D4 Instruction Manual - strain gages

8/18/2019 D4 Instruction Manual - strain gages

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Model D4 Data Acquisition

Conditioner

Instruction ManualVersion 1.34

Micro-Measurements

P.O. Box 27777Raleigh, NC 27611

USA

Phone: (919) 365-3800

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.micro-measurements.com

January 2013 130-000208

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.micro-measurements.com/http://www.micro-measurements.com/http://www.micro-measurements.com/http://www.micro-measurements.com/mailto:[email protected]


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Model D4 Data Acquisition ConditionerInstruction Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 DESCRIPTION ....................................................................... 1

1.1 General .......................................................................... 1

1.2 Functional Features ...................................................... 2

2 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................. 3

2.1 Input Connections ......................................................... 3

2.2 Bridge Configurations ................................................... 3 2.3 Data Conversion ............................................................ 3

2.4 Measurement Range/Resolution .................................. 4

2.5 Measurement Accuracy ................................................ 4

2.6 Gage Factor Control ...................................................... 4

2.7 Balance Control ............................................................. 4

2.8 Bridge Excitation ........................................................... 4

2.9 Communication Interface ............................................. 4 2.10 Shunt Calibration .......................................................... 5

2.11 Power ............................................................................ 5

2.12 Operational Environment ............................................. 5

2.13 Case ............................................................................... 5

2.14 Size and Weight ............................................................ 5

3 FRONT AND REAR PANELS .............................................. 6

3.1 USB Interface ................................................................ 7 3.2 Input Connectors .......................................................... 7

3.3 Status LED ..................................................................... 7

3.4 Software ........................................................................ 7

4 HARDWARE OPERATION ................................................. 8

4.1 Power Up....................................................................... 8

4.2 Input Connections ......................................................... 8 4.2.1 Pin Functions ......................................................................... 8 4.2.2 Strain Gage and Transducer Input Circuits ......................... 11

5 SOFTWARE OPERATION ................................................ 14

5.1 Overview ..................................................................... 14


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5.2 Connecting the D4(s) to the PC ................................... 14 5.3 Application Startup ..................................................... 15

5.5 Screen Management ................................................... 16

5.6 Control Screen............................................................. 16

5.7 Monitor Screen ........................................................... 16 5.7.1 Identify a D4 ........................................................................ 17 5.7.2 Peak Values ......................................................................... 17

5.8 Channel Configuration ................................................ 19 5.8.1 Channel Name ..................................................................... 20 5.8.2 Bridge Type ......................................................................... 20 5.8.3 Number of Decimal Places to Display ................................. 23 5.8.4 Scaling ................................................................................. 23 5.8.5 Balance (Zero) ..................................................................... 24

5.9 Saving and Recalling Settings (PC) .............................. 26

5.10 Saving Settings to the D4 ............................................ 27

5.10.1 Reset (Set to Default) .......................................................... 27 5.10.2 Excitation Output and Noise Rejection Settings ................. 27 5.10.3 Format Offscale Value ......................................................... 28 5.10.4 Poisson’s Ratio .................................................................... 28

5.11 Charting ....................................................................... 29 5.11.1 Charting Controls ................................................................ 29 5.11.2 Charting Colors .................................................................... 30

5.12 Recording .................................................................... 30

5.12.1 Setting up the Data File ....................................................... 30 5.12.2 Data File Format .................................................................. 31

5.13 Calibration ................................................................... 33 5.13.1 Shunt Calibration ................................................................ 33 5.13.2 System Calibration Software ............................................... 34 5.13.3 Required Instruments ......................................................... 34

5.14 Program Messages ...................................................... 40

5.15 Upgrading Firmware ................................................... 40 6 WARRANTY ........................................................................ 42


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Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner


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1 DESCRIPTION

1.1 General

The Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner is a portable,

USB-powered, precision instrument for use with resistive strain

gages and strain gage – based transducers.

The Model D4 has four channels of data acquisition.Connection to each channel is via an RJ-45 connector. Each

channel of input accepts full-, half-, or quarter-bridge

configuration. All required bridge completion components for

120-, 350-, and 1000-ohm bridges are supplied.

Operation of the Model D4 is performed with commands sent

via the USB connection. Application software is provided tocontrol the D4 with an MS Windows – based personal computer.

A programmer’s reference kit is available to simplify writing

custom applications.

The Model D4 uses modern digital signal processing

technology to provide excellent noise rejection and stability.

Proprietary scaling and linearization algorithms provideunsurpassed measurement accuracy for strain-gage bridge

measurements.


