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Ultra Low Power, High Resolution Standalone Seismic Digitizer

This work presents a novel, state-of-the-art standalone digitizer designed for seismic monitoring applications. The device is based on three 32-bit analog-to-digital converters, providing a dynamic range of up to 143 dB and selectable sampling rates from 50 sps to 800 sps. Data acquisition and control are managed by a high-performance, low-power RISC processor running the proprietary GEObit operating system.

Seismic data are stored as GBT files format on a removable microSD card with a capacity of up to 64 GB, which is directly readable on both Linux and Windows operating systems. Data retrieval is straightforward, requiring only file transfer from the microSD card. Data can also be accessed via Bluetooth or USB interfaces, if the instrument is deployed underground.

In addition to the three high-resolution seismic channels, the digitizer supports three auxiliary 16-bit channels for seismometer state-of-health (SOH) monitoring, such as mass position. The device provides three command lines for locking, unlocking, and centering broadband seismometers, supporting both active-high and active-low logic, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of commercial broadband and wideband seismometers, as well as geophones. The analog front-end supports multiple gain configurations. The digitizer integrates one 3-axis MEMS accelerometer with a dynamic range of 97 dB, allowing simultaneous recording of seismic and acceleration data. Precise timing is ensured through a 32-channel GNSS receiver and a TCVCXO clock with 0.2ppm frequency stability.

Power consumption is extremely low, approximately 0.22 W, allowing continuous operation for up to six months when powered by a 170 Ah zinc–air battery. User interaction is supported via Bluetooth and USB connections, with dedicated iOS and Android applications providing real-time data visualization, instrument configuration, SOH monitoring, and seismometer control.

The device has a diameter of 110mm, a height of 30mm, and a weight of only 150g. It is housed in an IP68-rated enclosure made of hard-anodized aluminum, making it suitable for harsh environments and underground deployment.

Session: Network Seismology: Recent Developments, Challenges and Lessons Learned [Poster]

Type: Poster

Room: Exhibit Hall A+B

Date: 4/15/2026

Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Paul Friberg

Student Presenter: No

Invited Presentation: 

Poster Number: 16

Additional Authors