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Model D4 Data Acquisition
Conditioner
Instruction ManualVersion 1.34
Micro-Measurements
P.O. Box 27777Raleigh, NC 27611
USA
Phone: (919) 365-3800
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.micro-measurements.com
January 2013 130-000208
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.micro-measurements.com/http://www.micro-measurements.com/http://www.micro-measurements.com/http://www.micro-measurements.com/mailto:[email protected]
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 DESCRIPTION ....................................................................... 1
1.1 General .......................................................................... 1
1.2 Functional Features ...................................................... 2
2 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................. 3
2.1 Input Connections ......................................................... 3
2.2 Bridge Configurations ................................................... 3 2.3 Data Conversion ............................................................ 3
2.4 Measurement Range/Resolution .................................. 4
2.5 Measurement Accuracy ................................................ 4
2.6 Gage Factor Control ...................................................... 4
2.7 Balance Control ............................................................. 4
2.8 Bridge Excitation ........................................................... 4
2.9 Communication Interface ............................................. 4 2.10 Shunt Calibration .......................................................... 5
2.11 Power ............................................................................ 5
2.12 Operational Environment ............................................. 5
2.13 Case ............................................................................... 5
2.14 Size and Weight ............................................................ 5
3 FRONT AND REAR PANELS .............................................. 6
3.1 USB Interface ................................................................ 7 3.2 Input Connectors .......................................................... 7
3.3 Status LED ..................................................................... 7
3.4 Software ........................................................................ 7
4 HARDWARE OPERATION ................................................. 8
4.1 Power Up....................................................................... 8
4.2 Input Connections ......................................................... 8 4.2.1 Pin Functions ......................................................................... 8 4.2.2 Strain Gage and Transducer Input Circuits ......................... 11
5 SOFTWARE OPERATION ................................................ 14
5.1 Overview ..................................................................... 14
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5.2 Connecting the D4(s) to the PC ................................... 14 5.3 Application Startup ..................................................... 15
5.5 Screen Management ................................................... 16
5.6 Control Screen............................................................. 16
5.7 Monitor Screen ........................................................... 16 5.7.1 Identify a D4 ........................................................................ 17 5.7.2 Peak Values ......................................................................... 17
5.8 Channel Configuration ................................................ 19 5.8.1 Channel Name ..................................................................... 20 5.8.2 Bridge Type ......................................................................... 20 5.8.3 Number of Decimal Places to Display ................................. 23 5.8.4 Scaling ................................................................................. 23 5.8.5 Balance (Zero) ..................................................................... 24
5.9 Saving and Recalling Settings (PC) .............................. 26
5.10 Saving Settings to the D4 ............................................ 27
5.10.1 Reset (Set to Default) .......................................................... 27 5.10.2 Excitation Output and Noise Rejection Settings ................. 27 5.10.3 Format Offscale Value ......................................................... 28 5.10.4 Poisson’s Ratio .................................................................... 28
5.11 Charting ....................................................................... 29 5.11.1 Charting Controls ................................................................ 29 5.11.2 Charting Colors .................................................................... 30
5.12 Recording .................................................................... 30
5.12.1 Setting up the Data File ....................................................... 30 5.12.2 Data File Format .................................................................. 31
5.13 Calibration ................................................................... 33 5.13.1 Shunt Calibration ................................................................ 33 5.13.2 System Calibration Software ............................................... 34 5.13.3 Required Instruments ......................................................... 34
5.14 Program Messages ...................................................... 40
5.15 Upgrading Firmware ................................................... 40 6 WARRANTY ........................................................................ 42
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1 DESCRIPTION
1.1 General
The Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner is a portable,
USB-powered, precision instrument for use with resistive strain
gages and strain gage – based transducers.
The Model D4 has four channels of data acquisition.Connection to each channel is via an RJ-45 connector. Each
channel of input accepts full-, half-, or quarter-bridge
configuration. All required bridge completion components for
120-, 350-, and 1000-ohm bridges are supplied.
Operation of the Model D4 is performed with commands sent
via the USB connection. Application software is provided tocontrol the D4 with an MS Windows – based personal computer.
A programmer’s reference kit is available to simplify writing
custom applications.
The Model D4 uses modern digital signal processing
technology to provide excellent noise rejection and stability.
Proprietary scaling and linearization algorithms provideunsurpassed measurement accuracy for strain-gage bridge
measurements.
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1.2 Functional FeaturesThe Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner has the following
features:
Four input channels.
Hardware and software support for quarter-, half-and full-bridge circuits.
