New Modules Expand Rugged Data Acquisition System

HBM Inc., a manufacturer of data acquisition (DAQ) systems, analysis and calibration software, strain gauges, transducers and sensors, has announced the availability of three new modules for its ruggedized SomatXR DAQ system: The MX840B-R Universal Module, the MX411B-R Highly Dynamic Module and the MX471B-R CAN Module. These devices, says the company, are ideal for applications, environments and operating conditions where laptops and other amplifiers would fail quickly.

According to HBM, the SomatXR DAQ system’s rugged design and flexible configuration make it a good choice for drive and durability testing of construction, agricultural and mining machines as well as for structural monitoring and for summer and winter road testing of automobiles. The SomatXR DA system provides a web interface for simple operation without any software installation. This, explains the company, allows for remote channel parameterization as well as monitoring of measurement jobs and visualization of measured data.

The three new modules for the SomatXR DA system offer IP65 / IP67 dust and water-tightness protection ratings and an operating temperature range from -40° to +176°F (-40° to +80°C). The modules meet MIL−STD202G standards for vibration resistance up to 10g and shock resistance up to 75g.

The new MX840B-R Universal Module is for measurement tasks requiring multiple transducer types. HBM reports that the module’s measuring amplifier provides eight channels for connecting more than 16 different types of transducers, including various forms of strain gauges, piezoelectric transducers, bridge circuits, resistance thermometers, thermocouples and ohmic resistors. It offers a per-channel sampling rate of 40 kilosamples per second (kS/s) and a signal bandwidth of 7kHz.

The MX840B-R Universal Module extends HBM’s SomatXR data acquisition system for measurement tasks that require the use of multiple transducer types. Image courtesy of HBM Inc.

The MX411B-R Highly Dynamic Module is for highly dynamic acquisition and analysis of mechanical measurement quantities. This unit offers 24-bit resolution and four channels with a maximum sample rate of 100 kS/s per channel, which increases to 200 kS/s in two-channel mode. The MX411B-R supports a variety of transducer technologies, including voltage, standardized current, full- or half-bridge circuit strain gauges, inductive full and half bridges, current-fed piezoelectric transducers and piezoresistive full bridges.

HBM’s new MX411B-R Highly Dynamic Module for its SomatXR data acquisition system provides 24-bit resolution and four channels with a maximum sample rate of 100 kilosamples per second (kS/s) per channel or 200 kS/s in two-channel mode. Image courtesy of HBM Inc.

The MX471B-R CAN Module connects the SomatXR DA system to a CAN network for recording mechanical quantities and digital vehicle data. Four individually configurable interfaces receive CAN, SAE J1913, CCP or xCP-on-CAN data and offer the option of using CAN messages as triggers for measurement recordings. Additionally, the module provides gateway functionality and can send sensor signals acquired with other SomatXR modules as CAN messages. This option, explains HBM, allows integrating the measurement system with an existing test automation environment in the test bench or with a CAN-based data recorder.

The MX471B-R CAN Module from HBM connects the SomatXR data acquisition system to a CAN network. Its four individually configurable interfaces receive CAN, SAE J1913, CCP or xCP-on-CAN data. Image courtesy of HBM Inc.

With the introduction of the MX840B-R, MX411B-R and the MX411B-R modules, HBM now offers eight modules for the SomatXR DAQ system, including units for data recording, signal conditioning and Ethernet switching.

According to the HBM website, the MX840B-R Universal Module costs $8,652. The MX411B-R Highly Dynamic Module and the MX471B-R CAN Module are $7,210 and $4,523, respectively. For more information on the SomatXR DAQ system and all its modules, visit HBM Inc.

Go here for more on the MX840B-R Universal Module.

Go here for more on the MX411B-R Highly Dynamic Module.

Go here for more on the MX471B-R CAN Module.

See why DE‘s Editors selected HBM’s new modules for the SomatXR data acquisition system as their Pick of the Week.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.