Hello there,
We are looking at the NI Fieldpoint system for distributed sensing as an
alternative to a Data Translation USB based multi function device.
The problem with the DT USB device (DT9802) is that it is a single value
board i.e. you can use only one of the available functions at a time and the
module functions have to be intialized and released which generates a lot of
overhead.
I am looking for comments on the reliability ease of use and expandability
of these units in a remote sensing application with the interconnection
based on ETHERNET although we are NOT intending to use an existing ethernet
system I.e carrying standard computer network traffic, but we are looking
at an independent cabling system connectin
g maybe 2 or 3 FP-1600 ethernet
modules to the computer.
We think that we might need up to 4 terminal bases (one of them for dual
channel modules) per FP-1600.
Total requirement :
8 Channel AI @ 12bit (100Hz sampling)
1 channel AO @ 12bit or better
16bit Digital out
8bit Digital in
Controll should be via Labview 5.1.
This is just one of rthe applications we are looking at. ideally we would
also like to use such as system for faster Analog Input aquisition i.e. at
100kS/s but I cant find any appropriate modules in the data sheets.
Does anybody now of an alternative system which could be used for
distributed remote sensing?
Any comments?
Thank you in advance for your relpies
Robert Maier
Senior Research Associate,
Department of Physics, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
