VTI Instruments EX1629 User manual

EX1629
48-CHANNEL STRAIN GAGE
INSTRUMENT
USER’S MANUAL
P/N: 82-0109-000
Released February 17th, 2012
VTI Instruments Corp.
2031 Main Street
Irvine, CA 92614-6509
[phone]

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2 EX1629 Preface
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
Certification........................................................................................................................................................10
Warranty.............................................................................................................................................................10
Limitation of Warranty.......................................................................................................................................10
Restricted Rights Legend....................................................................................................................................10
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY.............................................................................................................................11
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS...........................................................................................................................12
Terms and Symbols ............................................................................................................................................12
Warnings.............................................................................................................................................................12
SUPPORT RESOURCES .............................................................................................................................................14
SECTION 1..................................................................................................................................................................15
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................................................15
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................15
Features...............................................................................................................................................................15
A Complete High-Density Solution ..............................................................................................................15
Data Integrity.................................................................................................................................................15
Excitation Source ..........................................................................................................................................16
Programmable Bridge Configurations...........................................................................................................16
Self-calibration..............................................................................................................................................16
Confidence Measurement System.................................................................................................................16
Shunt Calibration...........................................................................................................................................16
Wideband Output ..........................................................................................................................................16
Multiple Gain Ranges....................................................................................................................................16
Sampling Rate ...............................................................................................................................................17
Digital Filtering.............................................................................................................................................17
Triggering......................................................................................................................................................17
Input Connector.............................................................................................................................................17
TEDS Transducer Support ............................................................................................................................17
LXI Trigger Bus............................................................................................................................................17
LXI Limit Events ..........................................................................................................................................17
EX1629 Specifications .......................................................................................................................................18
Explanation of Specifications.............................................................................................................................22
Sampling Rate ...............................................................................................................................................22
Bridge Excitation...........................................................................................................................................22
Bridge Completion........................................................................................................................................22
Shunt Calibration...........................................................................................................................................23
Quarter-Bridge Strain Measurement .............................................................................................................23
Quarter-Bridge Strain Measurement/Full-Bridge Strain Measurement.........................................................23
Wideband Outputs.........................................................................................................................................24
Confidence Measurements ............................................................................................................................24
Maximizing Measurement Performance.............................................................................................................24
Utilize self-calibration...................................................................................................................................24
Utilize excitation measurement.....................................................................................................................25
Utilize proper strain gage wiring techniques.................................................................................................25
Compensate for lead wire desensitization error.............................................................................................25
Allow for thermal stabilization of the bridge ................................................................................................26

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EX1629 Preface 3
SECTION 2..................................................................................................................................................................27
PREPARATION FOR USE...........................................................................................................................................27
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................27
Unpacking/Inspection.........................................................................................................................................27
Installation Location...........................................................................................................................................27
Connecting/Disconnecting Line Power ..............................................................................................................28
Warm-Up Time...................................................................................................................................................28
Software Installation...........................................................................................................................................28
LInC-U Installation .......................................................................................................................................28
Input Connections / Wiring ................................................................................................................................28
Bridge Configurations ........................................................................................................................................29
Voltage Measurement Configurations................................................................................................................32
Wideband Output Configuration ........................................................................................................................34
Driver Installation...............................................................................................................................................35
Network Configuration.......................................................................................................................................35
Network Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................................36
Restore the EX1629’s Default Network Settings ..........................................................................................36
Determine PCs Network Settings..................................................................................................................36
Set the EX1629 to Auto IP............................................................................................................................38
Set the EX1629 to Static IP...........................................................................................................................39
Restore the Host PCs Network Settings........................................................................................................39
Using Multiple Network Cards .....................................................................................................................39
Preventive Maintenance......................................................................................................................................41
SECTION 3..................................................................................................................................................................43
BASIC OPERATION..................................................................................................................................................43
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................43
Engineering Unit (EU) Conversion ....................................................................................................................43
Quarter-Bridge 350, Quarter-Bridge 120, Quarter-Bridge User....................................................................43
Half-Bridge Bending.....................................................................................................................................44
Half-Bridge Poisson ......................................................................................................................................45
Full-Bridge Bending......................................................................................................................................45
Full-Bridge Poisson.......................................................................................................................................46
Full-Bridge Bending Poisson ........................................................................................................................46
Voltage..........................................................................................................................................................47
Ratiometric....................................................................................................................................................47
Linear ............................................................................................................................................................47
Nonstandard ..................................................................................................................................................47
Completion Resistor ...........................................................................................................................................48
Input Multiplexer................................................................................................................................................48
Completion Resistor/Input Multiplexer Default Settings ...................................................................................49
Gage Factor / Poisson Ratio ...............................................................................................................................49
Measurement Range / Gain ................................................................................................................................50
Excitation Source................................................................................................................................................50
Excitation Source Measurement.........................................................................................................................51
Unstrained Voltage Measurement ......................................................................................................................51
Scan List Configuration......................................................................................................................................52
Sampling Rate.....................................................................................................................................................52
Units ...................................................................................................................................................................53
Tare.....................................................................................................................................................................53
Digital Filter .......................................................................................................................................................53
Triggering...........................................................................................................................................................54
Data Format........................................................................................................................................................54
Shunt Calibration................................................................................................................................................54
Self-Calibration ..................................................................................................................................................55
Locking...............................................................................................................................................................56
Confidence Scan List Configuration...................................................................................................................56