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1.2 Functional FeaturesThe Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner has the following

features:

Four input channels.

Hardware and software support for quarter-, half-and full-bridge circuits.

Built-in precision bridge completion for 120-, 350-

and 1000-ohm half and quarter bridges. 8Hz sampling rate.

Automatic and manual zero-balance and calibration.

Full control of all functions via the USB Interface.

Portable, lightweight, rugged design.

Powered via the USB interface.

Intuitive, user-friendly software.

Programmability.


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2 SPECIFICATIONS Note: Performance may be degraded at high levels of

repetitive electrostatic discharge; however, no damage to

the unit will occur.

2.1 Input Connections

Type: RJ-45 Modular

Quantity: Four

2.2 Bridge Configurations

Types: Quarter, half, and full bridges

Bridge Impedance: 60Ω to 2000Ω

Internal Bridge Completion:

Quarter bridge: 120Ω, 350Ω, and 1000Ω ±0.01%

Half bridge: 1000Ω ±0.01%2.3 Data Conversion

A/D Converter: Delta-sigma with integral chopper-stabilized,

programmable gain instrumentation amplifier.

Resolution: 24 bits. Noise-free resolution: 18 bits typ.

Filter : Integrated linear phase FIR Sinc5 filter followed by a

Sinc3 filter with a programmable decimation rate. Softwareselectable output rate provides >120 dB rejection of 50Hz,

60Hz and higher level harmonics.


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2.4 Measurement Range/ResolutionStrain Range: ±31,000με at GF = 2.000. (±15.5 mV/V)

Resolution: ±1με at GF = 2.000 (±0.0005 mV/V)

2.5 Measurement Accuracy

±0.1% of reading ±3 counts.

(Instrument Gage Factor = 2.000)

2.6 Gage Factor Control Range: 0.500 to 9.900

2.7 Balance Control

Type: Software

Control: Manual or automatic

2.8 Bridge ExcitationValue: 1.5 VDC nominal

Control: Software enable/disable

Measurements are fully ratiometric and not degraded by

variations in excitation voltage.

2.9 Communication Interface

Universal Serial Bus (USB). Cable included.


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2.10 Shunt Calibration Location: Across each quarter-bridge completion resistor

Control: Software

Values:

P- to D120: 11.94KΩ ±0.1% (5000με at GF = 2.00)

P- to D350: 34.8KΩ ±0.1% (5000με at GF = 2.00)

P- to D1000: 99.5KΩ ±0.1% (5000με at GF = 2.00)

2.11 Power

USB: 5V 100mA

2.12 Operational Environment

Temperature: 0° to +50°C

Humidity: Up to 90% RH. Non-condensing.

2.13 Case Material : Aluminum

2.14 Size and Weight

Size: 4.3W x 1.4H x 5.7L inches (110 x 36 x 145 mm)

Weight : 0.8 lb. (0.36 kg)


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3 FRONT AND REAR PANELS

Status LED

Input

Connectors

USB Port


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3.1 USB InterfaceThe USB interface is the communication channel between the

Model D4 and a host PC.

When connected, a PC (running MS Windows XP, Vista, or 7)

identifies the D4 as a standard USB Human Interface Device;

therefore, no special device drivers are required.

3.2 Input Connectors

The input connectors connect the strain gage or transducer to

the D4.

Mating connectors for the D4:

Tyco 554739 or equivalent (MM Part No. D4-A106)

Recommended crimping tool for the mating connectors:

Tyco 3-231652-0 (MM Part No. D4-A108)

Note: Crimping tool can be used on both shielded and

unshielded connectors.

3.3 Status LED

The Status LED illuminates when the D4 is powered up and

ready for operation.

3.4 Software

The D4 is shipped with user-friendly application software that

provides data recording and control as well as calibration. A

Programmer’s Reference Kit is included that contains a

Programmer’s Reference Manual, an NI LabVIEW instrumentdriver, and programming examples.


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4 HARDWARE OPERATION 4.1 Power Up

The D4 receives its power via the USB connection. The Status

LED illuminates when the D4 is ready to begin operation.

4.2 Input Connections

Strain gages and strain gage – based transducers are connectedto the D4 through the four input connectors labeled 1 through

4.

4.2.1 Pin Functions

Each channel of the D4 accommodates an eight-pin modular

plug (MM Part No. D4-A106). The pin arrangement and

functions are shown in Table 1 and in Figure 1. Input Shielding: To reduce noise and protect the integrity of

the bridge signal from electrostatic discharge (ESD) and radio

frequency (RF) noise, a shielded cable connection is

recommended. The shield or drain wire should be connected to

the shield of the input connector.

