Design Features 22
Coordinate System 23
Specifications 25
Calibration 29
Transducer Interface 31
TI Front Panel 34
TI Rear Panel 41
TI Jumpers 42
Interfacing with RPC 43
Software Utilities 45
Introduction 46
TISTATUS - Transducer Interface Status 47
TIXFER - Transducer Interface Transfer 48
TISHUNT - Transducer Interface Shunt 51
Setting Up Shunt Calibration Reference Values 55
TISETZERO – Transducer Interface Set Zero Method 56
Error Messages 57
SWIFT 40 SensorsContents
3
Shunt Error Status 58
Setting up the Transducer Interface 59
Select a Zero Method 60
Calibration File Elements 61
Zero Algorithms 62
Upload the Calibration File 64
Edit the Calibration File 65
Download the Calibration File 69
Installing the Transducer 71
Test Track Vehicle 72
Attaching SWIFT Components to the Vehicle 75
Attaching SWIFT and Wheel Assembly to the Vehicle 78
Installing the Transducer Interface Electronics 80
Setting up the SWIFT Sensor for Data Collection 82
Verifying the Quality of the Zero Procedure 91
Collecting Data 94
Road Simulator 96
Attaching SWIFT Components to the Fixturing 98
Zeroing the Transducer Interface 101
Communication Configurations 102
Cable Configurations 103
SWIFT TI to PC Host (9-pin) 103
SWIFT TI to PC Host (25-pin) 103
SWIFT TI to SWIFT TI 103
T ermination Jumper 104
Analyzing SWIFT Data 105
The Data 106
Fx Data (Longitudinal Force) 107
Fz Data (Vertical Force) 109
Mx Data (Overturning Moment) 110
My Data (Brake Moment) 113
Acceleration and Braking Events Example 114
Slalom Curve Driving Example 116
Contents
4
SWIFT 40 Sensors
Maintenance 117
Transducer 118
Transducer Interface 119
Cables 120
Troubleshooting 121
Assembly Drawings 135
Cable Drawings 136
SWIFT 40A Mechanical Drawings 151
SWIFT 40T Mechanical Drawings 155
Common Parts 161
SWIFT 40 SensorsContents
5
6
Contents
SWIFT 40 Sensors
Technical Support
How to Get Technical Support
Start with your
manuals
Technical support
methods
MTS web site
www.mts.com
E-mailtechsupport@mts.com
TelephoneMTS Call Center 800-328-2255
Fax952-937-4515
Technical support
outside the U.S.
The manuals supplied by MTS provide most of the information you need to use
and maintain your equipment. If your equipment includes MTS software, look
for online help and README files that contain additional product inform ation.
If you cannot find answers to your technical questions from these sources, you
can use the internet, e-mail, telephone, or fax to contact MTS for assistance.
MTS provides a full range of support services after your system is installed. If
you have any questions about a system or product, contact MTS in one of the
following ways.
The MTS web site gives you access to our technical support staff by means of a
Technical Support link:
www.mts.com > Contact MTS > Service & Technical Support
Weekdays 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Central Time
Please include “Technical Support” in the subject line.
For technical support outside the United States, contact your local sales and
service office. For a list of worldwide sales and service locations and contact
information, use the Global MTS link at the MTS web site:
www.mts.com > Global MTS > (choose your region in the right-hand
column) > (choose the location closest to you)
Before You Contact MTS
MTS can help you more efficiently if you have the following information
available when you contact us for support.
Know your site
number and system
number
SWIFT 40 SensorsTechnical Support
The site number contains your company number and identifies your equipment
type (material testing, simulation, and so forth). The number is usually written on
a label on your MTS equipment before the system leaves MTS. If you do not
have or do not know your MTS site number, contact your MTS sales engineer.
Example site number: 571167
When you have more than one MTS system, the system job number identifies
which system you are calling about. You can find your job number in the papers
sent to you when you ordered your system.
Example system number: US1.42460
7
Know information from
prior technical
If you have contacted MTS about this problem before, we can recall your file.