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4 EX1629 Preface
Configuration Storage.........................................................................................................................................57
Wideband Output................................................................................................................................................57
Digital I/O...........................................................................................................................................................59
LXI Trigger Bus .................................................................................................................................................60
TEDS Transducer Support..................................................................................................................................60
Reset Button .......................................................................................................................................................62
SECTION 4..................................................................................................................................................................63
TRIGGERING ...........................................................................................................................................................63
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................63
Acquisition Data and FIFO.................................................................................................................................64
Confidence Measurement System ......................................................................................................................65
ADC Clock and Synchronization .......................................................................................................................65
LXI Limit Events................................................................................................................................................65
Synchronizing Multiple Instruments ..................................................................................................................66
SECTION 5..................................................................................................................................................................67
WEB PAGE OPERATION...........................................................................................................................................67
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................67
Opening the Web Page .......................................................................................................................................67
General Web Page Operation .............................................................................................................................68
Password.............................................................................................................................................................69
VTI Instruments Logo ........................................................................................................................................69
EX1629 Strain Gage Measurement Unit ............................................................................................................69
Reset...................................................................................................................................................................69
Reboot.................................................................................................................................................................69
Network Configuration.......................................................................................................................................69
Time Configuration ............................................................................................................................................71
Upgrade ..............................................................................................................................................................72
SECTION 6..................................................................................................................................................................73
PROGRAMMING.......................................................................................................................................................73
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................73
Default Settings ..................................................................................................................................................73
Opening an Instrument Session ..........................................................................................................................75
Closing an Instrument Session............................................................................................................................75
Configuring the Acquisition Channels ...............................................................................................................75
Setting Bridge Limits ....................................................................................................................................77
Setting LXI Event Limits ..............................................................................................................................77
Lead Wire Compensation..............................................................................................................................78
Configure Trigger and ADC Clock ....................................................................................................................78
ADC Sample Clock.......................................................................................................................................78
ADC Synchronization ...................................................................................................................................79
Trigger Source...............................................................................................................................................80
Arm Source ...................................................................................................................................................80
Standalone (Single Instrument) Example Configuration...............................................................................80
Multiple Instruments (Master/Slave) Example Configuration ......................................................................81
Retrieving Data (Read FIFO and Streaming Data).............................................................................................85
Read FIFO.....................................................................................................................................................85
Asynchronous Streaming Data......................................................................................................................87
Calibration Data ............................................................................................................................................91
Starting/Stopping Acquisition ............................................................................................................................92

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EX1629 Preface 5
SECTION 7..................................................................................................................................................................93
FUNCTION CALLS ...................................................................................................................................................93
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................93
Function Return Value........................................................................................................................................93
Function Tree......................................................................................................................................................93
Initialize.........................................................................................................................................................93
Limit Checking..............................................................................................................................................93
Configuration Calls .......................................................................................................................................93
Lock Function Calls ......................................................................................................................................94
Digital Input/Output Calls.............................................................................................................................94
LXI Trigger Bus Calls...................................................................................................................................94
Scanlist Calls.................................................................................................................................................94
Trigger System Calls.....................................................................................................................................94
Filter Configuration Calls..............................................................................................................................95
Excitation Voltage Calls................................................................................................................................95
EU Conversion Calls.....................................................................................................................................95
Shunt Configuration Calls.............................................................................................................................96
TEDS Calls....................................................................................................................................................96
Data Retrieval Calls ......................................................................................................................................96
Data Retrieval Calls - Advanced...................................................................................................................96
Self-Calibration Calls....................................................................................................................................96
Internal Calibration Source Calls ..................................................................................................................96
Utility Function Calls....................................................................................................................................96
Lead Wire Calls.............................................................................................................................................97
Calibration File Query...................................................................................................................................97
Close..............................................................................................................................................................97
Alphabetical Function Set...................................................................................................................................98
Sample Function Definition..............................................................................................................................104
EX1629 Function Set........................................................................................................................................105
vtex1629_abort............................................................................................................................................105
vtex1629_allow_all_channels .....................................................................................................................106
vtex1629_break_lock ..................................................................................................................................107
vtex1629_check_lock..................................................................................................................................108
vtex1629_clear_stored_config ....................................................................................................................109
vtex1629_close............................................................................................................................................110
vtex1629_compare_digests .........................................................................................................................111
vtex1629_dio_clear_event...........................................................................................................................112
vtex1629_dio_clear_events_all...................................................................................................................113
vtex1629_disable_logging...........................................................................................................................114
vtex1629_disable_streaming_data ..............................................................................................................115
vtex1629_enable_logging ...........................................................................................................................116
vtex1629_enable_streaming_data ...............................................................................................................117
vtex1629_enable_streaming_dataEx...........................................................................................................119
vtex1629_erase_teds_data...........................................................................................................................120
vtex1629_error_message.............................................................................................................................121
vtex1629_error_query.................................................................................................................................122
vtex1629_findinstr ......................................................................................................................................123
vtex1629_get_arm_count............................................................................................................................124
vtex1629_get_arm_delay ............................................................................................................................125
vtex1629_get_arm_source...........................................................................................................................126
vtex1629_get_bridge_limit .........................................................................................................................128
vtex1629_get_bridge_limit_enabled ...........................................................................................................130
vtex1629_get_cal_coefficients....................................................................................................................131
vtex1629_get_cal_file .................................................................................................................................134
vtex1629_get_cal_file_size.........................................................................................................................136
vtex1629_get_cal_source ............................................................................................................................137
vtex1629_get_completion_resistor..............................................................................................................138

