Astronics Trig-Tek 203M User manual

Trig-Tek™
203M
Charge Amplifier
User Manual
Publication No. 980978 Rev. A
Astronics Test Systems Inc.
4 Goodyear, Irvine, CA 92618
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
[e-mail] [e-mail]
[e-mail] http://www.astronicstestsystems.com
Copyright 2011 by Astronics Test Systems Inc. Printed in the United States of America. All rights reserved.
This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.

THANK YOU FOR PURCHASING THIS
ASTRONICS TEST SYSTEMS PRODUCT
For this product, or any other Astronics Test Systems product that incorporates software drivers,
you may access our web site to verify and/or download the latest driver versions. The web
address for driver downloads is:
http://www.astronicstestsystems.com/support/downloads
If you have any questions about software driver downloads or our privacy policy, please contact
us at:
[e-mail]
WARRANTY STATEMENT
All Astronics Test Systems products are designed to exacting standards and manufactured in full
compliance to our AS9100 Quality Management System processes.
This warranty does not apply to defects resulting from any modification(s) of any product or part
without Astronics Test Systems express written consent, or misuse of any product or part. The
warranty also does not apply to fuses, software, non-rechargeable batteries, damage from
battery leakage, or problems arising from normal wear, such as mechanical relay life, or failure to
follow instructions.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including any implied
warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular use. The remedies provided herein are
buyer’s sole and exclusive remedies.
For the specific terms of your standard warranty, contact Customer Support. Please have the
following information available to facilitate service.
1. Product serial number
2. Product model number
3. Your company and contact information
You may contact Customer Support by:
E-Mail: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone] (USA)
Fax: [phone] (USA)

RETURN OF PRODUCT
Authorization is required from Astronics Test Systems before you send us your product or sub-assembly for
service or calibration. Call or contact Customer Support at 1-800-722-3262 or 1-949-859-8999 or via fax at
1-949-859-7139. We can also be reached at: [e-mail].
If the original packing material is unavailable, ship the product or sub-assembly in an ESD shielding bag and
use appropriate packing materials to surround and protect the product.
PROPRIETARY NOTICE
This document and the technical data herein disclosed, are proprietary to Astronics Test Systems, and shall
not, without express written permission of Astronics Test Systems, be used in whole or in part to solicit
quotations from a competitive source or used for manufacture by anyone other than Astronics Test
Systems. The information herein has been developed at private expense, and may only be used for
operation and maintenance reference purposes or for purposes of engineering evaluation and incorporation
into technical specifications and other documents which specify procurement of products from Astronics
Test Systems.
TRADEMARKS AND SERVICE MARKS
All trademarks and service marks used in this document are the property of their respective owners.
•Racal Instruments, Talon Instruments, Trig-Tek, ActivATE, Adapt-A-Switch, N-GEN, and PAWS are
trademarks of Astronics Test Systems in the United States.
DISCLAIMER
Buyer acknowledges and agrees that it is responsible for the operation of the goods purchased and should
ensure that they are used properly and in accordance with this document and any other instructions
provided by Seller. Astronics Test Systems products are not specifically designed, manufactured or
intended to be used as parts, assemblies or components in planning, construction, maintenance or
operation of a nuclear facility, or in life support or safety critical applications in which the failure of the
Astronics Test Systems product could create a situation where personal injury or death could occur. Should
Buyer purchase Astronics Test Systems product for such unintended application, Buyer shall indemnify and
hold Astronics Test Systems, its officers, employees, subsidiaries, affiliates and distributors harmless
against all claims arising out of a claim for personal injury or death associated with such unintended use.

FOR YOUR SAFETY
Before undertaking any troubleshooting, maintenance or exploratory procedure, read carefully the
WARNINGS and CAUTION notices.
This equipment cont
ains voltage hazardous to
human life and safety, and is capable of inflicting
personal injury.
If this instrument is to be powered from the AC line (mains) through an autotransformer,
ensure the common connector is connected to the neutral (earth pole)
of the power
supply.
Before operating the unit, ensure the conductor (green wire) is connected to the ground
(earth) conductor of the power outlet. Do not use a two-conductor extension cord or a
three-prong/two-prong adapter. This will defeat the prot
ective feature of the third
conductor in the power cord.
Maintenance and calibration procedures sometimes call for operation of the unit with
power applied and protective covers removed. Read the procedures and heed warnings
to avoid “live” circuit points.
Before operating this instrument:
1. Ensure the proper fuse is in place for the power source to operate.
2. Ensure all other devices connected to or in proximity to this instrument are properly grounded or
connected to the protective third-wire earth ground.
If the instrument:
- fails to operate satisfactorily
- shows visible damage
- has been stored under unfavorable conditions
- has sustained stress
Do not operate until performance is checked by qualified personnel.

