Data Acquisition News

Three European industry associations have developed a proposal for a manufacturer-independent European smart metering standard. Known as the 'Open Metering System' (OMS) specification, it not only standardizes the acquisition of data on electrical energy use. It also measures gas and water consumption and community heating. The proposal takes into account European requirements for data protection and data privacy, the developers say. This EE Times Europe report notes that to ensure interoperability and compatibility between different vendors' OMS devices, the Open Metering Systems group envisions a device testing and certification program, which it plans to assign to a neutral entity.

Electro Standards will custom engineer and build to your specs. Because ESL has its own manufacturing capabilities, the ESL Engineering Services Group can design, build, and deliver custom products for each project in prototype or production quantities. This guarantees functionality and performance along with unsurpassed quality control.

OR34 is the compact real-time multi-analyzer that integrates the best of noise and vibration analysis technology in an ultra mobile instrument. OR34 is the synthesis of the ultimate OR3x technology and OROS' wealth of experience in measurement. From OROS.

This sound and vibration measurement suite features a continuous frequency sweep virtual instrument (VI) that speeds frequency response testing. An AES17-compliant audio filter VI provides the correct frequency filters for testing audio devices that use digital-to-analog conversion technology. Applications include audio testing, machine condition monitoring, and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) testing.

For more on this subject, subscribe to GlobalSpec's e-Newsletter DirectU2 The world of Shock, Vibration & Noise.

This graphical acquisition environment includes an updated Diagram module configurable as an X/Y chart, enhanced Y/t chart, or a data chart recorder. A Reference Curve Editor lets users interactively define a tolerance band using a reference points table and graphical display. The software works with 20+ vendors' hardware.

Need a low-cost analog and digital I/O module for student or training use? This eight channel, 12 bit, 10 kS/s multifunction board is targeted to those applications. It provides basic, no-frills functionality. The module has no casing whatsoever — cutting costs — and its USB interface makes for portability and easy installation.

It might be easy to misplace a data logger this compact. Designed for monitoring in-vehicle diagnostics, this logger fits within the mating on-board diagnostics connector under the dashboard. It can acquire data from multiple controllers simultaneously, plus provide readings from its on-board cabin temperature sensor and three-axis accelerometer.

Start your journey toward operational excellence today. The latest enhancements to Proficy Historian, coupled with the introductions of Proficy Troubleshooter and Proficy Cause+, take you beyond the traditional approach of collecting and reporting against production data to a new paradigm of advanced process analysis and control.

The RMU Linux Logic Controller is an open, integrated platform for real-time automation control, data acquisition, and process monitoring. Based on PowerPC™ and Linux technology, the RMU offers unprecedented levels of I/O and on-board features in a compact package. From MKS Instruments, Inc.

Communications equipment supporting multiple wireless or broadband carriers must cover a range of frequencies and communication standards. This dual-channel, 1.2 Gsps, 16 bit DAC meets requirements for GSM, WCDMA, TD-SCDMA, cdma2000, WiMAX, and LTE operation. It has an on-chip 32 bit numerically controlled oscillator offering flexibility in choice of intermediate frequency (IF).

If you find this subject interesting, subscribe to GlobalSpec's e-Newsletter DirectU2 The world of Wireless Technology.

When incorporating an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) into a circuit design, consider not only how to drive it optimally. Also consider what impact it might have on the signal source. This high-speed (1-Gsps) 12-bit ADC uses a fully buffered analog input so the chip's sample-and-hold circuits won't disturb the signal source.

This DC-powered, 4-channel signal conditioner targets load cells, strain gauges, single-ended analog inputs and applications where multi-channel acquisition is needed. For some sensors, an on-board, adjustable (0-10 V DC) excitation supply can drive four 350 ohm bridges. Individual zero and span adjustments can be made.

For control rooms bulging with equipment, these signal conditioner modules offer space-savings. Only 12.5 mm wide, they're the most compact signal conditioners available. That minimizes the number of equipment cabinets needed. A further plus is the low power consumption, reduces heat output and cuts power and cooling costs.

5M Family of Daytronic Analog Signal Conditioners offer ease of setup, calibration, and versatility for a wide range of transducer. Units contain selectable anti-aliasing filters, gain, wide zero, and analog output with sensing and shunt calibration features. Conditioners include: TC, AC LVDT, frequency, DC and AC Strain, and DC volts.

The MC1 system from Validyne Engineering consists of a series of module cases and a family of plug-in signal conditioning modules that comprise an economical and flexible system that can be customized to meet your signal conditioning needs. Read more.

If you seek a career in investment banking, an Ivy League college degree might do the trick. But as an entrepreneur, a degree from an 'elite' school doesn't increase your odds of success in the world of startups, reports a researcher — a former entrepreneur himself. But he did find a marked difference between those companies headed by entrepreneurs having only a high school diploma and those with a college degree. His conclusion: "What makes entrepreneurs successful is the education, not the school."

Scientists are drilling through Greenland's ice sheet and analyzing the resulting ice cores to document the continent's climate over the past 10 thousand years. As this Reuters video relates, the analysis shows that the computer models of Greenland's climate that scientists have developed don't accurately model the changes seen. The ice sheet is melting faster than any of the models predict — so how can they be relied upon to predict the future?

An Internet Cautionary Tale?

A supposedly routine update to an Internet top-level domain dropped the entire country of Sweden off the 'net for a time. Do we rely on the Internet at our peril? Or can problems like this be handled with proper procedures and controls?