HBM MXFS User manual

User Manual
English
MXFS
QuantumX BraggMETER Module

Hottinger Brüel & Kjaer GmbH
Im Tiefen See 45
D-64293 Darmstadt
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
[email protected]
www.hbm.com
HBK FiberSensing, S.A.
Optical Business
Rua Vasconcelos Costa, 277
4470-640 Maia
Portugal
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
[email protected]
www.hbm.com/fs
Mat.:
DVS: A05595_02_E00_00 HBM: public
05.2021
EHottinger Baldwin Messtechnik
Subject to modifications.
All product descriptions are for general information only.
They are not to be understood as a guarantee of quality or
durability.

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English
1 Technical details 6........................................
1.1 General Information 6.......................................
1.2 System components 7.......................................
1.3 Software 7.................................................
1.4 Synchronization 8..........................................
2 Regulatory and Certification Considerations 9...............
2.1 Environment Considerations 9................................
2.1.1 Disposal of your Old Appliance 9.............................
2.2 Laser Safety 9.............................................
2.2.1 Symbols 10.................................................
2.2.2 Class 1 Laser 10............................................
2.2.3 General Precautions Considerations 10.........................
2.2.4 Certification 11..............................................
2.2.5 Marking of pollutant emission limit values (for deliveries to China) 11
3 Operation 12...............................................
3.1 Connectors 12..............................................
3.2 Setting up 13................................................
3.2.1 Power supply 13.............................................
3.2.2 Connection to PC or data recorder 14..........................
3.2.2.1 Single Ethernet connection 14.................................
3.2.2.2 Multiple Ethernet connection with PTP synchronization 15.........
3.2.2.3 Multiple Ethernet connection and FireWire synchronization 16.....
3.2.2.4 Other possible connections 17.................................
3.2.3 Communication settings to the PC 17..........................
3.2.4 Firmware update 23..........................................
3.3 Status indicators 24..........................................
3.4 Factory reset 25.............................................
3.5 Connecting to optical sensors 26...............................
3.5.1 Concepts and definitions 26...................................

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3.5.1.1 Connectors 26..............................................
3.5.1.2 Channels 26................................................
3.5.1.3 Wavelength 28..............................................
3.5.1.4 Power 29...................................................
3.5.1.5 Dynamic Range 30..........................................
3.5.1.6 Smart peak detection (SPD) 31................................
3.5.1.7 Signals 33..................................................
3.6 Acquisition rate 35...........................................
3.6.1 Speed mode 35.............................................
3.6.2 Distance effect 35...........................................
3.6.3 Filters 38...................................................
3.7 Measurement troubleshooting 39..............................
3.7.1 Dirty connector 39...........................................
3.7.2 Broken connector 41.........................................
4 catman software 42.........................................
4.1 Starting a project with MXFS 42...............................
4.1.1 Synchronization 43..........................................
4.2 Catman project for MXFS 44..................................
4.2.1 Sample rates 46.............................................
4.2.1.1 Acquisition rate 46...........................................
4.2.1.2 Sampling rate and filters 47...................................
4.2.2 Configuring ranges of wavelength 48...........................
4.2.2.1 Automatically define bands for the detected peaks 50.............
4.2.2.2 Individually define bands by hand 54...........................
4.2.3 Sensors on the device 56.....................................
4.2.4 Sensors on the software 57...................................
4.2.4.1 Wavelength 58..............................................
4.2.4.2 Strain 59...................................................
4.2.4.3 Temperature 63.............................................
4.2.4.4 Acceleration 64..............................................
4.2.4.5 Generic Polynomial 65.......................................

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4.2.5 Zero balance 66.............................................
4.2.6 Reset reference wavelength 68................................
4.3 Reset the device 69..........................................

