Kistler 5015A Series User manual

Instruction
Manual
Charge Meter
Type 5015A...
ä
5015A_002-121e-03.20

Foreword
5015A_002-121e-03.20 Page 1
Foreword
Information in this document is subject to Charge Meter
Type 5015A... from Firmware versions
CPU V1.30
MCC V2.00
DSP V1.22
and amplifier unit 7.615.128 version d.
Thank you for choosing a Kistler quality product
characterized by technical innovation, precision and long
life.
Information in this document is subject to change without
notice. Kistler reserves the right to change or improve its
products and make changes in the content without
obligation to notify any person or organization of such
changes or improvements.
© 2010 … 2018 Kistler Group. Kistler Group products are
protected by various intellectual property rights. For more
details visit www.kistler.com. The Kistler Group includes
Kistler Holding AG and all its subsidiaries in Europe, Asia,
the Americas and Australia.
Kistler Group
Eulachstrasse 22
8408 Winterthur
Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
[e-mail]
www.kistler.com

Charge Meter Type 5015A...
Page 2 5015A_002-121e-03.20
Content
1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 5
2. Important guidelines ...................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 For your safety ..................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Unpack................................................................................................................................. 8
2.3 Transportation and storage .................................................................................................. 8
2.4 Supply voltage select............................................................................................................ 9
2.5 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).................................................................................... 9
2.6 Tips for using this manual................................................................................................... 10
2.7 Accessories included........................................................................................................... 11
2.8 Optional accessories........................................................................................................... 11
2.9 Manual nomenclature ........................................................................................................ 12
2.10 Units of measure ................................................................................................................ 13
2.11 Piezoelectric measurement concept.................................................................................... 14
2.12 Disposal Instructions for Electrical and Electronic Equipment .............................................. 18
3. Functional Description ................................................................................................................. 19
3.1 Block Diagram.................................................................................................................... 20
3.2 Amplifier Unit..................................................................................................................... 21
3.3 Control Unit ....................................................................................................................... 23
3.4 Power Supply Unit ............................................................................................................. 23
3.5 The Measuring Chain ......................................................................................................... 24
4. Assembly, Installation and Operation.......................................................................................... 25
4.1 User Interface..................................................................................................................... 25
4.2 Connections ....................................................................................................................... 26
4.3 Connecting the Instrument................................................................................................. 26
4.4 Instrument Operation......................................................................................................... 29
4.4.1 Display and Main Menu..................................................................................................... 29
4.4.2 Menu Operation ................................................................................................................ 30
4.4.3 Select Language ................................................................................................................. 30
4.4.4 Set Numerical Values.......................................................................................................... 30
4.5 Step by Step Measuring Guidance...................................................................................... 31
4.5.1 Direct Force Measurement ................................................................................................. 31
4.5.2 Indirect Force Measurement............................................................................................... 34
4.6 Software............................................................................................................................. 36
5. Reference ..................................................................................................................................... 37
5.1 Contrast Setting ................................................................................................................. 37
5.2 Lock/Unlock Settings ......................................................................................................... 37
5.3 Measuring Range ............................................................................................................... 37
5.3.1 Stepwise Range Setting...................................................................................................... 38
5.3.2 Variable Range Setting ....................................................................................................... 38
5.3.3 Automatic Range Setting.................................................................................................... 38
5.4 Sensitivity ........................................................................................................................... 39
5.5 Voltage Output Scaling ...................................................................................................... 41
5.6 Function Key Definition...................................................................................................... 41
5.7 Control Measuring Cycle and Measuring Window ............................................................. 42
5.8 Zero Error Adjustment ........................................................................................................ 42
5.9 Low-Pass Filter ................................................................................................................... 43
5.10 High-Pass Filter .................................................................................................................. 43
5.11 Bar Graph Display .............................................................................................................. 44
5.12 Mechanical Unit ................................................................................................................. 44