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6 EX1629 Preface
vtex1629_get_conf_scanlist........................................................................................................................139
vtex1629_get_confidence_limit ..................................................................................................................140
vtex1629_get_confidence_reporting_mode ................................................................................................142
vtex1629_get_current_config_digest ..........................................................................................................143
vtex1629_get_dio_bank0_direction ............................................................................................................144
vtex1629_get_dio_bank0_pullup ................................................................................................................145
vtex1629_get_dio_bank1_direction ............................................................................................................146
vtex1629_get_dio_bank1_pullup ................................................................................................................147
vtex1629_get_dio_config_events................................................................................................................148
vtex1629_get_dio_input..............................................................................................................................149
vtex1629_get_dio_output............................................................................................................................150
vtex1629_get_dsp_version..........................................................................................................................151
vtex1629_get_EU_conversion ....................................................................................................................152
vtex1629_get_euconv_dynamic_excitation_enabled ..................................................................................153
vtex1629_get_euconv_excitation................................................................................................................154
vtex1629_get_excitation .............................................................................................................................155
vtex1629_get_excitation_enabled...............................................................................................................156
vtex1629_get_fifo_count.............................................................................................................................157
vtex1629_get_gain ......................................................................................................................................158
vtex1629_get_gauge_factor ........................................................................................................................159
vtex1629_get_half_bridge_lead_wire_desensitization................................................................................160
vtex1629_get_IIR_filter_configuration.......................................................................................................161
vtex1629_get_input_multiplexer.................................................................................................................163
vtex1629_get_instrument_serial_number ...................................................................................................164
vtex1629_get_lead_wire_resistance............................................................................................................165
vtex1629_get_linearscaling_configuration .................................................................................................166
vtex1629_get_lxi_limit_event_enabled ......................................................................................................167
vtex1629_get_lxi_limit_event_latch ...........................................................................................................168
vtex1629_get_lxibus_configuration............................................................................................................169
vtex1629_get_lxibus_input .........................................................................................................................171
vtex1629_get_lxibus_output .......................................................................................................................172
vtex1629_get_pattern_arm_configuration...................................................................................................173
vtex1629_get_pattern_trig_configuration ...................................................................................................175
vtex1629_get_poisson_ratio........................................................................................................................177
vtex1629_get_sample_clock_source...........................................................................................................178
vtex1629_get_sample_count.......................................................................................................................179
vtex1629_get_sample_frequency................................................................................................................180
vtex1629_get_scanlist .................................................................................................................................181
vtex1629_get_selfcal_status........................................................................................................................182
vtex1629_get_settling_time ........................................................................................................................183
vtex1629_get_shunt_enabled ......................................................................................................................184
vtex1629_get_shunt_source ........................................................................................................................185
vtex1629_get_shunt_value..........................................................................................................................186
vtex1629_get_stored_config_digest............................................................................................................187
vtex1629_get_strain_units...........................................................................................................................188
vtex1629_get_synch_source .......................................................................................................................189
vtex1629_get_tare .......................................................................................................................................190
vtex1629_get_teds_data..............................................................................................................................191
vtex1629_get_trigger_count........................................................................................................................192
vtex1629_get_trigger_delay........................................................................................................................193
vtex1629_get_trigger_source ......................................................................................................................194
vtex1629_get_trigger_timer ........................................................................................................................195
vtex1629_get_unstrained_voltage...............................................................................................................196
vtex1629_identify_sensor ...........................................................................................................................197
vtex1629_init...............................................................................................................................................198
vtex1629_load_stored_config .....................................................................................................................199
vtex1629_lock.............................................................................................................................................200

