Conditioning amplifiers make test setups easy

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 19, 2001

With Bruel and Kjaer UK's new range of 16-channel DeltaTron conditioning amplifiers, setup times for multichannel testing systems in cars, aircraft, trains and satellites can be substantially reduced

Setting up multichannel testing systems in cars, aircraft, trains and satellites is often a time-consuming and tedious business.

With Bruel and Kjaer UK's new range of 16-channel DeltaTron conditioning amplifiers, setup times can be substantially reduced along with a considerable increase in measurement reliability.

The 2694 family of 16-channel DeltaTron conditioning amplifiers has been developed for multichannel applications, such as modal analysis, operational deflection shapes and microphone array measurements, where typically between 16 and 512 channels are employed.

Offering full IEEE 1451.4 Transducer Electronic Data Sheet (TEDS) support, the new 2694 DeltaTron amplifiers are available in four versions, all controlled with Windows-based software via a PC RS-232 interface.

With a clear graphical overview of all channels provided on the PC, setups can be defined off-line then uploaded into the amplifiers in a matter of seconds.

Up to 16 amplifiers can be daisy-chained and controlled from each COM port on the PC and, when not in use, superfluous channels can be disabled.

The 2694 can be used as a stand-alone unit or in multiple configurations for large channel count applications.

Either way, a multichannel test setup based on the 2694 combined with ultra-flexible DeltaTron cabling, patch panels and DB50 flat cables, delivers superior test reliability, efficiency, integrity and cost-effectiveness.

Through the RS-232 interface, 2694 can read serial numbers, type numbers and sensitivities for all relevant transducer types designed in accordance with IEEE 1451.4.

The transparent protocol option also enables the entire contents of the TEDS to be read via RS-232 if required.

The new amplifiers support integrated electronics piezoelectric (IEPE) transducers such as ISOTRON/DeltaTron accelerometers and microphone preamplifiers.

Voltage transducers and tachometers are also supported.

Input is via BNC sockets while output is through a 50-pin sub-D socket with breakout cable to BNC plugs.

One of the 16 channels can also be set-up as a multiplexer output if required.

The 2694 features conditioning amplifiers designed with extremely low noise specifications resulting in a dynamic range of over 120dB.

The power supply is completely galvanically isolated from the rest of the instrumentation by means of opto-couplers enabling fulfilment of stringent EMC requirements for industrial environments.

Multichannel measurements are often conducted in difficult and hostile environments where vibrations, temperature variations, high humidity and EMC conditions frequently impose severe demands on the electrical and mechanical reliability of any instrumentation being used.

The 2694 has been meticulously designed to meet the demanding requirements and maintain data integrity in all such situations.

With over 55 years experience, Bruel and Kjaer is a world leading manufacturer and supplier of sound and vibration products for use in a wide range of applications including environmental noise measurements, building acoustics, vibration measurements and quality control for use in the automotive, aerospace and consumer industries as well as by local authorities.