Content
5015A_002-121e-03.20 Page 3
5.13 Signal Evaluation and Display..............................................................................................46
5.14 Recording of Measurands and Statistics ..............................................................................47
5.15 Measuring Window Function..............................................................................................48
5.16 Save and Restore Instrument Settings .................................................................................49
5.17 Demo Mode .......................................................................................................................50
5.18 Select Language..................................................................................................................50
5.19 Display of Instrument Information ......................................................................................51
5.20 Messages ............................................................................................................................51
5.21 RS-232C Interface...............................................................................................................52
5.22 IEEE-488 Interface...............................................................................................................55
6. Technical Data ..............................................................................................................................56
6.1 Charge Input.......................................................................................................................56
6.2 Voltage/Piezotron Input......................................................................................................56
6.3 Voltage Output...................................................................................................................57
6.4 Frequency Response ...........................................................................................................58
6.4.1 High-pass Filter ...................................................................................................................58
6.4.2 Low-pass Filter....................................................................................................................59
6.5 Signal Evaluation.................................................................................................................63
6.6 Digital Measuring Data Transfer .........................................................................................63
6.7 Remote Control ..................................................................................................................64
6.8 Data Communication ..........................................................................................................65
6.8.1 RS-232C Interface (Electrically Separated)...........................................................................65
6.8.2 IEEE-488 Interface...............................................................................................................66
6.9 Power Supply Connection...................................................................................................66
6.10 Environmental Data ............................................................................................................67
7. Maintenance and Diagnosis .........................................................................................................69
7.1 Precautions .........................................................................................................................69
7.2 Causes of Drift ....................................................................................................................69
Cause 2…………………….................................................................................... 69
Input signal ........................................................................................................... 69
Output signal ........................................................................................................ 69
Output signal ........................................................................................................ 69
Output signal ........................................................................................................ 69
Input offset ........................................................................................................... 69
Input signal ........................................................................................................... 69
Input signal ........................................................................................................... 69
Output signal ........................................................................................................ 69
Output signal ........................................................................................................ 69
Output signal ........................................................................................................ 69
Output signal ........................................................................................................ 69
Output signal ........................................................................................................ 69
7.3 Testing and Calibration .......................................................................................................71
7.3.1 Instrument Test...................................................................................................................71
7.3.2 Calibration ..........................................................................................................................71
7.3.3 Kistler Calibration Service....................................................................................................72
7.4 Loading New Firmware.......................................................................................................72
7.5 Fuse Replacement ...............................................................................................................73
7.6 Input Operational Amplifier Replacement ...........................................................................74
8. Appendix ......................................................................................................................................75
8.1 Charge Amplifier Transfer Function.....................................................................................75
8.1.1 High-pass Filter ...................................................................................................................75
8.1.2 Low-pass Filter....................................................................................................................77
8.2 Remote Control Connection ...............................................................................................78

Charge Meter Type 5015A...
Page 4 5015A_002-121e-03.20
8.3 RS-232C Cable................................................................................................................... 79
8.4 LabView Driver................................................................................................................... 80
8.4.1 VI – Virtual Instrument for Charge Meter Type 5015A....................................................... 80
8.4.2 PC Control Software .......................................................................................................... 88
8.5 Extended Instruction Record of the RS-232C/IEEE-488 Interfaces...................................... 89
8.6 Fast Digital Data Transfer ................................................................................................... 92
9. Index ............................................................................................................................................ 95
10. Declaration of Conformity ........................................................................................................... 97
Total pages 97