You will need to tell us the:
assistance
•MTS notification number
•Name of the person who helped you
Identify the problemDescribe the problem you are experiencing and know the answers to the
following questions:
•How long and how often has the problem been occurring?
•Can you reproduce the problem?
•Were any hardware or software changes made to the system before the
problem started?
•What are the model numbers of the suspect equipment?
•What model controller are you using (if applicable)?
•What test configuration are you using?
Know relevant
computer information
Know relevant
software information
If you are experiencing a computer problem, have the following information
available:
•Manufacturer’s name and model number
•Operating software type and service patch information
•Amount of system memory
•Amount of free space on the hard drive in which the application resides
•Current status of hard-drive fragmentation
•Connection status to a corporate network
For software application problems, have the following information available:
•The software application’s name, version number, build number, and if
available, software patch number. This information is displayed briefly
when you launch the application, and can typically be found in the “About”
selection in the “Help” menu.
•It is also helpful if the names of other non-MTS applications that are
running on your computer, such as anti-virus software, screen savers,
keyboard enhancers, print spoolers, and so forth are known and available.
Technical Support
8
SWIFT 40 Sensors
If You Contact MTS by Phone
Your call will be registered by a Call Center agent if you are calling within the
United States or Canada. Before connecting you with a technical support
specialist, the agent will ask you for your site number, name, company , company
address, and the phone number where you can normally be reached.
If you are calling about an issue that has already been assigned a notification
number, please provide that number. You will be assigned a unique notification
number about any new issue.
Identify system typeTo assist the Call Center agent with connecting you to the most qualified
technical support specialist available, identify your system as one of the
following types:
•Electromechanical materials test system
•Hydromechanical materials test system
•Vehicle test system
•Vehicle component test system
•Aero test system
Be prepared to
troubleshoot
Write down relevant
information
After you callMTS logs and tracks all calls to ensure that you receive assistance and that action
Prepare yourself for troubleshooting while on the phone:
•Call from a telephone when you are close to the system so that you can try
implementing suggestions made over the phone.
•Have the original operating and application software media available.
•If you are not familiar with all aspects of the equipment operation, have an
experienced user nearby to assist you.
Prepare yourself in case we need to call you back:
•Remember to ask for the notification number.
•Record the name of the person who helped you.
•Write down any specific instructions to be followed, such as data recording
or performance monitoring.
is taken regarding your problem or request. If you have questions about the status
of your problem or have additional information to report, please contact MTS
again and provide your original notification number.
SWIFT 40 SensorsTechnical Support
9
Problem Submittal Form in MTS Manuals
Use the Problem Submittal Form to communicate problems you are experiencing
with your MTS software, hardware, manuals, or service which have not been
resolved to your satisfaction through the technical support process. This form
includes check boxes that allow you to indicate the urgency of your problem and
your expectation of an acceptable response time. We guarantee a timely
response—your feedback is important to us.
The Problem Submittal Form can be accessed:
•In the back of many MTS manuals (postage paid form to be mailed to MTS)
•www.mts.com > Contact Us > Problem Submittal Form (electronic form to
be e-mailed to MTS)
Technical Support
10
SWIFT 40 Sensors
Preface
Before You Begin
Safety first!Before you attempt to use your MTS product or system, read and understand the
Safety manual and any other safety information provided with your system.
Improper installation, operation, or maintenance of MTS equipment in your test
facility can result in hazardous conditions that can cause severe personal injury or
death and damage to your equipment and specimen. Again, read and understand
the safety information provided with your system before you continue. It is very
important that you remain aware of hazards that apply to your system.
Other MTS manualsIn addition to this manual, you may receive additional MTS manuals in paper or
electronic form.
If you have purchased a test system, it may include an MTS System
Documentation CD. This CD contains an electronic copy of the MTS manuals
that pertain to your test system, including hydraulic and mechanical component
manuals, assembly drawings and parts lists, and op eration and preventive
maintenance manuals. Controller and application software manuals are typically
included on the software CD distribution disc(s).
SWIFT 40 SensorsPreface
11
Conventions
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
Conventions
Documentation Conventions
The following paragraphs describe some of the conventions that are used in your
MTS manuals.
