Data Acquisition (DAQ) Announcements

Take a look at the best new tools for your data acquisition project. Or read the full press releases.

Channel-to-Channel Isolation for 4-20 mA Current Loops: MSXB 081

A new signal interface (SI) module lets you monitor signals simultaneously from up to eight 4-20 mA current loops, with channel-to-channel isolation. SI module MSXB 081 has one 16-bit A/D converter per channel to let you acquire signals simultaneously. MSXB 081 provides both 300 volts (peak) of isolation from channel to channel and 700 volts (peak) from channel to PC.

Network-Ready Data Acquisition with Channel-to-Channel Isolation: SMS I64

You now can buy a complete, network-ready data acquisition package that lets you sample up to 64 differential inputs simultaneously with 16-bit resolution and channel-to-channel isolation – and at the same time update up to 16 analog outputs also with 16-bit resolution and channel-to-channel isolation. New scalable modular system (SMS) products from Microstar Laboratories, maker of Data Acquisition Processor (DAP) boards and network-ready DAPservers, consist of a DAPserver with up to two DAP boards connected to eight input signal interface (SI) modules and two output SI modules in a 3U card-cage – all in the same enclosure.

8-Channel Isolated 4-20 mA Current Loop Transmitter Module: MSXB 074

Transmit signals on up to eight 4-20 mA current loops for real-time control of machinery or process equipment, or for automated test of sensors and process equipment, with a new signal interface (SI) module: the MSXB 074. Microstar Laboratories, maker of Data Acquisition Processor (DAP) boards and network-ready DAPservers, now also has a growing family of SI modules like this new top-of-the-line product.

MSXB 074 derives each current output from a 16-bit DAC on each channel. The module provides channel-to-channel isolation – very important for process control – and uses loop power. The actual range is 0-24 mA, and this extended range lets you use the product to test any of your 4-20 mA circuits: 0 mA simulates an open circuit and 24 mA is 20% over the normal range. Like other SI modules, MSXB 074 connects to a DAP board directly controlled by a PC or by a DAPserver. The DAP can send dynamic signals to the current outputs on the MSXB 074 SI module at an aggregate update rate as high as 1M updates/second.

Analog Inputs: Isolated – Simultaneous – Fast: MSXB 080

A new signal interface (SI) module offers you differential inputs, channel-to-channel isolation, channel-selectable gains, simultaneous sampling, and high data rates – all combined in a convenient 3U Eurocard B package. Microstar Laboratories, maker of Data Acquisition Processor (DAP) boards and network-ready DAPservers, now also has a growing family of SI modules like this new top-of-the-line product.

The eight onboard analog-to-digital converters on the MSXB 080 are synchronized to within a few nanoseconds of each other, and each one converts an analog signal to a 16-bit data stream at up to 250k samples/second for a total throughput of two million samples per second.

Isolated 4-20 mA Inputs – MSXB 086

If you are looking for a receiver for 4-20 mA current loops in an application that you want to control from a PC, check out a new signal interface (SI) module. MSXB 086 can monitor up to 16 current loops. You can acquire data – for real-time processing or later analysis – from as many of them as you need by connecting them to DAP boards in networked DAPservers.

Network-Ready Data Acquisition – DAPserver 500

You now can buy network-ready data acquisition server packages based on Pentium M processors and preloaded with Windows and server software. Microstar Laboratories announced new DAPserver 500 test, measurement, and control products. There is space in the DAPserver enclosure for up to four DAP boards and up to ten signal-interfacing boards. You can start development right away by connecting a laptop and using the preloaded software. Or add a monitor and connect a keyboard and mouse to the front-panel USB ports. The system provides real-time response free from local or network-related delays. DAPserver 500 models are available now.

Isolated Analog Inputs and Outputs – MSXB 085

If you need to protect your signals from noise and you want to avoid ground currents, take a look at a new board that helps you do both. It is a good fit in applications that have a number of analog inputs and a smaller number of analog outputs. The MSXB 085 isolated analog expansion and termination board provides sixteen isolated analog inputs and two isolated analog outputs. A single DAP board, controlled from a PC or from a network-ready DAPserver, can support up to eight MSXB 085 boards. An MSXB 085 board can sample signal inputs at 333k samples per second and can update each of its signal outputs at 500k updates per second.

Analog Inputs with Isolated Grounds – MSXB 084

You now can better protect your analog inputs from noise – and eliminate ground loops as well. A new analog input board offers high density, enables high channel counts, and isolates all channels from the PC ground. The new board – part number MSXB 084 – includes 16 differential analog inputs. Onboard 16-bit analog-to-digital conversion reduces signal exposure to noise from other circuits. Eight boards in a 19-inch rack-mountable industrial enclosure can connect to a single DAP board. Multiple DAP boards can work together in a PC or DAPserver and across a network as a synchronized system with several hundred channels of isolated analog input, all of it protected from ground loops.

Analog Outputs with Isolated Grounds – MSXB 076

You now can design out two serious potential problems – ground currents and phase errors – from the analog outputs in your application. A new analog output board offers high density, enables high channel counts, includes an isolated ground for each channel, and allows simultaneous updates across all channels. The MSXB 076 board includes eight analog outputs, with an isolated ground for every output.

Digital I/O for High Channel Counts, Isolated Ground – MSXB 078

If you have concerns about ground currents as a source of noise, and if you need precise timing across many – or potentially many – channels of digital I/O, then check out a product that addresses both of these issues. An expansion board from Microstar Laboratories combines simultaneous operation on all channels with a ground isolated from the PC. The new board – part number MSXB 078 – provides sixteen digital inputs and sixteen digital outputs. Eight rack-mounted MSXB 078 boards connected to a single DAP board controlled by a PC give it 128 digital inputs and 128 digital outputs. Multiple DAP boards can work together across a network as a synchronized system that provides you with maybe hundreds of digital inputs and outputs operating simultaneously – and with isolated grounds.