DTS is a world leader in ultra-small, low power, high shock rated, high sample rate data
acquisition and sensing systems.
DTS is based in Seal Beach, California, USA, just south of Los Angeles. DTS has offices in 6
times zones for fast, expert technical support.
1.1. DTS Technical Support
For the fastest technical support, please contact your local DTS technical support
engineer or e-mail support@dtsweb.com
1.2. DTS Web Site
For the most up to date specifications, user’s manuals and other information, please
go to www.dtsweb.com
1.3. DTS Offices
.
.
United States
Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5)
Please call DTS North American Technical Center
+1 248 427-0045
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday
After hours, please e-mail support@dtsweb.com
Pacific Standard Time (PST) (GMT-8)
Please call DTS Corporate Headquarters
+1 562 493-0158
7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday
After hours, please e-mail support@dtsweb.com
Japan
(GMT+9)
Please contact DTS Japan Technical Center
Rihito Shoji
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Japan), Monday through Friday
After hours, please e-mail support.japan@dtsweb.com
(GMT+1)
Please contact Dave Martin, European Regional Manager
+49 17 11 286 033 (German and English language support)
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Germany), Monday through Friday
After hours, please e-mail support@dtsweb.com
Asia/Pacific
(GMT+11)
Please call Steve Mitchell, Asia Pacific Regional Manager
+61 438 507 449
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Australia), Monday through Friday
After hours, please e-mail support@dtsweb.com
China
(GMT+8)
Please call Xi Tianlu, Asia Pacific Regional Manager
+86 21-6386-7559
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (China), Monday through Friday
After hours, please e-mail support@dtsweb.com
India
(GMT+5.30)
Please call Dave Martin, Regional Manager
+49 17 11 286 033
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Europe), Monday through Friday
After hours, please e-mail support@dtsweb.com
For a quick overview of SLICE, please see the SLICE Buyer’s Guide in Appendix A.
SLICE is an ultra small, low power, high shock rated data acquisition system. SLICE is a
standalone system with microprocessor, memory, sensor excitation and signal conditioning
with options for built-in battery and internal sensors. Systems from 3 to hundreds of
channels can be built-up in 3 channel increments.
2.1. SLICE MICRO and SLICE NANO
SLICE comes in two sizes:
! SLICE MICRO (42 x 42 mm)
! SLICE NANO (26 x 31 mm)
They have the exact same function and circuit boards inside. SLICE MICRO has builtin connectors; SLICE NANO has wires with connectors.
31 mm
26 mm
SLICE NANO SLICE MICRO
42 mm
42 mm
2.2. SLICE Modular Concept
Modular system – Plug multiple SLICEs onto Base SLICE to make a Stack
! Each SLICE “Stack” can accommodate 8 Sensor Input SLICES. Each Bridge
SLICE has 3 analog input channels. You may want multiple “Stacks” if more
channels are needed or placement in different locations makes sense for your
application.
! Each SLICE “Stack” consists of 1 Base SLICE and up to 8 additional Sensor
Up to 8 Bridge SLICEs can be stacked on top of the Base SLICE. Each Bridge
SLICE has these components:
! 3 channels of analog input
! Sensor excitation
! 16 bit, 100 kHz ADC, one per channel
! Software adjustable gain, anti-alias filters, offset, and shunt check
! TEDS sensor ID
A Bridge SLICE MICRO is shown below.
Connector to
next Bridge
SLICE
Sensor input
channels
2.3.3. IEPE SLICE
Available in fourth quarter 2010 in SLICE MICRO size only.
Features:
! 3 input channels
! Power: 26 VDC
! Current source: 2-4 mA
! Supply will have isolated +5 V
! 8 isolated inputs
! Input modes supported:
o CCNO - Contact closure normally open
o CCNC - Contact closure normally closed
o VIHL - Voltage Input High-Low
o VILH - Voltage Input Low-High; 3 input channels
2.3.5. ACCEL SLICE
The ACCEL SLICE has Bridge SLICE electronics with the addition of a built-in 3axis accelerometer. The following specifications apply:
! MSI Model 3038 accelerometers are used (see www.meas-spec.com
)
! Options from 50 to 2000 g
! DC response
Accel and ARS
SLICEs can be
positioned in any
order in a SLICE
MICRO stack
ARS SLICE
ACCEL SLICE
2.3.6. ARS SLICE
The ARS SLICE has Bridge SLICE electronics with the addition of a built-in 3-axis
angular rate sensor. The following specifications apply:
The Battery SLICE is connected to the bottom of the Base SLICE. It is only
available in the SLICE NANO version. The Battery SLICE is only a back-up
battery in case main power is lost. Specifications:
! 2 cell LiPo design, with charging directly from Base SLICE
! ~10 second run time
! Only 3.5 mm thick
2.3.8. Stack Extender
The Stack Extender is only available for the SLICE NANO package. The Stack
Extender allows the user to create a flatter, longer package.
