Wednesday 19 September 2012

QMBox - You choose your Data Acquisition IO mix

New from Audon Electronics, the USB based QMBox series devices consist of one or more data acquisition modules installed in a single case. These can be modules of ADC, DAC, digital I/O, relay switching, etc. Modules in one device can have any configuration, therefore a suitable QMBox device can be selected for practically any task of measurement and control automation.
You need a device that allows you to:
  • measure and record temperature
  • turn on and off the heating installation
  • interrogate the state of power switches

Each QMBox device may contain from one to eight multi-channel cards - choose the case that suits the number of channels you need;
 
Software
The QMLab software suite is a universal software tool for working with QMBox devices. It allows performing most standard tasks within measurement automation.
The QMLab suite includes:
  • data recorder
  • oscilloscope
  • spectrum analyzer
  • generator of analogue signals
  • primary data processing unit
Primary data processing may include calibration, averaging, normalization in accordance with IEC for a specific type of sensor, as well as a more complex mathematical processing. For example, for thermocouples there is an automatic software compensation of cold junction and linearization of the transfer parameter.
Obtained data is saved in standard text and binary formats suitable for conventional and specialized data processing programs (Excel, MathLAB, Cool Edit pro, etc.).
The generator of analogue signals, included in QMLab software suite, supports all QMBox series DAC devices. The program allows you to use the DAC as a multichannel generator of sinusoidal signals, DC signals, as well as signals of arbitrary waveforms (by “playing” through the DAC user’s binary files of arbitrary length).
QMLab software suite is free of charge and it is supplied with all our devices.

Software development kit (SDK package)

Apart from the complete QMLab software suite, the QMBox delivery set includes an SDK package. It consists of software and documentation designed for users who would like to create their own applications for working with QMBox devices. SDK software consists of function libraries (API) and examples of software development.
The user has a possibility to create full-blown applications using just a limited number of library functions. These library functions are written so that even an inexperienced programmer who is not well-versed in multithreaded and object-oriented programming can work with QMBox devices.
For more information see http://www.audon.co.uk/usb_qmbox.html

Thursday 2 August 2012

iDAQ Wi-Fi Dataloggers to feature in the 2012 IET Innovation Awards

Now available from Audon Electronics is the new iDAQ range of Wi-Fi enabled dataloggers which are shortly to be featured in the 2012 IET Innovation Awards. The iDAQ range comprises Voltage input, 4-20mA input, PT100 thermometer input and a combination voltage and pulse counter input units in both 4 and 8 channel versions.

The iDAQ range offers high resolution, high accuracy readings and are compatible with a wide range of  analogue and digital sensors. iDAQ units have Wi-Fi connectivity and incorporate a built-in web-server so no PC application software is required. Readings can be viewed in real time
in tabular or chart recorder format using any tablet, PC or mobile device via a web browser. Readings can also be logged in the internal 256kb memory for download at a later date. Log rates from once every 5 seconds to every 24 hours can be set.

iDAQ can also be configured to issue email alert messages on alarm; for example, an alert could be issued if a water pipe temperature falls below a critical set-point (i.e. to prevent burst pipes etc). Another use for this alert feature is to monitor window and door contacts; an alert could be issued if they open.

The USB2.0 interface allows the user to write their own applications to control the unit or to take measurements. It also allows them to configure the unit using any third party terminal software

Application areas include:


* Smart metering (electricity, gas and water)
* Eco-home monitoring (central heating, humidity control, PV output, etc)
* Environmental monitoring
* Weather stations (iDAQ can provide live and historical weather trends)
* Industrial temperature monitoring (supports platinum resistance temperature sensors)

http://www.audon.co.uk/wifi_daq.html

Tuesday 17 April 2012

World’s First iPhone™- based Mixed Signal Oscilloscope


Audon Electronics is now offering the iMSO-104 - the world's first mixed-signal oscilloscope that moves Apple's ubiquitous iOS devices and touch-screen interface into the test and measurement world. iMSO-104 is a revolutionary new 5MHz oscilloscope adapter for iPod touch, iPhone and iPad that is intuitive and easy to use, making it an ideal solution for field service, sales and application engineers, as well as students and hobbyists.