Built-in precision bridge completion for 120-, 350-
and 1000-ohm half and quarter bridges. 8Hz sampling rate.
Automatic and manual zero-balance and calibration.
Full control of all functions via the USB Interface.
Portable, lightweight, rugged design.
Powered via the USB interface.
Intuitive, user-friendly software.
Programmability.
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2 SPECIFICATIONS Note: Performance may be degraded at high levels of
repetitive electrostatic discharge; however, no damage to
the unit will occur.
2.1 Input Connections
Type: RJ-45 Modular
Quantity: Four
2.2 Bridge Configurations
Types: Quarter, half, and full bridges
Bridge Impedance: 60Ω to 2000Ω
Internal Bridge Completion:
Quarter bridge: 120Ω, 350Ω, and 1000Ω ±0.01%
Half bridge: 1000Ω ±0.01%2.3 Data Conversion
A/D Converter: Delta-sigma with integral chopper-stabilized,
programmable gain instrumentation amplifier.
Resolution: 24 bits. Noise-free resolution: 18 bits typ.
Filter : Integrated linear phase FIR Sinc5 filter followed by a
Sinc3 filter with a programmable decimation rate. Softwareselectable output rate provides >120 dB rejection of 50Hz,
60Hz and higher level harmonics.
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2.4 Measurement Range/ResolutionStrain Range: ±31,000με at GF = 2.000. (±15.5 mV/V)
Resolution: ±1με at GF = 2.000 (±0.0005 mV/V)
2.5 Measurement Accuracy
±0.1% of reading ±3 counts.
(Instrument Gage Factor = 2.000)
2.6 Gage Factor Control Range: 0.500 to 9.900
2.7 Balance Control
Type: Software
Control: Manual or automatic
2.8 Bridge ExcitationValue: 1.5 VDC nominal
Control: Software enable/disable
Measurements are fully ratiometric and not degraded by
variations in excitation voltage.
2.9 Communication Interface
Universal Serial Bus (USB). Cable included.
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2.10 Shunt Calibration Location: Across each quarter-bridge completion resistor
Control: Software
Values:
P- to D120: 11.94KΩ ±0.1% (5000με at GF = 2.00)
P- to D350: 34.8KΩ ±0.1% (5000με at GF = 2.00)
P- to D1000: 99.5KΩ ±0.1% (5000με at GF = 2.00)
2.11 Power
USB: 5V 100mA
2.12 Operational Environment
Temperature: 0° to +50°C
Humidity: Up to 90% RH. Non-condensing.
2.13 Case Material : Aluminum
2.14 Size and Weight
Size: 4.3W x 1.4H x 5.7L inches (110 x 36 x 145 mm)
Weight : 0.8 lb. (0.36 kg)
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3 FRONT AND REAR PANELS
Status LED
Input
Connectors
USB Port
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3.1 USB InterfaceThe USB interface is the communication channel between the
Model D4 and a host PC.
When connected, a PC (running MS Windows XP, Vista, or 7)
identifies the D4 as a standard USB Human Interface Device;
therefore, no special device drivers are required.
3.2 Input Connectors
The input connectors connect the strain gage or transducer to
the D4.
Mating connectors for the D4:
Tyco 554739 or equivalent (MM Part No. D4-A106)
Recommended crimping tool for the mating connectors:
Tyco 3-231652-0 (MM Part No. D4-A108)
Note: Crimping tool can be used on both shielded and
unshielded connectors.
3.3 Status LED
The Status LED illuminates when the D4 is powered up and
ready for operation.
3.4 Software
The D4 is shipped with user-friendly application software that
provides data recording and control as well as calibration. A
Programmer’s Reference Kit is included that contains a
Programmer’s Reference Manual, an NI LabVIEW instrumentdriver, and programming examples.
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4 HARDWARE OPERATION 4.1 Power Up
The D4 receives its power via the USB connection. The Status
LED illuminates when the D4 is ready to begin operation.
4.2 Input Connections
Strain gages and strain gage – based transducers are connectedto the D4 through the four input connectors labeled 1 through
4.
4.2.1 Pin Functions
Each channel of the D4 accommodates an eight-pin modular
plug (MM Part No. D4-A106). The pin arrangement and
functions are shown in Table 1 and in Figure 1. Input Shielding: To reduce noise and protect the integrity of
the bridge signal from electrostatic discharge (ESD) and radio
frequency (RF) noise, a shielded cable connection is
recommended. The shield or drain wire should be connected to
the shield of the input connector.