Stack Extender
! Example: 12 channel system
! 1 Base SLICE
! 4 Bridge SLICEs
2.3.9. End-of-Chain (EOC) Terminal
See Appendix C for detailed specifications.
The EOC Terminal provides the easiest method to attach a battery, trigger signal
and status lamp to the SLICE system. It is ruggedized for high shock use.
Maximum channels:
1 chain x 2 stacks x 8 Bridge SLICEs x 3 chan/Bridge = 48 channels
SLICE systems use lightweight, rugged plastic connectors with reliable, gold
plated contacts. These are a MIL-STD-type pin and socket configuration where
the socket is exposed, instead of the pin, which is mechanically more robust.
For some bench-top units, LEMO-style as well as industry standard USB,
Ethernet and SubD connectors are used.
A typical SLICE rugged plastic connector is shown below.
Finger actuated
retention latch
Exposed sockets
Recessed pins
2.4. Batteries
DTS offers some commercial-off-the-shelf batteries for operation of SLICE systems.
Batteries must be disconnected from the SLICE system before connecting to a charger.
2.4.1. 9.6 V Rechargeable NiMH Batteries
! Allows up to 40 min runtime with a 6 channel SLICE System.
! Package of 4 batteries ensures you’ll always have back-ups ready to use.
2.4.2. 11.1 V Rechargeable Lithium-Polymer Batteries
! Available in 3 capacities: 2200, 4400, and 6600 mAh
2.5. SLICE Software
See Section 4.0 for detailed software information.
The SLICEWare software application allows for easy:
! Test set-up
! Sensor database management
! Real-time sensor check-out
! Test execution
! Data download and viewing
! Data export
A SLICE API (Application Programmers Interface) and LABView driver (fourth quarter
2010) are also available.
Please contact technical support (support@dtsweb.com
) for the latest update to your
software version.
3. Mounting and Connecting SLICE Hardware
This section gives details on how to connect your SLICE hardware. Choose the connection
method you have from the options below for the quickest information.
3.1. General Connection Guidelines
Great care should always be taken when connecting any power, switch, sensor or any
other device to the SLICE system.
! DO NOT exceed the rated voltage input range for the device. Whenever
possible use the power supply or battery pack supplied with your SLICE system.
! DO NOT connect directly to vehicle power or other noisy power sources.
! ALWAYS disconnect the battery from the SLICE system before connecting to a
battery charger.
! ALWAYS use SLICE NANO with a heat sink as the SLICE NANO case is very thin
aluminum with very little heat sinking ability. Never use SLICE NANO mounted
to a thermally non-conductive surface like wood or plastic.
! Refer to proper grounding procedures described in Appendix H.
! Check that all cables show no signs of physical damage.
! Be sure all sensors have their cable shields ungrounded at the sensor end and
grounded at the SLICE input connector.
3.2. Guidelines for High Shock and Vibration Testing
SLICE MICRO and SLICE NANO components can generally be used in test environments with maximum acceleration levels as high as 500 g. In some cases, SLICE
NANO can be used up to 5,000 g if proper care is used.
Proper mounting of the SLICE system, cables, and accessories is critical to successful
testing.
! DO NOT mount SLICE components in an area where they may be directly
impacted by an object.
! Use damping material whenever possible to help protect the SLICE system
from excessive shock or vibration, but remember that SLICE NANO requires a
heat sink.
! Be sure that connectors and wiring are properly secured.
3.3. SLICE Connectors and Cables
3.3.1. SLICE Connectors
SLICE is an ultra small data acquisition system. One challenge with a small
system is electrical connections. Although connectors such as Bendix, Amphenol,
and LEMO are common for instrumentation, all of these are much too large to be
practical for SLICE.
The SLICE system uses circular plastic connectors manufactured by Omnetics
Corporation (www.omnetics.com
contacts and are used in many military, aerospace and other high shock applications. Connectors are available direct from Omnetics or can be purchased from
DTS.
DTS provides a number of different SLICE cable options depending on the
connection needs. SLICE stack to stack connection cables are shown below.
SLICE MICRO Base units can be connected together via a daisy-chain cable.
SLICE NANO Base units can be connected to each other directly or via a daisychain extension cable.
See Appendix C for detailed information on the SLICE End-of-Chain Terminal.
3.6. Using the SLICE System Interface
The SLICE System Interface is similar to the EOC Terminal except it is used between
the first/only SLICE Stack and the PC. See the example diagram below.
! Although this shows a SLICE MICRO, connections with a SLICE NANO are
similar.
! The SLICE System Interface is a shock rated item.
! The AUX Terminal can be used for easy connection to a battery, start record,
trigger, and status signal.
! Voltage input through the SLICE System Interface can be provided via the
included power supply a battery, or any voltage source between 9 and 20 VDC.
Warning: Do not exceed the 20 VDC input voltage range as damage may result.
! The SLICE System Interface has a recessed ON switch. Alternately the ON
signal can be connected to the GND on the EOC Terminal.
! If you connect an LED between the STS and GND terminals on the EOC
Terminal you will get a Status light when the system is armed.
