Quanser VoltPAQ-X1 User manual

Solutions for teaching and research. Made in Canada.
USER MANUAL
VoltPAQ-X1 Amplifier
Set Up and Configuration
CAPTIVATE. MOTIVATE. GRADUATE.

© 2012 Quanser Inc., All rights reserved.
Quanser Inc.
119 Spy Court
Markham, Ontario
L3R 5H6
Canada
[e-mail]
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Printed in Markham, Ontario.
For more information on the solutions Quanser Inc. offers, please visit the web site at:
http://www.quanser.com
This document and the software described in it are provided subject to a license agreement. Neither the software nor this document may be
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written permission of Quanser Inc.
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2002/96/EC of the European Parliament and the Council on waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). All products at the
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This product meets the essential requirements of applicable European Directives as follows:
• 2006/95/EC; Low-Voltage Directive (safety)
• 2004/108/EC; Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (EMC)
FCC NOTICE
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Industry Canada Notice
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
VOLTPAQ-X1 User Manual 2

CONTENTS
1 Presentation 4
2 Components 5
3 Specifications 6
4 Fuse Installation 7
5 Cable Nomenclature 9
6 Troubleshooting 10
7 Technical Support 11
VOLTPAQ-X1 User Manual v 1.1

1 PRESENTATION
The Quanser VoltPAQ-X1 is a single channel, linear voltage-based power amplifier. It includes the following features:
• Power amplifier capable of supplying around ±24 V and 4A continuous.
• Separate power supply delivering ±12 V and 1.5 A for sensors and accessories.
• Analog sensor inputs.
• Current sensing capability.
• Thermal shut-down.
• Overheating / Overcurrent fault indication indicator.
• Emergency Stop capability.
They are three model of VoltPAQs: VoltPAQ-X1, VoltPAQ-X2, and the VoltPAQ-X4. The VoltPAQ-X1 is a single-
channel amplifier. The VoltPAQ-X2 and VoltPAQ-X4 systems have two and four amplifier channels, respectively.
Caution: If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by
the equipment may be impaired.
Caution: This equipment is designed to be used for educational and research purposes and is not intended
for use by the general public. The user is responsible to ensure that the equipment will be used by
technically qualified personnel only.
VOLTPAQ-X1 User Manual 4

2 COMPONENTS
The components on the front panel of the VoltPAQ-X1 are depicted in Figure 2.1. Each component on the VoltPAQ-
X1 has an identification number that corresponds to a the short description given in Table 2.1.
ID Name Description Electrical
Range
1To ADC 5-pin DIN
connector
Voltages read through S1, S2, S3 and S4 are output via the
To ADC connector to an external data acquisition device.
Output ±10 V
2S1&S2 6-pin mini-
DIN connector
This channel reads the output of up to two external ana-
log sensors. It also provides ±12V to power the attached
sensor(s).
Input ±10 V
3S3 6-pin mini-DIN
connector
This channel reads the output of an external analog sensor.
It also provides ±12 V to power the attached sensor.
Input ±10 V
4S4 6-pin mini-DIN
connector
This channel reads the output of an external analog sensor.
It also provides ±12 V to power the attached sensor.
Input ±10 V
5Amplifier Com-
mand RCA con-
nector
This channel receives the analog command voltage from
the DAQ device to be amplified.
Input ±10 V
6Current Sense
RCA connector
Use this connector to measure the current being drawn by
the load.
Output ±10 V
(1V = 1A)
7 Gain Switch Setting the toggle switch to the left position selects a gain
of 1 for the amplifier. Setting to right implies a gain of 3.
8 Status LED LED Off = Over-heated / E-Stop engaged / No power.
LED On = Amplifier powered and operational
9To Load 6-pin DIN
connector
This channel outputs the amplified control voltage. To Load
Voltage = Gain x Amplifier Command.
See Table 3.1
10 E-Stop 6-pin mini-
DIN connector
The E-Stop is an optional component. If the Emergency
Stop switch (E-Stop) is not connected, the VoltPAQ-X1 is
enabled by default. If the E-Stop is connected, then the
state of the VoltPAQ-X1 depends on the E-Stop.
Table 2.1: VoltPAQ-X1 components
Figure 2.1: VoltPAQ-X1 Components
VOLTPAQ-X1 User Manual v 1.1

