BMC AMS42/84-LAN User manual

AMS42/84-LAN
5B amplifier measurement system (LAN)
Functional dia
g
ram
All-In-One Measurement System.
Compact or 19 inch.
The AMS42/84-LAN, a complete solution: am-
plifier technology and data acquisition. A net-
work data acquisition system is already inte-
grated. Available in a robust aluminum housing
as a mobile tabletop unit (AMS42-LAN) with
skid-proof, tip-up feet or as a stationary version
(AMS84-LAN) for 19'' rack systems.
Modular concept.
Equip individually. Be flexible.
The AMS device is equipped with cassettes, on
which the required 5B measuring amplifiers are
mounted. The variety of available 5B modules al-
lows for the optimum adaptation of the
AMS42/84-LAN to any special measuring task.
Choose connector.
Mount 5B amplifier. Done.
The available plug-in cassettes have different
connectors at the front panel. Depending on the
sensor or signal to be connected, the suitable cas-
sette can be chosen. Now the 5B module only has
to be fixed on the cassette and be integrated in the
AMS.
Clearly safe.
The galvanic isolation provided by the 5B mod-
ules guarantees interference-free operation and
protects the DAQ system and the PC against high
potentials.
8/16 analog inputs. 25kHz.
4 digital outputs.
Signals are connected at 8/16 analog inputs with
15 bit resolution and 25kHz total sampling rate.
Digital states can be controlled via four digital
outputs.
DAQ via network. Remote.
Synchronized, if you like.
The LAN technology of the AMS42/84-LAN al-
lows for measurement applications across great
distances. The recorded data are transmitted via
network from arbitrarily many measuring points
to a server PC. The signals of several devices can
be synchronized with each other.
TCP/IP. Guaranteed reliable.
The TCP/IP protocol stands for reliable data
transmission - even via the internet.
Open for everyone.
Widely supported: The amplifier measurement
system can be used under Windows®7/XP as
well as under MAC OS X, Free BSD and Linux.
The complete software for installation and pro-
gramming of the AMS42/84-LAN is included for
free. The device is supported by NextView®4,
the software for data acquisition and analysis.

AMS42/84-LAN
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1Installation
1.1 Assembly
a) Equip the AMS42/84-LAN with the plug-in cassettes (see chapter 8.2) carrying the required 5B mod-
ules.
b) Carefully push the cassette along the guide bars of the relevant slot until the 7-pole pin connector of
the cassette and the pins of the 5B module are plugged into the corresponding connectors on the AMS
backplane.
c) If using the option AMS-EXT8 for the AMS42-LAN (see chapter 8.4), the additional cassettes 9-16 are
mounted on the back of the device.
d) For a tight installation, fix the front panel at both ends with screws to the housing. Bridge unneeded
slots by a blank panel (AMS-K-BLANK) to protect the device against outside influences.
e) If the AMS84-LAN is mounted to a 19'' rack system, the relevant input wiring should be prepared first
before attaching the device to the rack system with screws.
1.2 Software installation and start-up procedure
a) Connect an external power unit to the 3-pole DIN coupling for 9-40V power supply (use a supply ca-
ble with a cross sectional area >1mm2) and turn on the AMS42/84-LAN by pressing the switch to "1"
(ON) (see chapter 3.1 and 3.4).
b) Connect the AMS device to the network (LAN) which is intended to be used for the communication
with a PC or server (see chapter 3.3).
c) To be able to make necessary device settings, the configuration software iM-Admin must be installed
on the connected PC. If necessary, further software components can be installed now, as described in
chapter 6.
d) Signals are connected at the specific female connector of the respective AMS cassette panel.
•To change the cassettes, the power of the AMS device must be turned off!
•If the AMS system is operated standalone, additional grounding to enhance shielding is recom-
mended but not mandatory.

