Abstract: The optimized layout of sensor measuring points is of significant importance for the condition monitoring, fault diagnosis and health management of mechanical equipment. Focusing on gear transmission systems, this paper investigates a method for optimizing vibration sensor placement based on the effective independent analysis of gearbox modes and frequency response functions. This method uses the fused signals from the optimized measuring points to monitor the vibration of the gear transmission system. A dynamic model of the gearbox is established, and modal analysis is performed to obtain the mode shapes of the gearbox. These mode shapes are utilized for effective independent analysis to determine an initial sensor layout. Harmonic response analysis is conducted to obtain the frequency response functions of these initial measuring points relative to the main bearing seats. The measuring points are further optimized using principal component analysis and effective independent analysis. The optimized measuring points most sensitive to gear fault excitation are selected. Spectral weighted fusion is performed based on the importance weights of the optimized measuring points. The fused spectrum then enables vibration monitoring of the gear transmission. Analysis of measured data from a bevel gear transmission test rig demonstrates that, compared to the fused spectra from arbitrarily selected measuring point groups, the fused spectrum from the optimized measuring point group exhibits a larger overall response amplitude. This indicates a superior monitoring effect for the oprational status of gear transmission.