Jim on Engineering, Episode 81: MIL-STD 810 Test Method 514.6 Vibration

Vibration testing as part of MIL-STD 810 Test Method 514 looks for damage to an electrical unit as a result of shipping or operational vibration. Vibration could result in wires that might chafe, circuit boards that might crack or fatigue failures in metals or materials. 

In Episode 81, Jim Shaw, Crystal Group’s EVP of Engineering explains how the test represents the entire lifetime of damage that a unit might actually endure due to vibration.

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

INTEL BROADWELL-E PROCESSORS NOW AVAILABLE ON NEXTCOMPUTING COMPACT COMPUTERS

Intel recently released their newest Intel® Core™ i7 processors, also known as the Broadwell-E series. NextComputing is adding all four newly released processors to its complete lineup of portable workstations, rugged portables and rackmounts.

These new processors are a perfect match for all NextComputing systems, such as the sleek Radius Edge portable workstation, or high-densityNucleus 1U and Nucleus 2U rackmount systems, equivalent to or better than desktop engineering workstations. This means you don’t have to sacrifice portability or space for performance or vice versa. Whether you’re managing streaming data, utilising virtual machines, or creating fabulous media content, Intel and NextComputing give you the computing power you need to do it beautifully.

At the heart of the lineup is the 14 nm “Broadwell-E” silicon available in six-, eight-, and ten-core layouts. NextComputing will be offering all four processor options from the series:

Intel® Core™ i7-6950X Processor Extreme Edition

• 25M Cache
• up to 3.50 GHz
• 10 cores
• 20 Hyper threads
• 140 Watts

Intel® Core™ i7-6900K Processor

• 20M Cache
• up to 3.70 GHz
• 8 cores
• 16 Hyper threads
• 140 Watts

Intel® Core™ i7-6850K Processor

• 15M Cache
• up to 3.80 GHz
• 6 cores
• 12 Hyper threads
• 140 Watts

Intel® Core™ i7-6800K Processor

• 15M Cache
• up to 3.60 GHz
• 6 cores
• 12 Hyper threads
• 140 Watts

Process Faster. Lags are Unacceptable

With a processor that has up to 10 cores and 20 threads, you can do it all. A 35% improvement in multi-threaded 3D rendering speed versus the previous generation. Up to 2x better multi-threaded 3D-rendering performance versus Intel’s latest 4 core processor. Experience fast video encoding, image rendering, audio production, and real-time previews at a great resolution.

Ideal applications for incorporating Intel Broadwell-E processors into any of NextComputing’s high performance systems include:

• HD video capture and recording
• High-performance software development
• VMware vSphere-based application virtualisation platform
• Mobile server applications
• Medical and scientific simulation and visualisation
• Game development and rendering servers
• Mobile professional application training
• Complex imagery, 3D, and large dataset processing
• Product and proof-of-concept demos

NextComputing’s dense power packed systems with Intel’s Broadwell-E processors offer the perfect combination of speed, power, density and custom configurations to create efficient, well equipped, high-performance computing solutions.

If you like further information on any of the NextComputing Product  range and 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 NextComputing directly on +1 603 886 3874 or sales@nextcomputing.com

CAD Data Import on Huntron WorkStation 4.3

Huntron has posted a new video on their YouTube channel that covers using the new CAD data import procedure in Workstation 4.3. 

At the end of 2015, Huntron switched from Mentor Graphics CAMCAD Pro to Unisoft ProntoVIEW Markup software as the conversion utility supplied to users wishing to use CAD layout data for test creation. The Unisoft software includes many CAD data readers and is simpler to use. 

The new YouTube video demonstrates the import process and also shows a quick demo of the Pin Offset feature included with the new Component Group Edit.