AMS42/84-LAN
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2Block diagram
3Connections
All available connectors and operating ele-
ments of the AMS42/84-LAN are accessible
on the right-hand side of the device front.
3.1 Switch
The AMS42/84-LAN is turned on (press "1")
and off (press "0") with the switch. The green
LED indicates the operation of the device.
3.2 LEDs
The two LEDs on the front of the device indicate the following states:
State green LED (ON) red LED (LINK)
flashing device on, waiting for connection to software*transmission of data
on device on, connection to software*connection to hub
off device off no connection to hub
* NextView®4 or LIBAD4; not: iM-Admin
3.3 Network
The PC/notebook and the AMS42/84-LAN communicate via network, which is realized with
by a Twisted Pair connection (10Mbit). If directly connecting the AMS42/84-LAN to the PC, a
crosslink cable must be used. Both cables are available as accessories (ZUKA10T or ZUKA-
CL10T).
A firewall software installed on the PC might hinder the operation of the AMS42/84-LAN. In this case,
please contact your network administrator.

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3.4 Power supply
The AMS device is supplied with power (9..40V) via the 3-pole DIN plug. A power supply unit ZU-PW70W
(24V, 2.92A DC) is optionally available.
Pin Assignment
1 n. c.
2 ground (GND)
3 9-40V DC
3.5 Analog channels
8 (AMS42-LAN) or 16 (AMS84-LAN or AMS42-LAN with option AMS-EXT8) analog signals can be con-
nected to the amplifier inputs available at the respective connectors of the cassette panels. Their assignment
is illustrated in the data sheet of the AMS-K-xxx cassettes.
Depending on the application, the shield of the analog input cables can be applied to ground or 0V. Be sure
to connect at one end of the cable only. Run the signal ground separately if possible. Lay input cable sepa-
rately if possible.
Measurements can be effected on various potentials. The potential deviations, however, should not ex-
ceed 60V DC (according to VDE Association of German Electrical Engineers).
3.6 Synchronization
The AMS42/84-LAN features a synchronization input and output, which can be reached at the 15-pole Sub-
D socket on the back of the device (see chapter 3.5).
The following figure explains the connection of several AMS systems to a synchronization line. Always one
device provides for the synchronization cycle (Master), that means the sync. line must also be connected to
Sync. OUT (pin 15), whereas the others (Slaves) are only connected with each other at Sync. IN (pin 14). In
addition, all devices need a connection to ground (pin 7, 8).
•Only one device can be the master.
•If using long lines, the last device should have a 5kΩresistance at Sync. IN.
•Max. 30 devices can be connected at the Sync. OUT of the master.

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3.7 Digital outputs
The AMS42/84-LAN features 4 digital outputs (low: 0V..0.7V; high:
3.0V..5V). All connections are led to the 15-pole Sub-D female con-
nector on the back of the device. The pin assignment is as follows:
Pin Assignment Pin Assignment
3 DOut 1 14 Sync IN
4 DOut 2 15 Sync OUT
11 DOut 3 7, 8 Sync GND
12 DOut 4 1, 2, 6, 9, 10 n. c.
5, 13 DGND
4Interfacing examples for digital outputs
Serial resistors in the output lines limit the current and protect the hardware from being destroyed.
4.1 Connecting an LED
Only so-called low-current LEDs can be
used, because they already work with 1mA
current.
Please also observe the total current listed
in the technical data (see chapter ).
4.2 Connecting a relay
A connected relay is ideal to switch higher
currents. Since the field coil of the relay
requires a higher current than provided by
the measurement system at one line, a tran-
sistor is connected ahead.
Relay boards with 8 relays or 16 semi-
conductor relays are available at bmcm.

