Gould-Nicolet has launched a range of powerful networking tools which enable remote control and monitoring of test and meaurement instrumentation from another PC
The instruments in the range all have build in Ethernet connectivity, which enables simple integration within an existing Ethernet environment, and allowing two way communication with a PC to be quickly established on a company intranet.
In addition, because Ethernet is built on a TCP/IP backbone, the instruments can also be controlled and monitored from a client PC over the internet, removing the problem of distance from remote communications.
The four new instruments are UltimaNet (a high speed digital storage oscilloscope), DAstarNet (a multi-channel data acquisition system), VisionNet (a high speed data acquisition instrument) and CompassNet (a dynamic analyser).
The range offers acquisition performance of up to 2GS/s, 24-bit resolution and up to 96 channels.
Other features include long term recording direct to disk and real-time display of the frequency domain.
But the key feature of all the instruments in the range is their ability to be easily networked to other instruments and to remote PCs for control and monitoring.
Each instrument incorporates high performance computer technology and, utilising the Windows operating system, the instruments are controlled via a simple network link.
Instruments can be placed at a remote site, acquiring data and carrying out tests while data is viewed live on a host PC in the controlled office environment.
Distance is no longer a problem - with the instrument in one location, while the client PC could be anywhere else in the world.
UltimaNet is based on a high-speed 4 channel DSO with 500MHz bandwidth, 2GS/second sample rate and up to 1 megasample memory per channel.
With no built-in display or front panel controls, it runs on its own internal PC.
By simply connecting a monitor and mouse/keyboard, the unit provides a fully functioning desktop PC and high performance data acquisition instrument all in one.
This high level of integration provides a seamless link to data capture analysis and report generation with no need for complex data interchange between the acquisition instrument and a PC.
DAstarNet caters for up to 96 channel inputs of data acquisition.
This rugged instrument incorporates a PC and a large hard disk for continuous data capture.
The DAstarNet is controlled via the network and set up to acquire data, while the monitoring of that data is achieved on a host computer over the network using DataViewer software. Progress of the acquisition can be checked on the remote PC at any time by retrieving recorded data via the network connection, without interruption of the main data capture.
VisionNet records on eight channels at 100KS/s simultaneously and continuously over several hours.
Again data can be viewed remotely enabling instruments to be put into harsh environments without danger to the operator.
Not only can instruments be controlled and send data over long distances, but several instruments can be connected using the network.
CompassNet is an eight channel dynamic signal analyser that provides live high-resolution digital frequency analysis using 24-bit analogue inputs. Applications include noise, vibration, modal and acoustic analysis, servo systems and more.
Again network connection provides remote control and monitoring.
All the instruments are supported with software providing high performance analysis, complementing the high quality acquisition performance. "Networking is the future for instrumentation," comments Richard Parish of Gould Nicolet Technologies.
"It removes the expense of hardware and software support of GPIB systems, whilst at the same time providing full control and high-speed data display to and from a remote PC."