Publication No. 980978 Rev. A 203M User Manual
Astronics Test Systems i
Table of Contents
Chapter 1.........................................................................................................................1-1
Introduction.....................................................................................................................1-1
System Description ........................................................................................................................1-2
General.......................................................................................................................................1-2
System Specifications ....................................................................................................................1-3
Input ...........................................................................................................................................1-3
Acceleration Outputs (NOR and AUX).......................................................................................1-4
Velocity Output...........................................................................................................................1-4
Displacement Output..................................................................................................................1-5
DC Output ..................................................................................................................................1-5
Controls......................................................................................................................................1-6
Indicators....................................................................................................................................1-7
Power.........................................................................................................................................1-7
Size ............................................................................................................................................1-7
Chapter 2.........................................................................................................................2-1
Operation.........................................................................................................................2-1
Input Switch................................................................................................................................2-1
Digital Panel Meter.....................................................................................................................2-1
Units Switch................................................................................................................................2-1
METER RANGE Switch .............................................................................................................2-2
Sensitivity (RANGE) 1-11 or 10-110 Switch...............................................................................2-2
SENSITIVITY Control.................................................................................................................2-2
SE-DIFF Switch..........................................................................................................................2-2
OPER-CAL Switch .....................................................................................................................2-2
MV/g Output Switch....................................................................................................................2-3
LP FILTER Switch......................................................................................................................2-3
HOLD Circuit..............................................................................................................................2-3
ALARM Circuit............................................................................................................................2-3
RMS-PEAK Switch.....................................................................................................................2-4
Chapter 3.........................................................................................................................3-1
Performance Test............................................................................................................3-1
Test Equipment..............................................................................................................................3-1
Performance Test Procedure.........................................................................................................3-1
Control Settings..............................................................................................................................3-2

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ii Astronics Test Systems
Chapter 4 ........................................................................................................................4-1
Calibration Procedure....................................................................................................4-1
Test Equipment...........................................................................................................................4-1
Switch Settings ...........................................................................................................................4-1
Charge Converter and Displacement Adjust ..............................................................................4-2
DVM Adjustments.......................................................................................................................4-2
Calibrator Adjustments ...............................................................................................................4-3
.

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Astronics Test Systems iii
List of Figures
Figure 1-1, 203M Charge Amplifier....................................................................................................1-2
Figure 4-1, 203M Adjustment Locations ............................................................................................4-3
Figure 4-2, DVM Adjustment Resistor R1..........................................................................................4-4

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Publication No. 980978 Rev. A 203M User Manual
Astronics Test Systems v
DOCUMENT CHANGE HISTORY
Revision Date Description of Change
A 06/14/2011 Document Control release

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Publication No. 980978 Rev. A 203M User Manual
Astronics Test Systems Introduction 1-1
Chapter 1
Introduction
The 203M Charge Amplifier (Figure 1-1) is a versatile charge amplifier covering
the frequency range from 5 Hz to 30,000 Hz. It will accommodate sensors with
sensitivities varying from 1 to 110 pC/g or mV/g and provides an output of either
10 mV/g or 100 mV/g with selectable Peak or RMS indication.
A double integration process provides velocity and displacement outputs. A CAL-
OPER switch connects the charge amplifier input to either the calibrate signal or to
the normal input.
Three standard low pass filters with cutoff frequencies of 3, 10, or 30 kHz, other
cutoffs can be supplied at the time of order.
The unit will operate with high temperature accelerometers where pyroelectric
effects may be encountered and will function with 1 MegOhm or greater shunt
input resistance. The unit has an alarm circuit to alert if preset levels are
exceeded and a relay contact closure is provided.
The Charge Amplifiers are packaged in a plug-in module. Up to six modules will
plug into a standard 19-inch cabinet space, seven inches high, or in a single
module cabinet.
Features include:
•pC/g or mV/g
•Accel, Vel, Displ
•1 to 110 pC or mVg
•DVM Indictor
•Alarm
•Level Hold
•Built-in Calibrator

203M User Manual Publication No. 980978 Rev. A
Introduction 1-2 Astronics Test Systems
Figure 1-1, 203M Charge Amplifier
System Description
General
The 203M is a versatile charge amplifier covering the frequency range from 5 Hz
to 30,000 Hz. It will accept inputs with sensitivities varying from 1 to 110 mV or
pC/g and provides an output of either 10 mV/g or 100 mV/g with selectable peak
or RMS indication. It also integrates the input signal to provide velocity and
displacement outputs with sensitivities of 10 mV/unit.