Symbol Strain Gage Card Function Pin

P- Negative Excitation 1

P+ Positive Excitation 2

S- Negative signal amplifier input 3

D120 120 ohm Dummy Resistor 4


S+ Positive signal amplifier input 6


N/C Unused 8

SHIELD Shield S (Shield)

Table 1 - Model D4 Individual Pin Functions


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Figure 1 - Model D4 Input Plug Orientation


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2

6

1

3

4

5

7

S

EXCITATION +

SIGNAL +

EXCITATION –

SIGNAL -

D120

D350

SHIELD

Connector on D4

D1000

Figure 2 - Model D4 Input Plug Connections

Half-Bridge and Quarter-Bridge Inputs: In addition to full-

bridge operation, the D4 can accept half- and quarter-bridge

configurations. Internal completion resistors are provided for

120Ω, 350Ω, and 1000Ω quarter - bridges. A 1000Ω internal

half-bridge circuit is available for quarter- and half-bridgeconfigurations.

The connection to S+ for the half-bridge completion resistors is

under firmware control.


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4.2.2 Strain Gage and Transducer Input Circuits

The basic input circuits for strain gage and strain gage – based

transducers are shown in Figure 3 through 9.

2

4

3

S

EXCITATION +

D120

SIGNAL -

SHIELD

Figure 3 – 120 Ohm Quarter Bridge / Three-Wire Connection

2

5

3

S

EXCITATION +

D350

SIGNAL -

SHIELD



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2

7

3

S

EXCITATION +

D1000

SIGNAL -

SHIELD


2

3

1

S

EXCITATION +

SIGNAL -

EXCITATION -

SHIELD

REXT

Figure 6 – Quarter Bridge / External Dummy

2

3

1

S

EXCITATION +

SIGNAL -

EXCITATION -

SHIELD

Figure 7 – Half Bridge / Adjacent Gages


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2

3

1

S

EXCITATION +

SIGNAL -

EXCITATION -

SHIELD

Figure 8 – Half Bridge / Separate Gages

2

6

1

3

S

EXCITATION +

SIGNAL +

EXCITATION -

SIGNAL -

SHIELD

i

Figure 9 – Full Bridge / Four-Wire plus shield


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5 SOFTWARE OPERATION 5.1 Overview

The Model D4 is supplied with application software to

configure the D4 and collect data via the USB Interface. The

software supports a combination of up to six Model D4 or

Model P3 devices, differentiated by serial number. The

firmware version of your D4 (or P3) must be 2.50 or greater towork with this application. Use the upgrade firmware feature

of your previous application to update the firmware to the latest

level.

5.2 Connecting the D4(s) to the PC

Connect the USB interface on the D4 to an open USB port on

the PC using the supplied cable. After the Status LED on the

D4 illuminates, the PC should recognize the D4 automatically.

When multiple D4s or P3s are connected at the same time, it

may take the PC several minutes to recognize all units.

You may monitor the PC’s

recognition of each device

in the Windows DeviceManager. A USB Human

Interface Device will appear

in the Device Manager for

each D4 and P3 connected.


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5.3 Application StartupOnce the devices are connected to your PC, start the

application from Windows by navigating to the following item

in the startup menu:

Start>>Programs>>

Micro-Measurements P3-D4>> P3-D4 Application

The application will automatically connect to the devices. Depending on the speed of the PC and the number of devices,

this process can take 1-5 minutes.

When the software has recognized the devices, the software

will display a Monitor Screen for each device connected and

one Control Screen that contains the menu bar.


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Note: Additional devices should not be added while theapplication software is running. Exit the software before

adding or removing devices from the system.

5.5 Screen Management

The Control Screen and Monitor Screens may be moved by

clicking and dragging the title bar. A Monitor Screen may be

re-sized by clicking and dragging the lower right corner of the

screen.

5.6 Control Screen

The control screen gives you access to the main program menu

and the recording controls.

5.7 Monitor ScreenThe Monitor Screen shows the channel readings. By default,

the channel readings are active when you start the program. To

turn the readings display on or off, on the Control Screen

menu, select Hardware>>Real Time Display.


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The screen on the left shows a Monitor Screen when readingsare inactive. The screen on the right shows the screen when

readings are active. Note that readings are grayed out when the

display is inactive.

5.7.1 Identify a D4The serial number of each D4 displays in the title bar of the

window. If you need to identify which D4 is associated with a

serial number, you may select Hardware>>Identify and then

select that serial number. The LED light will blink on the D4

that has that serial number.

