DTS TDAS G5 User manual

11000-00010-MAN (Rev. 5) © Diversified Technical Systems, Inc. - All Rights Reserved
TDAS G5
Data Acquisition System
User’s Manual
October 2019

TDAS G5 DAS User’s Manual October 2019
support.dtsweb.com ii 11000-00010-MAN (Rev. 5)
Table of Contents
DTS Support.................................................................................................... 3
Overview of TDAS G5 DAS Features ................................................................ 4
Input Range ...................................................................................................4
Excitation Sources ...........................................................................................4
Sensor Connectors ..........................................................................................4
Shunt Calibration Resistors...............................................................................5
Shunt Emulation..............................................................................................5
Hardware Filters..............................................................................................6
EID Support....................................................................................................6
Memory Size...................................................................................................6
TDAS G5 DAS Interface Connector .................................................................. 7
Basic Care and Handling ................................................................................. 8
Shock Rating ..................................................................................................8
Thermal Considerations....................................................................................9
Power Considerations ................................................................................... 10
Power Consumption and Management..............................................................10
Power Requirements and Memory Retention .....................................................10
External Power Provisions...............................................................................10
Communication Features .............................................................................. 11
Communication Method..................................................................................11
LED Indicators ..............................................................................................11
Application Support Equipment..................................................................... 12
iDummy™ and TDAS G5 Docking Stations .......................................................12
Appendix A: TDAS G5 DAS 216-position Interface Connector....................... 14
Appendix B: Mechanical Specifications......................................................... 15
Appendix C: Changing the TDAS G5 DAS Network Parameters ..................... 16
Establish Communication................................................................................16
Change the Network Parameters .....................................................................16
Using the New Settings ..................................................................................18
Appendix D: Hardware Configuration Specifications .................................... 19

TDAS G5 DAS User’s Manual October 2019
support.dtsweb.com 311000-00010-MAN (Rev. 5)
DTS Support
TDAS G5 systems are designed to be reliable and simple to operate. Should you need
assistance, DTS has support engineers worldwide with extensive product knowledge and
test experience ready to help via telephone, e-mail or on-site visits.
The best way to contact a DTS support engineer is to submit a request through the DTS
Help Center web portal (support.dtsweb.com). You must be registered
(support.dtsweb.com/registration) to submit a request
(https://support.dtsweb.com/hc/en-us/requests/new). Registration also enables access
to additional self-help resources and non-public support information.
This manual supports the following products:
11000-00010: TDAS G5 DAS module (32 ch)
11000-00020: TDAS G5 DAS module, high bandwidth (32 ch)

TDAS G5 DAS User’s Manual October 2019
support.dtsweb.com 411000-00010-MAN (Rev. 5)
Introducing the TDAS G5 Data Acquisition
System
Each TDAS G5 Data Acquisition System (DAS) is a standalone, 32-channel, data acqui-
sition system. This manual discusses the features and options available with the
TDAS G5 DAS. To identify the specific hardware included with your system, please see
your packing list.
Overview of TDAS G5 DAS Features
•Designed and manufactured to withstand in-dummy and on-vehicle dynamic
testing environments.
•32 programmable sensor input channels, each with an independent excitation
source, true differential instrumentation amplifier, anti-alias filter, 16-bit analog-
to-digital converter, and electronic identification (EID) support.
•Adjustable sampling rate of 250 to 100,000 samples/second/channel.
•Primary memory: 150 seconds* at 10k samples/second (RAM); back-up
memory: 7 seconds at 10k samples/second (non-volatile flash).
•Voltage insertion and shunt emulation.
•32 multi-purpose digital input channels.
•Ethernet 10/100BaseT/Tx communications.
•Simple 216-position interface connector.
•LED indicators for communication, calibration, power, arm status and event
status.
•Back-up battery input for safe operation even with loss of primary power.
Please see the DTS web site (www.dtsweb.com) for the latest hardware specifications.
Input Range
Each sensor channel has a true differential instrumentation amplifier with an input range
of ±2.0 V at a gain of 1. The input amplifiers function nominally between 0 and 5 V,
therefore input signals must be centered 2.5 V above minus excitation for proper
operation. Be sure to consider this when connecting something other than typical bridge
sensors (i.e., signal generator, amplified sensors, etc.).
Excitation Sources
All excitation sources are individually regulated and limited to ensure reliable operation
even with shorted cables. The standard excitation voltage is 5.0 V. Excitation sources
are not turned on until the software initializes the system during the Real-Time or Collect
Data modes.
Sensor Connectors
The TDAS G5 DAS is supplied with a 216-position interface connector that has sensor
connections as shown below. The pin assignments can be found in Appendix A.
* Earlier units may contain less RAM. See the section on Memory Size (page 6) for additional details.

