Interface DIG-USB-F User manual

Model DIG-USB-F
Fast Digital USB Output Module
Issue: 15-296 Revision A
User Manual
www.interfaceforce.com

Interface Inc. ● 7401 East Butherus Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260 USA ● Phone [phone]
www.interfaceforce.com ● Email: [e-mail] ● ORDER TOLL-FREE 800.947.5598
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Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction........................................................................................................................................................2
Overview...........................................................................................................................................................................2
LED Status Indication......................................................................................................................................................2
Chapter 2 Getting Started...................................................................................................................................................3
Communications Interface Information ......................................................................................................................3
DIG-USB-F (FSU) Toolkit ................................................................................................................................................3
What Can The Toolkit Do? ........................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Installing DIG-USB-F (FSU) Toolkit............................................................................................................................................................ 4
Connecting the Module to the Computer ...................................................................................................................4
Using the Found New Hardware Wizard................................................................................................................................................ 5
Using the Software.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Home Page .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Information Page......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Save and Restore Page ...........................................................................................................................................................................10
Lock Page .....................................................................................................................................................................................................11
Calibration Page ........................................................................................................................................................................................12
System Zero ........................................................................................................................................................................................13
Auto Calibration.....................................................................................................................................................................................13
Table Calibration ...............................................................................................................................................................................14
Engineering Units..............................................................................................................................................................................14
Capture Page ..............................................................................................................................................................................................15
Review Page ................................................................................................................................................................................................17
Scope Page..................................................................................................................................................................................................20
FFT Page ............................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Chapter 3 Installation ....................................................................................................................................................... 23
Identifying Strain Gauge Connections .......................................................................................................................23
9-pin D Connector Pin-outs ......................................................................................................................................................................23
4-wire load cell ...............................................................................................................................................................................................23
6-wire load cell ...............................................................................................................................................................................................23
Chapter 4 Specifications .................................................................................................................................................. 24
Technical Specifications ...............................................................................................................................................24
Dimensions & Mounting..............................................................................................................................................25
External Dimensions.................................................................................................................................................................................25
LED Position ................................................................................................................................................................................................25
Mounting Holes.........................................................................................................................................................................................26
DIN Rail Mounting (Optional Kit)........................................................................................................................................................26
Cable Clearance .........................................................................................................................................................................................27
Cable Retention .........................................................................................................................................................................................27
Environmental Approvals ................................................................................................................................................ 27
CE Approvals....................................................................................................................................................................................................27
Warranty............................................................................................................................................................................. 28

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Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 1 introduces the DIG-USB-F module; describing main features, functions, and premise of product.
Overview
The DIG-USB-F module is a digital interface that connects strain bridge sensors to the PC via USB. DIG-USB-F
modules are part of a digital interface family that comprises of several different sensing solutions.
DIG-USB-F modules are compact, high-precision strain gauge converters; converting a strain gauge analog sensor
input to a digital output. DIG-USB-F modules allow high precision measurements to be made and communicated
directly to a PC; designed for applications that require high-speed measurements.
After the DIG-USB-F software and hardware setup is complete, data can start to be extracted, acquired and
manipulated by software, removing the need for amplifiers, filters and or multimeters. Streamlined system setup
becomes connecting the DIG-USB-F module to a PC and a load cell, and launching software.
DIG-USB-F modules are free-standing enclosures and have two inputs; a micro type 'A' USB socket that connects to a
PC and a 9-pin type 'D' socket that connects to load cells that contain strain gauge analog sensors.
LED Status Indication
The DIG-USB-F module indicates status via a red 'HEALTHY' "as so named" LED, found on the face of the DIG-USB-F
module.
In ‘Configuration’mode, the DIG-USB-F module 'HEALTHY' LED is turned on, red and solid.
In 'Recording' mode "transmitting data," the DIG-USB-F module 'HEALTHY' LED flashes on for .1 second every .5
seconds.
In 'Troubleshoot' mode "load cell connection issues or integrity of the load cell is in doubt," the DIG-USB-F module
'HEALTHY' LED flashes on for .5 second every .1 seconds.

