The hardware of an IMS network
is divided into three major constituents:
SENSORS
These are devices that convert ground motion (ground velocity or acceleration) into a measurable electronic signal. Other sensor types can also be used in an IMS seismic network.
DATA ACQUISITION
This encompasses devices responsible for the conversion of analogue signals (from sensors) into a digital format. Data can be recorded continuously or by employing triggering algorithms that determine when seismic events occur.
COMMUNICATION
Seismic data is transmitted to a central server for storage and processing, or to a local disk in the case of a standalone system.
Data communication can be tailored to suit specific applications.