5.7.2 Peak ValuesThe display of peak values (“Min peak ” and “Max peak ”) may

be turned on or off with the menu item File>>Display Peak

Values. Peak values for all channels may be reset with the


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menu item Channels>>Reset Peak Values. Peak values for aspecific channel may be reset by right-clicking in the channel

reading segment and selecting Reset Peak.

No peak valuesdisplayed

Peak values

reset

Peak valuesdisplayed


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5.8 Channel ConfigurationTo access the configuration values for a channel, select

Channels>>Settings on the Control Screen. (The real-time

display readings must be disabled to access this screen.) If

multiple devices are connected, click on the serial number of

the desired D4 under Devices. The LED light on that D4 will

blink to confirm the selection.

Click on the channel to be configured. Note: Each of the four

channels on a D4 must be set independently.


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At the bottom of the screen are three buttons: Click Cancel to exit the screen without saving changes.

Note: Cancel will not undo any changes that have been

applied.

Click Apply to apply the configuration changesimmediately. Results may be viewed on the Monitor

Screen.

Click OK to exit the channel configuration screen andsave changes.

5.8.1 Channel Name

The channel name entered will identify the channel on the

Monitor Screen and in the recorded data file. The default is:

Channel N, where N is the channel number 1 through 4.

5.8.2 Bridge Type

The bridge type determines whether the internal half bridge is

used and determines the appropriate scaling/linearization

algorithm. The following table summarizes the bridge types.

For more information on the calculations used by the D4,

please contact the Micro-Measurements application

engineering department.

The following bridge configuration examples assume that the

raw strain data is to be reduced to equivalent uniaxial strain

with the nonlinearity correction applied where appropriate.

Select the "Undef" bridge, either Half-Bridge/Quarter-Bridge

or Full-Bridge when you require the net output of the active

strain gages without mathematical correction for either bridge.

mailto:[email protected]?subject=D4%20Channel%20Configurationmailto:[email protected]?subject=D4%20Channel%20Configurationmailto:[email protected]?subject=D4%20Channel%20Configurationmailto:[email protected]?subject=D4%20Channel%20Configurationmailto:[email protected]?subject=D4%20Channel%20Configuration


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Selection Bridge Diagram Description

Quarter

Single active gage in

uniaxial tension or

compression.

HB adj

,-

Two active gages with

equal and opposite

strains — typical of

bending-beam

arrangement.

HB opp

,-


equal strains of the same

sign — used on opposite

sides of column with

low thermal gradient

(bending cancellation,

for instance.)

HB shear


equal and opposite

strains aligned with the

maximum and minimum

principal strains to

measure shear strain.

HB adj

,

Two active gages in

uniaxial stress field —

one aligned with

maximum principal

strain, the other with

transverse "Poisson"strain. Default Poisson’s

Ratio = 0.3.


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FB 4

active

Four active gages with

pairs subjected to equal

and opposite strains(beam in bending).

FB shear

Four active gages with

pairs subjected to equal

and opposite strains

(shaft in torsion).

FB opp

Four active gages in

uniaxial stress field —

two aligned withmaximum principal

strain, the other two with

transverse "Poisson"

strain (column). Default

Poisson’s Ratio = 0.3.

FB adj

Four active gages inuniaxial stress field —

two aligned withmaximum principal

strain, the other two with

transverse "Poisson"

strain (beam). Default

Poisson’s Ratio = 0.3.

Undef FB

Undefined full bridge

circuit. No correction for

Wheatstone Bridge

nonlinearity or activearms.


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Undef

HB/QB

Undefined half- or

quarter-bridge circuit.

No correction for

Wheatstone Bridge

nonlinearity or active

arms.

Table 2 Bridge Types

5.8.3 Number of Decimal Places to Display

Enter the number of values you would like to have after the

decimal place on the displayed data.

Value Description

0 Display no decimal places; e.g. 123

1 Display 1 decimal place; e.g. 123.12 Display 2 decimal places; e.g. 123.12

n Where n is the number of decimal places.

5.8.4 Scaling

The engineering units for a channel may be microstrain (ue),

millivolts per volt (mV/V), or may be user defined. Scaling

options on the D4 are determined by the units selected.

5.8.4.1 Strain Gage Inputs

Microstrain: If the selected units are ue (microstrain), scaling

is determined by the gage factor of the sensor as follows:

Range: 0.500 to 9.900

Default: 2.000

Millivolts per volt: If the selected units are millivolts per volt

(mV/V), no scaling is necessary.