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5AMS backplane
The AMS -backplane provides 8 slots for 5B modules and the AMS-K-xxx plug-in cassettes (see chapter 8.2)
carrying the 5B modules. In the AMS84-LAN, two backplanes are integrated. If the AMS42-LAN is used
with the optional add-on AMS-EXT8 (see chapter 8.4), eight slots each are available at the front and at the
back of the device.
5.1 Ground-to-ground resistance
The ground-to-ground resistance is required when the output ground is not electrically connected with the
power supply ground. If the jumper (see fig. above) on the analog backplane is closed, the output switches of
the modules are switched through.
In the case of electrically connected systems (e.g. PC), this jumper represents a high-resistance bridge
(1kΩ) and may generate a hum loop!
5.2 Module pin assignment
The pin assignment on the right shows the top view of the module back-
plane (see chapter 5).
The pin assignment corresponds to the 5B modules of Analog Devices®,
BURR BROWN®etc. However, an additional 0EX pin has been intro-
duced, which is particularly suitable for ungrounded shielding. This is a
specific assignment of BMC Messsysteme GmbH. This pin is not con-
nected in modules of other manufacturers.
5.3 Fuse
The fusing of the AMS backplane is effected on the backplane with one reversible semi-conductor fuse. In
case of overload it turns of. To make the fuse work effectively again, first remove the cause for overload be-
fore disconnecting the power supply of the AMS42/84-LAN.
5.4 Connection for AMS cassettes
The cassettes are connected to the AMS backplane (see chapter 5) via 7-pole pin connec-
tors leading the input signals connected at the cassette panel to the backplane. The assign-
ment of the 7-pole female connector on the board is illustrated in the figure on the right-
hand side.

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6Software installation and configuration
All software and documentation available for the AMS42/84-LAN are integrated on the "Software
Collection" CD included with delivery. When inserting the CD, a CD starter opens automatically
(otherwise: start openhtml.exe).
AMS42-LAN
Change to the product page of the AMS42/84-LAN by selecting the entry "Products" in the CD
starter and then the hardware ("AMS42-LAN" or "AMS84-LAN") listed under the interface
"LAN".
For detailed information about installing or operating the software, please see the corresponding
manuals. The Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to open the documentation in PDF format.
You can run the installation directly from CD. If your browser prevents this, first save the
setup program to hard disc before running it separately.
Software Software product Notes Documentation
Configura-
tion
iM-Admin free software for the configuration of bmcm
LAN data acquisition systems
UM-iM-Admin
(user manual)
Program-
ming
STR-LIBADX ActiveX control for hardware independent pro-
gramming
STR-LIBADX-IG
(installation / programming manual)
STR-LIBADX-EX example programs for LIBADX ActiveX control -
SDK-LIBAD SDK with example programs for C/C++ on
Windows®, MAC OS X, FreeBSD, Linux
SDK-LIBAD-IG
(installation / programming manual)
Operating
program
NV4 measuring software NextView®4 available in the
Standalone versions:
•Lite: "slim" version with basic functions
•Pro: full version with complete functional
range
•Analysis: version for the analysis of stored
measuring data
NextView®4 can be used for free as a fully func-
tional 30-day trial version. After purchasing the
software, all projects, measurement files, and
settings can still be used.
NV4-SRV
NV4-WORK
Client/Server version of NV4 consisting of
NextView®4 Server and NextView®4 Work-
station
DS-NV4
(data sheet)
UM-NV4
(user manual)
"First steps" in the NextView®4
demo project (displayed when first
starting the software)
6.1 Configuration with iM-Admin
Network settings, firmware version and connection quality of the AMS42/84-LAN can be tested or
changed with the configuration software iM Admin.
The data acquisition unit integrated in the AMS42/84-LAN is an iM-AD25a. This name is al-
ways used and displayed in the software.
6.1.1 Installation
The installation program for the configuration software iM Admin is included on the AMS42/84-LAN prod-
uct page of the "Software Collection" CD. During installation, you will be prompted to choose the desired
program group, to open the iM Admin via the Windows®Start menu, and the directory path, in which the
software is to be installed.

