Sino Sonics · Impedance analysis

PV520A Impedance Analyzer for Piezoelectric Ceramics and Ultrasonic Transducers

The PV520A series is a portable impedance analyzer for piezoelectric ceramics and ultrasonic transducers, developed jointly by the Department of Automation at Tsinghua University and the Institute of Acoustics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. It combines the full software of the earlier PV70A-P with a standalone 7.8″ touch screen.

Key facts

Models: PV520A-S (1 kHz–1 MHz), PV520A-T (1 kHz–3 MHz), PV520A-V (1 kHz–5 MHz)
Accuracy: ±0.04% (S, T), ±0.02% (V) · frequency accuracy ±10 ppm · phase resolution 0.15°
Speed: 5 seconds per 1,000-point sweep
Prices: from $2,350 (S) · $2,750 (T) · $3,650 (V)
Operation: 7.8″ touch screen and computer connection with full software support
Cited in peer-reviewed papers in Sensors and Coatings (MDPI)

PV520A impedance analyzer with a 7.8-inch touch screen and a component test fixture — PV520A with the touch screen and test fixture visible. Select the photo for a closer view.

PV520A Models: S, T and V

All three models start at 1 kHz and cover the same 1 Ω to 1 MΩ impedance range. The upper frequency limit and basic accuracy determine which model fits your measurements. Prices are in US dollars. Select a model to see its current price on the product page.

PV520A-S

$2,350 ~~$2,600~~

1 kHz – 1 MHz
±0.04% accuracy
For sweeps up to 1 MHz

View PV520A-S

PV520A-T

$2,750 ~~$3,200~~

1 kHz – 3 MHz
±0.04% accuracy
For sweeps above 1 MHz and up to 3 MHz

View PV520A-T

PV520A-V

$3,650 ~~$4,250~~

1 kHz – 5 MHz
±0.02% accuracy
Highest accuracy and widest range

View PV520A-V

How to choose a model

Start with the highest frequency in your sweep.The 20, 28, 40, 42 and 60 kHz frequencies in the transducer examples below fall within the range of all three models. If you also measure higher-frequency parts, choose a model that covers the full sweep and meets your basic accuracy requirement.

Required sweep or accuracy	Model	Basic accuracy
Up to 1 MHz	PV520A-S	±0.04%
Above 1 MHz and up to 3 MHz	PV520A-T	±0.04%
Above 3 MHz and up to 5 MHz, or when you need ±0.02%	PV520A-V	±0.02%

For help choosing, send Sino Sonics the part type, its expected resonance frequencies and the highest frequency you plan to scan. For a multi-frequency transducer, include all the frequencies you want to check.

Buy it NOW !

What the PV520A Measures

A frequency sweep shows how the part responds across the selected range. Use the resonance and anti-resonance readings to locate Fs and Fp, and consult the admittance curve and the half-power points when reviewing the response around resonance. The instrument also reports capacitance, equivalent-circuit parameters and coupling coefficients.

Resonance pointsResonant frequency Fs · Anti-resonant frequency Fp

Admittance / bandwidthMaximum conductance Gmax · Half-power points F1, F2 · Bandwidth F2–F1

Quality factorMechanical quality factor Qm

CapacitanceFree capacitance CT · Clamped capacitance C0

Dynamic parametersDynamic resistance R1 · Dynamic inductance L1 · Dynamic capacitance C1

CouplingEffective electromechanical coupling Keff · Planar coupling Kp

DielectricFree dielectric constant

Frequency accuracy, phase resolution and basic accuracy describe different parts of the measurement. All three models specify ±10 ppm frequency accuracy and 0.15° phase resolution. The model comparison above shows the separate basic accuracy specification.

What Can You Test?

Typical test targetsPiezoelectric ceramics (production-line QC), ultrasonic transducers and converters, ultrasonic cleaner transducers, plastic welding transducers, ultrasonic motors. Dual-frequency (28/40 kHz, 20/42 kHz) and triple-frequency (20/40/60 kHz) transducers can be tested.

For incoming inspection or production-line checks on piezoelectric ceramics, use the ceramic testing guide to review the test setup and measurements. When you are checking a cleaning or welding transducer, the transducer guide walks through the frequency sweep and how to read the result. The example plots further down the page show the kinds of output you can review.

Details & Specifications

The table lists the published specifications by model. Swipe or scroll sideways on a narrow screen to compare all three. The 5-second scan time refers to a 1,000-point sweep. The frequency step starts at 0.1 Hz and can be set for the sweep.