Symbol Strain Gage Card Function Pin
P- Negative Excitation 1
P+ Positive Excitation 2
S- Negative signal amplifier input 3
D120 120 ohm Dummy Resistor 4
D350 350 ohm Dummy Resistor 5
S+ Positive signal amplifier input 6
D1000 1000 ohm Dummy Resistor 7
N/C Unused 8
SHIELD Shield S (Shield)
Table 1 - Model D4 Individual Pin Functions
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Figure 1 - Model D4 Input Plug Orientation
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2
6
1
3
4
5
7
S
EXCITATION +
SIGNAL +
EXCITATION –
SIGNAL -
D120
D350
SHIELD
Connector on D4
D1000
Figure 2 - Model D4 Input Plug Connections
Half-Bridge and Quarter-Bridge Inputs: In addition to full-
bridge operation, the D4 can accept half- and quarter-bridge
configurations. Internal completion resistors are provided for
120Ω, 350Ω, and 1000Ω quarter - bridges. A 1000Ω internal
half-bridge circuit is available for quarter- and half-bridgeconfigurations.
The connection to S+ for the half-bridge completion resistors is
under firmware control.
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4.2.2 Strain Gage and Transducer Input Circuits
The basic input circuits for strain gage and strain gage – based
transducers are shown in Figure 3 through 9.
2
4
3
S
EXCITATION +
D120
SIGNAL -
SHIELD
Figure 3 – 120 Ohm Quarter Bridge / Three-Wire Connection
2
5
3
S
EXCITATION +
D350
SIGNAL -
SHIELD
Figure 4 – 350 Ohm Quarter Bridge / Three-Wire Connection
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2
7
3
S
EXCITATION +
D1000
SIGNAL -
SHIELD
Figure 5 – 1000 Ohm Quarter Bridge / Three-Wire Connection
2
3
1
S
EXCITATION +
SIGNAL -
EXCITATION -
SHIELD
REXT
Figure 6 – Quarter Bridge / External Dummy
2
3
1
S
EXCITATION +
SIGNAL -
EXCITATION -
SHIELD
Figure 7 – Half Bridge / Adjacent Gages
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2
3
1
S
EXCITATION +
SIGNAL -
EXCITATION -
SHIELD
Figure 8 – Half Bridge / Separate Gages
2
6
1
3
S
EXCITATION +
SIGNAL +
EXCITATION -
SIGNAL -
SHIELD
i
Figure 9 – Full Bridge / Four-Wire plus shield
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5 SOFTWARE OPERATION 5.1 Overview
The Model D4 is supplied with application software to
configure the D4 and collect data via the USB Interface. The
software supports a combination of up to six Model D4 or
Model P3 devices, differentiated by serial number. The
firmware version of your D4 (or P3) must be 2.50 or greater towork with this application. Use the upgrade firmware feature
of your previous application to update the firmware to the latest
level.
5.2 Connecting the D4(s) to the PC
Connect the USB interface on the D4 to an open USB port on
the PC using the supplied cable. After the Status LED on the
D4 illuminates, the PC should recognize the D4 automatically.
When multiple D4s or P3s are connected at the same time, it
may take the PC several minutes to recognize all units.
You may monitor the PC’s
recognition of each device
in the Windows DeviceManager. A USB Human
Interface Device will appear
in the Device Manager for
each D4 and P3 connected.
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5.3 Application StartupOnce the devices are connected to your PC, start the
application from Windows by navigating to the following item
in the startup menu:
Start>>Programs>>
Micro-Measurements P3-D4>> P3-D4 Application
The application will automatically connect to the devices. Depending on the speed of the PC and the number of devices,
this process can take 1-5 minutes.
When the software has recognized the devices, the software
will display a Monitor Screen for each device connected and
one Control Screen that contains the menu bar.
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Note: Additional devices should not be added while theapplication software is running. Exit the software before
adding or removing devices from the system.
5.5 Screen Management
The Control Screen and Monitor Screens may be moved by
clicking and dragging the title bar. A Monitor Screen may be
re-sized by clicking and dragging the lower right corner of the
screen.
5.6 Control Screen
The control screen gives you access to the main program menu
and the recording controls.
5.7 Monitor ScreenThe Monitor Screen shows the channel readings. By default,
the channel readings are active when you start the program. To
turn the readings display on or off, on the Control Screen
menu, select Hardware>>Real Time Display.
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The screen on the left shows a Monitor Screen when readingsare inactive. The screen on the right shows the screen when
readings are active. Note that readings are grayed out when the
display is inactive.
