High-density switching subsystem for automated measurements

The new EX1200 series from VTI Instruments is a high- density switching subsystem for automated measurement and control, offering the capacity to switch up to 576 channels of voltage or temperature in a single-rack 1U high mainframe.

The new system allows users to ‘mix and match’ a variety of modules to build a comprehensive signal switching and I/O subsystem for data logging, level detection and control applications.

The EX1200 series is designed to realise the benefits in terms of capital investment that result from having one common hardware and software platform that can be used in development, manufacturing and field service.

A compact design provides granularity to address small channel requirements, while a high-density 3U mainframe can be used in large channel count applications. Multiple EX1200 series can be easily connected with the LXI communications interface to create a highly synchronised, distributed measurement system.

VTI provides a variety of software utilities and options that reduce the time it takes to begin using the EX1200 family of products. The series is delivered with an embedded web interface that provides virtual monitoring and control of all switches and instruments without the need for third-party software.

The EX1200 series is supported by the popular DAC Express turnkey software package. The DAC Express intuitive graphical user interface significantly shortens test setup and configuration time, enabling test engineers to begin monitoring, recording and analysing data within minutes.

VTI Instruments products are available in Britain through TTi Instrument Distribution.

Transient capture

Transient capture and time-stamp module

VTI Instruments Corporation has introduced the EX1200-7416, a transient capture and time-stamp module that extends the capabilities of the EX1200 Series of configurable LXI Class A instruments. The new module supports a broad range of applications that require level comparison, event detection, and time stamping.

The EX1200-7416 can be combined with other EX1200 plug-in modules to create a versatile, multifunction instrument that can be used in a variety of data acquisition and test applications. The module is ideal for applications such as power-supply monitoring, where it can detect critical out-of-tolerance conditions that require immediate intervention.

The new unit has 16 input channels and can continuously monitor a variety of high-level analogue and discrete signals up to 100 V. Each channel has an 8-bit digital-analogue convertor that can be independently programmed to set the trip level.

The EX1200-7416 can detect transients that cannot normally be captured by a typical DMM or scanning measurement system. As part of the EX1200 LXI Class A instrument series, this module can also record events with IEEE 1588 time codes to provide a precise correlation of event/time data.

Input channels can be internally routed to the optional EX1200 series DMM to measure the analogue level of the signals. The reference DACs can also be routed to the internal DMM to facilitate self-verification, which can be executed under program control.

VTI is represented in the Britain by TTi Test & Measurement distribution.