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EX1629 Preface 7
vtex1629_measure_confidence ...................................................................................................................201
vtex1629_measure_excitation_voltage .......................................................................................................203
vtex1629_measure_lead_wire_resistance ...................................................................................................205
vtex1629_measure_unstrained_voltage.......................................................................................................207
vtex1629_read_fifo .....................................................................................................................................208
vtex1629_read_fifoEx.................................................................................................................................210
vtex1629_read_teds_MLAN.......................................................................................................................212
vtex1629_read_teds_URN ..........................................................................................................................213
vtex1629_reset ............................................................................................................................................214
vtex1629_reset_fifo.....................................................................................................................................215
vtex1629_reset_tare ....................................................................................................................................216
vtex1629_reset_trigger_arm........................................................................................................................217
vtex1629_revision_query............................................................................................................................218
vtex1629_self_cal_clear..............................................................................................................................219
vtex1629_self_cal_clear_stored ..................................................................................................................220
vtex1629_self_cal_get_status......................................................................................................................221
vtex1629_self_cal_init ................................................................................................................................222
vtex1629_self_cal_is_running.....................................................................................................................224
vtex1629_self_cal_is_stored .......................................................................................................................225
vtex1629_self_cal_load...............................................................................................................................226
vtex1629_self_cal_store..............................................................................................................................227
vtex1629_self_test.......................................................................................................................................228
vtex1629_self_test_get_status.....................................................................................................................229
vtex1629_self_test_init ...............................................................................................................................230
vtex1629_send_dio_pulse ...........................................................................................................................231
vtex1629_send_lxibus_pulse.......................................................................................................................232
vtex1629_set_arm_count.............................................................................................................................233
vtex1629_set_arm_delay.............................................................................................................................234
vtex1629_set_arm_source...........................................................................................................................235
vtex1629_set_bridge_limit..........................................................................................................................236
vtex1629_set_bridge_limit_enabled............................................................................................................238
vtex1629_set_cal_out..................................................................................................................................239
vtex1629_set_cal_source.............................................................................................................................240
vtex1629_set_completion_resistor..............................................................................................................241
vtex1629_set_conf_scanlist.........................................................................................................................242
vtex1629_set_confidence_limit...................................................................................................................243
vtex1629_set_confidence_reporting_mode.................................................................................................245
vtex1629_set_dio_bank0_direction.............................................................................................................246
vtex1629_set_dio_bank0_pullup.................................................................................................................247
vtex1629_set_dio_bank1_direction.............................................................................................................248
vtex1629_set_dio_bank1_pullup.................................................................................................................249
vtex1629_set_dio_config_events ................................................................................................................250
vtex1629_set_dio_output ............................................................................................................................252
vtex1629_set_EU_conversion.....................................................................................................................253
vtex1629_set_euconv_dynamic_excitation_enabled ..................................................................................254
vtex1629_set_euconv_excitation ................................................................................................................255
vtex1629_set_excitation..............................................................................................................................256
vtex1629_set_excitation_enabled................................................................................................................257
vtex1629_set_gain.......................................................................................................................................258
vtex1629_set_gauge_factor.........................................................................................................................259
vtex1629_set_half_bridge_lead_wire_desensitization................................................................................260
vtex1629_set_IIR_filter_configuration .......................................................................................................261
vtex1629_set_input_multiplexer.................................................................................................................263
vtex1629_set_lead_wire_resistance ............................................................................................................264
vtex1629_set_linearscaling_configuration..................................................................................................265
vtex1629_set_lxi_limit_event_enabled.......................................................................................................266
vtex1629_set_lxi_limit_event_latch............................................................................................................267

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8 EX1629 Preface
vtex1629_set_lxibus_configuration ............................................................................................................268
vtex1629_set_lxibus_output........................................................................................................................270
vtex1629_set_pattern_arm_configuration...................................................................................................271
vtex1629_set_pattern_trig_configuration....................................................................................................273
vtex1629_set_poisson_ratio........................................................................................................................275
vtex1629_set_sample_clock_source ...........................................................................................................276
vtex1629_set_sample_count .......................................................................................................................277
vtex1629_set_sample_frequency ................................................................................................................278
vtex1629_set_scanlist..................................................................................................................................279
vtex1629_set_shunt_enabled.......................................................................................................................280
vtex1629_set_shunt_source.........................................................................................................................281
vtex1629_set_shunt_value ..........................................................................................................................283
vtex1629_set_strain_units...........................................................................................................................284
vtex1629_set_synch_source........................................................................................................................285
vtex1629_set_tare........................................................................................................................................287
vtex1629_set_teds_data...............................................................................................................................288
vtex1629_set_trigger_count........................................................................................................................289
vtex1629_set_trigger_delay ........................................................................................................................290
vtex1629_set_trigger_source.......................................................................................................................291
vtex1629_set_trigger_source_timer ............................................................................................................292
vtex1629_set_trigger_timer.........................................................................................................................293
vtex1629_set_unstrained_voltage ...............................................................................................................294
vtex1629_soft_arm......................................................................................................................................295
vtex1629_soft_synch...................................................................................................................................296
vtex1629_soft_trig ......................................................................................................................................297
vtex1629_store_current_config...................................................................................................................298
vtex1629_trig_init.......................................................................................................................................299
vtex1629_unlock.........................................................................................................................................300
vtex1629_write_teds_MLAN......................................................................................................................301
vtex1629_zero_cal ......................................................................................................................................302
Error Messages .................................................................................................................................................303
APPENDIX A.............................................................................................................................................................311
MULTI-INSTRUMENT OPERATION.........................................................................................................................311
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................311
Distributing Sample Clock and Synchronization Signals............................................................................311
Triggering....................................................................................................................................................314
APPENDIX B.............................................................................................................................................................315
EX1629 FILTERING ..............................................................................................................................................315
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................315
Analog Anti-Aliasing Filter.........................................................................................................................315
Digital Filters....................................................................................................................................................316
CIC Filter ....................................................................................................................................................317
DSP Filters ..................................................................................................................................................317
Group Delay................................................................................................................................................318
Transformations................................................................................................................................................319
The Bilinear Transform...............................................................................................................................319
The Matched Z-transform ...........................................................................................................................320

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EX1629 Preface 9
APPENDIX C.............................................................................................................................................................321
MICROLAN (MLAN) PRIMER..............................................................................................................................321
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................321
Programming MLAN .......................................................................................................................................322
DS2430 Commands..........................................................................................................................................325
WRITE_SCRATCHPAD_2430..................................................................................................................325
READ_SCRATCHPAD_2430....................................................................................................................327
COPY_SCRATCHPAD_2430....................................................................................................................328
READ_MEMORY_2430............................................................................................................................329
WRITE_AND_COPY_SCRATCHPAD_2430...........................................................................................330
DS2431 Commands..........................................................................................................................................331
WRITE_SCRATCHPAD_2431..................................................................................................................331
READ_SCRATCHPAD_2431....................................................................................................................333
COPY_SCRATCHPAD_2431....................................................................................................................334
READ_MEMORY_2431............................................................................................................................335
WRITE_AND_COPY_SCRATCHPAD_2431...........................................................................................336
Additional Notes...............................................................................................................................................338
Checksums ..................................................................................................................................................338
Sending & Receiving ..................................................................................................................................338
Printing Packets...........................................................................................................................................339
CRC Checking.............................................................................................................................................340
Version Information....................................................................................................................................340
APPENDIX D.............................................................................................................................................................341
ONBOARD MEMORY .............................................................................................................................................341
Onboard Memory and Clearing Procedure.......................................................................................................341
INDEX.......................................................................................................................................................................343

