Hooking up a omega DLC1001 force sensor

[russell-p]

We just purchased an Omega DLC101 Force sensor and are hoping to use Field Point to take the readings. The sensor has the following specifications:

Excitation: 2 mA nominal @ 18-30Vdc *Use only constant current power supplies. DO NOT supply power from non-current limited power supplies

Rated Output: 5Vdc nominal FS

Will  the FP-PS-4 and the FP-AIO-600 work to supply power and take the readings?

Also, when programming this in Labview, what would be the best way to convert the readings to show the forces applied to the sensor?

[Brian_A]

Hi russell-p,

The PS-4 should work for that sensor. However, it looks like from the specs on the DLC101 that the nominal frequency is 75kHz. The AIO-600 only has an update rate of 1.7kHz so you will not get a true representation of the data. You should really consider using the FP-CTR-502 instead of the FP-AIO-600 as counters are an ideal way of measuring the frequency of a signal. 

<Brian A | Applications Engineering | National Instruments> 

[Wayne.C]

russell-p,

A counter will NOT work for this.  The DLC101 force sensor is designed to measure fast dynamic events up to 25KHz.  It has a resonant frequency of 75KHz with no load.  You will need to sample at several times 25KHz to get the kind of data you are looking for.  Fieldpoint will never achieve the sampling speeds you need to capture such an event.  Don't know enough about your situation to really suggest which specific NI DAQ device to use. 

[Brian_A]

Wayne is correct. The module I suggested would not work. I did not look closely enough at the specs. As Wayne stated the FP-CTR-502 can only sample up to 25kHz when a much higher rate is needed for the force sensor. 

<Brian A | Applications Engineering | National Instruments>