Strain Gage Measurements

The Coda data acquisition software platform supports the LXI-based EX1629 remote
strain gage measurement unit made by
VXI Technology inc. for static and dynamic structural tests, e. g. on aircraft and rail vehicles, and general-purpose data acquisition. LXI is an instrumentation platform based on industry standard Ethernet technology designed to provide modularity, flexibility and performance to small- and medium-sized systems.

Ethernet control allows for remote operation and easy connection to the host computer. The design of the
48-channel measurement unit enables the highest performance measurements possible while keeping overall test hardware costs down. The EX1629 provides full internal calibration without having to disconnect from the device under test.

For large data acquisition applications, multiple EX1629 units can be synchronized together via an external trigger bus. The built-in bridge completion is completely programmable meaning that the hardware configuration can remain unchanged if the measurement configuration changes.

The Coda software allows you to configure measurement set-ups with hundreds of channels within a very short time and to handle these high-channel count applications safely and efficiently. Key features include client/server architecture, SQL data base for parameter management, automatic frontend identification, real-time analysis of virtual channels using mathematical functions, alarm functions with user-definable alarm actions for every channel, data replay and data export into common file formats.

Coda is capable of supporting ¼, ½ and full-bridge configurations as well as rosette-type sensors.

EX1629 Measurement Hardware Specifications:

• 48-channel unit with built-in Ethernet controller
• Built-in bridge completion and excitation
• 24-bit A/D per channel for high resolution data
• Data rates: 25 Ksa/sec for a group of 16 channels or 10 Ksa/sec for all 48 channels
• Simple, low-cost wiring using RJ-45 telecom connectors
• Multiple units can be synchronized together
• Supports open TEDS transducer standard
• Closed-loop end-to-end self-calibration assures maximum accuracy over time and temperature

For detailed information on the LXI instrumentation platform, please visit the website of the LXI Consortium
which is working to develop the LXI (LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation) standard. The leading test and measurement companies are members of this Consortium.