Products
Staff -- Test & Measurement World, 4/1/2003
Position sensors feature analog and PWM outputs
The CSPR series of magnetostrictive sensors are designed to provide accurate position sensing with a small footprint. One way they achieve this is by using remote electronics. Standard stroke lengths range from 72.3 mm to 250.1 mm, and the operating temperature range is —40°C to +85°C. MTS Sensors Division, Cary, NC. 919-677-0100; http://www.mts.com .
Data-acquisition and sensor products
The Freedom DAS PC is a robust, portable data-collection system with 16 sockets for industry-standard 5B signal-conditioning modules. A 16-channel 1.25-Msamples/s, 12-bit PCI ADC card is standard, and other ADC cards are available upon request. Designed for both the laboratory and the field, the unit has a 12-in. transflective sunlight-readable color screen, all popular I/O functions, weather-resistant, shock-mounted, and more than 10 hours of battery life. It weighs only 23 lbs (10.5 kg). Olson Instruments, Wheat Ridge, CO. 303-423-1212; http://www.olsonengineering.com .
Modules work in harsh environments
The MGCsplit series of modules are designed to operate from –22°F to +158°F, and you can install the measurement module directly onto the test object as the modules are packaged in shock-proof, metal enclosures. A single cable containing both the power lines and the data-communications lines connects the modules, and an intelligent power supply capable of working from a 12-V, 24-V, or 42-V input makes the modules suitable for all road tests. HBM, Marlborough, MA. 800-578-4260; http://www.hbm.com .
System measures force between surfaces
The Windows-based Tactilus system allows an engineer to monitor the forces between any two contacting surfaces in real time. The sensing element is a thin, flexible sheet only 18 mils thick with sensing elements as close as 1 mm apart. The element can be used to measure contact pressures as low as 0.01 psi or as high as 9000 psi, and the system can collect data at rates up to 60,000 points per second. Sensor Products, E. Hanover, NJ. 973-884-1755; http://www.sensorprod.com .
Pressure sensor also detects knock
The AutoPSI-A combines a fiber-optic pressure sensor with an advanced signal conditioner to provide not only pressure measurement but also knock detection. The sensor, which can be used at operating temperatures up to 125°C, has a knock signal output, whose voltage level is proportional to the peak knock intensity. The sensor can survive prolonged exposure to knock and is available in packages as small as 3 mm in diameter. Optrand, Plymouth, MI. 734-451-3480; http://www.optrand.com .
Load cells measure neck forces
A new series of multichannel load cells will help safety-test engineers measure neck forces. The series includes the Models 5880 and 4949 for use with the BioRID-II dummy; the Model 5832 is used with the Hybrid III 50th, Hybrid III 95th, and BioSID dummies; the Model 5045 is used with the small female, 5th-percentile dummy; and the Model 5686 is used with the BioSID-II dummy. Robert A. Denton, Rochester Hills, MI. 248-852-5100; http://www.radenton.com .
1.7-megapixel camera acquires 100K partial frames/s
The MotionXtra Hg-100K camera comes with a 1504x1128 CMOS sensor and a 1-ms shutter. These two features allow the unit to produce sharp images with less motion blur. The camera's rugged design allows it to withstand forces up to 100 g in any axis, and the standard 1000Base-T interface speeds image transfer to your computer system. Redlake MASD, San Diego, CA. 858-481-8182; http://www.redlake.com .
Crash simulation performance improved
Version 2G of PAM-CRASH simulation software offers improved performance and greater ease of use. The new version includes an enhanced solver that performs highly scalable, parallel computations on Linux clusters or Itanium 2 processors. A new development environment makes it easier to prepare models and analyze simulation results. ESI Group. 248-203-0642; http://www.esi-group.com .
Tools ease software test automation
The AutomationDesk makes it easier for developers to perform automated and model-based testing of software under development. It includes two tools: Sequence Builder, which features a graphical front end for describing and running tests; and Project Manager, which helps managers control software-development projects. Both tools can be accessed via DLL or COM interfaces, so you can use them in existing development environments. dSPACE, Novi, MI. 248-567-1300; http://www.dspaceinc.com .
Instrument measures diesel emissions in real time
The DMS 500 measures the sizes of particulates emitted by diesel engines independent of particle composition. It can detect particles measuring 5 nm to 1000 nm in a single column whose length is less than 1 m. It has a fast response time, resolving a complete spectrum in less than 200 ms, and it classifies particles with near logarithmic resolution. It sorts particles into approximately four sizes per decade. Cambustion, Cambridge, UK. +44-1223-210250; http://www.cambustion.co.uk .
Analyzer adds LIN, J1850 support
The Dearborn Group's Hercules Analysis Tool now supports LIN and J1850 communications. Other enhancements include filters for received and transmitted frames, support for GMLAN GMW3110 diagnostics services, and the ability to import data files from data communications test equipment made by other manufacturers. Dearborn Group, Farmington Hills, MI. 248-488-2080; http://www.dgtech.com .
