Validation engineers use load cells, pressure sensors, and strain gages to test product quality and safety under various mechanical loads. Large test fixtures with long setup times, the criticality of running some tests to failure, and the need to correlate data across multiple sensors challenge on-time test report delivery. For validation teams to get in and out of the mechanical lab during their allotted time, they need to:
- Physically connect a variety of sensors, including load cells, strain gages, and voltage sensors, to the device under test (DUT)
- Configure the sensors, including Wheatstone bridge-based sensors, in a data acquisition system
- Control the actuation of the mechanical test fixture
- Share test results with design engineers
Expandable Load, Pressure, Force, and Strain Data Acquisition System
- FlexLogger™ application software for data logging manages sensor configuration, real-time data visualization, export to .csv files, and channel alarms, all without programming.
- cDAQ-9174 chassis holds up to four C Series modules and connects to a PC or laptop over USB. (Ethernet chassis with one-cable synchronization are available)
- NI-9237 4-channel, 50 kS/s/channel strain/bridge input module connects to quarter-, half-, and full-bridge sensors, load cells, and pressure sensors with built-in excitation.
- The system has two open slots for different measurement modules or to expand to higher-channel-count test systems.
- See the NI-9235 and NI-9236 strain/bridge input modules for higher channel-count, cost-optimized quarter-bridge measurements.
Solution Advantages
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Synchronized data for load, strain, torque, power, pressure, voltage, temperature, and digital measurements in the same chassis
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TSN-synchronization technology in select chassis to synchronize measurements between networked chassis and simplify wiring
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High-speed, simultaneous data acquisition rates up to 50 kS/s/ch to capture dynamic mechanical events
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Configuration-based software for sensor setup, real-time trend display, and setting alarm conditions
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Support for TEDS sensors
See a Demonstration of the Load and Strain Data Acquisition System
High-Speed Synchronized Data
High-speed sample rates, quick-connect options for modules, and built-in synchronization are just a few features that make CompactDAQ great for mechanical validation test. See how to quickly connect, configure, and acquire data from a load cell.
BUILD YOUR SOLUTION WITH THE NI ECOSYSTEM
NI offers a variety of solution integration options customized to your application-specific requirements. You can use your own internal integration teams for full system control or leverage the expertise of NI and our worldwide NI Partner Network to obtain a turnkey solution.
The NI Partner Network is a global community of domain, application, and overall test development experts working closely with NI to meet the needs of the engineering community. NI Partners are trusted solution providers, systems integrators, consultants, product developers, and services and sales channel experts skilled across a wide range of industries and application areas.
NI works with customers throughout the life of an application, delivering training, technical support, consultation and integration services, and maintenance programs. Teams can discover new skills by participating in NI-specific and geographic user groups and build proficiency with online and in-person training.
See System Components and Pricing in the Product Advisor
Use the CompactDAQ advisor to modify the load and strain data acquisition system. Add more bridge measurement channels, voltage and current measurements, digital I/O lines, or other sensors for a customized measurement system.
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