Hazard conventionsAs necessary, hazard notices may be embedded in this manual. These notices
contain safety information that is specific to the task to be performed. Hazard
notices immediately precede the step or procedure that may lead to an associated
hazard. Read all hazard notices carefully and follow the directions that are given.
Three different levels of hazard notices may appear in your manuals. Following
are examples of all three levels.
NoteFor general safety information, see the safety information provided with
your system.
Danger notices indicate the presence of a hazard with a high level of risk which,
if ignored, will result in death, severe personal injury, or substantial property
damage.
Warning notices indicate the presence of a hazard with a medium level of risk
which, if ignored, can result in death, severe personal injury, or substantial
property damage.
Caution notices indicate the presence of a hazard with a low level of risk which,
if ignored, could cause moderate or minor personal injury, equipment damage, or
endanger test integrity.
NotesNotes provide additional information about operating your system or highlight
easily overlooked items. For example:
NoteResources that are put back on the hardware lists show up at the end of
the list.
Special termsThe first occurrence of special terms is shown in italics.
IllustrationsIllustrations appear in this manual to clarify text. It is important for you to be
aware that these illustrations are examples only and do not necessarily represent
your actual system configuration, test application, or software.
Electronic manual
conventions
This manual is available as an electronic document in the Portable Document
File (PDF) format. It can be viewed on any computer that has Adobe Acrobat
Reader installed.
12
Preface
SWIFT 40 Sensors
Conventions
Hypertext linksThe electronic document has many hypertext links displayed in a blue font. All
blue words in the body text, along with all contents entries and index page
numbers, are hypertext links. When you click a hypertext link, the application
jumps to the corresponding topic.
SWIFT 40 SensorsPreface
13
Conventions
14
Preface
SWIFT 40 Sensors
Hardware Overview
Data
S40-25
Test Track
Laboratory Simulation
OverviewThe MTS Spinning Wheel Integrated Force Transducer (SWIFT
weight, easy-to-use transducer that enables you to conduct faster, less expensive
data acquisition and road simulation testing.
The transducer is designed for use both on the test track and in the test laboratory.
It attaches to the test vehicle or an MTS Series 329 Road Simulator using an
adapter and a modified wheel rim.
You can achieve excellent data correlation using the same transducer and vehicle
on the test track and on a road simulator. It is available in various sizes and
materials to fit various vehicle and loading requirements.
®
) is a light-
ContentsSpinning Applications (Test Track) 16
Non-spinning Applications (Simulation Lab) 17
Construction 18
Design Features 22
Coordinate System 23
Specifications 25
Calibration 29
Transducer Interface 31
TI Front Panel 34
TI Rear Panel 41
TI Jumpers 42
Interfacing with RPC 43
SWIFT 40 SensorsHardware Overview
15
Spinning Applications (Test Track)
Customer Supplied
12 Vdc Power Supply
Customer Supplied
Data Recorder
Transducer Interface
(TI)
Transducer Signals
Output
Signals
S40-26
Spinning Applications (Test Track)
The SWIFT sensor can be used for road load data acquisition (RLDA)
applications:
•Durability
•Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
•Ride and Handling
•Tire Performance
The transducer is durable enough to withstand harsh road testing and data
acquisition environments. The transducer is splash resistant and suitable for use
in conditions where the test vehicle will encounter occasional standing or running
water, or will be exposed to precipitation. However, it should not be submerged.
In a typical spinning application, the transducer is mounted on a modified rim of
a tire on a test vehicle, as shown in the following figure. The Transducer
Interface (TI), power supply, and data recorder can be located inside the vehicle
or in the trunk..
Hardware Overview
16
Spinning Application (Test Track)
SWIFT 40 Sensors
Non-spinning Applications (Simulation Lab)
12 Vdc Power Supply
(with 4 connections)
Customer Supplied
Data Recorder
Transducer Interface
(TI)
Transducer Signals
Output
Signals
PC
Communication
S40-27
Non-spinning Applications (Simulation Lab)
The SWIFT sensor can be fully integrated into the simulation process, since it is
an optimal feedback transducer for use with MTS Remote Parameter Control
®
) software. The transducer takes data at points where fixturing inputs are
(RPC
located rather than at traditional instrumentation points along the vehicle’s
suspension. Using the SWIFT sensor saves you instrumentation time, and fewer
iterations are required to achieve good simulation accuracy.
