Blogs
Capacitance Sensing vs. Strain Gauge Sensing Application Note
Capacitance Sensing vs. Strain Gauge Sensing Application Note Capacitance probes that are embedded in piezo flexure stages can provide significantly greater accuracy than strain gauges. Although some minor mounting modifications are required, capacitance probes with picoscale positioning provide higher linearity, greater long-term stability, and better direct measurement. Capacitance sensors cost more, however, and are limited by sensing distance. Therefore, strain gauge sensors remain a good choice for applications where cost is a consideration, sensing distances are larger, and high resolution or high accuracy are required. In a recent application note, MTI Instruments examines the differences between capacitance probes and [...]
Webinar Recap: Vitrek Products for Metrology and Calibration Labs
Metrology requires equipment capable of precise measurements and accurate readings. Taking the time to ensure that the instruments you use remain properly calibrated requires the right tools and training to ensure that they are in good working order. In our webinar: Vitrek Products for Metrology and Calibration Labs, we cover why you need the right calibration tools and why Vitrek offers the best high voltage tester options on the market in the form of our 4700 High Voltage Meter, PA920 Power Analyzer, and 2000MN Calibrator. […]
Why Demand for SiC Wafers is Hot and Durable
Why Demand for SiC Wafers is Hot and Durable Pardon the pun, but SiC wafers are a hot item for high-temperature applications. Silicone carbide (SiC), a semiconductor containing both silicon and carbide, withstands temperatures up to 2700°C. Carborundum, as this durable ceramic is also known, finds additional applications in bulletproof vests, extrusion dies, sandpaper, and high-performance disc brakes. In electronics, SiC materials are used with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and detectors. In the semiconductor industry, a market where interest is red-hot, SiC wafers are used in electronic devices that operate at high temperatures, high voltages, or both. Examples include electric [...]
MTI Instruments’ Accumeasure HD System Proven to Be Highest Resolution Capacitance System in the World
ALBANY, N.Y., April 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — MTI Instruments, Inc. (“MTI Instruments”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mechanical Technology, Incorporated, (NASDAQ: MKTY), announced today that its Accumeasure HD system technology has been proven to measure distances as small as 69 picometers, setting a new bar for capacitance systems. The results were recently published in a white paper by Kevin Harding of Optical Metrology Solutions. Harding’s white paper can be accessed on MTI Instruments’ website. Harding’s independent study confirmed the findings of an internal experiment by MTI Instruments that concluded the Accumeasure HD system can provide picometer-level accuracy when used with [...]
Webinar Recap: Vitrek Electrical Safety Testing for the Automotive Industry
Vitrek is a leading provider of testing solutions for electrical safety across multiple industries. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, and in business for over three decades, Vitrek has established itself as one of the premier electrical safety testing companies on the market. They serve over 30 different countries and provide electrical safety testing equipment that can be utilized in countless applications. […]
Measurements with Capacitance Gage for Sub-Nanometer Thermal Expansion Characterization
MTI Instruments contracted an independent Metrology expert to test and verify the performance of a new high resolution capacitance gauge. The Accumeasure HD has passed in house testing where its performance was tested against a commercial laser interferometer (See Application Note). Optical Metrology Solutions (OMS) was chosen based on their extensive experience and proximity to MTI’s manufacturing plant. OMS was tasked with designing a challenging experiment to verify the accuracy and resolution of the MTI Accumeasure HD capacitance system that could also be encountered in a typical customer application. Their experiment explored the ability to measure sub-nonometer thermal expansion [...]
MTI’s Accumeasure HD Amplifier vs. Laser Interferometer
Achieving high resolution and accuracy for very small displacement measurements is generally an expensive and complex undertaking. The typical instrument of choice for achieving the accuracy required (picometer resolution with nanometer accuracy) is a laser interferometer. However, MTI Instruments Accumeasure D200HD Amplifier provides exceptional accuracy and stability while coming in at significant cost savings with ease of use. We decided to pit the AccumeasureHD vs a Laser Interferometer and compare results. Specifically, this comparison focuses on minimum expected resolution and the effects of noise on accuracy. Micro positioning applications include measuring the mask height of semiconductor wafers during lithography. The [...]
Webinar Recap: Electrical Safety Testing for the Appliance & Consumer Product Industries
Vitrek is proud to hold educational webinars for our customers in various industries with information and products that are relevant to their applications. One such industry that relies on some of the technology that we offer is the appliance and consumer products industry, which requires extensive electrical safety testing in order to bring their products to market. All products that will be sold to consumers need to be tested by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) in order to earn the proper safety certification. […]
The Growing Need for Industry 4.0 Testing and Validation Tools
Industry 4.0 means that manufacturers need to test and validate more sensors. MTI Instruments 1510A portable signal generator can help. Industry 4.0 is spurring a dramatic increase in the number of sensors that manufacturers need to install, test, validate, and maintain. Although these industrial sensors are packaged to withstand harsh environments, they’re still susceptible to performance-related problems. Whether it’s to support predictive maintenance, asset monitoring, or process automation, proper testing and validation is required to keep systems running smoothly. Otherwise, the data that sensors collect won’t enable the operators of smart factories to make the right decisions. Smart [...]
Check Out Vitrek’s Available Education and Product Training Resources
At Vitrek, we do more than just design and build high-quality electrical testing equipment — we ensure that our customers have all of the tools that they need to succeed when using our products. Here, we offer an overview of the plethora of educational resources that we have available on our website. […]


