Modular acquisition system is easily expandable

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Jul 8, 2005

Yokogawa has enhanced its MX100 Daqmaster PC-based data-acquisition system with the addition of a new dual-save feature and the powerful MXLogger software package.

Yokogawa has enhanced its MX100 Daqmaster PC-based data-acquisition system with the addition of a new dual-save feature and the powerful MXLogger software package.

The MX100 is a flexible modular system with the capability to capture data reliably at high speeds from a large number of channels.

Typical measurement intervals include 10ms across 24 channels or 100ms across 60 channels, and it is possible to configure a system to acquire data from up to 1200 channels using the MXLogger software.

The new dual-save feature transfers all acquired data onto a CompactFlash card as soon as the system starts recording, ensuring that measured data is saved even if communication with the PC is interrupted.

As the card provides data backup, users in critical industrial environments do not have to worry about the possible loss of data even if the system is configured for PC-based measurement.

The optional MXLogger software is used to connect up to 20 MX100 units, and incorporates setting, logging, monitoring and viewing functions, as well as a monitor server which interfaces with Yokogawa's Daqlogger data-logging software and can be used to link MX100 units with other Yokogawa data-acquisition equipment.

Unlike many PC-based data acquisition systems, the MX100 offers isolated, true differential inputs through its universal input modules.

Using proprietary Yokogawa designed A/D convertors, solid-state relays and isolation transformers, the MX100 is rated for 3700V AC of withstand isolation, 600V AC of channel-to-earth isolation, and 600V AC of module-to-module isolation.

It can therefore provide measurement solutions to applications such as fuel-cell stack testing and thermocouple measurements on bare AC power lines.

The heart of the flexible, modular architecture of the MX100 is the main module, which serves as the data-acquisition engine and also provides LAN connectivity.

The main module can manage up to six measurement modules on the MX100 backplane, with completely arbitrary arrangements.

With this capability, each MX100 can serve as a measurement node, eliminating the need for long high-density sensor leads throughout a machine or process.

The main module can also co-ordinate three independent scanning intervals, allowing higher-speed process parameters such as pressure or flow to be monitored and correlated with slower measurements such as temperatures.

The range of modules available includes simultaneous and scanning universal input units and high-speed digital input, output and alarm modules.

Any of the universal input channels may be configured as voltage, thermocouple, RTD or digital inputs.

With 16bit resolution, 20mV to 100V input range and 0.05% accuracy, the MX100 offers unprecedented performance in an industrial package.

The MX100 Daqmaster provides the most durable, reliable, and robust performance available from any PC-based data-acquisition system available today, even in electrically and environmentally harsh conditions.