This data acquisition applications note was provided by our partners DEWESoft.
This application note shows how DEWESoft® products provide an effective solution for multi-physics validation of farm tractors. The mobile measurement instruments and easy-to-setup software are used for online field monitoring and multi-physics data acquisition with more than 200 channels.
Data Acquisition Applications – Introduction
The client, a large tractor manufacturer in France. In the business of developing and producing farming machinery for the markets across the globe. With a multitude of use conditions for their machines all over the world, the engineering department needs more accurate multi-physics data for real field conditions as related to life profile specifications, numerical simulations and test bench input data.
To avoid multiple test campaigns, the client decided to simultaneously acquire multi-physics signals from over 200 channels using only one data acquisition system. If the tractor is far from the development plant, the client can access the machine for remote control and data transfer by GSM or Wifi connection.
Measurement Set Up
The data acquisition architecture is based on rugged IP67 measurement modules such as SIRIUSiwe and KRYPTON® on EtherCAT® protocol (using onecable for data transfer, power supply and clock synchronization. It also involves versatile USB systems such as DEWE-43A. The EtherCAT® and USB networks work together and managed by the SBOXfe control/storing unit.
Data Acquisition System
| DEWESoft® Modules | FUNCTION |
|---|---|
| KRYPTON® 16xTH | Temperature |
| KRYPTON® 6xSTG | Strain gauges and universal conditioning |
| SIRIUSi-WE 6xSTG | High-speed strain gauges and universal conditioning |
| SIRIUSi-WE 8xLV | High-speed voltage |
| DEWE-43A | Universal conditioning and CANbus |
| SBOXfe with 10Hz GPS GNSS & Wifi receiver | Control unit and storing |
| EtherCAT® SYNC Junction | Clock synchronization |
Type of Channels/Sensors
| TYPE of CHANNELS | APPLICATIONS |
|---|---|
| > 200 analog channels | Strain, hydraulic pressure, temperature, voltage, noise and vibration… |
| CAN bus channels | Engine, transmission, gearbox parameters… |
| Counters | Tachymeter, rpm measurement |
| Video | Webcam monitoring |
Wireless Communication Device
- Any GSM 4G modem with USB or Ethernet port
Software
| SOFTWARE | FUNCTION |
|---|---|
| Dewesoft X2 | Data acquisition setup and post-processing |
| DSA dynamic signal analysis Plugin | Noise and vibration analysis |
| ODE online data export plugin | Export selective data online from a Dewesoft measurement in progress |
| Data Manager plugin | Copy and store Dewesoft files automatically on FTP server or local drive |
| Any windows sharing desktop software | For internet remote control/access to SBox control unit |
| Big data search engine (optional) | Data search on request parameters |
Analysis
The measurement screen below is an example of Dewesoft X2 software capabilities. It is easily set up with several different kinds of analysis representation: time signal, frequency spectrum, CAN bus parameters, level meter, GPS track (coloured channels and map overlay) and video synchronisation.
With simple GSM/internet connection, the user can access Dewesoft control units inside the vehicle for monitoring or selecting data to transfer.
Key Features
- Time data recording and post-processing (statistics, filters, maths functions…)
- Extensive trigger features for the start/stop of the measurement
- Export in multiple file formats or video, custom reports
- Selective data transfer during acquisition
- Simple access/remote control with desktop software
- Data management
Conclusion
This off-road measurement configuration permitted the customer to combine different kinds of measurements with the same rugged data acquisition system. With various displays and calculations, the user was enabled to analyse multi-physics phenoma for any internal engineering clients or to export data in an appropriate file format for third-party post-processing software.
Based on Windows platform, the Dewesoft control unit was able to communicate/interface with a common GSM modem. With appropriate software solutions such as Dewesoft plugins and other Windows software, data were sent from the machine to the customer over large distances with possibility to view the vehicle on the road in real time through an onboard webcam.
For further information, contact us