Technical details
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1 Technical details
1.1 General Information
The MXFS is a module from the Quantum X family for measuring Fiber Bragg
Grating (FBG) based sensors. It is based on the well-established
BraggMETER technology from HBK FiberSensing, that employs a continuous
swept laser scanning for measuring reflected Bragg peaks. It includes a
traceable wavelength reference that provides continuous calibration to ensure
system accuracy over long term operation. The high dynamic range and high
output power allow high resolution to be attained even for long fiber leads and
lossy connections.
Featuring two user selectable sweeping speeds, the module allows two
operating modes with actual sampling rates:
SLow speed mode, with 100 S/s sweeping speed, most suited for monitoring
projects or thermal testing of components.
SHigh speed mode, with 2000 S/s sweeping speed, most suited for dynamic
monitoring or experimental stress analysis.
Filtering and down sampling are available on both modes.
Up to 16 fiber Bragg grating peaks can be connected in series to each of the
8 optical connectors, with parallel acquisition, totalling an impressive number of
128 channels per Quantum X BraggMETER module with simultaneous acquisi
tion.
The modular Quantum X family is designed for universal applications. The
modules can be individually combined and intelligently connected according to
the measurement task. MXFS allows PTPv2 synchronization.
MXFS BraggMETER module is delivered with catman Easy software, including
a 12 month maintenance license.
General details on the Quantum X modules operation can be found on its own
document (available in English, German, Japanese and Chinese). Please refer
to this document that is available online (www.hbm.com).

Technical details
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The current document applies to the following equipment:
Material Numbers Description
1-MXFS8DI1/FC Quantum X BraggMETER Module with 8 FC/APC optical con
nectors
1.2 System components
The MXFS set includes:
Material Numbers Quantity Description
1-MXFS8DI1/FC 1 MXFS interrogator
1catman Easy software licence
Power and communication will depend on the desired mounting scheme and
setup.
To operate the module as stand alone, you will need to additionally consider:
Material Numbers Quantity Description
1-KAB271-3 1 Power cord
1-NTX001 1 Power adapter
1-KAB239-2 1 Ethernet crossover cable 2 m
1.3 Software
As for the remaining QuantumX modules, MXFS is an open data acquisition
system, and can be integrated into a great many operating, analysis and auto
mation software packages.
Available for download are:
SMX Assistant and Common API: modern and free device assistants that
support the module acquisition and data functions. Channel configuration
for the MXFS, however, has to be performed via catman.

Technical details
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Scatman Easy/AP: the powerful, professional software for acquiring mea
surement data up to 20,000 channels. catmanEasy is provided together
with MXFS without any extra cost.
SDrivers for LabView
SWindows device driver for IEEE1394b FireWire
1.4 Synchronization
MXFS follows the available synchronization methods of the QuantumX family:
SNTP
SPTPv2
SEtherCAT (via CX27)
SIRIG-B (via MX440B or MX840B)
Information
Please refer to the QuantumX user manual (A03031) for more details on
synchronization methods and setup.

Regulatory and Certification Considerations
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2 Regulatory and Certification Considerations
2.1 Environment Considerations
2.1.1 Disposal of your Old Appliance
When the attached symbol combination - crossed-out wheeled
bin and solid bar symbol is attached to a product it means the
product is covered by the European Directive 2002/96/EC and is
applicable in the European Union and other countries with
separate collection systems. All electrical and electronic products
should be disposed of separately from the municipal waste
stream or household via designated collection facilities appointed by the
government or the local authorities. The correct disposal of your old appliance
will help prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and
human health.
For more detailed information about disposal of your old appliance, please con
tact your city office, waste disposal service or distributor that purchased the
product. HBK FiberSensing is a manufacturer registered in the ANREEE -
"Associação Nacional para o Registo de Equipamentos Eléctricos e Elec
trónicos" under number PT001434. HBK FiberSensing celebrated a "Utente"
type contract with Amb3E - "Associação Portuguesa de Gestão de Resíduos
de Equipamentos Eléctricos e Electrónicos", which ensures the transfer of
Electrical and Electronic appliance waste management, i.e. placing Electronic
and Electrical appliances in the Portuguese market, from the manufacturer
HBK FiberSensing to Amb3E.
2.2 Laser Safety
The MXFS Interrogator contains a laser in its core. A laser is a light source that
can be dangerous to people exposed to it. Even low power lasers can be haz
ardous to a person's eyesight. The coherence and low divergence of laser light

