xWave digital accelerometer, commonly known as just the xWave®, is the flagship sensor from Digitex Systems. Most importantly, it delivers high‑precision vibration measurements, enabling engineers to capture the dynamic characteristics of structures with unmatched accuracy. For this reason, this high-accuracy accelerometer is the most critical component of any Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system.

Whether part of a permanent or portable SHM solution, the xWave always remains the MEMS accelerometer acting as a core building block for real‑time monitoring and advanced modal analysis. Uni, bi, triaxial accelerometer – the xWave picks up vibrations in all directions!

The xWave digital accelerometer is shaped around a proprietary embedded platform that integrates high-performance ADCs, low‑noise MEMS accelerometers, advanced time synchronization, and robust communication. Also, depending on the digital accelerometer model, it can incorporate a 20, 24, or 32‑bit ADC, providing dynamic ranges up to 160 dB. Additionally, multiple sensor options are available depending on your project requirements or budget restrictions. Practically, you can choose from cost‑effective to ultra‑sensitive accelerometers with sub‑µg noise levels.

Accordingly, each xWave digital accelerometer unit can operate as a standalone accelerograph with local SD/eMMC recording or as a node in a multi‑sensor daisy‑chain SHM network. Besides that, it streams real‑time data directly to the Voyager® central acquisition software. The central data acquisition and processing unit, xPlorer, or a cloud environment, can host the Voyager.

Additionally, the embedded web server enables direct configuration, firmware updates, and data downloads on the digital accelerometer. On the other side, its rugged IP67 aluminum enclosure ensures reliable operation in any environment. Generally speaking, you can use the xWave digital accelerometer for condition monitoring from remote mountain dams to coastal bridges and urban high‑rises. On top of that, the xWave can also act as a wireless accelerometer.

Technical Specifications

GeneralType: 20, 24 or 32‑bit ΔΣ; User Selectable Sampling rate: From 50 to 1000; Storage: SD Card or Flash Memory (4/8/16/32GB); Advanced Anti-Aliasing Filtering Option with SINC1, SINC2, SINC3, SINC4, SSINC; Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, DigiMESH, GSM; Number of Channels: 3 or more per request
PhysicalRugged aluminum enclosure, IP66/IP67; Weight: 0.7 kg; Dimensions: 130 × 120 × 65 mm
PowerInput Voltage: 12‑24 VDC or PoE; Battery Option: Rechargeable Batteries (3 x 18650); Sensor Powering Supplied from Digitizer; Power Cons.: 1‑2W (depending on the option); Solar Power: Solar Panel (10W‑30W)
User InterfaceInformational LEDs; Web app panel
Sensitivity 22.5 μg/√H – 0.2 μg/√H (Depending on the Option)

Key Features of the xWave Digital Accelerometer

  • Permanent or Portable Installation: Available as a fixed installation unit as well as a battery‑powered portable accelerometer with xPlorer Ambient.
  • Multiple Sensor Options: Tri‑axial ultra‑sensitive accelerometers; uni‑, bi, or tri‑axial configurations.
  • HighPerformance ADCs: 20‑, 24‑, or 32‑bit converters with up to 160 dB dynamic range.
  • Filtering: Built‑in anti‑aliasing filters and optional hardware filters for improved signal fidelity.
  • Flexible Communication: Ethernet, Wi‑Fi, DigiMESH®, optional GSM/4G; simple CAT5e cable or wireless setup.
  • Advanced Data Handling: Supports Store&Forward® to buffer data during outages, plus data compression in proprietary Digitex format or MiniSEED.
  • Configurable Sampling Rates: User selectable from 10 sps up to 1000 sps for a wide range of applications.
  • Time Synchronization: GPS or DigiSync® protocol ensures sub‑millisecond accuracy across distributed networks.
  • Local Storage: Optional SD/eMMC card for standalone operation, storing MiniSEED events with triggers and pre/post buffers.
  • Web Interface: Embedded web server for configuration, charts, data download, and OTA firmware updates.
  • Triggering: Support Levelling, STA/LTA, Absolute thresholds, and voting mechanism with configurable/post-event times.
  • Rugged Enclosure: Robust IP67 aluminum housing with levelling plate and bubble level for precise sensor alignment.
  • Autonomy: Low power consumption; can run for years with solar panel + 12V battery; optional 12h internal battery pack.
  • Status Indicators: LEDs for power, sync, and streaming status; optional 2.8” display for live sensor status.
  • Easy Integration: Works seamlessly with Voyager central acquisition, Nexus SeedLink client, Vista data viewer, and Observer OMA analysis suite.

xWave is the most important sensor in our Structural Health Monitoring systems, capturing the vibration response of structures for both real‑time monitoring and post‑processing. All in all, precision and reliability in proactive maintenance make it suitable for:

  • Bridges – modal analysis, vibration monitoring, fatigue detection
  • Dams – seismic event detection, hydrodynamic response
  • High‑rise buildings – wind and earthquake response characterization
  • Tunnels – ground vibration and lining monitoring
  • Pipelines – vibration, seismic, and soil‑structure interaction
  • Industrial plants and mines – machinery vibration and blast monitoring

Benefits of Using the xWave Digital Accelerometer

  • Provides the most critical SHM measurements as a result of accurately capturing the vibration response of structures
  • Saves cost and effort with flexible installation options (permanent or portable with xPlorer Ambient)
  • A high-accuracy accelerometer that increases reliability through a fully digital acquisition, in addition to GPS/DigiSync® synchronization across networks
  • Prevents any data loss with Store&Forward® and local SD/eMMC storage during communication outages
  • Enhances usability with an embedded web server for configuration, data download, and OTA firmware updates
  • Guarantees robustness with IP67 aluminum housing, levelling plate, and optional battery autonomy
  • Improves decision-making with seamless integration into Voyager®, Nexus, Vista, and Observer software suites
  • Lastly, it offers long-term value with scalable architecture and compatibility with multiple xWave digital accelerometer models, including multiple sensitivities

Ready to Elevate Your Project?

After all, Digitex Systems deeply nurtures the partnership with engineers, researchers, and asset managers worldwide. That’s why Digitex Systems delivers reliable, field-proven Structural Health Monitoring solutions.

Additionally, if you are planning a new monitoring system or upgrading an existing installation, our team provides expert guidance tailored to your project’s requirements.

Most importantly, feel free to check our solutions focused on accuracy, reliability, and long-term performance backed by decades of experience in dams, bridges, tunnels, mines, as well as high-rise infrastructure.

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