Introduction
5015A_002-121e-03.20 Page 5
1. Introduction
By choosing this Kistler quality product you have opted for
an instrument distinguished by technical innovation
precision and long life.
To the extent permitted by law Kistler does not accept any
liability if this instruction manual is not followed or
products other than those listed under Accessories are
used.
The Charge Meter Type 5015A... is not only a charge
amplifier, but also a universal Charge Meter with a liquid-
crystal display and graphic capability. The technology
employed allows simple operation and offers many useful
functions in piezoelectric measurement. This instrument is
designed as successor to the well-known Charge Amplifier
Type 5011B..., and for use in research, development and
laboratory. As a 19"-rack module, however, it is also
suitable for measurements in an industrial environment. Its
impressive features are excellent technical specifications
and simplicity of operation.
The most important performance features at a glance:
Single-channel charge amplifier
Piezotron input (option)
Measuring range ±2 ... ±2 200 000 pC
Drift <0,03 pC/s
Measure-jump (Long)1compensated
Liquid crystal display (128x128 pixels)
Menu-driven user interface
Direct signal evaluation
Flexible adjustment of high-pass and low-pass filters
Compatible with Charge Amplifier Type 5011B...
RS-232C interface
IEEE-488 interface (option)
PC-Software
Virtual Instrument Driver for LabVIEW
Please study this instruction manual carefully so that you
can use the versatile characteristics of your new Charge
Meter to its best advantage.
Kistler offers a wide range of products for use in measuring
technology:
Quartz crystal sensors for force, torque, strain, pressure,
acceleration, shock, vibration and acoustic-emission
Piezoresistive pressure sensors and transmitters
Signal conditioners, indicators and calibrators
Electronic control and monitoring systems as well as
application-specific software for measuring technology
1Formerly called Reset-Operate-Jump

Charge Meter Type 5015A...
Page 6 5015A_002-121e-03.20
Kistler also develops and produces measuring solutions for
the application fields engines, vehicles, manufacturing,
plastics and biomechanics.
Our product and application brochures will provide you
with an overview of our product range. Detailed data
sheets are available for almost all products.
If there are particular questions which you still want to
raise after studying this manual, the worldwide Kistler
customer service is available to you. The Kistler distributors
are competent to advise you on problems in particular
applications.

Important guidelines
5015A_002-121e-03.20 Page 7
2. Important guidelines
It is essential for you to study the following information,
compliance with which is for your personal safety when
working with the Charge Meter and will ensure its long-
term, fault-free operation.
2.1 For your safety
This system is built and tested in accordance with the
safety requirements for electronic measuring equipment
(EN Publication 61010-1); leaving the factory in perfect
condition and securely tested. In order to maintain this
condition and to ensure hazard-free operation, the user
must comply with the information and warning notes
contained in this manual and/or imprinted on the instru-
ment.
Compliance with local safety regulations which apply to
the use of power line operated electrical and electronic
equipment is recommended.
If there is evidence that safe operation is no longer
possible, the instrument must be shut off and made safe
against accidental start-up. Safe operation is no longer
possible,
if the instrument shows visible signs of damage,
if the instrument is no longer functioning,
after lengthy storage under unsuitable conditions,
after rough transport conditions.
If safe operation is no longer guaranteed as a result of the
reasons listed above, the instrument must be returned
immediately to the Kistler distributor for repair.
When opening covers or removing parts, except where this
is possible by hand, live parts may be exposed if the device
remains connected.
The instrument must be disconnected from all power
supplies before undertaking any alignment, maintenance,
repairs or exchange of parts.
Wherever possible, no alignment, maintenance or repair
work should be carried out on exposed live equipment. If,
nevertheless, work of this kind cannot be avoided, it must
be carried out only by a qualified technician, who is aware
of the dangers involved.

Charge Meter Type 5015A...
Page 8 5015A_002-121e-03.20
Any interruption to the grounding conductor inside
or outside the instrument or disconnection of the
ground wire connection can make
the instrument
dangerous. Intentional interruption is not permitted!
The power plug must be plugged only into a socket
outlet with a grounding contact. The protective
effect must not be cancelled by the use of an
extension cable which
has no a ground wire
connection

Defective fuses must be replaced only with the
corresponding types with the specified current rating
(refer to Sections 2.4 and 6.9). The use of "repaired"
fuses or the short-circuiting of the fuse holder is not
permitted

The grounding screw underneath the instrument
connects the power plug ground with the case. It
must not be removed
2.2 Unpack
Please check all instrument packaging for any damage
sustained during transport. Report any such damage to the
transporters and to your Kistler distributor.
Before you get started, please check that your Charge
Meter package includes the items listed in Section 2.7. If
any parts are missing, contact your Kistler distributor
immediately.
2.3 Transportation and storage
If the instrument is to be transported or stored for a
lengthy period, the following safety precautions must be
taken:
The temperature must remain within the range of
–10 °C and 70 °C
All BNC connectors must be covered with a dust cover
which does not cause short-circuits
Ensure that no dirt can enter the instrument.
The environment should be as dry as possible and free
of vibrations
Store the instrument so that no pressure is placed on
either the front or back panel
The instrument should be stored in its original
packaging during any period when it is not in use