Measuring spindle loads allows engineers to generate generic road profiles.
Generic road profiles are portable across various vehicle models, do not require
new test track load measurements for each vehicle, and eliminate additional
RLDA tasks.
Four of the six loads measured by the transducer directly correlate to the MTS
Model 329 Road Simulator inputs: vertical force, longitudinal force, lateral force,
and braking input.
The same transducers used to collect road data at the test track can be mounted
directly in the wheel adapters of the MTS Model 329 Road Simulator. For
durability testing, an aluminum SWIFT sensor can be used for iterations within
the RPC process. The aluminum SWIFT sensor should then be removed for the
durability cycles, to preserve its fatigue life. It can be replaced by an adapter
plate, available from MTS, to duplicate the mass and center of gravity of the
actual SWIFT sensor. If a SWIFT sensor is to be used during full durability tests,
we suggest using the titanium model, which has a higher fatigue rating.
®
In a typical non-spinning application, a SWIFT sensor is mounted on a road
simulation test fixture, as shown in the following figure.
Non-spinning Application (Laboratory Simulation)
SWIFT 40 SensorsHardware Overview
17
Construction
S20-03
Transducer
Hub Adapter
Slip Ring
(with Encoder)
Modified
Wheel Rim
Slip Ring
Bracket
(Spider)
Construction
The SWIFT sensor has one-piece construction for outstanding fatigue life, low
hysteresis, and high stiffness. Its compact package has a minimal effect on inertia
calculations, and a minimal dynamic effect on the test vehicle.
The transducer can be used for developing conventional durability tests on the
MTS Model 329 Road Simulator. Normally, the transducer is replaced with an
equivalent wheel adapter after the simulation drive signals are developed and
prior to the start of the test.
The SWIFT sensor includes several mechanical and electrical components.
TransducerThe transducer attaches directly to a modified wheel rim. On the test track, it
spins with the wheel. It does not spin on a road simulator. The transducer is
available in two materials: aluminum for spinning applications where the priority
is on light weight, and titanium for non-spinning applications, where the priority
is on durability.
The transducer’s unibody design means there are no multiple parts welded or
screwed together.
The transducer has four beams with strain gages that measure six orthogonal
outputs:
Fx—longitudinal force
Fy—lateral force
Fz—vertical force
Mx—overturning moment
My—acceleration and brake torque
Mz—steering moment
It has onboard conditioning and amplifiers to improve the signal-to-noise ratio.
Hardware Overview
18
SWIFT 40 Sensors
Construction
(Components exaggerated to show detail)
Slip
Ring
Slip Ring Bracket
(Spider)
Transducer
Interface
Cable
Anti-rotate Device
(Bend to fit vehicle)
Transducer
Customer-supplied
Attachment Bracket
Tire
Wheel Rim
Customer-supplied
Rim Adapter Flange
Hub
Adapter
Attach to
vehicle
suspension
S20-04
Hub adapterThe hub adapter attaches to the inner diameter of the transducer, allowing you to
place it at the original position of the spindle face of the vehicle. The hub adapter
enables you to maintain the original position of the tire on the vehicle while the
transducer is attached to the vehicle (the tire will not protrude from the vehicle).
Components Set Up for Test Track
Slip ring bracket
(spider)
The slip ring bracket (also referred to as the “spider”) is used to attach the slip
ring to the transducer. It has internal wiring that provides excitation power to the
strain gage bridges and brings signals out from the transducer to the slip ring.
EncoderAn encoder measures the angular position of the transducer. The SWIFT sensor
uses an optical encoder, integrated into the slip ring assembly, that counts off
“ticks” to measure the angular position as the wheel rotates. It measures 2048
(512 plus quadrature) points per revolution (ppr) with a resolution of 0.18
degrees and an accuracy of 0.18 degrees.