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10 EX1629 Preface
CERTIFICATION
VTI Instruments Corp. (VTI) certifies that this product met its published specifications at the time of shipment from
the factory. VTI further certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the United States National
Institute of Standards and Technology (formerly National Bureau of Standards), to the extent allowed by that
organization’s calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other International Standards Organization
members.
WARRANTY
The product referred to herein is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year
from the receipt date of the product at customer’s facility. The sole and exclusive remedy for breach of any warranty
concerning these goods shall be repair or replacement of defective parts, or a refund of the purchase price, to be
determined at the option of VTI.
For warranty service or repair, this product must be returned to a VTI Instruments authorized service center. The
product shall be shipped prepaid to VTI and VTI shall prepay all returns of the product to the buyer. However, the
buyer shall pay all shipping charges, duties, and taxes for products returned to VTI from another country.
VTI warrants that its software and firmware designated by VTI for use with a product will execute its programming
when properly installed on that product. VTI does not however warrant that the operation of the product, or
software, or firmware will be uninterrupted or error free.
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY
The warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by the buyer, buyer-
supplied products or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation outside the environmental
specifications for the product, or improper site preparation or maintenance.
VTI Instruments Corp. shall not be liable for injury to property other than the goods themselves. Other than the
limited warranty stated above, VTI Instruments Corp. makes no other warranties, express or implied, with respect to
the quality of product beyond the description of the goods on the face of the contract. VTI specifically disclaims the
implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
RESTRICTED RIGHTS LEGEND
Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subdivision (b)(3)(ii) of the
Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause in DFARS 252.227-7013.
VTI Instruments Corp.
2031 Main Street
Irvine, CA 92614-6509 U.S.A.

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EX1629 Preface 11
DE C L A R A T I O N O F CO N F O R M I T Y
Declaration of Conformity According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN 45014
MANUFACTURER’S NAME VTI Instruments Corporation
MANUFACTURER’S ADDRESS 2031 Main Street
Irvine, California 92614-6509
PRODUCT NAME 48-Channel Strain Gage Instrument
MODEL NUMBER(S) EX1629
PRODUCT OPTIONS All
PRODUCT CONFIGURATIONS All
VTI Instruments Corporation declares that the aforementioned product conforms to the
requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/366/EEC
(inclusive 93/68/EEC) and carries the “CE” mark accordingly. The product has been designed
and manufactured according to the following specifications:
SAFETY IEC 61010-1:2001 (2nd Ed.); EN 61010-1:2001 (2nd Ed.)
EMC IEC 61326-1:2005 (CISPR 11:1990)
IEC 61326-1:2005 (IEC 61000-4-2:2001)
IEC 61326-1:2005 (IEC 61000-4-3:2006)
IEC 61326-1:2005 (IEC 61000-4-4:2004)
IEC 61326-1:2005 (IEC 61000-4-5:2005)
IEC 61326-1:2005 (IEC 61000-4-6:2006)
IEC 61326-1:2005 (IEC 61000-4-8:2001)
IEC 61326-1:2005 (IEC 61000-4-11:2004)
IEC 61000-3-2:2005
IEC 61000-3-3:2005
CISPR 11 (2004) Class A
ICES-001 (Issue 4)
AS/NZS CISPR 11(2nd ED) Class A
FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class A
I hereby declare that the aforementioned product has been designed to be in compliance with the relevant sections
of the specifications listed above as well as complying with all essential requirements of the Low Voltage Directive.
April 2009
Steve Mauga, QA Manager

VTI Instruments Corp.
12 EX1629 Preface
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Review the following safety precautions to avoid bodily injury and/or damage to the product.
These precautions must be observed during all phases of operation or service of this product.
Failure to comply with these precautions, or with specific warnings elsewhere in this manual,
violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the product.
Service should only be performed by qualified personnel.
TERMS AND SYMBOLS
These terms may appear in this manual:
WARNING
Indicates that a procedure or condition may cause bodily injury or death.
CAUTION
Indicates that a procedure or condition could possibly cause damage to
equipment or loss of data.
These symbols may appear on the product or in the manual:
ATTENTION - Important safety instructions
Indicates hazardous voltage.
Frame or chassis ground
Indicates that the product was manufactured after August 13, 2005. This mark is
placed in accordance with EN 50419, Marking of electrical and electronic
equipment in accordance with Article 11(2) of Directive 2002/96/EC (WEEE).
End-of-life product can be returned to VTI by obtaining an RMA number. Fees
for take-back and recycling will apply if not prohibited by national law.
WARNINGS
Follow these precautions to avoid injury or damage to the product:
Use Proper Power Cord
To avoid hazard, only use the power cord specified for this product.
Use Proper Power Source
To avoid electrical overload, electric shock, or fire hazard, do not
use a power source that applies other than the specified voltage.
Use Proper Fuse
To avoid fire hazard, only use the type and rating fuse specified for
this product.