5.7.1 Identify a D4The serial number of each D4 displays in the title bar of the
window. If you need to identify which D4 is associated with a
serial number, you may select Hardware>>Identify and then
select that serial number. The LED light will blink on the D4
that has that serial number.
5.7.2 Peak ValuesThe display of peak values (“Min peak ” and “Max peak ”) may
be turned on or off with the menu item File>>Display Peak
Values. Peak values for all channels may be reset with the
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menu item Channels>>Reset Peak Values. Peak values for aspecific channel may be reset by right-clicking in the channel
reading segment and selecting Reset Peak.
No peak valuesdisplayed
Peak values
reset
Peak valuesdisplayed
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5.8 Channel ConfigurationTo access the configuration values for a channel, select
Channels>>Settings on the Control Screen. (The real-time
display readings must be disabled to access this screen.) If
multiple devices are connected, click on the serial number of
the desired D4 under Devices. The LED light on that D4 will
blink to confirm the selection.
Click on the channel to be configured. Note: Each of the four
channels on a D4 must be set independently.
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At the bottom of the screen are three buttons: Click Cancel to exit the screen without saving changes.
Note: Cancel will not undo any changes that have been
applied.
Click Apply to apply the configuration changesimmediately. Results may be viewed on the Monitor
Screen.
Click OK to exit the channel configuration screen andsave changes.
5.8.1 Channel Name
The channel name entered will identify the channel on the
Monitor Screen and in the recorded data file. The default is:
Channel N, where N is the channel number 1 through 4.
5.8.2 Bridge Type
The bridge type determines whether the internal half bridge is
used and determines the appropriate scaling/linearization
algorithm. The following table summarizes the bridge types.
For more information on the calculations used by the D4,
please contact the Micro-Measurements application
engineering department.
The following bridge configuration examples assume that the
raw strain data is to be reduced to equivalent uniaxial strain
with the nonlinearity correction applied where appropriate.
Select the "Undef" bridge, either Half-Bridge/Quarter-Bridge
or Full-Bridge when you require the net output of the active
strain gages without mathematical correction for either bridge.
mailto:[email protected]?subject=D4%20Channel%20Configurationmailto:[email protected]?subject=D4%20Channel%20Configurationmailto:[email protected]?subject=D4%20Channel%20Configurationmailto:[email protected]?subject=D4%20Channel%20Configurationmailto:[email protected]?subject=D4%20Channel%20Configuration
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Selection Bridge Diagram Description
Quarter
Single active gage in
uniaxial tension or
compression.
HB adj
,-
Two active gages with
equal and opposite
strains — typical of
bending-beam
arrangement.
HB opp
,-
Two active gages with
equal strains of the same
sign — used on opposite
sides of column with
low thermal gradient
(bending cancellation,
for instance.)
HB shear
Two active gages with
equal and opposite
strains aligned with the
maximum and minimum
principal strains to
measure shear strain.
HB adj
,
Two active gages in
uniaxial stress field —
one aligned with
maximum principal
strain, the other with
transverse "Poisson"strain. Default Poisson’s
Ratio = 0.3.
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Selection Bridge Diagram Description
FB 4
active
Four active gages with
pairs subjected to equal
and opposite strains(beam in bending).
FB shear
Four active gages with
pairs subjected to equal
and opposite strains
(shaft in torsion).
FB opp
Four active gages in
uniaxial stress field —
two aligned withmaximum principal
strain, the other two with
transverse "Poisson"
strain (column). Default
Poisson’s Ratio = 0.3.
FB adj
Four active gages inuniaxial stress field —
two aligned withmaximum principal
strain, the other two with
transverse "Poisson"
strain (beam). Default
Poisson’s Ratio = 0.3.
Undef FB
Undefined full bridge
circuit. No correction for
Wheatstone Bridge
nonlinearity or activearms.
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Selection Bridge Diagram Description
Undef
HB/QB
Undefined half- or
quarter-bridge circuit.
No correction for
Wheatstone Bridge
nonlinearity or active
arms.
Table 2 Bridge Types
5.8.3 Number of Decimal Places to Display
Enter the number of values you would like to have after the
decimal place on the displayed data.
Value Description
0 Display no decimal places; e.g. 123
1 Display 1 decimal place; e.g. 123.12 Display 2 decimal places; e.g. 123.12
n Where n is the number of decimal places.
5.8.4 Scaling
The engineering units for a channel may be microstrain (ue),
millivolts per volt (mV/V), or may be user defined. Scaling
options on the D4 are determined by the units selected.
