Data acquisition software.

Simultaneous Recording and Analysis of Up to 48 Channels and 50,000 Samples Per Second with Fast, Easy Setup and Minimal-to-No Downtime

The global market launch of the Micro-Measurements® StrainSmart® 9000 dynamic data acquisition software has been announced. The software allows for the simultaneous sampling of up to 48 channels, at speeds of up to 50,000 samples per second, with fast, easy setup and minimal-to-no downtime.

Traditionally, the inherent complexities of dynamic test setups and programming, as well as repetitive manual measurement tasks, have created up to days, or weeks, of unwanted downtime. With StrainSmart 9000, it is now possible to perform accurate, real-time data recording, analysis, display and export within just minutes of software setup, with one-touch autobalance and post-processing data filtering. Designed for ease of use by students, engineers and scientists alike, StrainSmart 9000 offers an intuitive, complete turnkey Windows® based software platform for accurate, dynamic data acquisition, reduction, download, and display. The software easily translates end-user concepts into application-specific needs, with assured data accuracy through automatic error checking and calibration. A “verify” tool at setup allows the end-user to perform early error and omission pre-arm checks. Bridge excitation functions may be easily disabled for a complete pre-test noise evaluation scan. Visual representations provide instant access to hardware wiring and configuration validation data, with choice of either local or remote real-time display viewing.

Channel settings within StrainSmart 9000 are performed automatically from sensor properties, largely without manual intervention. Direct calculations of engineering units, including strain gage rosette principal and failure criteria stresses, along with input shunt calibration and user-defined assignments, are possible. Sensor-specific input assignments of strain gages, thermocouples, and other sensing types offer ease of mathematical data manipulation. Individual strain gage engineering data entry is also possible, with automatic error corrections for transverse sensitivity, Wheatstone bridge nonlinearity, and lead wire resistance. Parameters, such as thermal output, gage factor variation with temperature, and thermal coefficient of gage factor, are easily corrected via the assignment of a temperature sensor.

Unique signal visualization algorithms within StrainSmart 9000 provide in-depth insights, including full graphical representations of channel assignments, for reduced potential connection errors. Individual test setups and common parameters may be stored and saved by the end-user for later reuse. Larger data sets may be exported to multiple files automatically, as either ASCII text files, .csv files, or Microsoft® Excel documents.

StrainSmart 9000 is designed for seamless and direct compatibility with the Micro-Measurements System 9000 data acquisition system, as well as both Micro-Measurements and other industry strain gages (strain gauges), strain gage- based transducers, thermocouples, temperature sensors, high-level voltage sensors, and piezoelectric sensors. The software is now available as a no-charge upgrade for customers with legacy software versions. As it is site-licensed, StrainSmart 9000 may be installed on an unlimited number of PCs within the same facility or department. Typical applications include experimental stress analysis; electronics drop testing; printed circuit board (PCB) and finished product component reliability and subassembly testing; engine vibration monitoring; and fatigue life testing. The StrainSmart 9000 software system can further support virtually any dynamic data acquisition task, in which the simultaneous sampling of up to 48 channels, at speeds of up to 50,000 samples per second, is required.

@Strain_Gage #Pauto

Miniature Sensors for force, displacement, pressure, strain and acceleration.

The Micro-Measurements® brand of Vishay Precision Group, industry experts in the design, development, and manufacture of resistive-foil sensors for high-precision strain measurements, has introduced a new range of miniature, lightweight hybrid sensors, offering cost-effective force, displacement, pressure, strain and acceleration measurements within high-volume OEM and test applications.

Design of the new Micro-Measurements hybrid sensor range incorporates the brand’s own renowned precision foil strain gages, adhesively bonded to flat substrates, constructed of either metal, composite, or polymer. Hybrid sensors are manufactured by VPG using the same high-volume production equipment as those used to create its precision strain gages. The result is a cost-effective family of strain-gage based hybrid sensors with consistent batch-to-batch performance characteristics. Customers may further incorporate an optional miniature signal amplifier, as either a stand-alone component or attached to the sensor. Hybrid sensors may be attached via mounting holes with choice of screws, spot welding, or clamping, thereby eliminating adhesive bonding requirements. The hybrid sensors are further optionally available with pre-attached lead wires and connectors, for simplified customer handling without soldering requirements.

New hybrid sensors can effectively support a variety of high-volume OEM consumer product, process control, automotive testing, non-critical medical device, educational research, and industrial requirements. Typical consumer product applications include appliances, sporting equipment, hand tools, and lawn and garden equipment. Process control applications include HVAC, liquid-level sensing, motor control, and vibration monitoring. Automotive testing applications include passenger weighing, foot-pedal pressure, seatbelt tension, emergency braking, suspension control, and engine monitoring. Medical applications include pumps, respirators, and other non-critical devices. Industrial applications include elevators, tank monitoring, bearing insertion, safety systems, gas and liquid cylinder pressures, and load monitoring.