Regulatory and Certification Considerations
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means that it can be focused by the eye into an extremely small spot on the
retina, resulting in localized burning and permanent damage. The lasers are
classified by wavelength and maximum output power into the several safety
classes: Class 1, Class 1M, Class 2, Class 2M, Class 3R and Class 4.
2.2.1 Symbols
Warning symbol Class 1 Laser symbol
2.2.2 Class 1 Laser
The MXFS is a Class 1 laser product: «Any laser or laser system containing a
laser that cannot emit laser radiation at levels that are known to cause eye or
skin injury during normal operation.» It is safe under all conditions of normal
use. No safety requirements are needed to use Class 1 laser devices.
2.2.3 General Precautions Considerations
Everyone who uses a laser equipment should be aware of the risks. The laser
radiation is not visible to the human eye but it can damage user's eyesight. The
laser is enabled when the interrogator is turned on.
Users should never put their eyes at the level of the horizontal plane of the
optical adapters of the interrogator or uncovered optical connectors. Adequate
eye protection should always be required if there is a significant risk for eye
injury. When an optical channel is not in use (no optical connector plugged to
the interrogator), a proper connector cap must be used. The optical connectors

Regulatory and Certification Considerations
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are subjected to maintenance and/or inspection. Please refer to section 3.7
“Measurement troubleshooting”, page 39 for maintenance procedure.
Do not attempt to open or repair a malfunction interrogator. It must be returned
to HBK for repair and calibration.
2.2.4 Certification
This product carries the CE marking and complies with the applicable inter
national requirements for product safety and electromagnetic compatibility,
according to the following Directives:
SLow Voltage Directive (LVD) 2014/35/EU – Electrical Safety
SElectromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive 2014/30/EU
The corresponding Declaration of Conformity is available upon request.
2.2.5 Marking of pollutant emission limit values (for deliveries to
China)
Statutory marking of compliance with emission limits in elec
tronic equipment supplied to China.
20

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3 Operation
3.1 Connectors
Fig. 3.1 Front and back view of the MXFS
1Optical Connectors (FC/APC)
2Ethernet Connectors
3STATUS LED
4Power connector
5Firewire connectors
6Backplane connector

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3.2 Setting up
3.2.1 Power supply
Connect the modules to a DC voltage of 18 V ... 30 V (24 V recommended).
The power consumption of one MXFS module is < 30 W.
Important
The following rule of thumb applies to power distribution via FireWire:
“An external voltage supply with the same voltage potential is required on
every 3rd module“.
Defects in the module cannot be excluded if a supply voltage > 30 V is used. If
the supply voltage drops below 18 V, the modules will switch off.
We recommend installing an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) in vehicles
with battery operation between battery and module to compensate for voltage
drops during start procedures.
If several modules are connected to each other via FireWire for time-synchro
nous data acquisition, the supply voltage can be looped through. The power
pack used must be able to provide the appropriate output.
The maximum permissible current on the IEEE1394b FireWire connection
cable is 1.5 A. If the chain is longer, repeating the supply connection is
mandatory.
If several amplifiers are operated non-synchronously (see Fig. 3.2), they must
be supplied separately.