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Chapter 2 Getting Started
Install software (Do not start it)
Connect DIG-USB-F module to PC USB port
Complete install of USB hardware drivers
Start software
Chapter 2 details connecting the DIG-USB-F module, what the Toolkit software can do, and how to use the Toolkit
software.
Communications Interface Information
DIG-USB-F modules connect via USB cable to a PC USB port. DIG-USB-F modules draw less than 100mA "appearing
as a single unit load," as such, they do not require an external power supply.
Installing the DIG-USB-F (FSU) Toolkit software; also installs the appropriate USB drivers as well.
DIG-USB-F (FSU) Toolkit
The DIG-USB-F (FSU) Toolkit is a configuration and analytical tool designed specifically for configuring DIG-USB-F
modules.
This toolkit allows configuration, calibration, data recording, data review, and parameter management of the
modules.
What Can The Toolkit Do?
Communications with a single module at a time to do the following:
Viewing of input with indication of integrity errors.
Two point auto calibration by application of known weight.
Two point table calibration from load cell calibration certificate.
Setting System Zero.
Engineering unit selection.
Save module settings including user calibration and ability to restore to same or different USB DIG-USB-F
modules.
Capture up to 30 minutes of data at 4800 Hz. Save data to CSV file. Navigate up to 30 minutes of data
captured from the DIG-USB-F or loaded from a previously saved CSV file.
Trend chart view of live input. Exportable image and data.
FFT view to identify frequency components of input signal.
Simple oscilloscope view for wave based signals between 1 Hz and 500 Hz.
Easily switch to alternative engineering units (If module has been previously calibrated)
Please note the DIG-USB-F (FSU) Toolkit is not required to perform traditional logging (Where the user starts and
stops a log). The DIG-USB-F module operates in two modes, continuous receiving data mode, and configuration
mode. The continuously receiving data mode obtains measurement values at 4800 Hz. The configuration mode talks
with the strain gage module, while in configuration mode data is not streamed. As will be seen later, the Toolkit
allows capturing up to 30-minutes of data as long as the user stays out of configuration mode pages. This 30-minute
block of data is easily and quickly navigated to find data of interest.

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Installing DIG-USB-F (FSU) Toolkit
DIG-USB-F (FSU) Toolkit software is window PC compatible.
The DIG-USB-F (FSU) Toolkit software is both shipped with the product and obtainable on the Interface Inc. website
(www.interfaceforce.com); search DIG-USB-F.
Install the DIG-USB-F (FSU) Toolkit software by either inserting the provided CD or USB storage media into the PC or
launching the installation file downloaded from the Interface Inc. website (www.interfaceforce.com).
The software installer ‘AutoRun’ process will start momentarily; If the CD or USB storage media ‘AutoRun’ process
does not start, navigate to the CD or USB storage media and launch the DIG-USB-F (FSU) Toolkit Setup.exe from
the installed media.
DIG-USB-F (FSU) installation software will pre-install the required USB drivers and will automatically install the USB
drivers when the DIG-USB-F hardware connects to the PC.
After the software has been installed please connect the module to the PC and see the next
section before running the DIG-USB-F (FSU) Toolkit
Connecting the Module to the Computer
Connect the DIG-USB-F module to a Windows PC with the provided USB cable.

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Using the Found New Hardware Wizard
Connecting the module will cause the following dialog windows to appear. NOTE: Different operating systems may
present different dialog windows but the dialogs shown below should allow you make the correct choices regardless
of operating system.
Note: that the DIG-USB-F shares the drivers with the DIG-USB (DSC) range of modules so the
driver is described as the DIG-USB DSC Bus.
The ‘Found New Hardware Wizard’ should now appear.
Select ‘No, not at this time’ if you are asked whether
the drivers should be searched for online.
Click ‘Next’.
Now the wizard will start searching for the drivers.
The wizard should then proceed with installing the
software drivers.

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Using the Software
Launch software after the DIG-USB-F (FSU) Toolkit software and hardware drivers are successfully installed.
Note only one DIG-USB-F module at a time can be connected to PC
Upon software launch, the DIG-USB-F module is automatically detected, and the ‘Information’ page is
displayed.
If the DIG-USB-F module is not detected the Home page will be displayed; either wait until the DIG-USB-F
module is connected, or press the Detect button which will start the detection process.
After successfully connecting the DIG-USB-F module, The ‘Review’page will become available; this page will
display previously saved data.
Recording occurs continuously in the background while on or navigating any of the following pages:
Capture_ , Review_, Scope_, and FFT_.
Recording stops when switching to any of the other pages:
Home_, Information_, Save & Restore_, Lock_, and Calibration_.