3.7. Using the SLICE USB Interface
The SLICE USB Interface is similar to the SLICE System Interface. The main
difference is that the SLICE USB Interface is designed for bench-top, non-rugged use.
See the example diagram below.
! Although this shows a SLICE MICRO, connections with a SLICE NANO are
similar.
! The SLICE USB Interface is NOT a shock rated item.
! Voltage input can be with the included power supply a battery, or any voltage
source between 9 and 15 VDC. Warning: Do not exceed the 15 VDC input
voltage range as damage may result.
! The AUX connector is a standard D-sub HD15. This can be used to hardwire a
Start Record or Event switch or monitor the Status line.
3.8. Using the SLICE Ethernet Interface
The SLICE Ethernet Interface is similar to the SLICE USB Interface. The main
difference is that the SLICE Ethernet Interface has an Ethernet connection to the PC
instead of a USB connection. This allows for a longer communications cable between
the PC and the SLICE system. The SLICE Ethernet Interface can also connect 2 SLICE
chains for large system configurations. See the example diagram below.
Notes:
! Although this shows a SLICE MICRO, connections with a SLICE NANO are
! The SLICE Ethernet Interface is NOT a shock rated item.
! Voltage input can be with the included power supply a battery, or any voltage
source between 9 and 15 VDC. Warning: Do not exceed the 15 VDC input
voltage range as damage may result.
! The AUX connector is a standard D-sub HD15. This can be used to hardwire a
Start Record or Event switch or monitor the Status line.
3.9. Using the SLICE Distributor
The SLICE Distributor allows for the connection of up to 4 SLICE chains and converts
the communications signals from USB to Ethernet. This allows for a longer communications cable between the PC and the SLICE system. The most common application
for the SLICE Distributor is for an embedded system with a high channel count as
shown for the in-dummy (manikin) configuration below.
This section covers basic information regarding SLICE compatible sensors and sensor ID.
More detailed information regarding sensor connections can be found in Appendix I.
The diagram below shows a common 4-wire bridge sensor connection to a Bridge SLICE
input channel.
4.1. Sensor ID
Sensor ID is also referred to as electronic ID (EID). The function of EID is for the
SLICE hardware to automatically read and determine what sensor is attached to each
sensor input channel.
SLICE uses EID chips from Maxim IC, model DS2401 (see http://www.maxim-
ic.com/quick_view2.cfm/qv_pk/2903). To make soldering of the EID more easy, DTS
provides EID microcards, which have a chip scale packaged DS2401 soldered to a
circuit board with wires attached (see below).
The Bridge SLICE supplies 5 VDC excitation up to 20 mA and supports many types of
accelerometers, load cells, pressure sensors and other sensor types. The following
general sensor types are supported:
! Full (4-wire) or half bridge (2- or 3-wire) resistive and piezo-resistive types
! Voltage input: Input range 0.1 to 4.9 V; larger range with voltage expander
circuit
! Conditioned sensors with 5 V excitation and 2.5 V centered signal output
The IEPE SLICE MICRO (fourth quarter 2010) will support common piezo-electric
sensor types.
If you have questions regarding what sensors are supported please contact
support@dtsweb.com
and provide the sensor manufacturer and model number if
available.
5. Software
This section covers software installation and use.
See Appendix J for additional software reference information regarding files formats and
firmware updates.
5.1. Basic Requirements
®
SLICEWare is a Windows
! Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 32-bit. 64-bit support is coming
soon
! 1 GHz or faster processor
! 2 GByte RAM minimum. More RAM is important for longer/higher sample rate
data acquisition.
! 100 MByte disk space for Software plus storage for test data
! 1024 x 768 minimum screen resolution
This section discusses the basics of data collection with SLICE.
5.2.1. Standalone Operation
SLICE is a standalone data logger. This means that once it is armed, the PC can
be disconnected if desired. After receiving a Start Record or Trigger signal, the
SLICE autonomously collects data, storing it to flash memory with no user
interaction. After the test, the user can reconnect the PC to download the data.
There is also a real-time mode in the SLICEWare software application that
allows the user to check channel inputs on an oscillograph-looking screen.
5.2.2. Data Collection Modes
SLICE supports two data collection modes, Circular Buffer and Recorder.
5.2.2.1. Circular Buffer Mode
In circular buffer mode, the user can program SLICE to record pre-trigger
data. For example, the test set-up can specify to record x seconds pretrigger and x seconds post trigger. Time Zero (T=0) is marked when the
trigger signal is received.
5.2.2.2. Recorder Mode
5.3. SLICEWare
This section discusses the basics of data collection with SLICE using the SLICEWare
application.
The SLICEWare software application allows for easy:
! Test set-up
! Sensor database management
! Real-time sensor check-out
! Test execution
! Data download and viewing
! Data export
Recorder mode starts when a Start Record signal is received and continues
for the time specified in the test set-up. If a trigger signal is received
sometime after the Start Record, this marks the T=0 point.