TDAS G5 DAS User’s Manual October 2019
support.dtsweb.com 511000-00010-MAN (Rev. 5)
Sensor Connections
Shunt Calibration Resistors
Conventional shunt calibration resistors are not supported in the TDAS G5 DAS. Shunt
emulation is used to perform shunt checks.
Shunt Emulation
The TDAS G5 DAS uses shunt emulation to perform shunt checks. Shunt emulation
eliminates the need for conventional shunt resistors and is enabled when “Emulation” is
chosen in the SIF as the shunt calibration method. This method applies a precise current
to a connected sensor and checks for expected deflection based on sensor impedance.
Shunt checks are performed under software control; settings are calculated by the
software and the applied shunt signal is automatically scaled to an appropriate
percentage of the requested range. (See the TDAS Control software manual for
additional information.)
It is always best to complete the bridge when using half-bridge sensors. We recommend
completing the bridge with fixed resistors on the +Sig side, then using the value of the
fixed resistors for shunt emulation.
guide pin
Shield
-Ex
ID/digital
+Ex
+Sig
-Sig
+Ex
+Sig
-Sig
R
R
R
R
-Ex
Dallas ID
Differential
Instrumentation
Amplifier
2.5 V
Ref
Excitation
5 V, 20 mA
Gain
Calibration
Excitation
Check ADC
Dallas ID
Interface
Digital Inputs
+5 V
-
+
TDAS G5 DAS
Sensor
Connector
Contact Closure
Shunt Check
Driver
2004-2019 ©Diversified Technical Systems, Inc. - All Rights Reserved

TDAS G5 DAS User’s Manual October 2019
support.dtsweb.com 611000-00010-MAN (Rev. 5)
Hardware Filters
Each TDAS G5 DAS measurement channel has a fixed four-pole Butterworth anti-aliasing
filter with a standard -3 dB knee point at 4000 Hz (30,000 Hz for high bandwidth). Each
channel also has a software-controlled, variable five-pole Butterworth filter, which is
adjustable from 50 to 5000 Hz (30,000 Hz for high bandwidth). These two filters may
be used together to provide an effective Butterworth response with up to nine poles.
The TDAS Control software automatically chooses the best filter setting for a chosen
sampling rate. (The relationship between sampling rate and anti-alias filter knee point
is contained in a look-up table in the TDAS G5 DAS initialization file called tdas.ini.)
DTS can provide assistance to help ensure that end-users employ filter settings that
meet their requirements. (See Appendix B for information on how to determine whether
your unit is standard or high bandwidth.)
EID Support
Each TDAS G5 DAS measurement channel supports communication with silicon serial
number devices manufactured by Dallas Semiconductor/Maxim Integrated Products.
When you connect an ID chip to the proper pins on the sensor connector, the TDAS
Control software can automatically read these devices and correlate the serial number
with channel set-up information stored in a Sensor Information File (SIF).
Memory Size
Each TDAS G5 DAS contains 5 MB of non-volatile flash memory and 100 MB of volatile
RAM. For each sensor channel, the maximum samples available via flash memory is
10k samples/second for 7 seconds; for RAM, the maximum samples available is
10k samples/second for 150 seconds.
Early TDAS G5 DAS units may contain less RAM. Your tdas.ini file provided at time of
shipment is properly configured for the RAM available in your unit. TDAS Control will
automatically calculate the maximum recording time possible given the sampling rate
selected and the RAM available.
WARNING:
Reliable, high-quality, primary and back-up power sources are
very important for data retention. If primary and back-up
power is lost, all data contained in the RAM will be deleted.

TDAS G5 DAS User’s Manual October 2019
support.dtsweb.com 711000-00010-MAN (Rev. 5)
TDAS G5 DAS Interface Connector
All functions and signals enter and exit the TDAS G5 DAS via the gold-plated, 216-
position interface connector panel. The connector panel should be treated with great
care as any debris, solvents, or oil (even from fingers), can compromise the integrity of
the connections/signals.
Proper orientation can be determined by locating the board references J1-J18—these are
at the bottom of the panel, closest to sensor channels 17-32. Pin assignments can be
found in Appendix A.
WARNING:
Do not apply external voltages to the event, communication,
status or control output and inputs—this could result in damage
to the unit.

