Data Acquisition Systems for the Test and Measurement Engineer

Visidaq System Integration

Data Acquisition Systems for the Test & Measurement Engineer

Signal Conditioning
Active and Anti-aliasing Filters
PC Systems
Software
Networking
Report Generation
Analysis Software

SYSTEM INTEGRATION
Standard Visidaq 6400C systems are very easy to set up using Encore signal conditioning or customer supplied front ends. Systems require BNC or cable outputs to either Visidaq BNC input modules or standard screw terminal connectors. Custom systems installed in a network using Ethernet lines may require installation or engineering assistance. Visidaq offers “turnkey” data acquisition systems fully integrated and installed in cabinets with input signal conditioning. The integrated systems are assembled and tested prior to shipment. Save your manpower. Have Visidaq Solutions perform the cabling, assembly and test of your custom configuration.

Dual Screen Visidaq Model 6400C Data Acquisition System Integrated with Encore Signal Conditioning with Dual Screen PC System used to Remotely Access Real-time Data over a Network.

VOLTAGE LEVELS AND FILTERS
Standard Visidaq Data Acquisition Systems (DAQS) are configured for ±5VDC and ±10VDC input ranges. If the transducer's output voltages are within this range, the signals may be brought directly to the Visidaq without any signal conditioning other than anti-aliasing filters. Anti-aliasing or low pass filters may not be required but are usually recommended due to possible high frequency noise being carried on the signal. The filters should be set to cutoff frequencies above the signal to be measured and a sample rate set at 4 to 10 times the rate of the cutoff.

AVAILABLE OPTIONS AND FEATURES
Normally each parameter will be measured by a transducer directly exposed to the parameter being measured, i.e. pressure, force, displacement, acceleration, etc. Some parameters can be integrated or combined to get other usable data. Accelerometers can be integrated in the signal conditioning to get velocity or double integrated to get displacement. Derived channels are installed on the DAQ system and are easily programmed with the calculation to be performed. Strain, for example, can be measured individually and computed to get direction and magnitude. Two pressures can be measured individually and subtracted to get differentials. It is therefore advantageous for engineers to be aware of available options and features in the software that can make their job easier. The selections on these pages highlight some of the available features.

CALIBRATIONS
Each channel in the DAQ system should be calibrated in the range to which it will be measuring. Temperature probes, for example, may have to be subjected to a dry block calibrator standard or in the case of strain gage transducers it is advisable to get shunt calibration data from the manufacturer. This must be developed at the time of calibration and is normally available at two points and sometimes available in both directions. This allows for an easy calibration or system check when the transducer is connected to the DAQ system.

A physical calibration is best. For other transducers voltage calibration may be simulated or a physical calibration performed. In the case of 50,000-pound load cells, a shunt is a lot easier to perform than a dead weight calibration, which is also true for pressure calibrations. Shunt resistors can usually be requested for a particular range in the transducer and installed in the signal conditioner. In any case the calibration should verify both the system and the transducer.

HELP AVAILABLE
A well-designed system will allow adjustments and modifications to eliminate problems as they become apparent. Even the most experienced test engineers will find it useful to discuss a problem with the instrument or software designers. For this reason engineers at Encore Electronics and Visidaq Solutions are available to discuss the signal conditioning, computer hardware and software.

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