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Page 8
If using default settings, the entry "iM Administration Utility" will be available under "Programs" in the
Windows®Start menu after installation.
6.1.2 Operation
In the left window of the program screen, all DAQ
systems with a working network connection to the PC
are listed displaying their IP addresses. The IP address
shown is the last address which has been set for the
device (default factory setting: 192.168.64.133).
Select a network measuring system to show the pa-
rameters of this device in the TABs on the right.
Please check the configuration of the device. Pressing
the button "Update Flash..." conveys the new settings
to the hardware.
If using the AMS42/84-LAN together with Next-
View®4, the correct assignment of the IP address and
the netmask is of decisive importance. Please check
these setting in the TAB "TCP/IP".
6.1.3 Notes about TCP/IP
Each participant of the network has his own IP address consisting of four groups of numbers. To guarantee
that a data package arrives at the correct address, this IP address must have been given out only once.
Each IP address contains the network number identifying the net your PC belongs to. Please make sure the
PC and the AMS42/84-LAN are in the same net, that means they have the same network number, to be able
to communicate with each other.
6.1.4 Example configuration
If there is only the PC and the measuring device in your network, you can use the following configuration:
Configuration Value
network 192.168.32.0
IP address AMS42/84-LAN 192.168.32.2
IP address PC (see chapter 0) 192.168.32.1
network mask 255.255.255.0
Please refer to your network administrator for an available IP address
in your net and adjust the settings of the device in the iM Admin (TAB
"TCP/IP").
6.1.5 Assign IP address of the PC
The IP address of the PC and the netmask is entered via the
Control Panel of the PC in the dialog "Internet Protocol
(TCP/IP) Properties". Step by step click the following entries:

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Windows®7 Windows®XP
9Start
9Control Panel
9Network and Internet
9Network and Sharing Center
9Connections: Local Area Connection
9button "Properties"
9item "Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)"
9button "Properties"
9TAB "General
9Start
9Control Panel
9dialog "Network Connections"
9Local Area Connection
9button "Properties" (in TAB "General")
9item "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)" (in TAB "General)
9button "Properties"
9TAB "General
6.2 Programming
Programming the AMS42/84-LAN (installed as "iM-AD25a") with Visual Basic®, Delphi®, Visual C++™
under Windows®7/XP is possible with the hardware independent STR-LIBADX. It is available on the
AMS42/84-LAN product page of the "Software Collection" CD. After installation, the ActiveX control must
be loaded into the respective programming environment.
-Visual Basic®: menu "Project / Components", entry "LIBADX Object Library 4.0"
-Delphi®: menu "Components / Import ActiveX", entry "LIBADX Object Library 4.0"
If you select the entry STR-LIBADX-EX listed directly under the installation program of the corresponding
ActiveX control, you can install example programs (with source code) demonstrating how to apply the Acti-
veX control.
Programming the AMS42/84-LAN under Max OS X and Unix (FreeBSD, Linux) with C/C++ is
done by means of the LIBAD4 programming interface.
The SDK-LIBAD for the respective operating system (also Windows®) is included on the product
page of the AMS42/84-LAN. For further information about how to integrate the SDK in the pro-
gramming environment, please see the corresponding programming manual SDK-LIBAD-IG.
Using the LIBAD4 requires advanced programming experience!
6.3 Using AMS42/84-LAN with NextView®4
Install the fully functional trial of the professional software NextView®4 for measurement data acquisition
and processing to directly test the features and functions of the AMS42/84-LAN (installed as "iM-AD25a").
The setup program NV4 is available on the product page of the card. When first starting the software,
request a license number with the option "Request 30 days free trial version" being checked and select
your DAQ system (iM-AD25a) in the following dialog "Device Setup".
The data sheet and the start project of NextView®4 contain first instructions about how to install and operate
the program. For detailed information, an online help is provided.
•The trial is valid for 30 days after requesting the license number. If a license is not purchased
within this period, the functional range of NextView®4 will considerably be cut back!
•A "Client/Server" version of NextView®4 is available.

