Hardware and software plug and play with TEDS

New sensors plug and play software and hardware products are based on the recently passed IEEE1451.4 standard for smart transducer electronic datasheet (TEDS) sensors.

New sensors plug and play software and hardware products are based on the recently passed IEEE1451.4 standard for smart transducer electronic datasheet (TEDS) sensors.

TEDS technology eliminates paper based sensor datasheets by digitally storing data such as scaling parameters, calibration and sensor vendor information on an embedded EEPROM chip, simplifying sensor configuration and eliminating the risk of data entry errors.

NI-DAQmx 7.2, the latest version of NI measurement and control services software, incorporates TEDS reader functionality into NI Measurement and Automation Explorer and DAQ Assistant.

In addition, three new NI hardware products - NI SC-2350, NI BNC-2096 and SCXI-1314T - include the circuitry required to communicate with TEDS, offering sensors plug and play integration for systems using NI SCC and SCXI signal conditioning or dynamic signal acquisition (DSA) devices.

"Sensors plug and play software and hardware make configuring a smart TEDS sensor as easy as plugging a mouse into a PC", said Martin Armson, Director of International Sales and Marketing for Honeywell-Sensotec.

"The technology has greatly improved efficiency and productivity by completely eliminating manual sensor configuration".

The NI SC-2350, a carrier for NI SCC signal conditioning modules, is compatible with all existing SCC modules and includes a built-in TEDS reader that engineers can use to take measurements such as temperature, pressure and strain.

The NI BNC-2096, a 19in rack-mountable terminal block for smart TEDS accelerometers and microphones, is a front-end for IEPE signal conditioners such as the NI PXI-4461 24bit analogue input/output data acquisition module, the PXI-4472 eight-channel DSA module and the SCXI-1530/1 four-channel accelerometer input module.

The NI SCXI-1314T is a front-mounting terminal block for the NI SCXI-1520 bridge sensor input module and delivers TEDS reader capabilities to SCXI-based data acquisition systems measuring bridge-based sensors such as load cells and pressure sensors.

All three sensors plug and play devices are ideal not only as part of new DAQ systems, but also as upgrades for existing systems.

For traditional sensors not equipped with the EEPROM, engineers can use the Virtual TEDS library, a collection of downloadable files that store datasheet information in TEDS electronic binary format rather than on an embedded chip.

Virtual TEDS files are available for free download from the National Instruments website, and users can download individual files to local servers or user PCs.

By entering the manufacturer model or serial number into the extensive database of global sensor vendors, engineers gain instant access to that sensor's specific scaling and calibration information packaged in TEDS format.

"With Virtual TEDS, engineers can incorporate the benefits of TEDS into systems with traditional analogue output sensors", said Joe Cheatham, Senior Vice President of Sales and Program Management for Weed Instrument.

"Virtual TEDS files create a smooth transition to the next generation of measurement and automation systems for engineers and scientists, and ensure that users with existing systems will always benefit from the newest plug-and-play innovations".

Back to top