Data Acquisition using hydrophone

[SOMA76]

I have PCI-6111E and a hydrophone from PCB Piezotronics (data sheet attached). I want to measure pressure inside water cntained in a beaker. Can someone guide me that how do I start in order to get data by using Labview??

[Henrik_Volkers]

You have an ICP Sensor that need a current drive.

You apply a current of about 4mA with a maximum Voltage of  30V (24V is a common value). The voltage across the sensor will have a DC bias of about 10V and the AC according to the sensitivity.

Basically you need a 24V source ( 2x 9V Blocks normally also work, even if they supply only 18V), a 'current diode' (resistor and FET) and a C to cut off the bias, (followed by a bufferamplifier)

All this can be build in in another DAQ board (your 6115 doesn't seems to support that) or can be purchased by the various sensor manufacturers (IEPE,ICP,Deltatron .... sensor conditioner/amplifier)

[SOMA76]

Can you guide me about scaling the signal for converting voltage to pressure. On the attached spec sheet they are giving measurement range for "plus minus 5 VDC" 6895 KPa. I guess plus 5VDC is for 6895 KPa (what is the lower pressure corresponding to -5 VDC)

[Henrik_Volkers]

Do you have a current exitation for your sensor??

You will only measure something meaningful if you have a current exitation according to the specifications you posted.

For the scaling: this can be done in your sorftware ( pressure = <sensitivityfactor> * <voltage read> ) or your DAQmx driver does it for you. Just open the DAQ assistant 😉

[SOMA76]

Thanks for your help. Yes I have a device for excitation of the sensor (made by IED Hamburg). Please see the attached sheet