5.8.4.1 Strain Gage Inputs
Microstrain: If the selected units are ue (microstrain), scaling
is determined by the gage factor of the sensor as follows:
Range: 0.500 to 9.900
Default: 2.000
Millivolts per volt: If the selected units are millivolts per volt
(mV/V), no scaling is necessary.
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5.8.4.2 Transducer InputsCustom: User-defined units (such as psi or cm) assume linear
scaling. To properly scale the data, enter the following
parameters:
Engineering Units
Enter up to four characters. This will be displayed in
the channel segment on the Monitor Screen.
Full Scale in mV/V
Enter the millivolt per volt value at full scale. This
value is used in conjunction with the Full Scale in
Engineering Units value. It is used with engineering
units other than microstrain (ue) or mV/V. During
manual shunt calibration, fix the full-scale value in
engineering units and change the full-scale mV/Vvalue. It is recommended to set this value at or near the
expected full-scale value when manually scaling the
channel.
Range: -15.625 to +15.625 (excluding 0)
Default: 2.000
Full Scale in Engineering UnitsDefines the full-scale value for engineering units other
than ue or mV/V. All scaling is linear.
Range: -99999 to 99999 (excluding a value of 0)
Default: 1
5.8.5 Balance (Zero)
Balancing specifies that the current value of a sensor is the zerooffset reading. Because this zero offset reading is rarely 0.00,
it is typically subtracted from all subsequent readings. Channel
readings returned from the D4 have the zero offset removed.
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You may auto-balance a channel, manually balance the
channel, or disable the removal of the zero offset. The default
balance value is 0.
5.8.5.1 Auto Balance (Zero)
The steps in performing an auto-balance operation for a single
channel are:
1. Enter all of the other channel settings before youauto balance.
2. Adjust the sensor to the correct setting for a zeroreading.
3. Set the Balance Mode of the channel to Auto.4. Click the Zero button.5. The new balance value is reflected in the slide bar
and applied to the channel reading.
A zero (auto-balance) also may be applied to an individual
channel on the Monitor Screen by right-clicking in the channel
segment and selecting Zero.
You may also perform a zero (auto-balance) of all channels on
all D4s by the menu item Channels>>Zero All .
5.8.5.2 Manual Balance
Before performing a manual balance operation, it is
recommended that the real time display is active. The steps in
fine-tuning the balance value after an auto-balance operation
are:
1. Perform the auto-balance operation; make sure thevalue is applied. (If you don’t wish to auto-balance
first, then configure the channel and adjust your
sensor to the correct setting for a zero reading.)
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2. Set the Balance Mode to Manual.3. The balance value from the auto-balance operationis reflected in the slide bar. The balance value is
displayed in raw counts.
4. Depending on the current reading and the desiredreading, adjust the balance value on the slide bareither up or down.
The slide bar has the range selections of coarse, medium, fine
and ultra-fine. The coarse selection has the widest range of
balance settings and a coarser step size. Ultra-fine has the
narrowest range of balance settings and a small step size. The
medium and fine selections fall in between.
5.8.5.3 Balance Mode Disabled
Channels with the Balance Mode disabled will not remove any
zero offset from the reading; however, the initial amplifier zero
is removed. This mode allows you to evaluate initial bridge
offsets. Click the Apply button to see the changes reflected in
the channel reading on the Monitor Screen.
5.9 Saving and Recalling Settings (PC)
You may save the application’s current settings to a file onyour PC with the menu item File>>Save Configuration. The
settings may be recalled with the menu item File>>LoadConfiguration.
In addition to the channel settings, the Poisson’s Ratio, Record
Interval, Peak Value setting and Offscale Values are saved.
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5.10 Saving Settings to the D4The menu item Hardware>>Save Configuration to Flash lets
you select a device and store the current device settings to the
device’s internal flash memory. This will become the default
configuration for the device after a power-cycle. If you wish to
return the factory default settings, use the Channels>>Reset
Al l menu item to reset the settings and then store those settings
to flash. Channel Readings Adjustments
5.10.1 Reset (Set to Default)
The menu item Channels>>Reset All resets the channel
configuration values on all devices to their default settings.
5.10.2 Excitation Output and Noise Rejection Settings
The Hardware>>Other Device Settings menu item allows youto access the Excitation Output setting and the Noise Rejection
frequency setting. These fields are only available if the D4
firmware level is 2.42 or greater.
The bridge excitation
output should be enabled
during normal operation.
You may disable the
excitation output to
identify self-generating
noise sources.
The digital filters in the D4
may be tuned to optimize
the noise rejection from power line frequencies.