If you like further information on any of the Huntron Workstation or Huntron Instruments Product  range and 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 Huntron Instruments directly on +1 425 743 3171 or info@huntron.com

Embedded Systems for Maximum Performance in Rugged Environments

If you like further information on any of the X-ES Embedded Computing range and 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 X-ES directly on +1 608 833 1155 or sales@xes-inc.com

COTS Rugged Systems

Purposefully designed for high performance in demanding applications & environments. Designed to meet the rigorous standards of MIL-STD-810 & DO-160 Supports many 3U VPX, XMC, and PMC modules without modifications to the chassis or backplane Integrated XPedite5205 Cisco IOS® XMC Embedded Services Router

Additional Features

Let X-ES provide you with a reliable, long- term embedded computing solution: Small Form Factor (SFF), Sub-½ ATR & custom form factors available Environmentally sealed Designed to minimise Size, Weight, Power & Cost (SWaP-C) Layer 2 switching & Layer 3 routing management support

Introducing the XPedite7674 and XPedite7676 Intel® Xeon® D 3U VPX Single Board Computers with Integrated Security FPGAs

Extreme Engineering Solutions (X-ES) is excited to announce the availability of the XPedite7674 and XPedite7676 Intel® Xeon® D-1500 family processor-based 3U VPX embedded single board computers. These powerful boards support up to 16 Xeon®-class cores in a single, power-efficient, System-on-Chip (SoC) package with native extended temperature support on four, eight, and twelve core-count SKUs.

XPedite7674 3U VPX SBC with Xilinx Kintex® UltraScale™ FPGA

The XPedite7674 is an Intel® Xeon® D-1500 processor-based 3U VPX single board computer that can support up to 16 core-count SKUs with native extended temperature support on up to 12 core-count SKUs. An integrated, user-configurable, Xilinx Kintex® UltraScale™ FPGA module delivers enhanced performance and security for a wide range of embedded computing applications. 

Featuring up to 8 GB of DDR4-2133 ECC SDRAM memory, more than 1 million logic cells with enhanced system logic cell packing to reduce dynamic power, and support for a DeepCover Security Manager secure supervisor, the Xilinx Kintex® UltraScale™ FPGA provides a dependable host for custom security functions. The Xilinx Kintex® UltraScale™ FPGA modules provide the best price/performance/watt at 20 nm. They include the highest signal processing bandwidth in a mid-range device and next- generation transceivers, making them an excellent choice for embedded security operations.

The XPedite7674 supports a variety of I/O to the VPX connectors, including dual 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-KR), SATA port capable of 6 Gb/s, USB 2.0, and RS-232/422/485 serial ports. The FPGA also provides GPIO, 1000BASE-X Gigabit Ethernet, and High-Speed Serial ports to the VPX connectors. The XMC site supports a x8 PCI Express Gen3-capable port and a SATA port, as well as XMC P16 I/O, mapping P1w9-X12d per VITA 46.9. Pairing the XPedite7674 embedded single board computer with the powerful computing performance of a high core-count Intel® Xeon® D processor allows for expanded networking capabilities, accelerated computing, and unparalleled processing with Xeon®-class reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS).

XPedite7676 3U VPX SBC with Microsemi SmartFusion®2 Security System-on-Chip (SoC)

The XPedite7676 is a secure, Intel® Xeon® D-1500 processor-based 3U VPX single board computer that can support up to 16 core-count SKUs with native extended temperature support on up to 12 core-count SKUs.

The XPedite7676 integrates SecureCOTS™ technology with a Microsemi SmartFusion®2 security System-on-Chip (SoC) for hosting custom functions to protect data from being modified or observed and provides an ideal solution when stringent security capabilities are required. The SmartFusion®2 SoC can control, intercept, and monitor the Xeon® D subsystem, implement penalties, and interface to the system through I/O directly connected to the VPX backplane. Circuit board enhancements and optimised Two-Level Maintenance (2LM) metalwork provide additional protection to the physical hardware.