TDAS G5 DAS User’s Manual October 2019
support.dtsweb.com 811000-00010-MAN (Rev. 5)
Basic Care and Handling
TDAS G5 DAS units are precision devices designed to operate reliably in dynamic testing
environments. Though resistant to many environmental conditions, care should be
taken not to subject the unit to harsh chemicals, submerge it in water, or drop it onto
any hard surface.
WARNING:
Electronic equipment dropped from desk height onto a solid
floor may experience as much as 10,000 g. Under these
conditions, damage to the exterior and/or interior of the unit is
likely.
Should a TDAS G5 DAS be removed from its docking station, we recommend that you
always cover the 216-position interface connector with the rubber cap provided with the
unit. If you feel the interface connector on your TDAS G5 DAS unit has become
contaminated, please contact DTS support before attempting any cleaning procedure.
When not in use or if shipping is required, we suggest that you always place the unit in
the padded carrying case originally provided with your system.
WARNING:
The gold-plated, 216-position interface connector on the
TDAS G5 DAS should be treated with great care. It is through
this interface that all signals enter and exit the DAS. Any debris,
solvents, or oil (even from fingers), can compromise the
integrity of the connections/signals.
The TDAS G5 DAS is supplied with calibration data from the factory. DTS recommends
annual recalibration to ensure that the unit is performing within factory specifications.
It is not user-serviceable and should be returned to the factory for service or repair.
Shock Rating
TDAS G5 DAS units are designed to function routinely in a 500 g environment such as
that experienced in severe in-dummy applications. All vehicle-/sled-mounted systems
are rated for and fully tested to 100 g, 12 msec duration, in all axes. TDAS G5 equip-
ment can be mounted directly on a vehicle, sled or other dynamic testing device.

TDAS G5 DAS User’s Manual October 2019
support.dtsweb.com 911000-00010-MAN (Rev. 5)
Thermal Considerations
The TDAS G5 DAS uses extensive power management to minimize heat generation.
Temperature will be affected by four primary factors:
1) Ambient air temperature and airflow,
2) Sunlight exposure,
3) Sensor load, and
4) Length of time armed.
Since the system draws the most power when armed, running the calibrations and
arming as late as possible will minimize self-heating. It is unlikely that the units will be
damaged by excessive heat because power is internally limited by self-resetting thermal
fuses―the units will simply shut down when they get too hot. Most implementation
scenarios use one of the two available TDAS G5 docking stations, either of which provide
an adequate heat sink under normal operating conditions. If two or more of the above
factors will cause case temperatures in excess of 50°C, the airflow created by a small
fan will increase heat transfer by a factor of 3 to 5. Additionally, always shield the units
from exposure to direct sunlight.

TDAS G5 DAS User’s Manual October 2019
support.dtsweb.com 10 11000-00010-MAN (Rev. 5)
Power Considerations
A good power source is of paramount importance. Each TDAS G5 DAS should be
powered from a fully-charged, 12 V battery or a high-quality power supply with a
nominal output voltage of 13.8 V (11-15 V range) and a capacity of 2 A. Be sure to
consider any power drop due to cable length.
Power Consumption and Management
When the TDAS G5 DAS is initially powered, all sensor excitation sources, signal condi-
tioning electronics, filter circuits and analog-to-digital converters are in a shutdown
state. The processor and support circuitry are always powered. The processor will
remain in a reduced power state when not performing tasks. When the user runs a test
set-up, the software automatically energizes all 32 channels. The current draw per TDAS
G5 DAS will increase from 190 mA at idle to as much as 800 mA when the system is
fully armed and powering 350 ohm bridges with 5 V excitation.
Once the system has been armed for data collection, all circuits remain in a full power
state until the system finishes storing data. After the data collection routine is complete,
the TDAS G5 DAS de-energizes several circuits to minimize power consumption. It takes
a maximum of 125 seconds (for 70 seconds of data at 10k samples/second) after the
end of the data storage window for the TDAS G5 DAS to return to the idle state, which
then allows communication and download. (Note: Data from multiple DAS units is
downloaded serially.)
Power Requirements and Memory Retention
RAM is the primary means for data storage. The flash memory is a back-up system used
to store a predetermined portion of the test data in case both primary and back-up power
is lost. (This data subset contains both pre- and post-trigger data up to 5 MB.Users
should select the pre-event time carefully to ensure that the post-event region-of-
interest is also included and written to flash.) If power is lost after flash memory has
been written, the data contained in the flash can be downloaded after power is restored.
External Power Provisions
The TDAS G5 DAS does not contain any internal power source, but has connector inputs
for both primary and back-up power sources. Actual useful back-up capacity will depend
upon the number of channels in use, the resistance of the connected sensors, the
supply’s rating and whether or not it was fully charged before testing.

