Modular Distributed High-Speed Acquisition and Measurement Solutions iDAQ Series Products

With the rapid development of the test and measurement market, fast-growing technological demands are emerging in various fields, such as electric vehicles, 5G communications and new batteries, creating new testing needs.

Advantech has released a new series of distributed test and measurement data acquisition modules, the iDAQ series. iDAQ series is a new modular DAQ and chassis series that includes the iDAQ-900 series chassis and the iDAQ-700 and 800 series.

Modular Design for Flexibility

The iDAQ series splits the traditional functions in PCI/PCIe cards and USB modules into several smaller functional units. Unlike traditional multifunction cards with fixed I/O and functions, each iDAQ module has only one function, such as digital input, analogue input or even IEPE input. Customers can choose different module combinations and specifications for their iDAQ systems to meet different test and measurement scenarios.

iDAQ-900 Series

Supports Hot-Swap

iDAQ modules support hot-plugging and are very easy to maintain. When an iDAQ module is integrated into a machine that is used as a measurement device, damage may occur due to field reasons after a long period of continuous use. Hot-swapping is a way to replace damaged modules without interrupting the operation of the module, avoiding the hassle of shutting down and rebooting critical equipment (such as servers that need to run continuously).

In addition, in laboratory scenarios, the type of measurement signals can vary according to actual needs based on test procedures, so the hot-swap function of the DAQ system is very helpful for lab technicians to exchange modules according to project needs.

Precise Time Synchronisation and Simplified Cabling

The iDAQ-900 series chassis provides fast bus access through the backplane to realise the connection between iDAQ modules. Among the timing signals are triggers and synchronised clocks that control when the measurement cycle starts and stops, as well as the acquisition speed. Each DAQ module can be synchronised via the bus using the same clock and trigger events.

At the top of the backplane bus, the Programmable Function Pin (PFP) in the iDAQ-900 chassis provides a clock control interface.

The DAQ module can be configured as an input or output signal type, or as a single pulse or clock type. This provides great flexibility for field applications that need to be synchronised with external devices, or simply triggered by pulses from other devices.

Rugged design against harsh environments

Three factors make the iDAQ system rugged: vibration resistance, EMC resistance, and wide range temperature operation. The entire assembly is tested under 5Grms random vibration and 30G shock tests, which are designed to withstand the most extreme vibration scenarios. iDAQ series is housed in an aluminium alloy case for better EMC performance. Finally, the operating temperature range is -20 - 60°C, which will make it well suited to not only most factories, but also many outdoor environments. iDAQ systems are designed to operate 24/7 in most factory and outdoor environments.

Multiple Interfaces, One SDK

The iDAQ-900 chassis offers different connectivity solutions depending on the modules installed. For example, the iDAQ-934 is a USB 3.0 chassis with 4 iDAQ slots and the iDAQ-964 is a chassis extension for the AMAX edge controller.

iDAQ-964 + AMAX-5580 Edge Controller

The iDAQ system relies on DAQNavi/SDK as a development kit. Advantech has also released a Python SDK so that customers can quickly build test their solutions and prove their reliability. This system will be ideal for future test and measurement scenarios that need to face the challenges of DAQ testing.