Comparison of Passive and Active Vibration Isolation

Systems
By AZoM.com Staff Writers
Topics Covered
Introduction
Low Frequency Resonance
Performance Comparison
Sensitivity to the Instrument Size
Multiple Axis Isolation
Stiffness
Cost
Isolation at the Instrument Level
Site and Maintenance Requirements
Comparison Table
About Herzan
Introduction
In some applications, active isolation systems like the Table Stable systems available
from Herzan can deliver the required performance, while passive isolation systems are
adequate for applications which are not so sensitive.
Low Frequency Resonance
Low frequency resonance problems are common in all passive vibration isolation
systems. Hence, a passive isolation system will often increase the low frequency noise
instead of damping it, creating problem for instruments such as SEMs and AFMs that are
susceptible to low frequency vibration.
Conversely, the Table Stable active isolation systems eliminate the low frequency
resonance by means of an internal feedback loop which allows them to cancel vibrations
at sub-hertz frequencies.
Moreover, the feedback loop ensures effective isolation at all frequencies, thanks to its
ability to do housekeeping in higher frequencies. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a resonant
system and a non-resonant system.

Figure 1. Resonant System

Figure 2. Non-Resonant System
Performance Comparison
The performance of passive isolation systems increases rapidly once they start damping,
substantially reducing vibration within a few hertz. Additionally, the level of damping is
further decreased by other mechanical resonances present in a passive system.
Since the resonances in a Table Stable active isolation system are removed by its
feedback loop, it has a smooth roll-off moving into the higher frequencies. This means
that active systems maintain high level of attenuation in higher frequencies once they
reach their peak performance at 10Hz.
Nevertheless, both active and passive systems provide 98% to 99% reduction at
frequencies above 30Hz.
Sensitivity to the Instrument Size
Since passive isolation systems are simple mechanical structures, their performance
relies on the weight, size, and center of gravity of the equipment loaded on top of the
isolation system. The equipment affects the performance of the isolation system by
changing the mechanical structure and resonances of the system.
Also, the mounting platform size has to be in proportion to the location of the center of
gravity of the equipment.
Mechanical variations are offset by the feedback loop on the Table Stable systems,
enabling the systems to deliver superior performance as long as the equipment is within
their footprint and load capacity.
Multiple Axis Isolation
Most passive isolation systems cancel out only Z axis vibrations and are incapable of
isolating horizontal vibrations. Different isolation mechanisms need to be used to allow a
passive system to isolate horizontal vibrations.
However, the system cannot handle vibrations which are not purely X, Y, or Z. Table
Stable active systems isolate vibrations in six degrees of freedom using the same
sensing and damping mechanism used in passive systems. There is communication
between the sensors, thus allowing the Table Stable system to provide the isolation at
the same level across all axes.
Stiffness
Passive systems are made very soft, in order to push their low frequency resonance to
the lowest level possible.
When soft systems are exposed to a major disturbance, they take more time to settle,
typically on the order of seconds. Some systems take minutes before they are isolating
again, increasing measurement times and demanding the restart of long scans.
Moreover, soft systems are more sensitive to load changes, air currents, user bumping
compared to stiffer systems.
Since low frequency resonance is removed in the Table Stable systems, they can use
very stiff springs. Hence, they are less prone to be unsettled and their settling time is on
the order of milliseconds (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Settling Time - TS vs. Passive
Cost
Passive systems are significantly less expensive than active systems. Rubber mounts
and pads can offer adequate level of isolation for applications that are not so sensitive at
a cost of few dollars.
Very high levels of vibration isolation can be achieved using bungee systems with
appropriate geometry and tuning at a cost of less than hundred dollars. Air-based
isolation systems can provide adequate vibration cancellation for a variety of research
instruments at a cost of few thousand dollars.
The cost of active systems is typically more than five thousand dollars. Hence, they are
not an economical option for less expensive instruments.
Isolation at the Instrument Level
Passive systems can only isolate ground-borne vibrations, whereas Table Stable
systems sense and isolate vibrations at the instrument level.
Hence, they can damp certain noises originating from the equipment, including parasitic
noise from cabling, air movements, acoustic noise coupled into the casing, and even
certain noises generated by the equipment itself.
Site and Maintenance Requirements
An air compressor or clean air supply in the installation area is often required for passive
systems. Air diaphragms of air-based isolation systems need to be replaced after several
years of service.
Air is not required for Table Stable systems, but 110 240V AC power is required. Table
Stable systems run maintenance free for years and require ventilation if in a confined
space where heat dissipation is a problem.
Table Stable active vibration control systems are designed to run continuously for years
with no maintenance. These systems do not require air; their only requirement is 110
240V AC power. If the system is being used in a confined space and heat dissipation is a
concern, then ventilation should be used.
Comparison Table
The following table compares passive and active vibration control systems:
PASSIVE VS. ACTIVE - Comparison Table
FEATURE PASSIVE ACTIVE
Isolation Range >5Hz >.7Hz
Low Frequency Resonance 2 - 5 Hz None
Amplification at Resonance 4-9 times N/A
Load Sensitive Yes No
High Center of Gravity Decreases Efficiency Yes No
Stiffness Soft 500x Stiffer than Passive
Isolation in All Six Degrees of Freedom No Yes
Air Supply Requirements Hand Pump or Air Supply None
AC Power None 110-240 VAC
Settling Time 2 - 10 seconds 10-20 milliseconds
Automatic Load Adjustment
-M No
-A - Yes
AVI No
TS - Yes
Noise Isolated Ground-borne vibrations Ground, instrument, and acoustic noise
Price Low to Moderate Moderate to High
About Herzan
Herzan provides high performance environmental solutions for precision research
instruments. They include acoustic enclosures, vibration isolation systems, Faraday
cages, and site survey tools. Herzan specializes in supporting nanotechnology research,
but also offers solutions for product testing, in-vitro fertilization, and many other
applications.
Herzan understands that every application and environment is different, so it
collaborates with customers to create comprehensive integrated solutions that satisfy
their unique demands.
Herzan was founded in 1992 by Ann Scanlan in Orange County, California. Originally,
Herzan was established as an American subsidiary of Herz Company Ltd., a Japanese
company specializing in vibration control.