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5.10.3 Format Offscale ValueYou may specify the value that is used to indicate positive
offscale and negative
offscale readings
using the menu item
File>>ConfigureOffscale Display. This
value is used on theMonitor Screen and in
recorded data.
If you are planning on charting your recorded data with a
spreadsheet, you may wish to change these values to a numeric
(for example, 99999 and -99999).
5.10.4 Poisson’s Ratio
You may define the Poisson’s ratio of the material to which the
strain gage is bonded using the menu item
Hardware>>Pois son’s Ratio. Poisson’s ratio is used to
calculate strain in bridge configurations that are dependent
upon Poisson’s ratio. This value is shared among all channels
on the selected D4.
Range: 0.0 to 0.5
Default: 0.3
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5.11 ChartingCharting maps the real time display readings. To begin
charting, select Channels>>Chart. The chart window will
display and charting will begin.
5.11.1 Charting ControlsThe following fields displayed at the bottom of the screen may
be used to control the charting:
Pause Display checkbox – Suspends/resumes thecharting.
Update Interval – Enter the desired interval for howoften the chart is updated in milliseconds. The
minimum interval is 125 milliseconds. Number of points – Enter the desired number of
data points (readings) to be displayed.
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Min Y Axis – Two options exist for charting theminimum Y axis value:o One is to check the Auto (min) box. This will
automatically adjust the min value based on the
min value of the plotted data.
o Or, uncheck the Auto checkbox. This will allowentry of a fixed value in Min Y Axis.
Max Y Axis – As with the minimum value, eithercheck the Auto checkbox, or uncheck it and enter avalue in Max Y Axis.
Channels - Select the channels to be charted.
5.11.2 Charting Colors
Colors may be adjusted by selecting File>>Configure Chart
Trace Colors. Select and save the colors prior to launching thechart.
5.12 Recording
The D4 application software supports both manual and time-
based recording.
5.12.1 Setting up the Data File
To specify the data file name and location, click Select File onthe Control Screen.
Browse to the path of the desired
location, enter the file name,
then click Save.
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5.12.1.1 Time-based RecordingThe application records data on a periodic basis. To set the
interval, select File>>Record Interval . The minimum
recording interval for a scan is 125 milliseconds. A scan is
defined as one reading from all active channels. Active
channels are displayed on the Monitor Screen(s).
Note: P3s cannot acquire data faster than 2Hz.
Time-based recording can be started, paused, or stopped from
the Control Screen.
5.12.1.2 Manual Recording
Click the manual recording button Manual Record (Single
Shot) to record one scan to the data file. Manual recording can be performed when time-based recording is active. The
maximum recording rate is 8Hz.
5.12.2 Data File Format
The data is stored in a standard, ASCII-format text file. This
format may be viewed with MS Notepad or with a spreadsheet
program such as MS Excel.
The first line is the data header. All columns are separated by
the ASCII tab character 09 (09h). The line is terminated with a
carriage return and line feed.
Subsequent lines contain the tab-delimited data. All lines are
terminated with a carriage return (ASCII character 13 (0Dh)
and line feed (ASCII character 10 (0Ah).
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Text file shown in Notepad
File shown after import into MS Excel
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5.13 Calibration5.13.1 Shunt Calibration
Shunt Calibration functionality allows you to adjust the
sensitivity of the selected channel (gage factor or full-scale
value) while a calibration signal is applied. The shunt
calibration factor is primarily used to remove any offsets due to
lead-wire resistance.
When you enable shunt calibration, a precision shunt resistor is
placed between the P- and the appropriate dummy (D120, D350,
D1000) resistor. The internal shunt calibration resistors simulate
an equivalent strain of 5000με at a gage factor of 2.000. The
shunt resistor is applied to all channels simultaneously.
The steps in performing a shunt calibration are:
1. Configure the channel.2. Balance (zero) the channel.3. Enable the shunt calibration by selecting
Hardware>>Enable Shunt Calibration on the
Control Screen.
4. View the adjusted channel reading on the MonitorScreen.
5. If the channel’s engineering unit is set to ue(microstrain), adjust the gage factor. If the
engineering units are user-defined, adjust the full-
scale in millivolts/volt setting. Click the Apply
button to see the changes reflected in the channel
reading on the main screen.
6. Loop through steps 4 and 5 until the desired readingis obtained.
7. Unselect Hardware>>Enable Shunt Calibration onthe Control Screen.
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5.13.2 System Calibration SoftwareTo calibrate a D4, first stop the channel readings by
unselecting Hardware>>Real Time Display on the Control
Screen. Then select Hardware>>Calibrate on the Control
Screen and select the serial number of the D4 to be calibrated.