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EX1629 Preface 13
WARNINGS (CONT.)
Avoid Electric Shock
To avoid electric shock or fire hazard, do not operate this product
with the covers removed. Do not connect or disconnect any cable,
probes, test leads, etc. while they are connected to a voltage source.
Remove all power and unplug unit before performing any service.
Service should only be performed by qualified personnel.
Ground the Product
This product is grounded through the grounding conductor of the
power cord. To avoid electric shock, the grounding conductor must
be connected to earth ground.
Operating Conditions
To avoid injury, electric shock or fire hazard:
-
Do not operate in wet or damp conditions.
-
Do not operate in an explosive atmosphere.
-
Operate or store only in specified temperature range.
-
Provide proper clearance for product ventilation to prevent
overheating.
-
DO NOT operate if any damage to this product is suspected.
Product should be inspected or serviced only by qualified
personnel.
Improper Use
The operator of this instrument is advised that if the equipment is
used in a manner not specified in this manual, the protection
provided by the equipment may be impaired.
Conformity is checked by inspection.

VTI Instruments Corp.
14 EX1629 Preface
SUPPORT RESOURCES
Support resources for this product are available on the Internet and at VTI Instruments customer
support centers.
VTI Instruments Corp.
World Headquarters
VTI Instruments Corp.
2031 Main Street
Irvine, CA 92614-6509
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
VTI Instruments
Cleveland Instrument Division
5425 Warner Road
Suite 13
Valley View, OH 44125
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
VTI Instruments
Lake Stevens Instrument Division
3216 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 1
Everett, WA 98201
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
VTI Instruments, Pvt. Ltd.
Bangalore Instrument Division
642, 80 Feet Road
Koramangala IV Block
Bangalore –560 034
India
Phone: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Technical Support
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]
Visit http://www.vtiinstruments.com for worldwide support sites and service plan information.

www.vtiinstruments.com
EX1629 Introduction 15
SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
OVERVIEW
The EX1629 is a 48-channel high-performance strain gage measurement instrument. Its
combination of measurement performance and integrity, configuration flexibility, package density,
and network connectivity make it the most powerful, yet easy-to-use, instrument of its kind. The
EX1629 is a complete, self-contained strain measurement system that communicates over
Ethernet. Unlike other data acquisition offerings in its class, the EX1629 offers a tightly integrated
solution that frees the user from the complexity of marrying terminal blocks, signal conditioning
cards, digitizer, excitation source, and chassis together.
FEATURES
A Complete High-Density Solution
The EX1629 provides 48 channels of strain conditioning, bridge completion, and excitation in a
single 19-inch rack-mount enclosure. Its density and integration simplify the task of assembling a
test station. Most applications require only the simple connection of power, Ethernet
communication, and input connections. Moreover, test consistency and reliability is greatly
increased because its base configuration requires no accessory modules or other equipment to be
connected or cabled together.
The design of the EX1629 provides full configuration flexibility, with all bridge completion and
excitation source configurations set programmatically. There is no need to manually reconfigure
hardware to make measurement changes.
The EX1629 can operate independently or, for large data acquisition applications, multiple
instruments can be synchronized via an external trigger bus. This design allows for numerous units
to be controlled by a single host computer by utilizing a programmable master-slave relationship.
Data Integrity
The design of the EX1629 placed paramount importance on maintaining data integrity under all
measurement conditions. Each input channel is an independent measurement system, with discrete
signal conditioning circuitry, excitation source, and 24-bit ADC. There is no sharing of source and
measurement circuitry or sampling bandwidth among input channels. This makes each channel’s
performance completely insensitive to the state of all other channels, whether they are in normal
operation, shorted, or overloaded.
Each channel is individually protected against shorts to ground, across the gage, or to another
gage, as well as overvoltage. Trifilar input transformers provide superior high-frequency common
mode noise rejection. Finally, an analog filter provides anti-alias protection for dynamic
applications.

VTI Instruments Corp.
16 EX1629 Introduction
Excitation Source
The EX1629 features bridge excitation, programmable and regulated on a per channel basis. The
positive and negative excitation voltages are independently programmed from 0 V to +8 V and
0 V to -8 V, respectively, with current capability of 50 mA per channel. This programming
independence provides the flexibility of balanced or imbalanced excitation. Finally, remote sense
lines on each input connector can be employed for improved half-bridge and full-bridge
performance.
Programmable Bridge Configurations
Complete bridge configuration support is selectable under program control on a per channel basis.
Options include full, half, quarter120, quarter350, and quarterUser bridges. Moreover, a high
impedance voltage mode provides direct voltage measurements up to ±15 V.
Self-calibration
In order to deliver high measurement accuracy over a wide ambient operating temperature range,
the EX1629 provides the ability to perform an instrument self-calibration. During self-calibration,
the input signal conditioning paths are disconnected from the input jacks and connected instead to
a calibration bus that is driven by an internal calibration source. Through measurement of the
conditioning paths at multiple calibration source points, software compensation for circuitry drift
since the last full calibration is conducted. This provides a significant accuracy improvement
without the burden of connecting external equipment. Moreover, the self-calibration process
completes quickly and does not require removal of the actual input connections, making it
convenient to run often.
Confidence Measurement System
In addition to the main bridge measurement path, the EX1629 provides a unique, secondary
measurement system that operates in parallel. This “confidence” measurement system provides the
key bridge parameters of excitation voltage, excitation current, and common mode voltage and can
provide verification of the integrity of the bridge and cable connections. Because the confidence
system employs its own ADC, it has no effect on the sampling characteristics of the main bridge
input.
Shunt Calibration
The traditional shunt calibration process is supported to ensure correct bridge performance. Each
input channel provides a unique, precision 55 kΩ resistor that can be programmatically connected
locally for quarter-bridge shunting or remotely for full- or half-bridge shunting. Moreover, an
external resistor may be connected into each of three front panel connectors, one for each group of
16 input channels. Similarly, this front panel resistor may be programmatically connected locally
or remotely.
Wideband Output
Each channel of the EX1629 has a high-performance analog wideband buffered output that can be
connected to a high-speed digitizer for measuring structural vibration levels. The wideband
outputs are accessible on the rear panel of the instrument via three 44-pin D-Sub connectors.
Multiple Gain Ranges
Each channel is independently programmable with a signal conditioning gain of 1, 10, or 100.
This provides application flexibility to make high resolution strain measurements as well as direct
voltage measurements.

