Features:
- Stand-Alone 48-Channel Unit with Built-In Ethernet Controller
- Built-In Bridge Completion and Excitation
- 24-Bit A/D per Channel for High Resolution Data
- Up to 25 kSA/s per Channel Data Rates
The VXI Technology EX1629 High-Performance Remote Strain Gage Measurement Unit simplifies stress and fatigue testing of
large mechanical structures such as airframes and launch
vehicles. Ethernet control allows for remote operation and
easy connection to the host computer.
The VXI Technology EX1629 High-Performance Remote Strain Gage Measurement Unit is designed to simplify stress
and fatigue testing for groups that test large mechanical
products. The design of the EX1629 allows for the highest
performance measurements possible while keeping overall
test hardware costs down. The EX1629 also provides
internal self-calibration without having to disconnect from
the device under test.
High-density design techniques and high-quality
components combine (48) channels of strain conditioning
and excitation into a single 19-inch rackmount enclosure
that is only 3 1/2 inches high. The design of the EX1629
allows for full system flexibility with all bridge completion
and excitation changes done programmatically. No more
need to re-configure hardware to make measurement
changes.
The VXI Technology EX1629 High-Performance Remote Strain Gage Measurement Unit can operate independently, or for large
data acquisition applications multiple EX1629s can be
synchronized together via an external trigger bus. This
design allows for numerous units to be controlled by a
single host computer by utilizing a programmable master
slave relationship. The trigger input includes a D-Sub
connector which accepts TTL logic level input and has
programmable trigger polarity.
Extensive testing has resulted in the qualification of the
standard RJ-45 telecom connector as the ideal cost-effective
connector for strain gages. Not only are these connectors
reliable, but also cost-effective construction of custom length cables
is readily available. Re-configuration or replacement of strain
gage connections is as easy as connecting a telephone. For
static load testing, there is an additional benefit. The design of
the EX1629 allows it to be placed close to the device under test
in order to minimize wire lengths.
Programming the EX1629 is done through the built-in Ethernet
controller, with Plug and Play Function calls similar to previous
models from VXI Technology. This simplifies the programming
task and greatly reduces development time. High-level
commands also let users quickly configure the bridge, list the
parameters of the strain gage, program the excitation voltage,
and initiate a scan that produces measurement results in the
correct engineering units. The programming language also can
handle more difficult measurement and analysis situations.
For example, users can write programs using unique constants
for the mx+b linearization, or save raw bridge output voltages
needed for post processing purposes.
Tailoring a solution to the exact needs of the application is
easy with the broad choice of available configurations in
the EX1629. Users can select, under program control, the
appropriate bridge completion circuitry on a per-channel
basis: full, half, quarter-120Ω, quarter-350Ω, and quarter-user specified configurations. Programmable DSP based low-pass
filters let users control system noise on a per-channel basis.
The built-in digital filtering of the EX1629 allows users to
define filter type (Bessel or Butterworth), cutoff frequency and
order. A fixed single pole analog 60 kHz filter provides alias
free data. Each channel has programmable gain of 1, 10, or 100.
The EX1629 employs several techniques to ensure highly
reliable and accurate measurements for the entire signal path.
A 5-point internal calibration technique is used to reduce
measurement uncertainty and provide improved accuracy for
all system gains. Reference voltages of 14 V, 7 V, 0 V, -7 V, and
-14 V are used to calibrate each channel. Each of these five
voltages is then scaled by a factor of 0.1 and 0.01 to provide
equivalent calibration points for the ±1.5 V and ±0.15 V input
ranges. Gain errors are recorded in memory for measurement
compensation at run time. To further minimize error, the offset
in each channel is measured by the system, with the inputs to
each amplifier grounded.
The EX1629 VXI Technology High-Performance Remote Strain Gage Measurement Unit may still be available for purchase and support from Artisan Technology Group beyond End-Of-Life (EOL) by the manufacturer (OEM).
Artisan Scientific Corporation dba Artisan Technology Group is not affiliated with or a distributor for VXI Technology. The depiction, description, or sale of products featuring names, trademarks, brands, and logos is for identification and/or reference purposes only and does not indicate any affiliation with or authorization by any rights holder.