Note: Performing an improper calibration may render your D4inoperable.
5.13.3 Required Instruments
The calibration process requires a Micro-Measurements Model
1550A Strain Indicator Calibrator, or another device with
equivalent features and specifications. The D4 is a ratiometric
measuring device, so measurement is not affected by
fluctuations in the excitation voltage. It is therefore important
to use a Wheatstone Bridge – based calibrator. Other sources,such as a precision voltage reference, are not suitable for
calibration purposes. This section assumes that you are using a
Model 1550A.
The system calibration process takes four measurements on
each channel: zero, positive and negative full scale, and amp
zero. After the measurements are taken, calibration values foramplifier zero and software gain are stored in the internal flash
memory.
Following are the steps involved in performing a system
calibration. These steps must be performed in the order shown
and all channels must be calibrated. To abort the process after
beginning calibration, select the Abort Calibration button and power-cycle the D4. To abort before beginning calibration,
select Exit Calibration.
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Note: Each time Take Reading is selected, in-process andcompletion messages are displayed in the status bar at the
bottom left of the screen.
Step 1: Get previous calibration values (optional)
Before calibrating the system, you may want to report the lastcalibration date and the previous (on-card) calibration settings
for each channel. Select the Get Previous Cal Values button to
retrieve the data from the D4. Enter any desired text into the
Additional Report Data text box; this text will be included in
saved/printed calibration reports.
To save and print a calibration report, select the Save PreviousCal Values button. When the Save As window displays.
navigate to the desired location in which to save the file.
Retain the default file name or change as desired.
The default file name for the calibration report, whether created
before or after calibration, is as follows:
SSSSSS_YYYY_MM_DD_M-M_Device_Cal_Report.txtwhere:
SSSSSS is the serial number of the D4,
YYYY_MM_DD is the date, and
M-M_Device_Cal_Report.txt is the terminator.
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When Save is clicked, your default text file viewer, e.g., MS Notepad, will be launched, displaying the calibration values.
The file may be printed using the viewer.
Step 2: Calibrate each channel
All of step 2 must be repeated for each of the four channels on
the D4. The channels may be calibrated in any order, but steps
2A through 2E must be performed sequentially. Begin by
selecting a channel (1 through 4) from the drop-down list.
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Step 2A: Install calibrator on selected channelConfigure the Model 1550A Strain Indicator Calibrator as a
full-bridge circuit and install on the selected channel. See
Figure 9 for connection details.
Step 2B: Take a zero readingSet the 1550A calibrator to 0 µε, positive polarity and click
the Take Zero Reading button.
Step 2C: Take a positive, full-scale reading
Set the 1550A calibrator to +30,000 µε (positive polarity)
and click the Take Reading button.
Step 2D: Take a negative, full-scale reading
Set the 1550A calibrator to -30,000 µε (negative polarity)
and the click the Take Reading button.
Step 2E: Take an amp zero reading
Finally, the system needs to establish a true electrical zero
(amp zero). Set the 1550A calibrator to 0 µε, positive
polarity, short the S+ and S- terminals on the 1550A
calibrator and click the Take Reading button below step
2E. Values will appear in the Amp Zero and Gain indicatorfields.
Note: After the first channel has been completed, the Abort
Calibration is available.
Step 3: Finish the system calibration process
After measurements for all four channels have been taken,select the Finish Calibration button to complete the system
calibration process.
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When the calibration process is complete, “Calibration
Complete” displays in the status bar at the bottom of the
screen. The system will store the new calibration values in the
D4’s internal flash memory, along with the calibration date.
Step 4: Retrieve the new calibration data and date
(optional)
After calibration, you may view, save and print the new
calibration date and calibration settings. To view the data,
select the Get Current Cal button.
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To save and print a calibration report, select the Save Current
Cal Values button. When the Save As window displays,
navigate to the desired location in which to save the file.
Retain the default file name or change as desired. The default
file name for the calibration report is as follows:
SSSSSS_YYYY_MM_DD_M-M_Device_Cal_Report.txt, where:
SSSSSS is the serial number of the D4,
YYYY_MM_DD is the date, and
M-M_Device_Cal_Report.txt is the terminator.
When Save is clicked, your default text file viewer, e.g., MS
Notepad, will be launched, displaying the calibration report.
Both the previous and current calibration data will be included.
The file may be printed using the viewer.
Click the Exit Calibration button to end the calibration process.
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5.14 Program MessagesProgram status and informational messages may be displayed
by selecting the File>>Show Activity Log menu item.