TDAS G5 DAS User’s Manual October 2019
support.dtsweb.com 11 11000-00010-MAN (Rev. 5)
Communication Features
Communication Method
The TDAS G5 DAS supports the industry-standard Ethernet 10/100BaseT/Tx communi-
cation method. Communication is enabled after the power-up sequence has completed
(~20 seconds). (See Appendix D for the network parameters of your equipment.)
LED Indicators
The TDAS G5 DAS has five LEDs (red/yellow/green) which provide ongoing status
information. LED behavior is summarized in the table below.
COM: Provides communication status with the docking station
and DAS.
CAL: Provides calibration status.
PWR: Provides status on power to the DAS.
ARM: Provides arm, start record, and event status.
STAT: Provides general status.
TDAS G5
DAS LED
State
Description
Computer communicating with docking station
No active communication
All calibrations passed
Calibration in progress
Calibration fault
Power on and OK
Power warning (9.6 –10.2 V)
Power critical (<9.6 V)
System armed and waiting for start record or event signal
Received start record signal; waiting for event signal
TDAS G5 DAS no longer armed or no longer collecting data or
received event signal
No faults detected
Received event signal
Fault occurred, either:
-Low power input
- Docking station fault
-TDAS G5 DAS fault

TDAS G5 DAS User’s Manual October 2019
support.dtsweb.com 12 11000-00010-MAN (Rev. 5)
Application Support Equipment
iDummy™and TDAS G5 Docking Stations
The most common method of using a TDAS G5 DAS is within a docking station. Two
types of docking stations are available: in-dummy (iDummy™) and on-vehicle (TDAS
G5 Docking Station). TDAS G5 DAS units can be moved from in-dummy to on-vehicle
applications as needed.
In-dummy Docking Station Configuration
The iDummy™docking station allows for easy installation and removal of the TDAS G5
DAS into virtually any crash dummy type. Signals enter and exit the TDAS G5 DAS
through the interposer and pass through the flex circuit cable to the connector interface
panel where the dummy’s sensors are connected. Communications are also
accomplished through the connector interface panel. A single dummy can contain many
in-dummy docking stations.
In-dummy
docking
station
Interposer
Flex circuit
cable
Connector
interface
panel

TDAS G5 DAS User’s Manual October 2019
support.dtsweb.com 13 11000-00010-MAN (Rev. 5)
On-vehicle Docking Station
The TDAS G5 Docking Station allows for easy installation and removal of the TDAS G5
DAS into a rugged enclosure useful for on-board testing applications. Power, commu-
nication and event signals are easily accessible via the control panel. A variety of larger
sensor connectors, such as LEMO 1B or equivalent, can be easily connected via a
compact sensor connector panel. The on-vehicle docking station also includes a powerful
back-up battery for safe operation even if primary power is lost.
Sensor connector panel
with 32 LEMO connectors
Control
panel

TDAS G5 DAS User’s Manual October 2019
support.dtsweb.com 14 11000-00010-MAN (Rev. 5)
Appendix A: TDAS G5 DAS 216-position Interface Connector

TDAS G5 DAS User’s Manual October 2019
support.dtsweb.com 15 11000-00010-MAN (Rev. 5)
Appendix B: Mechanical Specifications
Weight: 200 grams
TDAS G5 DAS, TDAS G5 DAS,
standard high bandwidth
3.374 inches/85.7 mm
2.677 inches/68 mm
0.472 inches
12 mm
0.158 inches diam
4.0 mm diam
0.197 inches
5 mm
0.984 inches
25 mm
2.126 inches/54 mm
1.732 inches
44 mm

