Fluid Measurement Probes

Digital Pitot Probes

Self-contained pitot-static probes with onboard sensors and digital output, for speed measurement in wind tunnels, light UAVs and automotive testing.

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Pitot-Static Speed Measurement With the Electronics Built In

A digital pitot probe combines a pitot-static head with onboard pressure sensors and analog-to-digital conversion, so local flow speed streams to a PC over USB without a separate pressure transducer or scanner. It also reports absolute static pressure, local fluid temperature and humidity for air density, and includes a 6-axis inertial sensor for automatic alignment and vibration warning.

Tip geometry can be hemispherical, conical or Kiel, with straight or cranked stings. A polymer enclosure and carbon-fibre probe boom are available for UAV use, and with optional dynamic calibration the probe also provides single-component turbulence quantities.

Digital pitot probe with straight stem and integrated electronics body

At a Glance

24-bit data acquisition at 1000 Hz
Stock full-scale ranges from 0 to 15 m/s up to 0 to 110 m/s; custom ranges available
Differential pressure sensitivity down to 160 Pa full scale
Total system mass down to 30 g
USB 2.0, RS232 or UDP Ethernet outputs

Specifications

Digital Pitot Probe Specifications

Manufacturer specifications for standard digital pitot probe configurations. Accuracy, custom ranges and sting geometry are confirmed at quotation.

Probe type	Self-contained pitot-static probe with onboard sensors and analog-to-digital conversion
Measurements	Local flow speed, absolute static pressure, local fluid temperature and humidity
Data acquisition	24-bit, 1000 Hz
Speed ranges	Stock full-scale ranges from 0 to 15 m/s up to 0 to 110 m/s; custom ranges available
Differential pressure sensitivity	Down to 160 Pa full scale, temperature-compensated
Tip geometry	Hemispherical (standard), conical or Kiel
Stings	Straight or cranked; stings can be removed for maintenance or purge
Recovery factor	Better than 0.999 over flow angles of 15° (motorsport configuration)
System mass	Down to 30 g
Orientation sensing	6-axis inertial sensor for automatic alignment and vibration warning
Outputs	USB 2.0, RS232 or UDP Ethernet; Ethernet requires a communications adaptor
UAV option	Polymer enclosure and carbon-fibre probe boom
Software	Interface software and a development kit for NI LabVIEW; NI LabVIEW run-time and NI-VISA are required

Why K-Tec Systems

More Than a Probe Supplier

K-Tec Systems manufactures the sensing and cabling around the probe in Ferndale, Michigan, so one U.S. team can support the whole measurement chain, from thermocouples and RTDs to wire harnesses.

Manufactured and supported in the U.S.

K-Tec Systems builds custom thermocouples, RTDs, wire harnesses and test stands at our Ferndale, Michigan, facility. The probe, the temperature sensing and the cabling can be specified together, with one U.S. team behind the order.

Flow and temperature at the same point

K-Tec thermocouples and RTDs can be integrated into compatible probe designs, so total pressure and temperature are measured at the same location.

Registered for government and defense work

CAGE Code 4W0S0. WBENC and WOSB certified woman-owned small business. CMMC Level 2.

Thermocouples produced to ISO/IEC 17025 standards

Thermocouples for your test article are produced to ISO/IEC 17025 standards at K-Tec Systems.

Applications

Where Digital Pitot Probes Are Used

Wind tunnel testing

Low- and high-speed aerodynamics with 24-bit pressure measurement and integrated environmental sensors.

Light UAV flight data

A compact flight data probe with pressure altitude estimation, and polymer enclosure and carbon-fibre boom options.

Automotive and motorsport

A high-performance alternative for wind-tunnel scanning, and a probe for process control and automotive testing.

FAQ

Digital Pitot Probes: Frequently Asked Questions

How is a digital pitot probe different from a standard pitot-static tube?

A standard pitot-static tube needs pressure lines and a separate transducer. A digital pitot probe has the sensors and analog-to-digital conversion inside, so it connects directly to a PC over USB 2.0, RS232 or UDP Ethernet (Ethernet requires an additional communications adaptor).

What speed ranges are available?

Stock full-scale ranges run from 0 to 15 m/s up to 0 to 110 m/s, and custom ranges are available. Confirm the range for your test at quotation.

Does it measure flow angle?

It is designed for speed measurement. For simultaneous dynamic pressure and yaw angle see yaw pitots, and for flow direction see 7-hole probes.

Can it be used on a UAV?

Yes. A polymer enclosure and carbon-fibre probe boom are available, and total system mass can be as low as 30 g.

How do I order one?

Contact K-Tec Systems with your speed range, tip geometry and installation constraints. Configuration, lead time and price are confirmed at quotation.

Not sure which probe fits your test? See the full probe range or call 248-414-4100.

Other Probe Types

All probes are supplied in the U.S. by K-Tec Systems. Scroll or use the arrows to see every probe type, or visit the fluid measurement probes overview.