Slip ringThe slip ring allows you to output the transducer bridge signals and angular
position to the TI. A transducer data cable attaches from the slip ring to the back
panel of the TI. The slip ring is not used for non-spinning applications.
Anti-rotate deviceThe anti-rotate device is attached to the slip ring and the vehicle’ s suspension (or
other non-rotating point). It is able to move up and down with the vehicle. Its
primary function is to provide a fixed reference point for the optical encoder. Its
secondary function is to prevent the cable from rotating with the wheel and
becoming tangled or breaking.
The anti-rotate device is mainly used for road data collection. Although it can
also be used for short periods of time on a road simulator. MTS does not
recommend this use. Due to the extreme fatigue loading characteristics of
durability testing on road simulators, we suggest that you either remove the slip
ring assembly before installing the vehicle on a road simulator, or use it only for
iteration passes, then promptly remove it.
SWIFT 40 SensorsHardware Overview
19
Construction
Wheel Well
A jarring motion
will damage the
slip ring
Allow enough clearance
for all loading and
suspension travel
S20-05
Connector Housing
Non-Spinning
Cable Assembly
Non-Spinning
Connector Bracket
S40-39
Spinning Slip
Ring Bracket
Shunt A
Shunt B
Load
Accelerometer
(optional)
S40-40
Non-Spinning
Connector Bracket
The anti-rotate device should be configured such that no loading occurs to the
slip ring throughout all loading and suspension travel. This means that when you
attach the anti-rotate device to the vehicle, you must consider all possible motion
of the suspension. The anti-rotate device should not bump against the wheel well
at any time; any jarring of the anti-rotate arm will damage the slip ring. For
steering axles, the anti-rotate bracket must be mounted to part of the unsprung
suspension that steers with the tire, such as the brake caliper. For additional antirotate device mounting recommendations, refer to the Anti-Rotate Customer/
User Assembly drawing at the back of this manual.
Non-spinning
connector housing or
connector bracket
The non-spinning connector housing or the non-spinning connector bracket (both
shown below) provide a connection between the SWIFT and the TI electronics
for non-spinning use. Both assemblies incorporate rugged connectors suitable for
durability testing. The non-spinning connector housing can also include an
optional connector with built-in, tri-axial accelerometers.
Hardware Overview
20
SWIFT 40 Sensors
Construction
Transducer Interface
(TI)
Additional
components
The TI conditions the power supply, and uses previously stored calibration values
to convert the eight bridge outputs and the encoder signal to six non-rotating
analog outputs (Fx, Fy, Fz, Mx, My, Mz) plus an angle output. The force and
moment outputs have a value of 10 V full scale, unless a different full-scale
output is requested by a customer. The angle output is a 0–5 V sawtooth output.
Additional components that are supplied with your SWIFT sensor include shunt
and transducer data cables, TI power cable, a SWIFT Transducer Interface
Utilities disk, and the calibration file. MTS can also provide a 12 V DC power
converter for use in the test laboratory.
SWIFT 40 SensorsHardware Overview
21
Construction
Design Features
Flexure isolationThe SWIFT sensor has a very stiff outer ring and flexured beam isolation which
render it relatively insensitive to stiffness variations in matings with rims and
road simulator fixtures.
Flexure isolation minimizes thermal expansion stresses. With flexure isolation, if
the inner hub experiences thermal expansion the beams are allowed to expand
out, resulting in lower compressive stress on the beams.
Thermal stabilityThe entire sensor is machined from a solid, specially forged billet of high
strength aluminum or titanium. The absence of bolted joints permits an efficient
transfer of heat across the sensor structure, minimizing temperature differentials
in the gaged area.
As mentioned earlier, flexure isolation allows thermal expansion with minimal
stresses.
The transducer is designed to accommodate the high temperature environments
that occur during severe driving and braking events. Individual temperature
compensation of each strain gage bridge minimize temperature induced
variations in accuracy. Since minimal electronics reside on the SWIFT sensor, it
can easily tolerate high temperatures. The temperature rating for the SWIFT
sensor is 125° C (257° F) at the spindle hub.
Temperature compensation is done on each bridge for better performance in
transient or non-uniform temperature occurrences.