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Home Page
Click the Home icon to manually connect a module.
Click the Detect button; after the module successfully connects the Information page will be displayed.


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Information Page
Click the icon to access Information page features.
Data is NOT recorded while on the Information page.
The Information page shows a large "reading" display box, selection options for reading output, and module
information. The Information page will also indicate error conditions, "if present" by displaying an information box.
Units
If the module is assigned engineering units, the Information page 'reading' box will display them in the lower right-
hand corner.
To change the assigned engineering units, click anywhere on the Units drop-down menu.

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This feature may be locked on certain modules.
Format
Clicking the Select display format button allows you to select a new format for the displayed value. By using this
you can hide unwanted decimal places.
Click the desired display format in the list.
Error Indication
If any errors are detected a message box is displayed under the Last Calibrated Date section. The following
screenshot shows an Integrity error present.
The message box will disappear once the error is no longer present.

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Save and Restore Page
Click the icon to access the Save & Restore page features.
No data is recorded while on this page.
The Save & Restore page allows a user to save and restore configuration settings for different modules.
Clicking the Save button opens Windows save file dialog box and allows the user to navigate to a location on the PC
and name and save the module configuration.
Clicking the Restore button opens Windows open file dialog box and allows the user to navigate to a location on
the PC and open a previously saved module configuration.

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Lock Page
Click the icon to access the Lock page features.
No data is recorded while on this page.
The Lock page allows locking of several features and functions, once a feature or function is changed from ‘Show’to
‘Hide’or ‘Allow’to ‘Lock’ a Passcode dialog box will appear. Leaving the Lock page and returning will require the
correct passcode to gain re-entry to Lock page.
It is important to remember the Passcode before leaving the 'Lock' page after any of the options
have been set to ‘Hide’or ‘Lock’. You will need to contact Interface Inc. to aid in Passcode
recovery if the Passcode is forgotten!
Calibration Page –Enables the user to either ‘Allow’ or ‘Lock’ access to the Calibration Page; setting this function to
'Lock 'limits access to features and functions on Calibration Page; this does not lock the entire page.
System Zero Function –Enables the user to restrict all access to features and functions on Calibration page; setting
this function to 'Lock' disables the ability to zero and or re-zero the system on the Calibration page. The function is
useful in that it provides the user the ability to zero or re-zero the system while the Calibration page is locked.
Display Units Change - Provides the user with options to show or remove the engineering ‘Units’ on the
Information page; setting this function to 'Hide' removes the engineering ‘Units’ drop-down box. Setting the
'Display Units Change' to 'Hide' also locks the Calibration page function.

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Calibration Page
Click the icon to access the Calibration page features.
The Calibration page allows you to calibrate the module using various methods, perform system zero and set
calibrated engineering units.
mV/V Input –Shows the actual mV/V input as measured by the module.
Calibrated Value –Shows the calibrated value in the engineering units the user chooses.
Defaults –Clicking the Defaults button will remove any user-level calibration and return the module to its factory
calibrated state.
The Calibration page contains tabbed sections: System Zero, Automatic Calibration, Table Calibration, and
Engineering Units. Each tab provides different calibration options.

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System Zero
The System Zero tab is used to obtain a zero Gross value by subtracting nonpoint of interest values from the
measurement system, such as the weight of a vessel, or weight of a platform.
The value displayed is subtracted from a measured value.
A value can be manually entered or automatically filled in by clicking the Zero Now button; this gives a zero reading
based on the current input. Disable the 'Zero Now' feature on the Lock Page.
Auto Calibration
The Automatic Calibration tab uses two known (ascending) inputs, such as min and max; enter engineering unit
values for both inputs, marked 1 and 2.
Next, apply the min load input and allow for a settle time. Click the Acquire button then apply the max load input
and "again" allow for a settle time. After another settle time click the second Acquire button and the calibration is
complete.

