Safe Temperature Measurement at High Voltage

Concerns regarding High-voltage systems in newly developed electric and hybrid vehicles but even higher demands on the test departments of automobile manufacturers since safety aspects have to be taken into account.

The IPETRONIK M-THERMO2 HV, is a temperature measuring module which can meet these demands.

The new CAN measuring module offers:

1.     4 K-type thermocouple inputs

2.     Safe measurements at high-voltage potentials up to +/-846 V

3.     Full system integration into the M2 family

4.     Fast system configuration and data acquisition/analysis with IPEmotion as well as IPETRONIK data loggers

With its high-voltage certified thermocouples and cables, the M-THERMO2 HV offers maximum protection. 

For further information on the M-THERMO2 HV in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 73868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

For outside this area, please contact IPETRONIKS directly on +49 7221 9922 0 or info@ipetronik.com

Optimising Air Conditioning Systems in Vehicles

In order to further improve the driving comfort, the leading automotive manufacturers continuously work on optimising air-conditioning systems, especially with regards to undesired noise depending on engine and compressor speed as well as ambient conditions.


To locate and reduce this noise, comprehensive and repeatable NVH test setups are necessary which simultaneously monitor all relevant thermodynamic parameters (eg. pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, compressor speed, ventilation at the condenser and evaporator) as well as NVH signals (eg. vibration, pulsation within the refrigerant circuit, airborne noise) and the corresponding operation data of the control unit.

Together with the data acquisition software IPEmotion, the measurement module Mx-SENS2 4 from IPETRONIKS provides a modular system with crucial benefits:

1.  Signal Acquisition with sampling rates up to 100kHz via ICP sensors

2.  Simultaneous acquisition of various analogue signals via CAN bus

3.  Simultaneous acquisition of ECU operation data

4.  IPEmotion analysis features Direct Playback, FFT, Cambell diagram

5.  ATFX export of the measurement data for external analysis

For further information on the IPEmotion or Mx-SENS2 4 in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

For outside this area, please contact IPETRONIKS directly on +49 7221 9922 0 or info@ipetronik.com

White Paper: How to implement redundancy for more reliable ethernet I/O Systems

Acromag presents a guide to using Ethernet media redundancy in order to create a backup communication path which allows your system to survive a break in the network cable.


Systems are often safeguarded only by duplicating components such as power supplies, software file systems, and computer hardware. This white paper will explain what "media redundancy" is and, through clear diagram and instruction, how you can manage your system's communication with this approach.

For further information in Australia & New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

For outside this area, please contact Acromag directly on +1 248 295 0310 or solutions@acromag.com 

APA7-200 Series I/O Module with PCIe interface for VPX and Ruggedised PCIe based embedded computers

Acromag’s New AcroPack™ I/O Platform adds a Reconfigurable Xilinx®Artix®-7 FPGA for Custom Computing Applications  - For embedded computing applications this next generation I/O module offers a PCIe interface format suitable for VPX and ruggedised PCIe-based computers. Acromag’s new  APA7-200 series provides a user-customisable FPGA on an AcroPack mezzanine module. The module plugs into a connector on an AcroPack carrier to add up to 48 TTL or 24 EIA-485/422 I/O signals or a mix of both types. Mix and match I/O cominations in a single slot for embedded applications running on Linux®, Windows®, or VxWorks® operating systems For further information in Australia & New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au For outside this area, please contact Acromag directly on +1 248 295 0310 or solutions@acromag.com

Powerful Data Acquisition Software recording the effects of the parts on a plane during a free fall exercise

Powerful Data Acquisition Software that records the effects of a plane free falling A great video illustrating the power of Dewesoft Software in Defence applications where the Army used a Dewesoft software to measure aircraft stability during a free fall and measured the effects that the free fall had on a different parts of aircraft If you would like further information on the Dewesoft Software in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au For outside this area, please contact Dewesoft directly on +43 31 32 2252 or sales@dewesoft.com

