CLEVELAND, OH, March 2005 — IOtech has introduced the newest addition to its family of high-speed, portable, PC-based data acquisition systems — the StrainBook/616^™. The StrainBook is a compact and portable strain gage measurement system that connects to a PC’s Ethernet port. The unit can be powered via an included AC adaptor, or for portable applications from an optional rechargeable battery. The unit can be powered directly from any 9 to 30 VDC source, such as an automotive battery.

The StrainBook is housed in a rugged metal package with an integrated carrying handle. It’s form factor is ideal for setting under a notebook PC, which provides all of the user I/O and data storage. Expansion options attach directly to the StrainBook with included mounting hardware, making it simple to assemble a compact and portable system that fits nicely on the seat of an automobile or on the test bench.

Eight channels of strain measurement are built into the StrainBook, which can be expanded in 8-channel increments up to 64 channels. For applications with more than 64 channels, multiple StrainBook systems can be combined and synchronized for a virtually limitless number of strain measurement channels. The StrainBook is also capable of measuring voltage, temperature, vibration, and sound when used in combination with other signal conditioning options.

Unlike other instruments that only measure static strain, the StrainBook’s 16-bit, 1-MHz A/D converter covers a wide application range sampling from minutes to microseconds. Selected channels are scanned at 1 µsec per channel, and built-in simultaneous sampling guarantees that the time skew between channels is less than 100 nsec. The high-speed Ethernet connection provides continuous data streaming to the PC in real time; so the only limit to the amount of data acquired or the duration of a test is the hard disk storage capacity on the host PC.

The StrainBook supports a wide range of bridge, pressure transducer, and load cell designs from 120 to 1000 Ohms including full, half, and quarter bridge configurations using either standard, 3-wire or 6-wire Kelvin connection. Internal and removable headers hold the bridge completion and shunt calibration resistors eliminating external fixturing.

The precision excitation regulators are adjustable through software from 0.5 to 10V and feature remote sensing for accurate readings over long wire lengths. In addition, internal roll-back circuitry protects against accidental short circuit damage.

All input channels are attached via eight industry standard DB-9 connectors on the front of the unit, with each channel having an independent gain stage, software programmable in 86 steps from 1 to 20,000, providing optimal gain for any strain application.

Built-in filtering per channel provides both software selected high-pass AC coupling and software selected 10-Hz and 1-kHz low-pass filter. Designed for flexibility, the low-pass filters can be field modified for other corner frequencies between 2 and 20 kHz simply by inserting a user-supplied resistor pack.

Balancing the bridge is quick and convenient. No pots to adjust, LEDs to monitor or dials to twist. Simply enter the values specific to your bridge and application, and StrainBook/616 and WaveView software does the rest. The auto balance removes the quiescent portion of the load and compensates for any drift.

Included WaveView Software
The StrainBook includes WaveView^™, IOtech’s Out-of-the-Box^™ graphical set up, acquisition, and display software. WaveView allows set up, data acquisition, real time display, and storage to disk without having to program. For applications beyond 64 channels, or for custom applications, comprehensive drivers are included for all Windows^® languages as well as for LabVIEW^® and DASYLab^®.

About IOtech
IOtech produces data acquisition hardware and software for use in PC-based test and measurement and industrial automation systems. Its products are used in research and manufacturing facilities and are sold throughout the world. IOtech, Inc. is located at 25971 Cannon Road, Cleveland, Ohio, 44146;
Telephone: (440) 439-4091; Fax: (440) 439-4093; E-mail: sales@iotech.com