Newsletter 05/2010

We are looking forward to your visit:

During the next few weeks two important events will take place in the measuring and testing sector. Here we will learn if the global economy has also started to recover in this branch. For Gantner Instruments the moderate growth rate during the past year was satisfactory. And following a good start in 2010 we are anticipating a significant pickup in our business activity. Certainly our new products, which we will be introducing for the first time at the two fairs, will contribute to this rebound.

With this Newsletter we want to provide information on the following themes:

• Q.brixx – new portable measuring system based on our Q.series technology
• Measurement with strain gauge bridges – without compromises
• Measuring high voltages or at high voltage potential
• Founding of Gantner Instruments Inc. in USA
• Gantner Instruments: ECOPROFIT certfied

We hope you enjoy reading this newsletter,
Your Gantner Instruments Team

Q.brixx – new portable measuring system based on our Q.series technology

This compact, portable measuring system provides maximum flexibility combined with optimum instrument characteristics. The wide variety of modules for highly varying sensor principles allows custom configuration for all types of applications:

• Up to 16 modules plus test controller in one single unit, total rate 160,000 samples/s
• Analog inputs with measuring rate of up to 100 kHz
• 24 bit ADC resolution
• Multi-channel modules, e.g.
  4 universal inputs (10 kHz) or 8 voltage inputs (10 kHz) per module
• Logging function with internal memory and optional expansion with USB device
• Synchronization of multiple systems with IRIG (e.g. DCF77), GPS/NMEA, SNTP
• PAC functions (PID, sequences, mathematical and Boolean operations, conditioning)
• Bridge measuring modules configurable for DC or 600 Hz and 4.8 kHz carrier frequency excitation
• All channels galvanic isolated, special measuring module with isolation voltage of up to 1200 VDC
• Various optional connectors (D-Sub, BNC, TCK etc.)
• HOT-SWAP feature, configuration can be loaded optionally from connection plate
• As Q.raxx also available for 19" standard system (3 HU)

The Q.brixx is 100% compatible with our remote measuring modules Q.bloxx and 19" Q.raxx equipment. This allows us to satisfy the desire of our users of using systems with different characteristics with one configuration program, with one capture system for the measured data and with identical and therefore comparable technical data. Transfer from drive test to test bench is just as simple as mixing the 19" equipment in the switch cabinet with local modules in measuring boxes.



Our cooperation partners DEWESoft and measX offer the system with the trade name DS-NET combined with their DEWESoft and DASYLab software packages as a complete, high performance solution.

Measurement with strain gauge bridges – without compromises

The subject of carrier frequency or DC excitation for strain gauge measurement sensors has occupied users for decades. There are subtle differences even in the selection of the carrier frequency. Long connection leads and high carrier frequencies can quickly lead to capacitive over-modulation. Here a low carrier frequency helps, however also reduces the dynamic quality of the measurement. Then perhaps it would be better to use DC voltage – except for the high noise and reduced stability.

These problems are eliminated with the A106 module. Because with this 2-channel module it is possible to configure the sensor excitation:

• DC excitation
  Strain gauge quarter, half or full bridges
  Measuring rate 10 kHz,
  Measuring frequency 1 kHz
• Carrier frequency 600 Hz
  Strain gauge quarter, half or full bridges
  2.5 Vrms or 5 Vrms
  Measuring rate 10 kHz,
  Measuring frequency 100 Hz
• Carrier frequency 4.8 kHz
  Strain gauge quarter, half or full bridges,
  inductive bridges, LVDT, RVDT
  2.5 Vrms or 5 Vrms
  Measuring rate 10 kHz,
  Measuring frequency 1 kHz

Additional features:

• 2 separately configurable, galvanic isolated channels
• 1 analog output per channel, 10 kHz
• 1 digital input and 1 digital output per channel
• Low pass and high pass filters, 4^th order
• Conditioning channels such as linearization, Min, Max, arithmetic, alarm

Available as Q.bloxx and with the new Q.brixx and Q.raxx series (19" standard, 3 U).

Measuring high voltages or at high voltage potential

Measuring high voltages or small signals (cell voltage, thermo-voltage) at high voltage levels is becoming increasingly important in testing hybrid and electric drives as well as for measuring the quality of a power networks, e.g. in wind energy plants. Our new A123, A124 and A128 measuring modules were designed for just such applications:

Module A123

• 4 Voltage inputs
• Measuring ranges 100 mV, 1 V, 10 V
• Measuring rate 10 kHz
• ADU resolution 24 bits
• Insulation voltage 1200 VDC permanent

Module A124

• 4 Inputs for thermocouples
• Measuring rate 100 Hz
• ADU resolution 24 bits
• Insulation voltage 1200 VDC permanent

Module A128

• 2 or 4 Voltage inputs
• Measuring ranges 40 V, 120 V,
  400 V, 1200 V
• Measuring rate 100 kHz (2 inputs),
  50 kHz (4 inputs)
• ADU resolution 24 bits
• Insulation voltage 1200 VDC permanent

Available as Q.bloxx (top hat rail), Q.brixx (portable system) or Q.raxx (19" 3HU).

Founding of Gantner Instruments Inc. in USA

Beginning on June 1, 2010 our affiliate, Gantner Instruments Inc. in San Diego/CA, will actively promote our business activities in North America. With the experienced team from our previous sales partner ioSelect, this will compound the positive development already experienced during the past few years.

Gantner Instruments Inc.
9835 Carroll Center Rd. Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92126
Tel: +1 888 7256997 (888 QBLOXXS)
Fax: +1 800 3035381
info@gantnerinstruments.com
www.gantnerinstruments.com

Gantner Instruments: ECOPROFIT certified

ECOPROFIT^® stands for "ECOlogical Project For Integrated Environmental Technology". ECOPROFIT^® is a module to build up a process oriented environmental management system and is very common in Europe and in many countries out of Europe.

Since 2009 Gantner Instruments is ECOPROFIT^® certified which shows our contribution for our all environment. This idea of ecology-minded behaviour is positioned within the Environmental Policy of Gantner Intruments.