Real-time Ethernet 1553 & ARINC Converter/Bridges

ETHERNET: REAL-TIME 1553 & ARINC CONVERTER/BRIDGES by AltaData Alta’s Ethernet Avionics converters are the first and most unique Ethernet appliances in the industry. A real-time UDP server engine (no IP software stack like most other products on the market) provides direct data buffer and transmission control of MIL-STD-1553 and ARINC-429 interfaces. In addition, the ENET products can provide automatic 1553 BM or ARINC Receive bridging without any host interaction. Small, rugged, real-time devices that are ideal for test, simulation or rugged embedded applications. For further information on Alta Data's Ethernet Avionics Converters products in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au If outside this area, please contact Alta Data directly on +1 505 994 3111 or alta.sales@altadt.com For

Rugged Embedded Computing Solutions from Extreme Engineering (X-ES)

Rugged Embedded Computing Solutions from Extreme Engineering Solutions (X-ES) X-ES provides a wide range of embedded computing COTS and modified COTS products to the world’s leading defence contractors. All of their COTS products are standards-based, including VPX, VME, CompactPCI, XMC, PrPMC, PMC, and COM Express standards. Their products are used in a wide variety of Command, Control, Communications, Compute, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) applications, as well as homeland security, public safety, and disaster recovery, such as: Missile Guidance – Software Defined Radio (SDR) – Radar Processing – Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) – Threat Detection and avoidance – Combat management – Mission control – Display and Monitoring – Mine detection – Target Recognition and verification – Battlefield sensors – Embedded training – Vetronics – In vehicle Mobile Ad Hoc Networks – Mobile Command Centres For further information on these products in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au If outside this area, please contact X-ES directly on sales@xes.com or +1 608 833 1155

Nova Electric's Rugged Custom Defence EMI Filters

Nova Electric's Rugged Custom Defence EMI Filters Nova Electric’s EMI Filters are high-reliability devices specifically designed for demanding applications in high shock, vibration, humidity, and EMI environments. They are built to ensure compliance to MIL-STD-461, while surviving military environmental standards such as MIL-STD-810, MIL-S-901, MIL-STD-167, and others. For further information on Custom EMI Filters in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au For outside this area, please contact Nova Electric directly on +1 201 385 0500

Jim on Engineering: Episode 75 - MIL-STD-810, Method 510.5 (Sand & Dust)

Jim on Engineering, Episode 75: Jim Shaw, Crystal Group’s EVP of Engineering explains how MIL-Standard 810, Method 510.5 (sand and dust) is designed to test a component’s resistance to a dust-filled environment.

For further information on the Crystal Group Products in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

Outside this area, please contact Crystal directly on +1 877 279 7863

Argon Corp provides custom configuration refinements to their rugged LCD products to meet customer requirements

Argon provides custom configuration refinements to their rugged LCD products to meet their customer's requirements - form, fit, function replacement 19" Rugged LCD Displays   In 2014, Argon Corp received a contract in support of the U.S. Navy end user for the MH60S Airborne Mine Counter Measures (AMCM) mission, employing their ARD19, 19” rugged display. This application required a very specific set of mounting and functional requirements, which Argon demonstrated they could meet using their ARD20, 20.1” rugged display as the benchmark because it had recently completed a full suite of Environmental and Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) qualification testing. Changes to support the MH-60S application included changing the display to 19”, the input from 5 wire BNC to standard VGA, the addition of RS-343 input video, and relocation of the controls. The configuration changes were no problem and are common for Argon as they are an integral part of their business model designed to provide their customers with the configuration they need at little or no additional cost coupled with lower technical and schedule risk. So if you have a requirement for a Rugged LCD and the specification is not quite the right fit - Metromatics and our valued supplier Argon Corp - may have the right answer. For further information in Australia & New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au If outside this area, please contact Argon Corp directly on +1 678 608 4480

Cortron Model 121 Keyboard - MIL-STD-901D Barge Blast Video

We all know that Cortron products are designed to operate in the toughest applications. Cortron has released a new video showing a Model 121 keyboard with integral 2” DuraTrackball undergoing MIL-STD-901D barge testing.   The Cortron Keyboards were installed as part of a rack system and exposed to underwater explosions mimicking a weapon shock impact. The keyboard and trackball passed all requirements.

