Phoenix Contact’s new EMpro measuring devices detect, monitor and analyze electrical characteristics, such as voltage, current, power, consumption, harmonics and network asymmetries, of machines and systems. This data can help engineers make informed decisions about the energy consumption and energy quality of their system. This can lower electrical costs, minimize downtime and reduce harmonic disturbances […]
Calibration
Why calibrate your oscilloscope?
Many oscilloscopes come out of the box already calibrated. When I received my scope from Textronix, there was a Certificate of Traceable Calibration included with my product. This certificate assured me that measurements would be accurate within the specification limits that I select in the instrument. However, after a year, this scope will need calibration. […]
Temperature Transmitters Receive ATEX Certification for Use in Hazardous Locations
Acromag’s ST130 Series temperature transmitters recently received ATEX approval for use in explosive atmospheres. These thermocouple and RTD transmitters are USB-configured, loop-powered and provide a proportional 4-20mA output. The official ATEX certification is Ex II 3 G Ex nA IIC T4 Gc -40°C ≤ Ta ≤ +80°C (explosion-protected for Category 3G, Group II, Zone 2 […]
DAQ Series: Transmit and Receive Information
DAQs work within computer systems. However, in order to make data acquisition work you must transmit and receive signals in order to process the information. There are a wide variety of interfaces used to connect data acquisition hardware to computers such as PCI bus, Ethernet and USB protocols. In addition to interfaces connecting DAQ systems […]
Portable Metrology Pushes Race Teams to Creative Engineering
by Cathy Hayat, Hexagon Metrology, Inc. Metrology became an essential part of the build process once NASCAR brought tighter tolerances into play. At the competitive edge of every professional sport, the margins of victory are often tiny differences in energy, efficiency, skill and physical configuration. Over time, this gives rise to elaborate regulations governing competitors’ behavior, […]
DAQ Series: Podcast: miniSystems for Engineering Excellence
In this DAQ Series, we discuss how DAQs are scaled down for educational purposes. National Instruments is dedicated to teaching engineering fundamentals beyond theory and mathematical applications. Its target is to teach students engineering concepts as a whole. The idea of teaching students hands-on, visual applications came from the suggestions of professors and teachers at […]
DAQ Series: Methodology associated with data acquisition
In the previous DAQ series, What is a Data Acquisition (DAQ), and How DAQs Work at a High Level, terminology that is analogous with DAQs was mentioned. To delve further, this series will discuss the some of the methodology associated with data acquisition. Transducers, Sensors, Actuators: As we know, data acquisition begins with a physical […]
DAQ Series: How DAQs work at a high level
As Daniel Carnes (Facebook reader) said, “As more and more data acquisition systems make their way into our lives it is good to know how they work at least at a high level.” Taking a cue from Mr. Carnes, engineers are no longer stereotyped as the person wearing the white coat in a lab. We […]
OMEGA Introduces High Temperature Pressure Data Logger
The OM-CP-PR140 is a pressure data logger designed for use in autoclave validation and mapping.This rugged device can withstand temperatures up to 140°C (284°F) and is completely submersible (IP68). The OM-CP-PR140 is built with a precision stainless steel pressure gauge. The device has an accuracy of ±0.03 Bar (±0.435 psi), which can be achieved over […]
Sensoray Introduces PCI Express Analog and Digital I/O
Sensoray announces the newest member of their extensive line of OEM data acquisition cards with the release of the Model 826, a PCI Express Analog and Digital I/O board with multistage watchdog timer. Featuring 6 encoder/timer/counter interfaces, 16 differential analog inputs (16-bit, 300 kS/s), 8 analog outputs (16-bit, 900 kS/s), 48 bi-directional digital I/Os with […]