Messages are added to this log only when it is opened.
5.15 Upgrading Firmware
Note: Before upgrading, disable the real-time display. Go to
Hardware>>Real Time Display and unselect it if it is checked.
To upgrade to a newer version of firmware on the D4, select
Hardware>>Update Firmware on the menu. Select the serial
number of the D4 to receive the update. (Recording and
displays will be halted when selection is made.)
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A file browser appears that lets you select the firmwareupgrade file. By default this file is named
“158000134 _D4.hex”. Typically you will navigate to the latest
file provided by Micro-Measurements. After you select OK, a
confirmation prompt will appear showing the current firmware
version of the D4 and the version that you are attempting toinstall. If the versions are correct, select OK to continue. A
progress bar will display to track the upgrade.
While the upgrade is occurring, do not touch the D4 hardware
or the software application. You will be requested to power-
cycle the D4 and restart the application when the upgrade is
complete.
If you need to upgrade several D4’s, it is okay to choose
Restart Later. That way you only need to restart theapplication once after you have upgraded all of the D4’s.
However, power-cycle the D4 immediately. Note: You will be
unable to communicate with the D4 until the application has
been restarted.
If you need to stop the upgrade, it’s okay to pull the plug from
the D4. Just do it early on or it will be too late. You will seesome error messages; then just close the application, and
restart.
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6 Warranty Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. warrants all instruments it manufactures to be free from defect in materials and
factory workmanship, and agrees to repair or replace any instrument that fails to perform as specified within threeyears after date of shipment. Coverage of computers, cameras, rechargeable batteries, and similar items, sold in
conjunction with equipment manufactured by Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. and bearing the identifying name ofanother company, is limited under this warranty to one year after the date of shipment. The warranty on non-
rechargeable batteries and similar consumable items is limited to the delivery of goods free from defects in materials
and factory workmanship. This warranty shall not apply to any instrument that has been:
i. repaired, worked on or altered by persons unauthorized by Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. in such amanner as to injure, in our sole judgment, the performance, stability, or reliability of the instrument;
ii. subject to misuse, negligence, or accident; oriii. connected, installed, adjusted, or used otherwise than in accordance with the instructions furnished by
us.
At no charge, we will repair, at our plant, or an authorized repair station, or at our option, replace any of our products
found to be defective under this warranty.
This warranty is in lieu of any other warranties, expressed or implied, including any implied warranties of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. There are no warranties, which extend beyond the
description on the face hereof. Purchaser acknowledges that all goods purchased from Vishay Measurements
Group, Inc. are purchased as is, and buyer states that no salesman, agent, employee or other person has made
any such representations or warranties or otherwise assumed for Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. any
liability in connection with the sale of any goods to the purchaser. Buyer hereby waives all rights buyer may
have arising out of any breach of contract or breach of warranty on the part of Vishay Measurements Group,
Inc., to any incidental or consequential damages, including but not limited to damages to property, damages
for injury to the person, damages for loss of use, loss of time, loss of profits or income, or loss resulting frompersonal injury.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages for consumer products,
so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
The purchaser agrees that the Purchaser is responsible for notifying any subsequent buyer of goods manufactured by
Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. of the warranty provisions, limitations, exclusions and disclaimers stated herein, prior to the time any such goods are purchased by such buyer, and the Purchaser hereby agrees to indemnify and hold
Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. harmless from any claim asserted against or liability imposed on Vishay
Measurements Group, Inc. occasioned by the failure of the Purchaser to so notify such buyer. This provision is not
intended to afford subsequent purchasers any warranties or rights not expressly granted to such subsequent
purchasers under the law.
Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. reserves the right to make any changes in the design or construction of its
instruments at any time, without incurring any obligation to make any change whatever in units previously delivered.
Vishay Measurements Group, Inc.’ sole liabilities, and buyer’s sole remedies, under this agreement shall be limited
to the purchase price, or at our sole discretion, to the repair or replacement of any instrument that proves, upon
examination, to be defective, when returned to our factory, transportation prepaid by the buyer, within the applicable
period of time from the date of original shipment.
Return transportation charges of repaired or replacement instruments under warranty will be prepaid by Micro-
Measurements.
Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. is solely a manufacturer and assumes no responsibility of any form for the
accuracy or adequacy of any test results, data, or conclusions, which may result from the use of its equipment.
The manner in which the equipment is employed and the uses to which the data and test results may be put are
completely in the hands of the Purchaser. Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. shall in no way be liable for damagesconsequential or incidental to defects in any of its products.