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EX1629 Introduction 17
Sampling Rate
The EX1629 can be configured for a sampling rate from 1 Sa/s to 10000 Sa/s in 30 discrete
settings, regardless of the number of channels included in the scan list. This permits the tailoring
of the data load to the dynamic requirements of the test application. If the number of channels are
limited, however, a sample rate of 25000 Sa/s may be achieved.
Digital Filtering
Each input provides a programmable digital filter with selectable type, order, and cut-off
frequency. This provides the flexibility to customize the measurement response to the dynamic
and noise rejection requirements of the application.
Triggering
The EX1629 supports a full function trigger model with a separate arm source and trigger source
event structure. Trigger and arm source events can be independently programmed from a variety
of sources including Immediate, Timer, Digital I/O, and the Trigger Bus.
Input Connector
The EX1629 features a standard RJ-45 telecom connector for each input channel. Not only are
these connectors reliable, but low-cost construction of custom length cables is also readily
available. Reconfiguration or replacement of strain gage connections is as easy as connecting a
telephone.
TEDS Transducer Support
The EX1629 provides support to read TEDS-equipped sensors to allow direct input of bridge
configuration parameters and input configuration management.
LXI Trigger Bus
The EX1629 features an LXI (LAN eXtensions for Instrumentation) compatible 8-channel trigger
bus on the rear panel of the instrument. This differential-pair LVDS (Low-Voltage Differential
Signal) bus consists of two identical ports connected in parallel. The primary use of the trigger bus
is the transmission of high-speed signals for multiple-unit triggering and synchronization.
LXI Limit Events
LXI Limit Events allow the EX1629 to send triggers to other instruments when an over-limit
condition is detected for bridge measurements. Each of the eight LXI Trigger Bus lines can have a
minimum and/or maximum limit defined for any and all of the 48 bridge measurement channels.
When an over-limit condition occurs, the trigger line is driven high. Because the limit comparison
is performed after filtering, the group delay of the chosen filter also delays trigger assertion. When
all filters are disabled and at a sample rate of 1 kSa/s, the typical delay is 14 ms.
Limit events also allow the user to latch their trigger signal. When latching is enabled, the trigger
line is driven high when the first over-limit condition occurs and remains high until the instrument
is reset or until the next measurement sequence is initiated. When latching is disabled, the state of
the trigger line is decided once per scan. When all chosen limit conditions are satisfied, the line is
driven low. Whenever any limits are exceeded, the line is driven high.

VTI Instruments Corp.
18 EX1629 Introduction
EX1629 SPECIFICATIONS
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
CHANNELS
48 differential inputs
FUNCTIONS (STRAIN)
Quarter 120 Ω, Quarter 350 Ω, Quarter User-Defined,
Half-Bending, Half-Poisson,
Full-Bending, Full-Poisson, Full-Bending Poisson
FUNCTIONS (NON-STRAIN)
Voltage, Ratiometric, Linear
SAMPLING RATE
For All Channels
For 16 Channels
30 settings from 1 Sa/s to 10000 Sa/s per channel
Up to 25000 Sa/s (see Explanation of Specifications for limitations.)
A/D CONVERSION
24-bit ΔΣ converter per channel
GAINS
1, 10, or 100, software selectable
NETWORK CONNECTION
10/100 Base-T Ethernet
INPUT CONNECTOR
RJ-45
BRIDGE EXCITATION
REGULATION
Independent high-side and low-side control on a per channel basis
HIGH-SIDE RANGE
0 to +8 V
LOW-SIDE RANGE
0 to -8 V
RESOLUTION
14-bit (500 µV)
SENSE
Local or remote
CURRENT OUTPUT
50 mA per channel, short circuit limited to 60 mA
SET POINT ACCURACY
(0.04% + 2 mV) typical, (0.07% + 10 mV) maximum, for │VEXC│> 20 mV
STABILITY
(20 ppm/ C + 20 V/ C) typical, (30 ppm/ C + 60 V/ C) maximum
RESPONSE TIME
Suddenly changed load
< 20 µs to stabilize within 1% of setting
BRIDGE COMPLETION
RESISTOR VALUE
120 Ω, 350 Ω, and user-specified, software selectable
User value available as factory option.
RESISTOR STABILITY
5 ppm/ C
INPUT CONNECTOR LEAD RESISTANCE
30 mΩ minimum, 60 mΩ maximum, matched to <5 mΩ within each channel
BACK-HALF RESISTORS
10 kΩ/10 kΩ, 0.1%, 2 ppm/ C