For further information on Cortron's Rugged Keyboard products in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

For outside this area, please contact Cortron directly on +1 978-975-5445 or sales@cortroninc.com

The White Paper has landed - on gathering rotary torque sensor with encoder data

If you’ve ever had a hard time interpreting the encoder output from your Rotary Torque Sensor then this technical document from Futek might mean a lot to you.  

They have written a white paper where you’ll discover:

• How the USB520’s performance reduces the negatives of traditional platforms. 
• How the USB520 easily integrates in Rotary Torque Sensor applications.  
• How to get maximum value from one USB solution.  

Check out their  white paper here. 

If you have any questions, feel free to shoot us back an email. We’ll be happy to answer!

Australia & New Zealand - Metromatics +61 7 3868 4255

Anywhere else - Futek +1 949 465 0900

Jim on Engineer - Episode 74 - MIL-STD-810 Test Method 509.5 Salt Fog

Jim on Engineering, Episode 74: Jim Shaw, Crystal Group’s EVP of Engineering explains how MIL-Standard 810, Method 509.5 (salt fog) testing can determine the effectiveness of protective coatings and finishes on materials. Salt fog testing may also determine the effects of salt deposits on the physical and electrical aspects of material.

For further information on the Crystal Group Products in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au


Outside this area, please contact Crystal directly on +1 877 279 7863

Jim on Engineering, Episode 73 - MIL-STD-810 Test Method 508.6 Fungus

Jim on Engineering, Episode 73: Jim Shaw, Crystal Group’s EVP of Engineering explains how the standard assesses the extent of how electronic components materiel will support fungal growth and how any fungal growth may affect electronic performance.

For further information on the Crystal Group Products in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

Outside this area, please contact Crystal directly on +1877 279 7863

New High Performance Data Logger with Audio/Video and 18 Bus Inputs for Automotive Applications

IPETRONIK's in Germany have released the IPElog2.  It is a high-performance data logger for test applications in the automotive and commercial vehicle sector, and is especially efficient for  fleet management.

The new data logger is designed around the basic concept and enclosure of the successful IPElog data logger, but has been advanced further such as 

• the audio input, which allows the test driver to record verbal comments and noises event driven, e.g. via the iMic microphone and trigger button for subsequent measurement data analysis 
• the extension from 14 to 18 bus and measurement inputs 
• USB 3.0 port for faster configuration updates and data downloads.

Two versions of the IPElog2 are available: The standard version features 10 CAN inputs, 4 of which can be switched between CAN High-Speed (HS) and CAN Low-Speed (LS Fault Tolerant). In addition, the logger system features 6 LIN inputs in accordance with LIN 1.3 and 2.0 standards. The second version has 16 CAN inputs, also with HS and LS switchover capability, but no LIN inputs. All 10 and/or 16 CAN inputs support the WakeOnCAN and NoMessageLost (NML) functions. WakeOnCAN wakes the logger (via CAN bus activity), and automatically boots up from standby switching to measuring mode. The associated NML function ensures that all the CAN messages from waking up the vehicle are saved signal-based as a CAN trace.

High-performance hardware

The data logger is based on a high-speed 1.33 GHz Atom E3805 dual-core processor, incorporates 2 GB RAM and uses the RTOS-32 real-time operating system with the TESTdrive operating software. The measurement data is recorded using the latest CFast technology with up to 64 GB data volume.