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Table Calibration
The 'Table Calibration' tab allows calibration from the load cell manufacturers’ certificate; without having to apply
weights to the input.
Choose 2 points from the load cell certificate and enter the mV/V values and the weights on the certificate (or
convert the certificate weight to any other engineering unit of your choice) click the Calibrate button and the
calibration is complete.
Engineering Units
The 'Engineering Units' tab allows specifying the engineering units the module was calibrated in; changing this does
not affect the calibration. It simply assigns the engineering units to the calibrated value so that later the user can
select different engineering units and the module output value will be automatically converted to the selected units.
If you do not want the user changing the units you can hide access to that feature on the Lock Page.

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If you do not want to display any engineering units then select Undefined from the list and no units will be displayed
next to the value on the Information Page and the user will not be able to select or change the displayed
engineering units.
Capture Page
Click the icon to access the Capture page features.
The 'Capture’ page displays charted data in real-time; allowing the user to view between 1 and 30-seconds of real-
time data, records data for up to 30-minutes, and provides the user the ability to perform transient filtering and
display max/min values.
View Window
Use the Viewing Window slide bar to select between 1 and 30 seconds of data; the real-time chart will update
automatically.
Transient Enhance
Selecting this option will enhance the display to better identify fast transient peaks. Because of the way a large
amount of data is subsampled to enable it to fit on the chart, fast peaks may not appear or may flash in and out of
visibility as the data flows past the chart. This feature will have the side effect of creating a slightly fuzzy edge on
slower moving data. This does not affect the way data is recorded, only the way it is shown on the chart. When used
in conjunction with the Show Min Max feature this can help stabilize the view of data.

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Show Min Max
By default the chart auto scales as the data moves across it which means that if a transient occurs the chart will
rescale but once that transient leaves the viewport the chart will auto-scale again based on the lower magnitude
data that follows. By selecting this feature the chart scaling will be locked to the minimum and maximum values
detected while the feature is active.
Also, when activated, the values of the detected min and max along with the difference between the two are
displayed in the lower right of the window in the Help pane.
To deactivate the Min Max function set the switch to off. Next time it is switched on the min and max values will be
reset.
Capture Viewed
Although you are always able to Capture All data recorded so far, the Capture Viewed button gives you the options
of capturing only the data currently visible on the chart. Sometimes the data you are interested in can be recognised
from the chart so this avoids having to capture and review all of the recorded data which may be up to 30 minutes
worth.
Copy Chart Image
This feature is available by right-clicking on the chart and copies the chart image to the clipboard enabling pasting
into other applications.

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Review Page
Click the icon to access the Review page features.
The Review page allows the user to examine all captured data, discard unwanted data, view cursors, and load and
save data.
The chart displays all data including transient peaks, avoiding the possibility of missing any important features in the
data. Transient peaks - fast moving data that may or may not have been viewable during real-time capture.

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Navigation
The data navigation bar resides under the chart. The entire set of captured data is represented in the background,
coloured purple “Entire Captured Data”. The lighter highlighted part shows the selected portion that is currently
being displayed in the chart “Selected To View”. Thus the navigation control allows you to zoom in and out of the
data as well as pan through the data.
You can change the viewed data by dragging the highlighted portion as follows:
Expand or contract the highlighted area by clicking then dragging the cursor anywhere on the left-hand side of the
highlighted area.
Expand or contract the highlighted area by clicking then dragging the cursor anywhere on the right-hand side of the
highlighted area.
Or you can pan the highlight left and right by clicking then dragging in the middle of it.
Cursors
Left clicking on the chart will display the first cursor. The cursor snaps to the nearest data point and displays the
date, time, and data point in a box in the lower left of the chart.

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The date is followed by the time in HH:MM:SS:microseconds format then the value.
Cursors are turned off once the navigation control is used.
Second Cursor
Turning this feature on will display a second cursor that can be positioned on the chart.
There is also some extra information displayed in the lower right of the window in the Help panel.
This displays the time difference between the two cursors (Plus the frequency if you had placed the cursors on two
adjacent features in a wave based signal) and the value difference.
Cursors are cleared once the navigation control is used.
Crop
When displaying large amounts of data (30 minutes of data equates to over 8.6 million data points) it is often only a
small portion that contains the actual data of interest. The Crop button discards data that falls outside of the
currently viewed portion of the entire data set and resets the chart and navigation control to focus only on this data.
The newly focussed data can then be navigated, saved or again zoomed and cropped.
If a mistake is made during cropping, the entire data can be captured again.