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5.8.4.2 Transducer InputsCustom: User-defined units (such as psi or cm) assume linear

scaling. To properly scale the data, enter the following

parameters:

Engineering Units

Enter up to four characters. This will be displayed in

the channel segment on the Monitor Screen.

Full Scale in mV/V

Enter the millivolt per volt value at full scale. This

value is used in conjunction with the Full Scale in

Engineering Units value. It is used with engineering

units other than microstrain (ue) or mV/V. During

manual shunt calibration, fix the full-scale value in

engineering units and change the full-scale mV/Vvalue. It is recommended to set this value at or near the

expected full-scale value when manually scaling the

channel.

Range: -15.625 to +15.625 (excluding 0)

Default: 2.000

Full Scale in Engineering UnitsDefines the full-scale value for engineering units other

than ue or mV/V. All scaling is linear.

Range: -99999 to 99999 (excluding a value of 0)

Default: 1

5.8.5 Balance (Zero)

Balancing specifies that the current value of a sensor is the zerooffset reading. Because this zero offset reading is rarely 0.00,

it is typically subtracted from all subsequent readings. Channel

readings returned from the D4 have the zero offset removed.


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You may auto-balance a channel, manually balance the

channel, or disable the removal of the zero offset. The default

balance value is 0.

5.8.5.1 Auto Balance (Zero)

The steps in performing an auto-balance operation for a single

channel are:

1. Enter all of the other channel settings before youauto balance.

2. Adjust the sensor to the correct setting for a zeroreading.

3. Set the Balance Mode of the channel to Auto.4. Click the Zero button.5. The new balance value is reflected in the slide bar

and applied to the channel reading.

A zero (auto-balance) also may be applied to an individual

channel on the Monitor Screen by right-clicking in the channel

segment and selecting Zero.

You may also perform a zero (auto-balance) of all channels on

all D4s by the menu item Channels>>Zero All .

5.8.5.2 Manual Balance

Before performing a manual balance operation, it is

recommended that the real time display is active. The steps in

fine-tuning the balance value after an auto-balance operation

are:

1. Perform the auto-balance operation; make sure thevalue is applied. (If you don’t wish to auto-balance

first, then configure the channel and adjust your

sensor to the correct setting for a zero reading.)


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2. Set the Balance Mode to Manual.3. The balance value from the auto-balance operationis reflected in the slide bar. The balance value is

displayed in raw counts.

4. Depending on the current reading and the desiredreading, adjust the balance value on the slide bareither up or down.

The slide bar has the range selections of coarse, medium, fine

and ultra-fine. The coarse selection has the widest range of

balance settings and a coarser step size. Ultra-fine has the

narrowest range of balance settings and a small step size. The

medium and fine selections fall in between.

5.8.5.3 Balance Mode Disabled

Channels with the Balance Mode disabled will not remove any

zero offset from the reading; however, the initial amplifier zero

is removed. This mode allows you to evaluate initial bridge

offsets. Click the Apply button to see the changes reflected in

the channel reading on the Monitor Screen.

5.9 Saving and Recalling Settings (PC)

You may save the application’s current settings to a file onyour PC with the menu item File>>Save Configuration. The

settings may be recalled with the menu item File>>LoadConfiguration.

In addition to the channel settings, the Poisson’s Ratio, Record

Interval, Peak Value setting and Offscale Values are saved.


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5.10 Saving Settings to the D4The menu item Hardware>>Save Configuration to Flash lets

you select a device and store the current device settings to the

device’s internal flash memory. This will become the default

configuration for the device after a power-cycle. If you wish to

return the factory default settings, use the Channels>>Reset

Al l menu item to reset the settings and then store those settings

to flash. Channel Readings Adjustments

5.10.1 Reset (Set to Default)

The menu item Channels>>Reset All resets the channel

configuration values on all devices to their default settings.

5.10.2 Excitation Output and Noise Rejection Settings

The Hardware>>Other Device Settings menu item allows youto access the Excitation Output setting and the Noise Rejection

frequency setting. These fields are only available if the D4

firmware level is 2.42 or greater.

The bridge excitation

output should be enabled

during normal operation.

You may disable the

excitation output to

identify self-generating

noise sources.

The digital filters in the D4

may be tuned to optimize

the noise rejection from power line frequencies.


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5.10.3 Format Offscale ValueYou may specify the value that is used to indicate positive

offscale and negative

offscale readings

using the menu item

File>>ConfigureOffscale Display. This

value is used on theMonitor Screen and in

recorded data.