The XPedite7676’s XMC site supports X24s+X8d+X12d I/O, allowing increased flexibility in the range of mezzanine cards that can be used with this board. This XMC I/O takes almost all possible mezzanine I/O from P16 and routes it directly to the XPedite7676’s VPX P1 connector. Additionally, the XMC site supports a x8 PCI Express Gen3-capable port and six SmartFusion®2 GPIO interfaces.
Dual 10GBASE-KR 10 Gigabit Ethernet, 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0, SATA ports capable of 6 Gb/s, RS-232/422/485 serial, dual x4 PCI Express Gen3, and GPIO are all routed to the backplane VPX connectors.

If you like further information on any of the X-ES Single Board Computer or Embedded Computing range and 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 X-ES directly on +1 608 833 1155 or sales@xes-inc.com

Application Note: Semi Trailer Stress Distribution according to Axle load and airbag pressure changing

THE AIM OF STUDY

• Defining of suspension pressure changing during loading the vehicle to maximum load
• Analysis of critical location defined from FEA analysis stress distribution during the load vehicle to maximum load
• Simultaneous measurement of airbag pressure and chassis critical location stress

SCOPE OF STUDY

The scope of the study is to investigate of airbag pressure and chassis stress distribution during unloading the concrete blocks which are totally 40t from vehicle.

INSTRUMENTATION OF SENSORS AND DATALOGGER

• Data logger used:
  • 1x SIRIUSi-8xSTGM
  • 2x SIRIUSi-HD-16xSTGM
• Sensors:
  • Strain gage sensors
  • Wabco Pressure Sensor

DEWESOFT X SETUP AND DATA RECORDING

If you like further information on the DEWESoft Data Acquisition Systems or Software and reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  

For outside this area, contact Dewesoft directly on +43 31 32 2252 or sales@dewesoft.com

Application Note: HVDC Testing

The DEWESoft instruments are the perfect solution for testing HVDC lines and HVDC converter stations. Both, factory system tests and tests at energised systems, can be done - all according to international standards like IEC 61975.

The converter station test includes inter alia:

• High-Voltage Energising
• Energising of reactive components (AC filters, capacitor banks, reactors)
• Tests at different DC configurations
• Trip test
• Open line test
• Back-to-Back test
• Short-Circuit test

The transmission tests are divided in low-power and high-power transmission tests. Together with the converter stations tests the low-power transmission test should verify that the equipment works properly. The low-power transmission tests includes inter alia:

• Basic operation tests (Steady State, Start-Stop, Current Ramping, etc.)
• Control Mode Testing (Reactive Power control, voltage control, DC power control)
• Different DC configurations
• Switching operations of primary equipment (Transformers, tap changers, AC and DC filters, reactive power compensation)
• Dynamic Performance Testing (Step response, Commutation failure, interactions)
• AC and DC system staged faults (Close 3-phase-earth, busbar 3-phase-earth, DC line fault etc.)
• Loss of telecom, auxiliaries and redundant equipment

The high-power transmission tests are done to verify the steady-state performance parameters of the HVDC system. The tests include inter alia:

• Loading Tests
  • Minimum-, rated- & overload power transfer
  • different AC system conditions and
  • different voltage levels
  • operation with filter banks or reactive power banks unavailable
  • steady-state range of AC power frequency and voltage
  • extremes of ambient
  • bipolar and mono-polar operation with and without earth.
• Reactive Power Control (test have to be done at same operating points like at loading tests)
  • AC / DC filter
  • Shunt reactor
  • DC Smoothing Reactor
• Harmonic Performance and filter rating (test have to be done at same operating points like at loading tests)
  • AC & DC filter check
  • Harmonic Performance
  • Interference with third party electrical system
• Overload / Temperature Raise
• Audible Noise (measurement at different operating points: low-, rated- overload power etc.)
  • Component generated audible noise (transformers, filters, valves etc.)
  • Conductor generated audible noise (Corona effect)
  • Impact generated audible noise (power circuit breakers, disconnect switches)
• EMC tests (Power Line carrier, Telephone Interference factor, etc.)