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NTX001
or
KAB271-3
KAB272
FireWire
or
Fig. 3.2 Connecting options for power supply
3.2.2 Connection to PC or data recorder
3.2.2.1 Single Ethernet connection
10 V … 30 V DC
TCP/IP, 100 Mbps
KAB293-2
Fig. 3.3 Single Ethernet connection

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Notice
You must use an Ethernet crossover cable with older computers. Newer PCs/
laptops have Ethernet interfaces with autocrossing function. You can also use
Ethernet patch cables for this purpose.
3.2.2.2 Multiple Ethernet connection with PTP synchronization
10 V … 30 V DC Ethernet
PTPv2-Switch
10 V … 30 V DC
Fig. 3.4 Multiple connection via Ethernet and synchronization via PTPv2
Modules can be connected to the PC via Ethernet PTPv2‐compliant switches.
We recommend patch cables.
Here are some examples:
SEX23-R from HBM
SScalance XR324-12M from Siemens
SRSP20 or MACH1000 from Hirschmann
SHa-VIS FTS 3100-PTP from Harting

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SStratix 5400 from Rockwell
PTP Grandmaster Clock examples:
SLANTIME M600 from Meinberg
SOTMC 100 from Omicron
With the star structure displayed here, measurement data from other modules
is not lost if the Ethernet cable is broken!
3.2.2.3 Multiple Ethernet connection and FireWire synchronization
Fig. 3.5 Example of multiple connection via Ethernet with synchronization
The supply voltage for the modules is looped through FireWire in the
configuration shown above (max. 1.5 A through FireWire; for power consump
tion of the modules, see chapter 3.2.1 “Power supply”, page 13).
Advantage of this connection structure: The other modules remain active if the
Ethernet cable is broken.

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3.2.2.4 Other possible connections
There are several other possibilities of connection between MXFS modules or
MXFS and other QuantumX modules:
SConnection of a single module via FireWire
SConnection of several modules via FireWire
SConnection to a CX22 data recorder
SConnection for CAN bus output signals
SConnection for analog outputs
SConnection for real time outputs via EtherCAT or PROFINET IRT
SEtc. …
Please refer to the generic Quantum X user manual (document A03031
available for download on our website).
3.2.3 Communication settings to the PC
Modules can be connected to a standard PC via Ethernet (up to 100 m), via
FireWire (electrically, up to 5 m, optically up to 300 m), or via EtherCAT.
The following must be noted for TCP/IP communication via Ethernet:
SWe recommend that you retain the default setting (DHCP/APIPA), so that
the software can find the modules that are in the network, or directly
connected. You can, of course, also parameterize the modules with a fixed,
static IP address. This also applies to the PC or notebook. Advantage: this
allows notebooks in particular to be quickly and automatically integrated
without reconfiguration into the company network (DHCP). But direct
operation between the notebook and the modules (peer2peer) is also very
quick, using automatic addressing (APIPA).
SThe Ethernet network adapter of the PC or modules can also be manually
configured with a specific IP address and subnet mask, of course.

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Please refer to the generic Quantum X user manual (document A03031
available for download on our website) when configuring direct IP-over-
FireWire via FireWire connection.
To configure the IP address of the module
► Activate DHCP/APIPA for automatic configuration. Please set any PC
directly connected to QuantumX to DHCP as well.
► Manual configuration: Deactivate DHCP and enter the same subnet mask
address as used with your PC. Change the IP address of your module so
that it permits communication (see example below)
Example
Setting the IP address manually –module side
Settings IP address Subnet mask
Module before 169.1.1.22 255.255.255.0
PC / notebook 172.21.108.51 255.255.248.0
Module after 172.21.108.1 255.255.248.0
The first three digit groups of the PC and module IP addresses should be the
same.
The subnet mask address digit groups must be identical in the module and PC!

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Automatic Configuration
Module Settings
PC Settings
Manual Configuration
Module Settings
PC Settings
Fig. 3.6 Example of settings for a direct connection
Ethernet settings: adjust the IP address of your PC
If you want to operate the modules with a fixed, static IP address, you should
use the Alternative Configuration (fixed IP address and subnet mask,

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userdefined) in the Ethernet adapter properties under TCP/IP the Alternative
Configuration in the TCP/IP properties (fixed IP address and subnet mask,
user-defined)!
► On the control panel choose Network Connections
► Select the LAN connection. The window displayed in Fig. 3.7 will appear.
Click on Properties.
Fig. 3.7 Network properties