If you are planning on charting your recorded data with a

spreadsheet, you may wish to change these values to a numeric

(for example, 99999 and -99999).

5.10.4 Poisson’s Ratio

You may define the Poisson’s ratio of the material to which the

strain gage is bonded using the menu item

Hardware>>Pois son’s Ratio. Poisson’s ratio is used to

calculate strain in bridge configurations that are dependent

upon Poisson’s ratio. This value is shared among all channels

on the selected D4.

Range: 0.0 to 0.5

Default: 0.3


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5.11 ChartingCharting maps the real time display readings. To begin

charting, select Channels>>Chart. The chart window will

display and charting will begin.

5.11.1 Charting ControlsThe following fields displayed at the bottom of the screen may

be used to control the charting:

Pause Display checkbox – Suspends/resumes thecharting.

Update Interval – Enter the desired interval for howoften the chart is updated in milliseconds. The

minimum interval is 125 milliseconds. Number of points – Enter the desired number of

data points (readings) to be displayed.


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Min Y Axis – Two options exist for charting theminimum Y axis value:o One is to check the Auto (min) box. This will

automatically adjust the min value based on the

min value of the plotted data.

o Or, uncheck the Auto checkbox. This will allowentry of a fixed value in Min Y Axis.

Max Y Axis – As with the minimum value, eithercheck the Auto checkbox, or uncheck it and enter avalue in Max Y Axis.

Channels - Select the channels to be charted.

5.11.2 Charting Colors

Colors may be adjusted by selecting File>>Configure Chart

Trace Colors. Select and save the colors prior to launching thechart.

5.12 Recording

The D4 application software supports both manual and time-

based recording.

5.12.1 Setting up the Data File

To specify the data file name and location, click Select File onthe Control Screen.

Browse to the path of the desired

location, enter the file name,

then click Save.


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5.12.1.1 Time-based RecordingThe application records data on a periodic basis. To set the

interval, select File>>Record Interval . The minimum

recording interval for a scan is 125 milliseconds. A scan is

defined as one reading from all active channels. Active

channels are displayed on the Monitor Screen(s).

Note: P3s cannot acquire data faster than 2Hz.

Time-based recording can be started, paused, or stopped from

the Control Screen.

5.12.1.2 Manual Recording

Click the manual recording button Manual Record (Single

Shot) to record one scan to the data file. Manual recording can be performed when time-based recording is active. The

maximum recording rate is 8Hz.

5.12.2 Data File Format

The data is stored in a standard, ASCII-format text file. This

format may be viewed with MS Notepad or with a spreadsheet

program such as MS Excel.

The first line is the data header. All columns are separated by

the ASCII tab character 09 (09h). The line is terminated with a

carriage return and line feed.

Subsequent lines contain the tab-delimited data. All lines are

terminated with a carriage return (ASCII character 13 (0Dh)

and line feed (ASCII character 10 (0Ah).


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Text file shown in Notepad

File shown after import into MS Excel


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5.13 Calibration5.13.1 Shunt Calibration

Shunt Calibration functionality allows you to adjust the

sensitivity of the selected channel (gage factor or full-scale

value) while a calibration signal is applied. The shunt

calibration factor is primarily used to remove any offsets due to

lead-wire resistance.

When you enable shunt calibration, a precision shunt resistor is

placed between the P- and the appropriate dummy (D120, D350,

D1000) resistor. The internal shunt calibration resistors simulate

an equivalent strain of 5000με at a gage factor of 2.000. The

shunt resistor is applied to all channels simultaneously.

The steps in performing a shunt calibration are:

1. Configure the channel.2. Balance (zero) the channel.3. Enable the shunt calibration by selecting

Hardware>>Enable Shunt Calibration on the

Control Screen.

4. View the adjusted channel reading on the MonitorScreen.

5. If the channel’s engineering unit is set to ue(microstrain), adjust the gage factor. If the

engineering units are user-defined, adjust the full-

scale in millivolts/volt setting. Click the Apply

button to see the changes reflected in the channel

reading on the main screen.

6. Loop through steps 4 and 5 until the desired readingis obtained.

7. Unselect Hardware>>Enable Shunt Calibration onthe Control Screen.


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5.13.2 System Calibration SoftwareTo calibrate a D4, first stop the channel readings by

unselecting Hardware>>Real Time Display on the Control

Screen. Then select Hardware>>Calibrate on the Control

Screen and select the serial number of the D4 to be calibrated.

Note: Performing an improper calibration may render your D4inoperable.