Specification	Type: PV520A-S	Type: PV520A-T	Type: PV520A-V
Feature	Portable, 7.8″ touch screen	Portable, 7.8″ touch screen	Portable, 7.8″ touch screen
Size:	length: 24cm, Width: 19cm front height: 5cm, back height: 10cm	length: 24cm, Width: 19cm front height: 5cm, back height: 10cm	length: 24cm, Width: 19cm front height: 5cm, back height: 10cm
Frequency range	1KHz~1MHz	1KHz~3MHz	1KHz~5MHz
Measurement parameters	Resonance frequency Fs Maximum conductance Gmax Half power points F1 and F2 Anti-resonance frequency Fp Mechanical quality factor Qm Free capacitance CT Dynamic resistance R1 Dynamic inductance L1 Dynamic capacitance C1 Static capacitance C0 Effective electromechanical coupling coefficient Keff Plane electromechanical coupling coefficient Kp Free dielectric constant
Basic accuracy	+/-0.04%	+/-0.04%	+/-0.02%
Frequency accuracy	±10ppm	±10ppm	±10ppm
Phase resolution	0.15°	0.15°	0.15°
Test environment temperature	10～40℃	10～40℃	10～40℃
Test speed	5 sec/one (1000point sweeping)	5 sec/one (1000point sweeping)	5 sec/one (1000point sweeping)
Impedance Range	1Ω～1MΩ	1Ω～1MΩ	1Ω～1MΩ
Frequency Step	0.1Hz～Any	0.1Hz～Any	0.1Hz～Any
Power supply	AC100V～AC250V，50～60Hz, 30W	AC100V～AC250V，50～60Hz, 30W	AC100V～AC250V，50～60Hz, 30W
Display	7.8″ touch screen	7.8″ touch screen	7.8″ touch screen
Connection	Computer connection with full software	Computer connection with full software	Computer connection with full software
Order	Buy Now PV520A-S	Buy Now PV520A-T	Buy Now PV520A-V

Developed with Tsinghua University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences

Four Pillars of Excellence

Pioneering Technology: A product of collaboration between Tsinghua University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Proven Legacy: Since 2001, our PV60A/70A series has been the industry standard, trusted by thousands of customers.
Reliable Performance: Extensively used and tested by over two hundred university research institutes, our instruments have proven their reliability against imported Agilent instruments 4294A.
Global Recognition: Selected by numerous German and American ultrasound application companies, our instruments are synonymous with trust and quality.

Cited in peer-reviewed research

Coatings (MDPI), 2023: ultrasonic vibration grinding of WC-10Co-4Cr coatings, using the PV520A-V. DOI: 10.3390/coatings13101788
Sensors (MDPI), 2017: electrical impedance matching in sandwiched piezoelectric ultrasonic transducers, using the PV520A. DOI: 10.3390/s17122832

More publications are listed on our research citations page.

Sample Test Results and Videos

Measurement plots and exported data

The sample pages show the PV520A output in several formats. Open an admittance or impedance example to see how the result is plotted, or compare the logarithmic and polar views. The export example shows how the measured values are arranged in a spreadsheet. Select a preview to open its full example.

PV520A conductance and susceptance plot for a 28 kHz transducer — Admittance Diagram

PV520A logarithmic coordinates plot for a 28 kHz transducer — Logarithm Coordinates Diagram

PV520A resistance and reactance plot for a 28 kHz transducer — Impedance Diagram

PV520A polar coordinates plot for a 28 kHz transducer — Polar Coordinates Diagram

Example of PV520A test data exported to a spreadsheet — Polar Phase Angle & Export Data

Instrument and factory test photos

The photos show the analyzer, the component test fixture and examples of the instrument connected on a workbench. The factory views show how the equipment is arranged for checks on ultrasonic components.

PV520A with test leads attached and a separate enclosure beside it — Front view with test leads

Angled view of the PV520A, test leads and cables — Analyzer and connections

PV520A laid out with its leads, cables and component test fixture — Analyzer and accessories

PV520A on a factory bench beside a row of ultrasonic transducers — Transducers on the factory bench

PV520A with connected leads on a workshop test bench — Workshop test setup

PV520A on a workbench with cables and other measurement equipment — Analyzer on a measurement bench

The first video introduces the instrument. The other two demonstrate separate setups for a piezoelectric ceramic chip and an ultrasonic transducer or converter. Use the demonstration that matches the part you plan to test.

PV520A overview

Testing a piezoelectric ceramic chip

Testing an ultrasonic transducer or converter

PV520A Impedance Analyzer FAQ

What is the PV520A impedance analyzer used for?

It measures the electrical properties of piezoelectric ceramics and ultrasonic transducers, such as resonant frequency, anti-resonant frequency, quality factor Qm, capacitance and coupling coefficients. It is also used for production-line quality control.

What is the difference between PV520A-S, T and V?

The S model covers 1 kHz–1 MHz, the T model 1 kHz–3 MHz and the V model 1 kHz–5 MHz. S and T have ±0.04% basic accuracy, the V model has ±0.02%.

How much does the PV520A cost?

PV520A-S is $2,350, PV520A-T is $2,750 and PV520A-V is $3,650.

How fast is a measurement?

A 1,000-point frequency sweep takes about 5 seconds. Frequency step starts at 0.1 Hz and can be set freely.

What can I test with it?

Piezoelectric ceramics, ultrasonic transducers and converters, ultrasonic cleaner transducers, plastic welding transducers and ultrasonic motors, including dual- and triple-frequency transducers.

Can I use the PV520A without a computer?

Yes. The 7.8-inch touch screen lets you operate the analyzer directly on the device. You can also connect it to a computer with full software support.

What accuracy and range does it have?

Frequency accuracy ±10 ppm, phase resolution 0.15°, impedance range 1 Ω to 1 MΩ, operating temperature 10–40 °C.

How do I test an ultrasonic transducer with it?

Connect the transducer, run a frequency sweep, and read Fs, Fp, Qm and the admittance curve. See our step-by-step guide on testing transducers with the PV520A.

Need a quote or help choosing a model?

Reply within 1 business day · [email protected]

WhatsApp +86 186-2632-1806 Get a Quote

Impedance Analyzer PV520A