Important guidelines
5015A_002-121e-03.20 Page 9
2.4 Supply voltage select
Before first use, ensure that the line voltage and the supply
voltage set on the instrument are the same. The supply
voltage set is shown on the back of the instrument next to
the instrument socket
230 V~ (for the voltage range 180 ... 264 V~)
115 V~ (for the voltage range 90 ... 132 V~)
Changing the supply voltage setting
CAUTION!
First disconnect the instrument from the power supply.
Unscrew the two screws of the 'Charge Amplifier'
module at the back of the case and withdraw the
module.
Select the supply voltage required on the slide switch
(behind the power switch).
Re-assemble the instrument. Cover the inscription 'set
for ...' with the self-adhesive label supplied.
The grounding screw underneath the instrument must
be inserted and tightened again.
2.5 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
The Charge Meter is CE-compliant. It complies with safety
requirements according to EN 61010-1 as well as require-
ments for electromagnetic compatibility according to
EN 50081-1/2 (interference emission) and EN 61000-6-1/2
(interference immunity).
When the EMC tests were carried out, the signal ground
was connected to the instrument case (protective ground).
This connection is provided as standard. The M2,5x5
grounding screw at the rear side of the instrument is used
for this purpose. The user can remove this connection at
any time by removing the screw to interrupt ground loops.
The common mode voltage must not exceed ±30 V.
A flat connecting tab (6,3 mm) connected to the protective
ground is fitted at bottom right at the back of the case. In
the event of interference problems from ground loops, a
low impedance and low inductance equipotential bonding
conductor can be connected at this point.
Generally speaking, in the event of interference problems
caused by ground loops, tests are always needed to find
the best solution (see Section 4.3).

Charge Meter Type 5015A...
Page 10 5015A_002-121e-03.20
2.6 Tips for using this manual
We recommend you to read the entire instruction manual
carefully. However, if you are in a hurry and already have
experience with Kistler instruments, you can confine your-
self to reading the specific information needed.
We have attempted to give these instructions a simple
layout to make it easier for you to gain direct access to the
information you need. Please keep this instruction manual
in a safe place where you can retrieve them at any time.
If you lose the instruction manual, please contact your
Kistler distributors and ask them for a replacement.
Equipment modifications (conversions, upgrades etc.)
usually also result in amendments to the instruction
manual. In this case, contact your Kistler distributors for
updating facilities for your documentation.
Kistler is always concerned to make operation of the instru-
ment intuitive. If you have any questions, we recommend
you to consult Section 5 of this manual.

Important guidelines
5015A_002-121e-03.20 Page 11
2.7 Accessories included
Charge Meter Type 5015A... with
country-specific power cord
plug for 'Remote Control' article number 5.510.305
self-adhesive label with supply voltage details
Flash-Loader with current firmware
Demo-Program for visualization of the display on a
personal computer
PC-Software and VI-Driver for LabVIEW for the equip-
ment configuration and measured data acquisition
Instruction manual
Calibration sheet
2.8 Optional accessories
RS-232C cable, l = 5 m, null-modem
DB-9P/DB-9S, Type 1200A27
or PC-link cable RS-232C, l = 3 m
DB-25P/DB-9S, Type 1465A3
with suitable D-Sub adapter, DB-9P/DB-25S, Type 1479