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7AMS42/84-LAN and NextView®4
The device perfectly goes together with the modern data acquisition and analysis program NextView®4:
¾different versions (Demo, Live!, Lite, Professional, Analysis, Client/Server) available
¾unlimited number of devices (even of different type) can be installed (except for: NextView®4 Lite)
¾configure, scan, visualize, record, analyze, document in one software
¾no programming skills required
¾for further information visit : www.nextview.de

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8Supplementary products for the AMS42/84-LAN
8.1 5B modules (MA series)
The 5B measuring amplifiers from bmcm allow for the professional
signal adjustment to a data acquisition system.
The amplifier output is ±5V or 0..5V. Most of the modules are electri-
cally isolating and provide sensor supply.
The following 5B modules from bmcm are available:
Product Description
MA-UNI universal amplifier with galvanic isolation for U, I, R, PT100, DMS, LVDT
MA-UI multi-range amplifier with galvanic isolation for U, I
MA-U voltage measuring amplifier with galvanic isolation, 50kHz bandwidth
MA-FU frequency/voltage converter with galvanic isolation
MA-DFI digital filter module with galvanic isolation, 60dB/oct.
MA-FI filter module with galvanic isolation, 30dB/oct.
8.2 Plug-in cassettes (AMS-K series)
The amplifier system can be individually equipped with 8 (AMS42-
LAN) or 16 (AMS84-LAN or AMS42-LAN with option AMS-EXT8)
plug-in cassettes.
Each cassette is equipped with the relevant 5B module and suitable
input connector.
The suitable input connector on the front panel guarantees for the
relevant connection to be available when exchanging the cassette.
The following cassettes are available:
Product Description
AMS-K-BIN5 cassette with panel and 5-pole Binder female connector (712 series)
AMS-K-BLANK blank panel
AMS-K-BNC cassette with front panel and BNC female connector
AMS-K-CO5 cassette with front panel and 5-pole terminal connector
AMS-K-THK cassette with front panel and thermocouple socket (type K)
8.3 AMS-HANDLE, AMS-HANDLE2
For mobile use, the AMS42/84-LAN can be equipped with
a lateral, foldaway strap carrying handle (AMS-HANDLE)
or with two stable metal handles at the housing frame
(AMS-HANDLE2).
8.4 AMS-EXT8
With the add-on option AMS-EXT8, eight additional analog channels are available for the AMS42-LAN ac-
cessible at the back of the amplifier measurement system.