iMSO-104 is designed with a 5MHz bandwidth front-end and a 12MSa/s sample rate, simultaneously analyzing one analog and four digital signals for versatile, time-synchronized troubleshooting. All the usual input, trigger and math features you would expect from a high quality scope are incorporated, including cursor measurements, variable persistence, built-in 3.3V 1kHz reference signal and more. iMSO-104 also adds novel features such as computation power and instant emailing of screen captures. In addition, simple measurements of frequency, period, duty cycle, and reference signal capture are just a touch away. Timebase range is from 2uS – 1S/div, with input voltage display from 50mV – 2V/div. Maximum input voltage using a 10x probe is 40V.

iMSO-104 is based on Cypress Semiconductor’s PSoC 3, a low power, system-on-a-chip mixed-signal IC, which handles Apple's proprietary dock interface for iOS devices while simultaneously processing incoming analog and digital signals. The result is a handy intuitive scope system that is both affordable and extremely portable. Intuitive finger movements are used to adjust trigger level, zooming, or repositioning channel displays. Captured signal screenshots can be rapidly sent as a time-saving email image for rapid reporting, Sent via other freely available Apps, current location and time can be included in the email with a link to Google Maps for uniquely logging on-the-job signal information.

Software for running iMSO-104 - including a demo package that does not require the actual iMSO-104 device - is available free at Apple™’s AppStore, and is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. iMSO-104 is compatible with all generations of iPod touch, iPhone, and iPad devices running iOS version 3.1.3 or higher. Setups can be customized and accessed quickly - ideal for on-the-go technicians. With these advanced features and Apple's intuitive multi-touch user interface and brilliant, high-resolution displays, iMSO-104 delivers the easiest, most intuitive scope solution on the market.

More Information: http://www.audon.co.uk/handscopes/imso104.html

New Owon SDS Range of Scopes


SDS6062 - a new, two-channel bench-top scope with a huge 10MSa record length for each channel, allowing zooming capability for investigating fast, intermittent pulses.

This low-cost versatile scope samples at 500MSa/s and is packed with useful features normally only seen on higher-end DSOs, including deep memory, external, video-capable trigger, auto-measurements, auto-scaling, large 8" full colour LCD display, XY mode, auto-set, averaging, math functions, USB output, waveform storage, pass/fail output and a 3-year warranty. Even FFT functionality is included for frequency spectrum display. comes in a sleek, slim case and can even be fitted with an optional battery, ideal for field or isolated operation.

The SDS6062 comes in a sleek, slim case and can even be fitted with an optional battery, ideal for field or isolated operation.

  • Autoscale can automatically adjust the vertical gain, or the horizontal time base, or both together. This is useful for circuit probing -- as the probe is moved from point to point on a circuit board, the display auto-adjusts for best trace presentation. It functions in the same manner as 'AutoSet', but instead of being a one-time function, it's active until turned off, keeping “hands-free.”
  • FFT allows instant display the frequency spectrum of the signal under test.

The SDS6062 can automatically measure and display frequency and peak-peak/rms/mean values, but cursors can also be moved to make individual readings. A built-in self-calibration facility improves measurement accuracy. Video monitoring is also possible since you can trigger on NTSC/PAL/SECAM line or field waveforms. SDS6062 features include: manual cursor measurements, up to 19 automatic measurements (including frequency), high-speed screen update, storage for up to 15 waveforms and set-up parameters, convenient USB serial interface with PC software, 400V (DC+AV peak) maximum input, optional rechargeable battery pack and multi-language capabilities.

This lightweight scope is perfect for any engineer’s or student’s desk. The USB master and slave connections make printing or storing results easy too. With a large 7.8” 640 x 480 color TFT-LCD, this scope is small enough and light enough to carry anywhere, weighing under 4 lbs. Sensitivity range is 2mV/div to 10V/div with maximum display of ±50V. Another really useful feature is the ability to store up to 15 waveforms for comparison with live inputs. A persistence control is available too which simulates old analog scopes to compare slow-moving waveforms with previous scans. ‘A+B’ and ‘A-B’ math capability is included, while the X-Y display feature can be used to reveal phase delays.

More information at http://www.audon.co.uk/benchscopes/sds6062.html