Low hysteresisThe SWIFT sensor has very low hysteresis, since the sensing structure is
constructed with no bolted joints. Micro slippage in bolted joints contributes
most of the hysteresis in highly stressed structures. Hysteresis errors due to
micro-slip at joints can contribute to unresolvable compounding errors in
coordinate transformation of the rotating sensor.
Low noiseThe SWIFT sensor uses a slip ring rather than telemetry for the transducer output
signals. On-board amplification of the transducer bridges minimizes any slip ring
noise contribution.
Low cross talkThe advanced design of the SWIFT sensor means that it has very low cross talk.
The alignment of the sensing element is precision machined. This alignment is
critical to achieving minimum cross talk error between axes and minimum errors
in coordinate transformation (from a rotating to a non rotating coordinate
system). Any small amount of cross talk present is compensated by the TI.
Velocity informationAngular output is available from the TI when it is used in the spinning mode with
the encoder. This angular output can be used to calculate wheel velocity. In nonspinning applications, accelerometers can be integrated into the transducer
connector housing.
MTS does not supply any conditioning electronics for accelerometers. Ask your
MTS consultant for more information about this option.
Hardware Overview
22
SWIFT 40 Sensors
Coordinate System
Fx
Fy
Fz
Mz
Mx
My
Transducer
Interface
Output signals
+
10 Volts
Angular
Position
Bridge
Outputs
S20-06
+Mz
+Fz
+Fy
+My
+Mx
+Fx
Forces acting on outer ring
S20-07
In the transducer, independent strain gage bridges measure forces and moments
about three orthogonal axes. The signals are amplified to reduce the signal-tonoise ratio. An encoder signal indicates angular position, which is used to
convert raw force and moment data from the rotating transducer to a vehiclebased coordinate system. The force and moment and encoder information is sent
to the transducer interface (TI).
Coordinate System
The TI performs cross talk compensation and converts the rotating force and
moment data to a vehicle coordinate system. The result is six forces and moments
that are measured at the spindle: Fx, Fy, Fz, Mx, My, and Mz. A seventh
(angular) output is available for tire uniformity information, angular position, or
to determine wheel speed (depending on the data acquisition configuration).
The coordinate system shown below was originally loaded into the TI settings by
MTS. It uses the right-hand rule.
SWIFT 40 SensorsHardware Overview
23
Coordinate System
The SWIFT coordinate system is transducer-based, with the origin located at the
center of the transducer. Positive loads are defined as applied to the outer ring of
the transducer.
•Vertical force (Fz) is positive up
•Lateral force (Fy) is positive out of the vehicle
•Longitudinal force (Fx) is positive out of the transducer
You can change to the MTS Model 329 Road Simulator convention (lateral load
into the vehicle is always positive) or to any coordinate system by changing the
polarities in the calibration file. For instructions on how to change the coordinate
system polarities, see the chapter, “Setting up the Transducer Interface”.
Hardware Overview
24
SWIFT 40 Sensors
Specifications
SWIFT 40 Transducer Performance
P
ARAMETERSPECIFICATION
Use
SWIFT 40 A (aluminum) for
SWIFT 40 T (titanium) for
Maximum usable rpm
Maximum speed
fits rim size (usable range)
Maximum hub bolt circle diameter
accommodates M12 or 1/2 inch studs
Input voltage required
Input power required per transducer
Output voltage ± full scale calibrated load
SAE J328 rated load capacity
Standard Maximum Calibrated Load Rating‡
* A special flange configuration is required for a 13 inch wheel. Larger diameter rims can be used, providing
that overall clearance from brake calipers and suspension components is maintained.
† Load impedance >1 kΩ; 0.01 µF (maximum) load capacitance.
‡ The actual calibrated range may be different based on individual customer requirements. Consult the
calibration range sheet that accompanies each transducer for the correct calibration range.
§ Typical value on most steel rims. Aluminum rims typically have slightly higher modulation, but at a lower
added weight.