5.13.3 Required Instruments

The calibration process requires a Micro-Measurements Model

1550A Strain Indicator Calibrator, or another device with

equivalent features and specifications. The D4 is a ratiometric

measuring device, so measurement is not affected by

fluctuations in the excitation voltage. It is therefore important

to use a Wheatstone Bridge – based calibrator. Other sources,such as a precision voltage reference, are not suitable for

calibration purposes. This section assumes that you are using a

Model 1550A.

The system calibration process takes four measurements on

each channel: zero, positive and negative full scale, and amp

zero. After the measurements are taken, calibration values foramplifier zero and software gain are stored in the internal flash

memory.

Following are the steps involved in performing a system

calibration. These steps must be performed in the order shown

and all channels must be calibrated. To abort the process after

beginning calibration, select the Abort Calibration button and power-cycle the D4. To abort before beginning calibration,

select Exit Calibration.


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Note: Each time Take Reading is selected, in-process andcompletion messages are displayed in the status bar at the

bottom left of the screen.

Step 1: Get previous calibration values (optional)

Before calibrating the system, you may want to report the lastcalibration date and the previous (on-card) calibration settings

for each channel. Select the Get Previous Cal Values button to

retrieve the data from the D4. Enter any desired text into the

Additional Report Data text box; this text will be included in

saved/printed calibration reports.

To save and print a calibration report, select the Save PreviousCal Values button. When the Save As window displays.

navigate to the desired location in which to save the file.

Retain the default file name or change as desired.

The default file name for the calibration report, whether created

before or after calibration, is as follows:

SSSSSS_YYYY_MM_DD_M-M_Device_Cal_Report.txtwhere:

SSSSSS is the serial number of the D4,

YYYY_MM_DD is the date, and

M-M_Device_Cal_Report.txt is the terminator.


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When Save is clicked, your default text file viewer, e.g., MS Notepad, will be launched, displaying the calibration values.

The file may be printed using the viewer.

Step 2: Calibrate each channel

All of step 2 must be repeated for each of the four channels on

the D4. The channels may be calibrated in any order, but steps

2A through 2E must be performed sequentially. Begin by

selecting a channel (1 through 4) from the drop-down list.


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Step 2A: Install calibrator on selected channelConfigure the Model 1550A Strain Indicator Calibrator as a

full-bridge circuit and install on the selected channel. See

Figure 9 for connection details.

Step 2B: Take a zero readingSet the 1550A calibrator to 0 µε, positive polarity and click

the Take Zero Reading button.

Step 2C: Take a positive, full-scale reading

Set the 1550A calibrator to +30,000 µε (positive polarity)

and click the Take Reading button.

Step 2D: Take a negative, full-scale reading

Set the 1550A calibrator to -30,000 µε (negative polarity)

and the click the Take Reading button.

Step 2E: Take an amp zero reading

Finally, the system needs to establish a true electrical zero

(amp zero). Set the 1550A calibrator to 0 µε, positive

polarity, short the S+ and S- terminals on the 1550A

calibrator and click the Take Reading button below step

2E. Values will appear in the Amp Zero and Gain indicatorfields.

Note: After the first channel has been completed, the Abort

Calibration is available.

Step 3: Finish the system calibration process

After measurements for all four channels have been taken,select the Finish Calibration button to complete the system

calibration process.


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When the calibration process is complete, “Calibration

Complete” displays in the status bar at the bottom of the

screen. The system will store the new calibration values in the

D4’s internal flash memory, along with the calibration date.

Step 4: Retrieve the new calibration data and date

(optional)

After calibration, you may view, save and print the new

calibration date and calibration settings. To view the data,

select the Get Current Cal button.


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To save and print a calibration report, select the Save Current

Cal Values button. When the Save As window displays,

navigate to the desired location in which to save the file.

Retain the default file name or change as desired. The default

file name for the calibration report is as follows:

SSSSSS_YYYY_MM_DD_M-M_Device_Cal_Report.txt, where:

SSSSSS is the serial number of the D4,

YYYY_MM_DD is the date, and

M-M_Device_Cal_Report.txt is the terminator.

When Save is clicked, your default text file viewer, e.g., MS

Notepad, will be launched, displaying the calibration report.

Both the previous and current calibration data will be included.

The file may be printed using the viewer.

Click the Exit Calibration button to end the calibration process.


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5.14 Program MessagesProgram status and informational messages may be displayed

by selecting the File>>Show Activity Log menu item.

Messages are added to this log only when it is opened.