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Astronics Test Systems Introduction 1-3
The charge sensitivity control is continuously variable from 1 to 11 with an
additional X10 Switch to allow operating with pickups having sensitivities from 1 to
110 mV or pC/g.
A toggle switch permits selection of either 10 mV/g or 100 mV/g output sensitivity.
A CAL-OPER switch connects the charge amplifier input to either internal
calibrator signal or to the normal input.
A front panel filter switch selects three low pass filter cutoff frequencies of 3, 10,
or 30 kHz marked LOW, MEDIUM, or HIGH.
The unit will operate with high temperature accelerometers where pyroelectric
effects may be encountered. It will function with 1 MegOhm or great shunt input
resistance.
The unit has an alarm circuit to alert if preset levels are exceeded. The Charge
Amplifiers are packaged in a plug-in module. Up to six modules will plug into a
standard 19-inch rack space, seven inches high.
System Specifications
Input
Connector BNC.
Charge Sensitivity 1 to 110 mV or pC/g (provided with two
selectable ranges), 1-11 and 10-110 mV or
pC/g with continuous adjustment for each.
Frequency Response ±3% from 5 Hz to 30,000 Hz referred to 100
Hz.
Overload Recovery 10.000 pC or less, 1 ms half sine input pulse will cause no effect at the output,
except clipping.
Amplitude
(Stability vs. Input capacity) Less than 0.1% change per 1000 pF.
Amplitude
(Stability Temperature) Less than 3% change from 30˚ to 130˚F.
Shunt Resistance Will operate with any input impedance
above 100k Ohms.
Filtering 12dB per octave roll off with 3dB cutoffs
selectable for 3 kHz, 10 kHz, and 30kHz.
(Other cutoff frequency supplied on
request)

203M User Manual Publication No. 980978 Rev. A
Introduction 1-4 Astronics Test Systems
Acceleration Outputs (NOR and AUX)
Voltage (Max) 10 Volts RMS.
Sensitivity 10 mV/g or 100 mV/g.
Impedance Less than 50 Ohms. (NOR 10 mA max;
AUX 10 mA max.
Amplitude Linearity ±1% of best straight line approximation of
output vs. input amplitude.
Amplitude Accuracy ±2% of reading ±1% of FS in series with
selected Low Pass Filter.
Noise 0.05 pC maximum with 1.0 pC/g sensitivity. Noise increases 0.007g/1000 pF of
additional capacity at the input.
Harmonic Distortion Less than 1%.
DC Offsst Less than 5 millivolts.
Velocity Output
Voltage Max 10 Volt RMS.
Sensitivity 10 mV/in/sec.
Impedance Less than 50 Ohms (10 mA max).
Frequency Response ±3% 5 Hz to 30000 Hz of a –6dB/oct slope, in series with selected input Low Pass
Filter.
Dynamic Range 46 dB below full scale.
DC Offset Less than 5 millivolts.

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Astronics Test Systems Introduction 1-5
Displacement Output
Level 0-10 Volts RMS.
Impedance Less than 50 Ohms (20 mA max)
Sensitivity 10 mV/mil DA.
Amplitude Accuracy ±5% of reading ±0.5% FS.
Frequency Response ±3% 10 Hz to 10000 Hz of a –12dB slope. ±5% for 5 Hz to 3000 Hz of a –12dB slope
in series with the selected Low Pass Filter.
Dynamic Range 36dB below full scale.
DC Offset Less than 5 millivolts (noise signal must be
averaged).
DC Output
Level 10 Volts DC full scale (meter range).
Impedance Less than 50 Ohms (10 mA max)
Sensitivity 10 Volts for selected full scale.
Linearity 1% full scale.
Amplitude Accuracy 2% of reading ±1% FS.
Dynamic Range (Accel) 60 dB below full scale.

203M User Manual Publication No. 980978 Rev. A
Introduction 1-6 Astronics Test Systems
Controls
Filter Switch Selects LOW, MED, and HIGH nominal
–3 dB frequency cutoffs for the Low Pass
Filter.
Cutoff Frequency KHz
LOW MED HIGH
3 10 30
CAL-OPER Switch Connects the amplifier input to either the internal calibrator signal or to the Accel
Input jack.
MV/g Output Switch Selects 10 or 100 mV/g output.
PC/g-mV/g Switch mV/g accommodates accelerometers with built-in electronics; while pC/g
accommodates standard accelerometers.
Sensitivity Switch Selects 1-11, or 10-110 mV/g or pC/g.
Sensitivity Dial Adjusts the charge sensitivity from 1-11 for
each range.
UNITS Switch Selects either g’s IPS or MILS as the meter
units.
FULL SCALE Switch Selects 10, 100, or 1000 units as full scale
for the meter.
RMS-PEAK Switch Scales the front panel DVM for either PEAK
or RMS units at the input.
ALARM SET Switch Provides the means of monitoring the alarm
set point; also RESETS the alarm.
SE-DIFF Switch Selects either single-ended or differential
configuration at the input.
READ-HOLD Switch
The READ position connects the level
stored in the Peak-Hold circuit to the meter,
and the ERASE position resets the Peak-
Hold circuit to zero.