# Each SWIFT sensor is calibrated on an MTS calibration machine. MTS provides complete documentation
of calibration values for each SWIFT unit
SWIFT 40 SensorsHardware Overview
25
Specifications
Transducer Center-of-Gravity
Transducer Center-of-Gravity and Inertia Specifications
Baud rates
Parity
Stop bits
Data bits
Isolated RS-232/RS-485 interface power
supply
Electrical interface
19,200 Kbits/s
None
1
8
+5 V DC @ 200 mA maximum
Isolated RS-232 or RS-485 remote host connection
Isolated RS-485 TI to TI connection
Maximum number of devices that can be part
of a RS-485 multidrop chain
Maximum cable length
32 with RS-232 remote host
31 with RS-485 remote host
*
For RS-232 host:
50 ft from host to the first (nearest) TI,
and
300 ft from the first TI to the last SWIFT TI in the RS-
485 multidrop chain
For RS-485 host:
300 ft from host to the last (furthest) TI in the RS-485
multidrop chain
* Includes all compatible devices, such as an MTS 407 Controll er. A maximum of only nine transducer
interfaces can be connected, because the addresses are limited to 1–9.
Hardware Overview
28
SWIFT 40 Sensors
Calibration
Calibration
Each transducer is calibrated by MTS before shipment. The transducer and TI
may be returned to MTS for repair and recalibration as required.
Calibration is performed at MTS on a special fixture that is capable of applying
multiple loads to the transducer. During calibration, raw signals are measured.
The calibration gains and cross talk compensation values are computed from this
raw data. These gains are recorded in a calibration file.
A unique calibration file is supplied for each transducer. The serial number of the
TI associated with the transducer is listed at the top of the calibration file. A label
with the serial number of the TI box (and the SWIFT sensor with which it was
originally calibrated) is located at the back of each TI box.
The calibration file is loaded into the TI non-volatile RAM by MTS before the
transducer is shipped. A copy of the file is also provided on a diskette.
MTS verifies the calibration by applying loads to the transducer, measuring the
main outputs and checking for accuracy. Final calibration reports are provided
with each transducer.
Shunt calibrationAt the end of the calibration process, a shunt calibration is performed. During a
shunt calibration, a resistance is introduced into the bridge circuit. The difference
between the shunted and unshunted voltage is the delta shuntreference value for
each bridge. That value is saved in the calibration file, which is downloaded from
a PC or laptop computer and stored in non-volatile memory in the TI.
At any time afterward, pressing the Shunt button on the front of the TI causes
each of the strain gage bridges to be shunted in sequence, and the measured shunt
voltage (delta shuntmeasured value ) is compared to the reference value.
An acceptable tolerance range is also loaded into the TI memory during system
calibration. One tolerance value is used for all bridges. This value is loaded as a
percentage of allowable deviation from the delta shunt values. For example, if the
FX1 bridge has a shunt delta reference value of –3.93, and the tolerance is set at 2
(percent), the acceptable range for the measured value would be –3.85 to –4.01.
SWIFT 40 SensorsHardware Overview
29
Calibration
When you press the Shunt button, the associated Shunt LED lights. As the TI
automatically switches through the series of bridges, it verifies that the outputs
are within the accepted tolerance range. If all bridge shunt values fall within the
tolerance range, the Shunt LED on the front panel will go off (after several
seconds). If any bridge fails to fall within the shunt tolerance range, the LED will
blink, indicating that the shunt calibration has failed. See the chapter,
“Troubleshooting”, for more information on dealing with shunt calibration
failures.
The above example shows shunt data from the calibration file. This data may be
transferred, using the TIXFER program, from the transducer interface RAM to a
computer or from a computer to the transducer interface RAM. Note that items
marked ShuntDeltaMeas are uploaded from RAM, but not downloaded from the
computer. (For more information on TIXFER, see the chapter, “Software
Utilities.”
You can check the calibration of a transducer at any time by pressing the Shunt
switch. Subsequent shunt commands compare the current feedback values
against those stored in the TI. You may set the tolerance values for each TI by
editing the calibration file (see the chapter, “Setting up the Transducer Interface”,
for instructions).
If the current feedback values from a shunt calibration are outside the tolerance,
the Shunt LED blinks to indicate a failure.
Hardware Overview
30
SWIFT 40 Sensors
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