PC-based data-acquisition system combines high performance with flexible multi-channel capabilities
The new MX100 Daqmaster from Yokogawa is a PC-based data-acquisition system that combines high-speed performance with flexible multi-channel capabilities and a high withstand voltage for the most demanding applications.
For high-speed measurement, a measurement interval of only 10ms across 24 channels (or 100ms across 60 channels) is achieved.
It is also possible to carry out measurements using a combination of three different measurement intervals, with the intervals being individually set for each module.
This means that higher speed processes, such as pressure or flow, can be monitored and correlated with slower measurements such as temperature.
The system's measurement modules can be configured with easy-to-use software to include from four to 1200 channels, covering measurement intervals from 10ms to 60s.
Thanks to the use of removable terminal blocks, there is no need for re-wiring between different measurements, and system configuration and modification are aided by a number of versatile PC-based software options including Yokogawa's proprietary system, an application programming interface, and Labview drivers.
If users wish to create their own data acquisition software, there is no limit to the number of MX units that can be integrated with a single PC software element.
Reinforced insulation between the input terminal and the case allows the system to withstand 3700 V RMS for one minute, or 600 V RMS or DC continuously.
The MX100 can therefore provide measurement solutions to the most challenging applications, such as fuel-cell stack testing and thermocouple measurements on bare AC power lines.
The input modules use integrating A/D convertors with superior noise rejection performance, and a digital filtering function is available for noise that cannot be fully rejected even with integrating A/D convertors.
Time constants can be selected from five to 100 measurement interval times, so that filtering can be applied according to the noise to be rejected. The physical configuration of the MX100 system includes three elements: the main module including a power supply, an ethernet port, and a CompactFlash card slot; input/output modules; and a base plate.
One main module can accommodate up to six input/output modules of any of four types, which include four-channel or ten-channel, medium- or high-speed, universal or digital input types.
The universal input modules can handle mixed inputs of DC voltage, thermocouple, RTD and digital signals.
The CompactFlash memory slot ensures automatic and continuous data backup in the case of a network or PC failure.
The assembled unit can be used on a desktop or rack-mounted on standard DIN rails. All input terminals can be attached or detached for ease of re-configuration.
The standard software supplied with the system includes three elements: integration monitor, viewer and calibration.
Optional MXLogger software can be used to connect up to 20 MX units for data acquisition.
