Microstar's interface module accepts 16 current loops
-- Test & Measurement World, 12/3/2008 7:00:00 AM
Joining a family of SI (signal interface) modules for use with Microstar’s DAP (data-acquisition processor) boards and network-ready DAPservers, the MSXB 086 lets you acquire data from up to 16 4–20-mA current loops for real-time processing or analysis. The module can be installed in an industrial enclosure and connected to a DAP board for control from a PC or installed into a DAPserver.
Each DAPserver contains up to four DAPs, and each DAP communicates with, configures, and controls each of up to eight SI modules connected to it. A system can consist of any number of networked DAPservers and can include as many SI modules as required.In addition to the MSXB 086 current-input module, Microstar offers other SI modules that provide analog input, analog output, mixed analog I/O, and digital I/O. SI modules fit into a backplane in a standard industrial enclosure, as do other products that conform to the hardware specifications of Microstar’s channel architecture. DAPservers include a 10-slot Eurocard cage with a preinstalled digital backplane for SI modules.
You can control the system with DAPstudio—or other Windows-based software—on any PC or DAPserver on the network. A full-featured evaluation version of DAPstudio is available for downloading from Microstar’s Web site. The company also provides evaluation hardware at no charge. The MSXB 086 costs $595.
Microstar Laboratories, www.mstarlabs.com.