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EX1629 Introduction 19
SHUNT CALIBRATION
INTERNAL RESISTOR
55 kΩ (0.1%, 25 ppm/°C) per channel standard (0.05%, 5 ppm/°C optional)
EXTERNAL RESISTOR
Front panel connection shared among 16 channels
Connection resistance: 16 Ω typical
RESISTOR CONNECTION
Software selectable: local (across completion resistor) or remote
QUARTER-BRIDGE STRAIN MEASUREMENTS
Excitation
Gain
Range1
Gain Accy2
Offset Accy2,3
Gain TC4
Offset TC4
10 V
100
+30927 µε/-29126 µε
±0.12%
±25 µε
±50 ppm/ºC
±4 µε/ºC
5 V
100
+63829 µε/-56603 µε
±0.12%
±25 µε
±50 ppm/ºC
±4 µε/ºC
Note 1: Nominal for balanced bridge
Note 2: Conditions:
GF = 2.0, Rcomp = 350 Ω, balanced excitation
<30 days, ±5 ºC from last self-calibration
15 ºC to 35 ºC, 1 year from full calibration
Assumes the excitation voltage is measured and used in the conversion. Valid for 30 days, ±5 ºC.
Includes the stability effects of the excitation source.
60 minute warm-up
Exclusive of lead wire desensitization errors
Exclusive of gage errors
Exclusive of noise
Note 3: <30 days, ±5 ºC from unstrained voltage measurement.
Note 4: Only applies outside of self-calibration window
FULL-BRIDGE STRAIN MEASUREMENTS
Excitation
Gain
Range1
Gain Accy2
Offset Accy2,3
Gain TC4
Offset TC4
5 V
100
±15000 µε
±0.05%
±1.5 µε
±50 ppm/ºC
±0.2 µε/ºC
2.5 V
100
±30000 µε
±0.06%
±3 µε
±60 ppm/ºC
±0.4 µε/ºC
Note 1: Nominal for balanced bridge
Note 2: Conditions:
GF = 2.0, balanced excitation, remote sense
<30 days, ±5 ºC from last self-calibration
15 ºC to 35 ºC, 1 year from full calibration
Assumes the excitation voltage is measured and used in the conversion. Valid for 30 days, ±5 ºC.
Includes the stability effects of the excitation source.
60 minute warm-up
Exclusive of gage errors
Exclusive of noise
Note 3: <30 days, ±5 ºC from unstrained voltage measurement.
Note 4: Only applies outside of self-calibration window
CONFIDENCE MEASUREMENTS
TOTAL EXCITATION VOLTAGE
±(0.012% + 500 µV)
±EXCITATION VOLTAGE
±(0.012% + 2.5 mV)
±EXCITATION CURRENT
±(0.1% + 50 µA)
COMMON MODE VOLTAGE
±(0.1% + 2.5 mV)
SAMPLING RATE
Approximately 500 Sa/s

VTI Instruments Corp.
20 EX1629 Introduction
VOLTAGE MEASUREMENTS
Gain
Range
Gain Accy1
Offset Accy1
Gain TC2
Offset TC2
100
±150 mV
±0.025%
±15 V
±30 ppm/ºC
±2 µV/ºC
10
±1.5 V
±0.025%
±100 µV
±30 ppm/ºC
±12.5 µV/ºC
1
±15 V
±0.025%
±700 µV
±30 ppm/ºC
±125 µV/ºC
Note 1: Conditions:
<30 days, ±5 ºC from last self-calibration
15 ºC to 35 ºC, 1 year from full calibration
60 minute warm-up
Exclusive of noise
Note 2: Only applies outside of self-calibration window.
INPUT CHARACTERISTICS
INPUT IMPEDANCE (dc)
10 GΩ
INPUT BIAS CURRENT
10 nA maximum
INPUT PROTECTION
±25 V
COMMON MODE INPUT RANGE
±15 V
CMRR (dc TO 60 Hz)
120 dB typical, 110 dB minimum (Gain = 100)
FILTERING
ANALOG ANTI-ALIAS LPF
60 kHz 1-pole per channel
DIGITAL FIR FILTERING
Passband ripple
fs≥ 3125 Hz
fs< 3125 Hz
Alias rejection
Achieves desired sampling frequency by decimation from 50000 Sa/s.
±0.01 dB
±0.001 dB
100 dB
DIGITAL IIR FILTERING
Configuration options per channel
Type (Bessel, Butterworth, None)
Cut-off frequency (0.001 Hz to 4005 Hz)
Transform (Bilinear or Matched Z)
Order (1-10)
WIDEBAND OUTPUTS
CHANNELS
1 per input channel
CONNECTORS
(3) 44-pin male D-sub
MAXIMUM OUTPUT VOLTAGE
±15 V
OUTPUT IMPEDANCE
150 Ω
Gain
Gain Accy
Offset Accy (RTI)
Bandwidth (-3 dB)
100
±0.15%
±150 µV
> 100 kHz
10
±0.15%
±500 µV
> 150 kHz
1
±0.15%
±5 mV
> 150 kHz