@Strain_Gage @VishayIndust #PAuto 

Strain gauge for PCB testing!

The Micro-Measurements® brand of Vishay Precision Group has announced the global market introduction of its S5198, a miniature rectangular planar rosette strain gage pattern for printed circuit board (PCB) testing, incorporating Advanced Sensors Technology.

PCB’s remain among the most essential components of today’s automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronic products. Industry trends continue toward the adoption of RoHS compliant assembly technologies, including lead-free soldering techniques. At the same time, next-generation manufacturing processes are calling for thinner board designs and newer laminate material types. Both trends have increased PCB failure risks, due to added potential for over-flexure in the manufacturing process. With many PCB assemblers operating under customer specified strain levels, any over-flexure can lead to interconnection damage, premature field failures and product returns. As a result, manufacturers are increasing supply chain requirements for PCB mechanical stability testing.

Offered in two unique strain gage designations (C5K-XX-S5198-350/33F and C5K-XX-S5198-350/39F), the Micro-Measurements S5198 pattern provides precise strain detection with minimized non-uniform PCA strain gradient effects, along with reliable operation to +200°C. An industry best-in-class resistance specification of 350 Ω, as compared to the 120 Ω typical industry standard, reduces the unwanted self-heating and heat dissipation effects commonly found among substrates with poor heat conductivity, such as PCB’s. A reduced overall footprint, with grid length of just 0.36 millimeters, facilitates ease of target board placement and integration. The S5198 pattern is further supported by pre-attached high-performance Teflon® insulated flexible thin cables, consisting of three twisted wires per grid. The wires are color coded, stripped and tinned for ease of PCB wire routing and connection to data acquisition systems. In addition to PCB testing, the pattern is suitable for ball grid array (BGA) component testing, spherical bend testing, mechanical shock testing, PCB flexures, and in-circuit testing (ICT). The S5198 is RoHS compliant and is utilized in accordance with IPC–JEDEC 9702, IPC–JEDEC 9704, and JEDEC JESD22-B111 standards.

The Micro-Measurements Advanced Sensors Technology portfolio includes linear, shear and circular strain gages, in individual, half- and full-bridge configurations and in ranges from 350 Ω to 20 kΩ, with added flexibility in mounting options. Application of this VPG proprietary technology improves grid-to-grid tolerances and matching over traditional strain gage manufacturing techniques, enabling better sensor performance. In the case of full-bridge gage configurations, all intra-bridge connections are integrated directly into the pattern itself, eliminating the need for traditional intra-bridge soldering. The addition of gold-plated solder pads improves solder-joint reliability, while reducing the risks of solder pad oxidation prior to lead wire attachment. These processes further ensure the close matching of grid-to-grid thermal characteristics and bridge circuit thermal output cancellation specifications, both of which are essential to strain gage measurement accuracy.

 #VPG #Testing 

Strain gauges.

The Micro-Measurements® brand of Vishay, has launched its Quick-Turn program, offering R&D quality strain gage samples to its worldwide customer base, with deliveries in as few as seven working days, depending on pattern complexity.

As longtime industry experts, they understand that the proper integration of strain gages into any application is an iterative process. This process can require the evaluation of multiple strain gage patterns, prior to arriving at a “best fit” solution. In the case of strain-gage based transducer designs and product prototypes, for example, the testing and evaluation of multiple strain gage patterns is an essential aspect of achieving optimum system performance. For experimental stress analysis, strain gages which address challenges of geometry, space constraints, or installation efficiencies can be designed to exact customer specifications with fast deliveries. With these and other needs in mind, the goal of the Quick-Turn program is to facilitate expedited customer access to a variety of strain gage samples, allowing for the full support of any required technology evaluations prior to final integration.

Strain gages offered under the Quick-Turn program include full series of most catalog patterns, including optional features, as well as bespoke designs. Samples are offered in quantities of either four packages, consisting of five strain gages per package; or 20 packages, consisting of one strain gage per package. All samples feature the same quality, materials, design, construction and performance as standard catalog products. Their sole distinguishing feature is a packaging designation of “R&D Samples.” For strain gage pattern designs to exact customer requirements, sample costs are included in the setup fee.

To obtain Quick-Turn samples, customers are invited to forward application details to the Micro-Measurements in-house technical sales and applications engineering team at mm@vpgsensors.com, or to contact their nearest authorized sales representative. The longtime technical experts at Micro-Measurements will collaborate directly with the customer on a “best fit” solution, based upon either existing strain gages, or a design to unique requirements.

@Strain_Gage #PAuto #VPG

Strain Gauges and Ceramic Cements for extreme temperature applications.

A new line of free-filament wire strain gages and ceramic cements, expressly designed for extreme high-temperature environments has been introduced to the global market by the Micro-Measurements® brand of Vishay Precision Group.