Charge Meter Type 5015A...
Page 12 5015A_002-121e-03.20
2.9 Manual nomenclature
Below is a key to the indications and abbreviations used in
this handbook along with explanatory notes on the
meaning of special typefaces.
Abbreviation
Definition
FS
Full Scale
GPIB
G
eneral
P
urpose
I
nterface
B
us (or IEEE-488 interface)
DSP
Digital Signal Processing
M.U.
Mechanical Unit = Mechanical unit according to sensor
type used
Pressure→bar, psi, kPa
Force →N, lbf
Strain →µε
Acceleration →m/s2, ft/s2
E.U.
Electrical Unit = Electrical unit according to measurement
input
Charge →pC
Voltage →mV
pC
picoCoulomb = Unit of electrical charge
1 pC = 10–12 C
1 C = 1 As
mV
milliVolt = Unit of voltage
bps
Bits per second
sps
Samples per second
RMS
Index of a root mean square value
Text indications
Button or key designations are shown in square
parentheses, e.g. [F], [Meas] or [Esc].
All labels on the instrument are shown in single quotation
marks, e.g. ‘Error‘, ‘Measure‘ or ‘Sensor‘.
All internal parameters are printed in italics.
Messages on the LC-
display are printed in
this typeface.
Special cautionary or warning notes to be observed
when using this instrument along with section titles and
headings are printed in bold.

Important guidelines
5015A_002-121e-03.20 Page 13
2.10 Units of measure
Units of measure are used to assign a value to physical
quantities. A system of units is a set of rules which dictates
how the unit of measure of every quantity used in natural
science and technology is determined in a consistent
manner. The system of units used worldwide today is the
International System of Units, in French Système
International d'Unités (SI). It was officially adopted at the
11th General Conference on Weights and Measures
(CGPM) in 1960. The SI has subsequently released a series
of standard systems of units, mainly applied in the various
fields of natural science, which has made the, at times,
complicated conversions between the different systems
superfluous.
The International System of Units differentiates between
two classes of units: Base Units and Derived Units.
The base units are
Unit
Quantity
Symbol
Meter
Kilogram
Second
Ampere
Kelvin
Mole
Candela
Length
Mass
Time
Electric current
Temperature
Amount of substance
Luminous intensity
m
kg
s
A
K
mol
cd
The derived units are obtained from these base units and
the same algebraic relationships (quantity equations) as
hold for the respective quantities in nature. An important
factor of the SI system of units is coherence, by which is
meant that derived units are defined by the multiplication
and/or division of the base units, without the need for any
numerical factors.

Charge Meter Type 5015A...
Page 14 5015A_002-121e-03.20
For the measurement of mechanical and electrical quanti-
ties the Charge Meter supports the following units:
Quantity
Set Unit
SI Unit
Force
1 N
1 kN
1 p
1 grf
1 kp
1 kgf
1 lbf
1 N
103N
9,80710–3 N
9,80710–3 N
9,807 N
9,807 N
4,448 N
Pressure
1 bar
1 kPa
1 MPa
1 psi
105N/m2
103N/m2
106N/m2
6,895 N/m
2
Acceleration
1 g
1 m/s2
1 ft/s
2
9,807 m/s2
1 m/s2
0,3048 m/s
2
Strain
1 µε
10–6 m/m
Torque
1 N·m
1 N·cm
1 lbf-in
1 lbf-ft
1 N·m
0,01 N·m
0,1130 N·m
1,356 N·m
el. Charge
1 pC
10–12 As
el. Voltage
1 mV
10–3 V
2.11 Piezoelectric measurement concept
High impedance sensors
Piezoelectric sensors convert mechanical quantities such as
pressure, force and acceleration directly into an electric
charge. The charge produced is proportional to the force
acting on the quartz crystal contained in the sensor. The
sensitivity of the sensor is stated in pC/M.U
Low impedance sensors (Piezotron Electronic)
In addition, an integrated amplifier circuit is included with
these sensors. This converts the high impedance charge
signal of the piezoelectric sensor element into a low
impedance voltage. These sensors are designated as Piezo-
tron, PiezoBeam or ICP2-compatible sensors. The sensitivity
of these sensors is stated in mV/M.U. The electronic circuit
is designed so that power supply and signal transmission
use the same two-pole cable. A standard coaxial cable can
be used to connect sensor and instrument. These sensors
are particularly suitable for long cables or in dirty areas
with high humidity.
2Integrated Circuit Piezoelectric
F
F
F
F
Q
Q
C
T
R
T