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Astronics Test Systems Introduction 1-7
Indicators
CAL Light Illuminates when the CAL mode is selected.
ALARM Light Illuminates when the alarm set point is
exceeded.
Power
115 or 230, 10% Volts, 50-400 Hz, 3 watts
nominal.
Size
7 inches high x 2.7 inches wide x 13 inches deep; up to six units mounted side by side
in a standard 19-inch wide rack.

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Publication No. 980978 Rev. A 203M User Manual
Astronics Test Systems Operation 2-1
Chapter 2
Operation
The 203M Charge Amplifier is in a modular package with a self-contained power
supply. Insert the amplifier into one of the six rack spaces of a six-module rack
or the single-module cabinet. Connect the AC line into either 115 Volts or 220
Volts RMS, 60 Hz power. A switch (S1) mounted on the circuit board of each
module selects either 110 or 220 Volts operation. Operation with this switch set
for 110 Volts when using 220 Volt power will damage the unit. The power to the
six modules is controlled by the POWER switch on the left-hand side of the rack;
place this switch to POWER.
CAUTION
The 115-230 VAC switch (S1) must be at the proper setting.
If 230 V Power is applied when this switch is set for
115 V RMS, circuitry will be damaged.
Input Switch
The Charge amplifier is designed to accept inputs from either standard charge
type pickups or from the type with the electronics built it. Place the INPUT switch
to pC/g for standard charge type pickups and to mV/g for the other. When this
switch is in the mV/g position, a current output is supplied to operate the pickup
electronics. This will be set for 3-5 milliamps when shipped. Connect the pickup
to the ACCEL INPUT jack (BNC connector), at the rear of the rack.
Digital Panel Meter
The DPM is a 3-1/2 digit meter that monitors the input level. It has three ranges:
10, 100, or 1000 units, and a switch to select either Acceleration g’s, Velocity
IPS, or Displacement MILS.
Units Switch
The UNITS switch selects g’s, IPS, or MILS as the UNITS to be displayed on the
front panel meter and at the DC OUTPUT jack.

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Operation 2-2 Astronics Test Systems
METER RANGE Switch
The METER RANGE Switch has three positions to select: 10, 100, or 1000 units
full scale. The DC OUTPUT is 10 Volts full scale for each range
Sensitivity (RANGE) 1-11 or 10-110 Switch
The two-position SENSITIVITY Switch is a range selector for the variable
sensitivity control. The proper range selection and sensitivity control setting
allows using pickups from 1 to 110 pC/g or mV/g sensitivities. Place this switch
to the range the pickup sensitivity falls in. For instance, if the pickup is 20 pC/g,
the 10 to 110 range is selected.
SENSITIVITY Control
The sensitivity control is a calibrated ten-turn potentiometer to provide a
continuously variable sensitivity for each range selected by the SENSITIVITY
RANGE switch. For the above example, the control will be set for 2.0
SE-DIFF Switch
This switch permits selection of a single-ended input (SE) or Differential Input
(DIFF). When the DIFF position is selected, the common mode rejection can be
adjusted by the DIFF ADJ control, a screwdriver adjustment immediately below
the DIFF position of the switch. If operating with a pickup that is insulated (no
ground) the single-ended (SE) position should be used. When the pickup
common is grounded, the Differential (DIFF) input opens the ground path
between the pickups and the amplifier and provides rejection of the common
mode voltage.
OPER-CAL Switch
The OPER-CAL switch selects either the ACCEL input when in OPER, or the
internal calibrator input when in the CAL position. The internal calibrator level
can be monitored at the CALIBRATION INPUT BNC connector just below the
OPER-CAL switch. When the OPER-CAL switch is in the OPER position, the
calibrate mode can be selected from a remote CAL CONTROL line. When the
CAL mode is selected, either by the front panel switch or the remote CAL CONT
line, the CAL LIGHT just to the right of the switch illuminates, and the meter
should read 100 ±3 g’s or 100 ±5 MILS.