To cater to the increasing requirements on Ethernet-based protocols and buses, the data logger supports two Gigabit Ethernet measurement inputs. These inputs allow XCPonEthernet protocols and automotive Ethernet networks to be integrated via BroadR-Reach media gateways. FlexRay signals and future FlexRay traffic are measured via the FlexRay-Extender. One of the two Gigabit Ethernet inputs takes the form of an X-LINK connector for measuring the high-speed measurement inputs of the X-device family with a sampling rate of up to 100 kHz and saving these in the logger. IP-based camera systems can also be integrated into the device in future via the Gigabit Ethernet inputs.

 As such, IPElog2 also caters to future requirements, such as the synchronous recording of control unit and environmental image data of multiple cameras (e.g. for validating driver assistance systems).

In addition, the logger also features an M-CAN-LEMO system socket for connecting IPETRONIK M-CAN measurement modules. The special feature of the M-CAN connection is that the bus termination can be set via a software switch. Users thus benefit from the fact that no additional M‑CAN termination connector or special M-CAN system cable is necessary for the bus termination. The modules are also supplied with power via this socket.

High-speed, secure remote data transmission

The IPElog2 supports the wireless transfer of measurement data both via an integrated Wi-Fi interface as per standard IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n and also via an LTE (4G) modem. The WLAN module is capable of setting up an access point itself for connecting terminal devices such as tablets. The modem is modular in design, allowing it to be adapted to the place of installation.

To allow the position data of the vehicle to be acquired synchronously with the measurement data, a GPS receiver plus gyro is built-in. This records the vehicle's rotations along all three axes. Thanks to its functions and properties, the logger is ideally suited for conducting endurance and fleet tests efficiently in conjunction with the IPEcloud web portal.

Robust aluminium casing

The data logger features a high-grade aluminium casing measuring 206.5 mm x 73 mm x 166.5 mm (W x H x D) in accordance with IP54 type of protection and weighs 1750 g. It has a working temperature range from –40 °C to +85 °C for a relative humidity of 5 to 95 %. A voltage of 9 VDC to 36 VDC is required for the power supply..

The IPElog2 is a technology carrier designed to cater to customer requirements over the longer term. Due to the large number of interfaces and measurement inputs, the logger is predestined for extensive measurement tasks with numerous CAN and LIN buses.

For further information on the IPETRONIK's IPElog2 in Australia and New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

For outside this area, please contact IPETRONIK's directly on +49 7221 9922 333 or support@ipetronik.com

FUTEK’S exciting new redesign of their high precision USB Measurement Instruments leads to a higher accuracy with a slimmer footprint.

FUTEK Advanced Sensor Technology announced their newly redesigned USB520 and USB530. In redesigning the USB520 and USB530 - they considered customer feedback from the original model to ensure that the USBs were compact in size whilst still delivering little noise interference, great speed, and superior accuracy and nonlinearity (±0.005% of FSR).

FUTEK's USB520 and USB530 eliminate the need for a power supply and digital equipment, and come out of the box with a plug-and-play connection to a PC. The USB520 and USB530 work with strain gauge mV/V inputs, voltage inputs, current inputs, and encoder inputs, making them compatible with various industry applications.

Product Highlights:

• USB 2.0 Communications Link
• Non-Linearity & Accuracy of ±0.005% of FSR
• Internal Resolution of 24 bits
• USB520 sampling rate up to 4,800 SPS
• USB530 sampling rate up to 14,000 SPS
• Plug In & Play Solution
• Multiple Input Options

For more information on the USB520 or USB530 and you reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

For outside this area, please contact FUTEK directly on info@futek.com or +1 949  465 0900

Jim on Engineering: Episode 72 Sizing Rugged Rack Mounted Rails

Jim Shaw, EVP of Engineering at Crystal Group, discusses testing the durability of mounting rails for rugged computing equipment in Episode 72 of Jim on Engineering Video Blog.

If you would like any further information and you are situated in Australia & New Zealand, please do not hesitate to contact Metromatics - +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au

For outside this area, please contact Crystal Group on +1 319 378 1636