Important guidelines
5015A_002-121e-03.20 Page 15
The use of these sensors is restricted to dynamic processes,
since CT is constantly discharged through RT. Time con-
stant and lower cutoff frequency are calculated using the
adjacent equations. The naturally wide measuring range
and the operating temperature of piezoelectric sensors is
restricted by the characteristics of the sensor integrated
electronic. The optional voltage input is required for the
connection of low impedance sensors.
Tips for the Piezoelectric measurement technique
When working with piezoelectric measuring instruments,
please note that they differ from other familiar electrical
measuring instruments. Different criteria apply than is the
case, for example, with customary current or voltage
measurement. When unpacking the sensors and the special
cables, make sure that their connectors remain clean and
dry to maintain a high insulation resistance. In particular,
Teflon insulators of all plug connections in the input circuit
must be kept absolutely clean and must not be touched
with the fingers. Any necessary cleaning must be carried
out with extremely clean cleaning materials, for example
the cleaning spray Type 1003 from Kistler or white spirit
together with a clean, lint-free paper tissue.
Special highly insulating cables
Only low-noise special cables according to Kistler datasheet
1631C_000-346 and 1601B_000-352 must be used to
connect high impedance sensors. Standard commercially
available coaxial cables produce triboelectricity due to
movement and would therefore falsify the measuring
results.
Connecting Piezoelectric sensors in parallel
When several sensors are connected in parallel, the charge
amplifier measures the sum of all charges. For example, the
four force measuring elements of a force plate can be
connected in parallel for measurement of the entire force.
Polarity
As defined by Kistler, an increase in pressure at the sensor
elements produces a negative charge. The Charge Meter
inverts the sensor signal and in this case generates a posi-
tive read-out and output voltage.
Measuring range
We recommend you to set the largest measuring range at
the beginning of a measurement or also in the event of
lengthy stoppages. Normal overloads caused by too large a
charge signal will not damage the charge amplifier. But
with a 10-times overload, the charge can produce an unac-
ceptably high voltage. The magnitude of the voltage will
depend on the charge fed in, the total internal capacitance
(sensor and cable capacitance) and the range capacitor. For
example, if a sensor of Type 9041 with a sensitivity of
minus 4,2 pC/N is loaded with 60 kN, this will produce a
negative charge of 250 000 pC. The total capacitance in
TT CR ⋅=
τ
τπ ⋅
=2
1
u
f

Charge Meter Type 5015A...
Page 16 5015A_002-121e-03.20
the input circuit will be 250 pF (with a short connecting
cable and in the most sensitive range of the charge
amplifier). If the charge amplifier is not operating, a
voltage of 1 kV would be reached and would irreparably
damage the input stage. To prevent short period overloads
due to charge spikes (e.g. caused by impact or structure-
borne sound in acceleration sensors), we recommend the
use of an input low-pass filter (e.g. Type 5321A) for
measurements with high impedance sensors.
Measuring modes
A switch must be made to 'DC (Long)' for quasi-static
measurements and calibration. In the 'DC (Long)' measur-
ing mode, depending on the instrument setting, both a
periodic and transient processes of up to several minutes
duration can be measured.
When making dynamic measurements of periodic or quasi-
periodic processes, it is best to select the 'Medium' and
'Short' measuring modes or use a high-pass filter, which
are not critical with respect to drift.

Important guidelines
5015A_002-121e-03.20 Page 17
0100 200 300
0
1
1.5
0.5
0.5
x(t)
t
280 290 300
0
1
1.5
0.5
0.5
x(t)
t
010 20
0
1
1.5
0.5
0.5
x(t)
t
Measuring mode:
AC (Short,
Medium, High
-pass Filter)
010 20
0
1
1.5
0.5
0.5
x(t)
t
0100 200 300
t
0
1
1.5
0.5
0.5
x(t)
280 290 300
0
1
1.5
0.5
0.5
x(t)
t
Measuring mode: DC (Long)

Charge Meter Type 5015A...
Page 18 5015A_002-121e-03.20
2.12 Disposal instructions for electrical and electronic equipment
Do not discard old electronic instruments in municipal
trash. For disposal at end of life, please return this
product to an authorized local electronic waste disposal
service or contact the nearest Kistler Instrument sales
office for return instructions.