Platform broadens acoustic and vibration analysis

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team May 9, 2003

Supporting 128 channels, the new Pulse 7.0 platform system uses a new, simpler user interface for multichannel applications to make the system even easier to use.

A new high-performance release of Bruel + Kjaer's best-selling Pulse multiple-analyser system has been launched.

Supporting 128 channels, the new Pulse 7.0 platform system uses a new, simpler user interface for multichannel applications to make the system even easier to use.

The interface enables all input channels to be viewed in a tabular form while the user can also simultaneously view and manipulate all relevant parameters for single and multiple channels.

Based on proven Windows technology, the Pulse 7.0 platform is modular, scalable and broadens the scope of advanced acoustic and vibration measurement and analysis applications.

Pulse 7.0 features new hardware, such as an auxiliary parameter logging module (Type 7769), that enables the user to annotate dynamic Pulse data from noise and vibration channels with slowly changing process parameter information such as temperature, pressure, wind speed, position or even CANbus data.

A major benefit of the auxiliary parameter logging module is that the acquisition of auxiliary parameters can be automated without having to create an expensive custom solution.

Another new hardware feature is a 200 kHz generator incorporating a 2/1-channel input/output module (Type 3110).

The input module, which provides state-of-the-art performance that primarily addresses electroacoustics and underwater acoustics applications, has a high frequency range up to 204.8kHz with 24bit AD conversion to 25.6kHz and 16bit AD conversion to 204.8kHz.

The module has a spurious-free dynamic range of more than 140dB.

Pulse 7.0's new software, which now supports Windows XP, heralds many major improvements in the usability of Pulse platform for a wide range of advanced applications including Pulse Beamforming software which is ideal for fast, one-shot mapping of large objects.

Data for all points can be acquired in a single measurement to save time.

This capability is beneficial when carrying out vehicle pass-by noise contribution studies and wind tunnel (interior and exterior) measurements.

Pulse Data Manager labels and manages Pulse data in a SQL database across any user-defined parameter such as projects, users, analyses and time.

The software was developed in co-operation with major automotive customers to manage large amounts of data generated by repetitive benchmark testing.

Data Manager addresses data storage and retrieval as well as data comparison, reporting in fixed formats and live graphs in online reports.

Time File Management is a flexible editing tool that simplifies the management and analysis of long time files.

The tool enables engineers to view, listen, cut, copy, export and import time data in preparation for further analysis using Pulse.

Operating Deflection Shapes Test Consultant simplifies and reduces the time required to perform structural dynamic measurements under operating conditions.

The consultant identifies and solves problems related to dynamic properties of structures.

Standard repetitive testing can carried out with equal ease as infrequent dedicated diagnostic testing.

Other software enhancements make a Pulse 7.0 system easier, quicker and more flexible to use.

The Pulse 7.0 central calibration database automatically tracks, applies and shares calibration data with other Pulse systems.

Embedded Visual Basic for applications enables faster and simpler customisaton of Pulse to fit individual measurement and analysis requirements.

To improve user-friendliness the system also has a more flexible trigger setup to enable selection from a comprehensive set of record and averaging triggers for 2D and 3D measurements and displays.

The FFT analyser can be started with an event trigger.

Faster system initialisation is also achievable.

Most parameter changes in Pulse 7.0 can be performed without the need for front-end reinitialisation.