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9Important notes for using the AMS42/84-LAN
•The device is only suitable for extra-low voltages - please observe the relevant regulations! For reasons relating to
EMC, it must only be used in closed PC housings. ESD voltages at open lines may cause malfunction.
•Only use an electrical isolated power supply unit (with CE).
•For cleaning only use non-solvent detergents. The product is designed to be maintenance-free.
•For calibration purposes, the device must be returned to BMC Messsysteme GmbH.
•For reasons relating to CE use shielded cables. Connect the shield to ground at one end only. Close open inputs if
possible. ESD voltages on lines may cause malfunction during operation.
•When mounting the cassettes, a connection between power supply ground and chassis of the device is made via
the module screw.
•The AD converter of the data acquisition system has a code noise of up to ±4 LSB. For 16-bit accuracy, you must
average app. 10 times in order to suppress the noise.
•The Gain is adjusted to even values. Therefore only 32000 (with 15 bit) values of the full range of the converter
are used. As a result, the measuring ranges are effectively slightly larger (e.g. ±5.12V) than the indicated measur-
ing ranges, providing for the advantage that overranges can be recognized.
•The device must not be used for safety-relevant tasks. With the use of the product, the customer becomes manu-
facturer by law and is therefore fully responsible for the proper installation and use of the product. In the case of
improper use and/or unauthorized interference, our warranty ceases and any warranty claim is excluded.
Do not dispose of the product in the domestic waste or at any waste collection places. It has to be either duly dis-
posed according to the WEEE directive or can be returned to bmcm at your own expense.
10 Technical data
(typical at 20°C, after 5min., +24V supply)
•Analog inputs
Channels // Sampling rate: 8 (AMS42-LAN) or 16 (AMS84-LAN) inputs (single-ended) // max. 25kHz total sampling rate*
Measuring range // Noise // Resolution: ±5V // ±1mV // 15 bit (305µV)
Abs. accuracy // Memory depth: ±2.5mV // only depending on the size of the hard disk of the server PC
Surge protection: ±35V (when turned on), ±20V (when turned off), max. ±20mA in total of all input channels!
Input resistance // Input capacity: 1MΩ(with PC turned off: 1kΩ) // 5pF
Zero shift // Gain drop: ±50ppm/°C // ±50ppm/°C
Frequency accuracy // Frequency drift: max. ±100ppm // max. ±50ppm/°C
* The total sampling rate is the sum of the sampling rates of the individual used channels (e.g. if 5 channels are scanned with 1kHz, the total
sampling rate adds up to 5kHz).
The values for accuracy always relate to the respective measuring range. Errors might add at worst.
•Digital outputs
Channels // Level: 4 output channels // CMOS/TTL compatible (low: 0V..0.7V; high: 3V..5V)
Resistance Ri // Output current: 1kΩ// 0.5mA
•General data
Power supply: +9..40V DC, ±5%, min 3W, max. 20W (depends on number of 5B modules used) at 3-pole DIN male
Galvanic isolation: depends on the 5B modules used
Analog connections: different connectors (Phoenix, Binder, BNC, Thermo) on the front panels of the cassettes
Digital connections: all channels at a 15-pole Sub-D female at the device front
LAN connection: Twisted Pair RJ45 connector (10BASE-T), 10Mbit
Synchronization bus and connection: Sync OUT: 15V level, max. 30*Sync IN connectable at master with +5kΩ
CE standards: EN61000-6-1, EN61000-6-3, EN61010-1; for decl. of conformity (PDF) visit www.bmcm.de
ElektroG // ear registration: RoHS and WEEE compliant // WEEE Reg.-No. DE75472248
Max. permissible potentials // Protection: 60V DC acc. to VDE, max. 1kV ESD on open lines // IP20
Temperature ranges // Relative humidity: operating temp. -25..50°C, storage temp. -25..70°C // 0-90% (not condensing)
Dimensions (W x H x D): AMS42-LAN: 23.5 x 13.2 x 25.6 cm3; AMS84-LAN: 48.3 x 13.2 x 25.6cm3(incl. mounting brackets)
Delivery: device, "Software Collection" CD, description
Available accessories: plug-in cassettes with front panels and different connectors of the AMS-K series, 8-channel extension
AMS-EXT8 (AMS42-LAN only); Sub-D plug ZU15ST, 3-pole DIN female ZU3DIN, connecting
cables ZUKA10T (Twisted Pair), ZUKA-CL10T (Crosslink), desktop power supply
ZU-PW70W (24V, 2.92A DC) with cable set, carrying handles AMS-HANDLE, AMS-HANDLE2
Warranty: 2 years from date of purchase at bmcm, claims for damages resulting from improper use excluded
•Software
Software on CD (included): ActiveX Controls LIBADX (hardware independent) for programming on Windows®7/XP; LIBAD4
SDK for C/C++ programming on Windows® 7/XP, Mac OS X, FreeBSD, Linux; trial version of the
measuring software NextView®4 to test and operate the hardware; configuration software iM-Admin
NextView®4 (optional): professional software (versions: Professional, Lite, Client/Server) for the acquisition and analysis of
measurement data on Windows®7/XP
Manufacturer: BMC Messsysteme GmbH. Subject to change due to technical improvements. Errors and printing errors excepted. Rev. 4.0 01/19/2011