Accelerometer input module for aerospace R&D, automotive applications
Proprietary circuit techniques enhance this version of the SCM5B48 isolated and field-configurable accelerometer input signal conditioning module from Dataforth. The result is a highly accurate, low noise solution for aircraft and aerospace R&D, automotive noise reduction, and environmental/strength of materials applications.
Renee Robbins -- Control Engineering, 11/6/2009
Dataforth Corporation says careful attention to design and use of proprietary circuit techniques are integral to the enhanced version of its SCM5B48 isolated and field-configurable accelerometer input signal conditioning module. This highly accurate, low noise signal conditioning solution for aircraft and aerospace R&D, automotive noise reduction, and environmental/strength of materials applications includes accuracy of 0.2% across all gain and excitation settings with no need for adjustment. In addition, output noise has been reduced to a very low 200µVrms, which is essential for accurate measurements.
The circuit is constructed using precision parts, so the need for recalibration over time is eliminated, according to the company. The SCM5B48 provides excitation to piezoelectric sensors with built-in microelectronic amplifiers, commonly known as ICP, IEPE, or LIVM sensors. The module provides a constant current excitation to the sensor, then isolates, filters, and amplifies the sensor output, yielding a high-level analog voltage output. The excitation current, signal gain, and filter high-pass and low-pass cutoff frequencies are field-configurable through a set of slide switches.
Specific applications for the new SCM5B48 module include:
• Aircraft and aerospace R&D applications including flutter testing, helicopter rotor reactions, military stress and structural tests, and rocket launch-pad dynamics.
• Noise reduction in automobiles and other vehicles; data are analyzed from accelerometers mounted on seats, shock absorbers, and other structural members, right down to the wheels.
• Environmental, strength-of-materials. Accelerometers are affixed to miniature assemblies in a copy machine and the system is exercised by varying the duty-cycles, ambient temperatures, and speeds to determine the best use limits.
Generic applications for the SCM5B48 include any process, industrial or other, that requires precise measurement of acceleration. Gain settings of 1, 10, and 100 offer a simple interface to sensors with a wide range of sensitivity. Also, monitoring applications where AC/DC coupling and/or rejection of low and high frequency noise is important.
Housed in a solid, potted thermoplastic plug-in-the-panel package with flammability rating of UL-94 V-0, the SCM5B family of isolated signal conditioners is specifically designed to protect user equipment, while reducing electrical noise and enabling convenient system expansion and repair. All SCM5B modules offer dimensional stability over temperature, chemical resistance, and electrical stability over time and temperature.
For additional information, e-mail sales@dataforth.com, or visit our website at www.dataforth.com
- Edited by Renee Robbins, senior editor
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