TDAS G5 DAS User’s Manual October 2019
support.dtsweb.com 16 11000-00010-MAN (Rev. 5)
Appendix C: Changing the TDAS G5 DAS Network Parameters
TDAS G5 systems communicate using the industry-standard Ethernet protocol. Your
TDAS G5 DAS was shipped with fixed IP address (myip) and subnet mask (netmask)
parameters already loaded in the flash memory of the microcontroller. The steps below
describe the process to change the DAS unit’s Ethernet parameters. Note: This process
may require the help of your network administrator. If your in-house network support
person is not available, we encourage you to contact DTS for help.
CAUTION:
Great care should be taken when changing any network
parameters. The IP address and subnet mask should not be
changed without full knowledge of the impact on the
communication environment. If you have any questions, please
contact your network administrator for help.
Establish Communication
Using the TDAS Firmware Loader provided with the TDAS Control software, establish
communication with the DAS unit. To do this, change the fields to the appropriate
hardware (G5), serial number of the DAS unit, and communication method (Ethernet).
(You can ignore the IP address field for the moment.) Click on the “Discovery” button
to search the network for the requested serial number. If the serial number is found,
the IP address field will be updated with the current address for that DAS unit. (This
step is performed to ensure that the computer and DAS unit are communicating.)
NOTE:
Both the computer and DAS unit must be on the same netmask
for “Discovery” to be successful. If “Discovery” is not
successful, please contact DTS for assistance.
Change the Network Parameters
Once communication has been established, use terminal mode from the Utility menu
within the TDAS Control software to change the network parameters. The TDAS G5 DAS
boot firmware recognizes the following standard firmware parameters:
myip specifies the target’s IP address (required)
netmask subnet mask (required)
gateway gateway IP address (if needed –see your network administrator)

TDAS G5 DAS User’s Manual October 2019
support.dtsweb.com 17 11000-00010-MAN (Rev. 5)
The following commands are used to read and set the network parameters:
fpget –Get parameter (print parameter from flash memory)
Command
fpget <name> - read parameter
fpset –Set parameter (set parameter into flash memory)
Command
fpset <name> <value> - set parameter
Confirm or change the “TDAS S/N” field. Type the command on the “Input Command”
line. Click “GO” or hit the return key.
The response is:
To verify the change, type:
The response is:
Click on “EXIT” when finished.
fpset myip 192.168.0.124
FPSET: myip=192.168.0.124
fpget myip
FPGET: myip=192.168.0.124

TDAS G5 DAS User’s Manual October 2019
support.dtsweb.com 18 11000-00010-MAN (Rev. 5)
Using the New Settings
Use the following steps to update the system with the new network parameters:
1. Reboot the hardware to force the system to use the new setting(s).
2. Find the tdas.ini file in the TDAS Control program folder (normally c:\dts_tdas)
and make a back-up copy called tdas_backup.ini.
3. Edit the file tdas.ini using Notepad or any text editor.
4. Find the line titled “Rack Inventory” and change the IP address associated with
the serial number for the TDAS G5 DAS to the new address. Note: Change only
the IP address and not the DAS unit’s serial number. This is how the software will
know how to search for the DAS at the new IP address.
5. Save the file.
6. Confirm your computer’s Windows/network settings match the new TDAS G5
network parameter(s). If changes are required to your computer, please contact
your network administrator for assistance.
7. Start the TDAS Control software and confirm that the TDAS G5 DAS is found at
the new IP address.

TDAS G5 DAS User’s Manual October 2019
support.dtsweb.com 19 11000-00010-MAN (Rev. 5)
Appendix D: Hardware Configuration Specifications
TDAS G5 DAS ship from the factory with the default IP address shown on the packing
list for the equipment. If the packing list is not available and you need information on
the specifics of your equipment, please submit a request through the DTS Help Center
web portal (support.dtsweb.com) and include the serial number(s) of the equipment and
parameters you are asking about.

TDAS G5 DAS User’s Manual October 2019
support.dtsweb.com 20 11000-00010-MAN (Rev. 5)
Revision History
Date
By
Description
28 Oct 2019
EK
Corrected unit of measure for sampling rate and updated lower limit (page 4). Moved
TDAS G5 DAS Interface Connector section. Updated Appendix D, DTS Support
boilerplate and support link in footer. Removed HQ address. (Rev 5)
04 Dec 2013
EK
Updated DTS Support, Input Range, Hardware Filters and Memory Size sections.
Updated Appendices D and A (swapped LED Indicators and Interface Connector).
Replaced “pin-outs” with “pin assignments”. Updated boilerplate material. Updated
company address. Added doc number. (Rev 4)