3 SPECIFICATIONS
VoltPAQ-X1 AC specifications are given in Table 3.1 below.
Specification Value
Mass 1.9 kg
Dimension 0.25m ×0.18m ×0.10m
Minimum Amplifier Specifica-
tions
No load: -23.3 V to +21.8 V
2A load: -22.3 V to +20.8 V
4A load: -21.3 V to +20.3 V
Load Continuous Current Output ±4 A
Amplifier Gain 1 or 3 V/V (Gain selectable)
Current Sense 1 V/A
Amplifier Command ±10 V
Analog Sensors Output voltage ±12V
Output current ±1.5A
(25% minimum cross loading required for negative supply)
Environmental
• Standard rating
• Indoor use only
• Altitude up to 2000m
• Maximum relative humidity of 80% up to 31◦C decreasing linearly
to 50% relative humidity at 40◦C
• Pollution Degree 2
• Mains supply voltage fluctuations up to ±10% of the nominal volt-
age
• Maximum transient overvoltage 2500V
• Marked degree of protection to IEC 60529: Ordinary Equipment
(IPX0)
Protection Class Class I
Analog Sensors Fuse 3A, 250V, 3AG Slow Blow
Amplifier Fuse 3A, 250V, 3AG Slow Blow
Voltage Rating 100-120V / 200-240V
Frequency Rating 50-60 Hz
AC Current Rating 2.8A
Table 3.1: VoltPAQ-X1 Specifications
Caution: Precaution must be taken during the connection of this equipment to the AC outlet to make sure
the grounding (earthing) is in place and the ground wire is not disconnected.
Caution: Avoid covering the fan during operation to prevent premature thermal shutdown of the amplifier.
Caution: Do not position the equipment so that it is difficult to operate the on/off switch.
Caution: If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by
the equipment may be impaired.
VOLTPAQ-X1 User Manual 6

4 FUSE INSTALLATION
The VoltPAQ-X1 has two 3.0A fuses that protect the amplifier from overcurrent through the main power connector.
The recommended fuse for this unit is the Cooper Bussmann MDL-3-R, which is rated for 3A and 250V.
Caution: Make sure the power to the amplifier is disconnected before changing any fuses!
Follow this procedure to install or replace the fuses in the VoltPAQ-X1:
1. The fuse holders are located at the rear of the unit, as shown in Figure 4.1.
Figure 4.1: VoltPAQ-X1 fuse holders
2. Make sure the amplifier power cable is disconnected.
3. Remove both fuse holders. To do this, push and twist the knob counter-clockwise and pull the fuse holder out
as illustrated in Figure 4.2.
Figure 4.2: Remove fuse holders
4. As shown in Figure 4.3, remove the old fuses from the holders and insert the new ones.
Figure 4.3: Replacing fuse in the fuse holder
VOLTPAQ-X1 User Manual v 1.1

5. Install the fuse holders back into the amplifier. Make sure the fuse being installed corresponds to the label at
the back of the amplifier, i.e., 3.0A (labels shown in Figure 4.2). Push the fuse holder back into panel and twist
the knob clockwise until secure.
Caution: Installing the wrong fuse rating may result in damage to your amplifier.
6. Connect the power cable to the back of the amplifier.
VOLTPAQ-X1 User Manual 8