All in all there are a couple signals which have to be measured, like:

• AC voltages on each phase
• AC currents on each phase
• DC voltages on both poles
• DC currents on each pole and on each DC neutral connection
• AC currents in the valve winding on each phase
• AC currents in filter banks
• Transformer primary currents
• AC busbar voltages
• AC currents on converter feeder
• AC currents in filter banks
• Other signals (Protections, Control signals, firing and extinction angles etc.)

Out of the measured signals a couple of calculations and analysis has to be done, like:

• RMS Voltages and Currents
• Active-, reactive, apparent power, Phase angle, power factor, Impedance
• Harmonic voltages and currents
• Unbalance and symmetrical components
• Inrush-Currents, Resonance
• DC / AC side interactions at switching processes
• Transient Stability at system state change or switching of primary equipment
• Overvoltage, Transient Recording
• And a lot more...

In all of this tests, the HVDC system shall recover in stable operation and all parameters should be within limits out of manufacturer’s specifications and international regulations.

Especially the analysis of the Inrush-Current and the analysis at switching processes (voltage and current) requires high-bandwidth (2 MHz), high-sampling rate (1 MS/s) and high-accurate inputs. All voltages and currents (AC, DC) can be measured synchronously and power analysis for different configurations (AC, DC) can be done. Beside this also the required analysis for audible noise is possible (e.g. Corona effect) – all within just one instrument.

The following picture show some exemplary results out of the different tests.

If you like further information on the DEWESoft Data Acquisition Systems or Software and reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au 

For outside this area, contact Dewesoft directly on +43 31 32 2252 or sales@dewesoft.com

Application Note: Dynamic Parameters Testing on Tilt Train

Since 2000, fast tilting train EMG 310 (Pendolino or InterCity Slovenia ICS) operates between the stations Maribor – Ljubljana – Koper. At the start of operation of tilting train EMG 310 the measurements of dynamic parameters of the line were needed due to increased speed. On the routes over which trains with tilting included drive, in accordance with the Regulations of the superstructure of lines, the value of the dynamic parameters of forces between wheel and rail has to be measured. The purpose of the project is to carry out measurements of dynamic parameters using a tilting train EMG 310, and in this way to locate possible local bad sectors on the line.

INTRODUCTION

Measurements must be performed in accordance with Slovenian Railway transport regulations for tilting trains. This measurements must be carried out every 12 months. The purpose of the project is to carry out measurements of dynamic parameters, using tilting train and with use of the results increase max. allowed speed on the trail.

In parallel with the measurements of dynamic parameters the speed and position (location) of a train are also measured with GPS equipment.

One of the most important value during the measurement is ratio between lateral and vertical acceleration (Y / Q), which represents the coefficient of derailment. The ratio Y / Q is important because it indicates the possibility / probability of derailment of the rail vehicle.

MEASUREMENT SETUP

USED EQUIPMENT

• DEWE DAQ system with 32 channels
• DEWESoft DS-CAM-120 camera
• 2 axis DC accelerometers
• Triaxial IEPE sensor for Human Body Vibration
• 1Hz GPS receiver
• GPS Leica Viva

USED SOFTWARE

• Dewesoft X
• Human Body Vibration add-on for Dewesoft X

TEST SETUP

The following picture represents a screenshot of the main display built with Dewesoft including some of the main parameters that have to be visualised during the dynamic tests.

ANALYSIS

The results of the measurements are processed by segment of the rail. In addition to the measured speed minimum and maximum measured values of dynamic parameters are shown - the average lateral acceleration, lateral forces and derailment coefficient.

Averaged lateral acceleration, derailment coefficient

CONCLUSION

This is an application of DEWESoft® acquisition and post processing system in the railway field. With online math possibilities inside Dewesoft X all important parameters are monitored. Customer must take a special care when mounting sensors on the train body and on the roof.

If you like further information on the DEWESoft Data Acquisition Systems or Software and reside in Australia or New Zealand, please contact Metromatics on +61 7 3868 4255 or sales@metromatics.com.au  

For outside this area, contact Dewesoft directly on +43 31 32 2252 or sales@dewesoft.com