Small and strong – USB measurement technology espressoDAQ

HBM is introducing a new USB-based measuring amplifier to the market with their espressoDAQ amplifier series.

Despite their small size and the inexpensive price, the modules developed by the metrology technology specialist HBM offer the usual high quality and performance capability, e.g. carrier frequency technology and A/D converter with a resolution of 24 bit. Individual modules can be directly supplied with voltage via the USB interface. In this case, a separate power pack is not necessary.

Several measuring amplifiers can be operated via one USB hub and thereby also enable fully synchronized measurement systems. The amplifiers work with the "plug & measure" principle.

The user can therefore obtain measurement results extremely rapidly. This is also supported by the RJ45 connector for transducer connection, which can be produced directly on site.

In addition, the espressoDAQ measuring amplifiers also support TEDS (Transducer Electronic Data Sheet), enabling simple and rapid configuration of a wide range of transducer types.

The modules are supplied together with a simple to operate software, specially tailored to espressoDAQ, for configuration, data acquisition and visualization. The user requires just a few steps to obtain a measurement result. The measured data can also be exported using the most current formats.

"Due to its simple operation and high performance capability, the USB system has gained a hold in measurement technology. The espressoDAQ platform takes full advantage of the bandwidth of USB High Speed technology.

Portable applications can be implemented through direct operation with a measuring amplifier. A measurement system with the usual HBM quality is available to the user with espressoDAQ," said Marc Zürn, product manager at Hottinger Baldwin Messtechnik. "The system is suitable for test engineers, e.g. in the field, but also for measurement technology newcomers who want to achieve measurement results rapidly and easily."

Practically all measured quantities can be reliably acquired with the various modules that make up the espressoDAQ series. In addition to individually configurable current or voltage inputs, measurement using strain gages (SG) is also possible - both in half or full bridge circuits - as is the connection of all types of thermocouples.

The module inputs (four or eight, depending on the type) are all electrically isolated individually and from each other. As all channels have their own A/D converter, absolute synchronous measurements are also possible. Typical applications for these compact espressoDAQ modules can, for example, be found in the service sector, where measurements can be easily and rapidly implemented with a laptop and a small module.

The new espressoDAQ modules are ideally suited for applications where larger measurement systems would be too complicated and expensive.