The new free-filament wire strain gages allow for high-reliability measurements of both dynamic and limited-static strain, at much higher temperatures than have been traditionally possible with conventional bonded strain gage designs. The gages, offered as the ZWH-, ZWN-, and ZWP-Series, can accurately measure dynamic strain values in temperatures up to +1900°F (+1038°C), as well as limited-static strain to +1500°F (+816°C). They offer excellent oxidation resistance, along with improved bond strength, as compared to traditional free-filament foil gage designs.

Each series offers unique application advantages, depending upon specified parameters. In applications where a compensating grid is used to achieve limited static strain measurements, for example, the iron-chrome-aluminum alloy ZWH-Series is recommended. In applications where optimal fatigue life is desired, the Nichrome-V alloy ZWN-Series is typically specified. And finally, where requirements call for a combination of highest possible oxidation resistance and highest temperature measurement capabilities, the platinum-tungsten alloy ZWP-Series is recommended.

All Micro-Measurements ZWH-, ZWN-, and ZWP-Series gages are RoHS compliant and feature a free-filament wire construction, along with a series of integrated, welded 0.003-inch (0.076 mm) diameter lead wires. A high-fatigue wire (Option Z) is available upon request. The gages offer 120-ohm resistance and are packaged with a fiberglass reinforced segmented tape carrier, which holds the grid and lead patterns intact during installation. They are bonded using either ceramic cement or Roxide flame spray. Among the new Micro-Measurements high-temperature ceramic cement offerings are the WC-16, NCC-3, and HG-1. The WC-16 ceramic cement offers best compatibility with new ZWP-Series free-filament wire gages, while the NCC-3 offers an environmentally friendly and RoHS compliant alternative to ceramic cements containing hexavalent chrome. The HG-1 ceramic cement offers high-performance bonding with steel and superalloys.

Recommended accessories for the new ZWH-, ZWN-, and ZWP-Series include the Model 700 welder and hand-welding attachment, both available from Micro-Measurements, for ease of cable welding to gage leads. Typical applications for the Series include extreme high-temperature strain measurements in chemical plants, power plants and nuclear environments, as well as the testing of gas turbine engine blades and components, automotive exhaust and transmission systems, in-chamber environmental testing, and spacecraft propulsion systems.

@Strain_Gage #PAuto @VishayIndust

Proper use of strain measurement techniques.

Micro-Measurements^®, has  announced its  training session schedule in Britain for 2016. Held at VPG's Micro-Measurements facility in Basingstoke (GB), these practical courses are designed to train customers in the proper use of strain measurement techniques.

The Micro-Measurements courses provide excellent hands-on training for those who use, plan, supervise, or instruct others in stress analysis techniques. Courses being conducted in 2016 include sessions focusing on strain gauges, instrumentation, and transducers.

2016 UK Training Schedule

In the Instrumentation workshop, basic systems and the Wheatstone bridge are reviewed. Participants learn about multiple-channel systems, signal-to-noise ratios, A/D converters, dynamic data acquisition, aliasing and filters, constant voltage and current, leadwire effects, and instrument calibration and linearity. 

The two-day Strain Gauge workshop serves as an introduction to strain gauges and their terminology. The Wheatstone bridge and its uses are discussed, in addition to surface preparation techniques, adhesive systems, leadwire attachment techniques, and the testing of gauge installations.

The Transducer workshop explores the basic Wheatstone bridge, in addition to bending, tension/compression, and shear and torsion measurements. Topics covered include choosing materials, gauges, and adhesives, and the workshop also includes a practical session on bonding and wiring. Simple compensation techniques are reviewed, as well as testing, protection, and calibration.

Strain gauges built on advanced sensors technology!

Micro-Measurements^® has launched a series of products built using its Advanced Sensors strain gauge technology. Addressing the growing demand for the sensors needed to manufacture precision transducers, Micro-Measurements Advanced Sensors strain gauges offer a tighter resistance tolerance, improved gauge-to-gauge repeatability, and better stability than standard strain gauges, while their advanced fabrication process helps to significantly reduce lead times.

As the foundation of consistently reliable and precise transducers, Micro-Measurements Advanced Sensors strain gauges are built on a new manufacturing process using state-of-the-art equipment and tooling. This results in tighter-tolerance products with shorter manufacturing lead times as compared to conventional manufacturing techniques. Customers who have tested these new gauges in their transducer products have reported more repeatable test data when compared to previous generation conventional gauge types. 

These sensors process has also allowed for the development of a new multi-axis gauge that incorporates both a tee-rosette and dual-shear gauge on the same backing. 

"A major challenge faced by transducer manufacturers is sourcing high-performance strain gauges with tight tolerances, long-term stability, and high reliability that are readily available from stock or with short lead times at competitive prices," said Jim Johnson, Micro-Measurements Advanced Sensors technical sales manager. "With its Advanced Sensors products, Micro-Measurements has achieved all this and reconfirmed its position as a world leader in strain measurement technology."

Samples and production quantities of the first Advanced Sensors strain gauges are available now, with short lead times. Please contact customer service for delivery times for standard orders.