PCB Piezotronics

Overview

PCB Piezotronics is a manufacturer of piezoelectric sensors and related instrumentation used for measuring vibration, pressure, force, acoustics, torque, load, strain, shock, and sound. The company serves design engineers and predictive maintenance professionals across automotive, aerospace, industrial, military, R&D, and commercial applications. PCB is recognized as a pioneer of ICP® (Integrated Circuit Piezoelectric) technology, which integrates piezoelectric elements with built-in amplifiers to enable accurate, reliable, and cost-effective dynamic measurements.

History

Founded in 1967 by brothers Robert and James Lally, PCB Piezotronics revolutionized sensor technology with the invention of ICP® sensors that integrated microelectronic circuitry into piezoelectric instruments. By 1975, the company had become one of the largest U.S. manufacturers of quartz ICP® sensors, with continuous product expansion through the 1970s and 1980s including high-shock accelerometers, impulse hammers, and industrial-grade sensors. The 1990s brought significant global expansion with 14 new sales offices and strategic acquisitions strengthening its position as a test and measurement solutions provider. In the early 2020s, PCB vertically integrated by bringing piezoelectric crystal manufacturing in-house, and in 2021 joined Amphenol Corporation, which acquired the company to strengthen its sensor portfolio.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Most PCB products are manufactured in the United States, enabling tight quality control over design, engineering, and manufacturing processes. In the early 2020s, the company brought critical piezoelectric crystal manufacturing in-house to improve supply stability and quality control. PCB operates state-of-the-art facilities with highly trained technicians and maintains vertical integration across key manufacturing stages.

Notable Products

• ICP® Accelerometers - Integrated circuit piezoelectric accelerometers for vibration and shock measurement, including high-shock variants rated to 100,000 g
• Modally-Tuned® Impulse Hammers - Structural excitation tools for modal testing and analysis, winner of IR-100 Award for technical innovation
• Industrial-Grade ICP® Sensors - Rugged accelerometers designed for machinery health monitoring and predictive maintenance applications
• Capacitive Accelerometers - Alternative sensor technology for dynamic acceleration measurement introduced in the 1990s
• Piezo Strain Gages - Strain measurement sensors for force and load analysis in structural testing

Reputation

PCB Piezotronics is widely recognized by professionals and engineers for extreme accuracy, long-lasting reliability, and comprehensive product portfolios exceeding 28,000 solutions. The company maintains a strong reputation for innovative, ethical manufacturing practices and consistent quality control, with products trusted globally across demanding measurement and condition monitoring applications. Its 55+ year track record of continuous growth and technical advancement has established it as a premier provider in the sensor and instrumentation industry. The company is generally perceived as a reliable, quality-focused manufacturer with premium pricing reflecting its engineering standards and vertical integration.