Strain gauges are often used for vibration testing and earth quake simulation on sub-assemblies and finished products. To accurately measure their signals requires high speed signal conditioning and synchronised data acquisition inputs to ensure accurate time based measurements.
Dynamic pressure measurements including turbulence, blast, ballistics and engine testing are typical applications for ICP pressure sensors. These dynamic sensors are suitable for high frequency signals and therefore require fast response signal conditioning and data acquisition systems.
In both applications, there is a high probability of signal aliasing, whereby high frequency noise and reflections are folded into the otherwise accurate data. To remove these unwanted signals requires precise filtering using anti-aliasing filters.
Solution Overview
This test system is based on the Microstar iDSC-1816 simultaneous sampling data acquisition processor. It uses analog and digital components, and proprietary algorithms to implement onboard brick-wall filters. An industrial PC platform contains up to four iDSC-1816 data acquisition cards, to provide up to 32 high speed filtered input signals.
Equipment used for the above system:
• Ventrix quad PC
• 4 x iDSC-1816
• SCS32 signal conditioning
• Software DSC View
Signal Conditioning
The SCS32 Signal Conditioning System compliments the iDSC-1816 anti-aliasing board to provide a continuous path in a single package: starting with the raw measurements at the sensor and ending with conditioned anti-aliased data logged to disk on a PC. The SCS32 is designed to excite and measure strain gauges, or ICP sensors as follows:
• Quarter, half and full bridge resistor networks
• Current sensor excitation
• Voltage sensor excitation: 1, 2, 5 and 10Vdc
• 120 and 350 Ohm resistors
• 10 full scale options: From 10mV to 10V
• Programmable gain with auto-calibration
• Programmable AC/DC coupling for ICP sensors
DSCView software
DSCView is a complete Windows or Linux application, that allows immediate and easy access to the iDSC-1816. DCSView requires no programming and provides a graphical interface to design and configure filters including the following:
• Filter type
• Sharpness
• Low and high cut-off frequency
• Attenuation
DSCView allows data to be easily saved to disk, plus produce graphs and tables
For further details on iDSC systems for Simultaneous or large data acquisition systems please click here
For further information please contact our Measurement & Control application engineers on 01273 570220 or email sales@amplicon.com.