5 CABLE NOMENCLATURE
Table 5.1 provides a description of the standard cables used in the wiring of the VoltPAQ-x1.
Cable Type Description
(a) Motor Cable
4-pin-DIN to 6-pin-
DIN motor cable
This cable connects the amplifier to the load. To apply
the amplified signal to the actuator, connect this from
the "To Load" socket on the VoltPAQ-X1 to the system
actuator.
(b) 2xRCA to 2xRCA cable
2xRCA to 2xRCA
cable
This cable is used to connect the amplifier to the data
acquisition (DAQ) device. To apply the reference signal
to the amplifier, connect an analog output channel on
the DAQ device to the "Amplifier Command" socket on
the VoltPAQ-X1. To measure the current in the load,
connect an analog input channel on the DAQ device to
the "Current Sense" socket on the VoltPAQ-X1.
(c) 5-pin-DIN to 4xRCA cable
5-pin-DIN to
4xRCA cable
This cable connects the analog signals that are con-
nected to the amplifier, i.e. sensors, to a data acqui-
sition (DAQ) device. Connect the 5-pin-DIN side of the
cable to the "To ADC" socket on the VoltPAQ-X1 and the
RCA cables to the analog input channels on your data
acquisition (DAQ) device. The yellow and white RCA
cables carry the signals connected to the "S1&S2" con-
nector. The red RCA carries the "S3" signal and the
black RCA carries the "S4" signal.
(d) Analog Cable
6-pin mini-DIN to 6-
pin mini-DIN cable
This cable is used to connect an analog sensor on a
system (e.g., potentiometer, tachometer) to the ampli-
fier, where the signals can be either monitored and/or
used by a controller. The cable also carries a 12VDC
line from the amplifier to power a sensor and/or signal
conditioning circuitry.
(e) 16-pin ribbon cable
Emergency Stop
Switch (E-Stop)
Enables/disables the amplifier. Connect this cable to
the VoltPAQ-X1 E-Stop socket. The amplifier is deacti-
vated when the knob is in the pressed DOWN position.
It is enabled when the knob is in the upright, released
position. If the E-Stop cable is not connected, the am-
plifier is always enabled.
Important: The E-Stop cable is optional and not typi-
cally supplied with the VoltPAQ-X1.
Table 5.1: Cables often used with the VoltPAQ-X1
VOLTPAQ-X1 User Manual v 1.1

6 TROUBLESHOOTING
Follow the steps given below based on your issue with the VoltPAQ-X1.
Amplifier does not power up.
• Make sure the power cable is firmly connected to the power connector on the back of the VoltPAQ.
• Verify that the fuse is not burnt. If the fuse is burnt refer to Section 4.
Load not being driven.
• If the Emergency stop switch (optionally purchased through Quanser) is connected to the amplifier, make sure
the red button is in the upper position to enable the amplifier. The amplifier cannot be enabled when the button
is in the lower position. Twist the button to ensure it is in the enabled position.
• Verify that both fuses are not burnt.
• Make sure, for the particular channel you are using on the amplifier, that the connections have been made
correctly, i.e., the Amplifier Command socket on the amplifier is connected to the analog output channel on
your data acquisition device and the To Load socket on the amplifier is connected to the load. If you are using
a Quanser system, refer to the User Manual for that Quanser product for connection details.
LED does not light up.
• If the Emergency stop switch (optionally purchased through Quanser) is connected to the amplifier, make sure
the red button is in the upper position to enable the amplifier. The amplifier cannot be enabled when the button
is in the lower position. Twist the button to ensure it is in the enabled position.
• Verify that both fuses are not burnt.
• The amplifier might be in thermal shutdown. Power down the amplifier and let it rest for 5 minutes. Verify all
the connections of the experiment and ensure that the load is not damaged.
No analog readings from the amplifier.
• Ensure the 5-pin-DIN to 4xRCA cable is firmly connected from the To ADC socket on the VoltPAQ-X1 to analog
input channels on the DAQ device.
• Make sure the analog input channel you are attempting to read matches how the connections are made. For
example, if your sensor is connected to the S3 socket on the VoltPAQ-X1, then the signal is available on the
red RCA cable. Verify that the red RCA is connected to the analog input channel you are attempting to read
• Check that the fuses are not burnt.
• Ensure the analog input channels on your data acquisition (DAQ) device are working. Refer to your DAQ User
Manual for information on how to test it.
• If the sensor is working, then the Analog Sensor Input connector S1&S2,S3, or S4 socket may be defective.
Try using a different Analog Sensor Input.
VOLTPAQ-X1 User Manual 10

7 TECHNICAL SUPPORT
To obtain support from Quanser, go to http://www.quanser.com/ and click on the Tech Support link. Fill in the form
with all the requested software and hardware information as well as a description of the problem encountered. Also,
make sure your e-mail address and telephone number are included. Submit the form and a technical support person
will contact you.
VOLTPAQ-X1 User Manual v 1.1

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