5.15 Upgrading Firmware

Note: Before upgrading, disable the real-time display. Go to

Hardware>>Real Time Display and unselect it if it is checked.

To upgrade to a newer version of firmware on the D4, select

Hardware>>Update Firmware on the menu. Select the serial

number of the D4 to receive the update. (Recording and

displays will be halted when selection is made.)


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A file browser appears that lets you select the firmwareupgrade file. By default this file is named

“158000134 _D4.hex”. Typically you will navigate to the latest

file provided by Micro-Measurements. After you select OK, a

confirmation prompt will appear showing the current firmware

version of the D4 and the version that you are attempting toinstall. If the versions are correct, select OK to continue. A

progress bar will display to track the upgrade.

While the upgrade is occurring, do not touch the D4 hardware

or the software application. You will be requested to power-

cycle the D4 and restart the application when the upgrade is

complete.

If you need to upgrade several D4’s, it is okay to choose

Restart Later. That way you only need to restart theapplication once after you have upgraded all of the D4’s.

However, power-cycle the D4 immediately. Note: You will be

unable to communicate with the D4 until the application has

been restarted.

If you need to stop the upgrade, it’s okay to pull the plug from

the D4. Just do it early on or it will be too late. You will seesome error messages; then just close the application, and

restart.


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6 Warranty Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. warrants all instruments it manufactures to be free from defect in materials and

factory workmanship, and agrees to repair or replace any instrument that fails to perform as specified within threeyears after date of shipment. Coverage of computers, cameras, rechargeable batteries, and similar items, sold in

conjunction with equipment manufactured by Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. and bearing the identifying name ofanother company, is limited under this warranty to one year after the date of shipment. The warranty on non-

rechargeable batteries and similar consumable items is limited to the delivery of goods free from defects in materials

and factory workmanship. This warranty shall not apply to any instrument that has been:

i. repaired, worked on or altered by persons unauthorized by Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. in such amanner as to injure, in our sole judgment, the performance, stability, or reliability of the instrument;

ii. subject to misuse, negligence, or accident; oriii. connected, installed, adjusted, or used otherwise than in accordance with the instructions furnished by

us.

At no charge, we will repair, at our plant, or an authorized repair station, or at our option, replace any of our products

found to be defective under this warranty.

This warranty is in lieu of any other warranties, expressed or implied, including any implied warranties of

merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. There are no warranties, which extend beyond the

description on the face hereof. Purchaser acknowledges that all goods purchased from Vishay Measurements

Group, Inc. are purchased as is, and buyer states that no salesman, agent, employee or other person has made

any such representations or warranties or otherwise assumed for Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. any

liability in connection with the sale of any goods to the purchaser. Buyer hereby waives all rights buyer may

have arising out of any breach of contract or breach of warranty on the part of Vishay Measurements Group,

Inc., to any incidental or consequential damages, including but not limited to damages to property, damages

for injury to the person, damages for loss of use, loss of time, loss of profits or income, or loss resulting frompersonal injury.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages for consumer products,

so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.

The purchaser agrees that the Purchaser is responsible for notifying any subsequent buyer of goods manufactured by

Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. of the warranty provisions, limitations, exclusions and disclaimers stated herein, prior to the time any such goods are purchased by such buyer, and the Purchaser hereby agrees to indemnify and hold

Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. harmless from any claim asserted against or liability imposed on Vishay

Measurements Group, Inc. occasioned by the failure of the Purchaser to so notify such buyer. This provision is not

intended to afford subsequent purchasers any warranties or rights not expressly granted to such subsequent

purchasers under the law.

Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. reserves the right to make any changes in the design or construction of its

instruments at any time, without incurring any obligation to make any change whatever in units previously delivered.

Vishay Measurements Group, Inc.’ sole liabilities, and buyer’s sole remedies, under this agreement shall be limited

to the purchase price, or at our sole discretion, to the repair or replacement of any instrument that proves, upon

examination, to be defective, when returned to our factory, transportation prepaid by the buyer, within the applicable

period of time from the date of original shipment.

Return transportation charges of repaired or replacement instruments under warranty will be prepaid by Micro-

Measurements.

Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. is solely a manufacturer and assumes no responsibility of any form for the

accuracy or adequacy of any test results, data, or conclusions, which may result from the use of its equipment.

The manner in which the equipment is employed and the uses to which the data and test results may be put are

completely in the hands of the Purchaser. Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. shall in no way be liable for damagesconsequential or incidental to defects in any of its products.

D4 Instruction Manual - strain gages

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Transcript of D4 Instruction Manual - strain gages