D4 Instruction Manual - Strain Gages

Model D4
Data Acquisition
Conditioner
Instruction Manual
Version 1.34
Micro-Measurements
P.O. Box 27777
Raleigh, NC 27611
USA
Phone: (919) 365-3800
Email: mm.us@vishaypg.com
Website: www.micro-measurements.com
January 2013
130-000208
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Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner

Instruction Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 DESCRIPTION ....................................................................... 1
1.1
General .......................................................................... 1
1.2
Functional Features ...................................................... 2
2 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................. 3
2.1
Input Connections ......................................................... 3
2.2
Bridge Configurations ................................................... 3
2.3
Data Conversion ............................................................ 3
2.4
Measurement Range/Resolution .................................. 4
2.5
Measurement Accuracy ................................................ 4
2.6
Gage Factor Control ...................................................... 4
2.7
Balance Control ............................................................. 4
2.8
Bridge Excitation ........................................................... 4
2.9
Communication Interface ............................................. 4
2.10 Shunt Calibration .......................................................... 5
2.11 Power ............................................................................ 5
2.12 Operational Environment ............................................. 5
2.13 Case ............................................................................... 5
2.14 Size and Weight ............................................................ 5
3 FRONT AND REAR PANELS .............................................. 6
3.1
USB Interface ................................................................ 7
3.2
Input Connectors .......................................................... 7
3.3
Status LED ..................................................................... 7
3.4
Software ........................................................................ 7
4 HARDWARE OPERATION ................................................. 8
4.1
Power Up....................................................................... 8
4.2
Input Connections ......................................................... 8
4.2.1
4.2.2
Pin Functions ......................................................................... 8

Strain Gage and Transducer Input Circuits ......................... 11
5 SOFTWARE OPERATION ................................................14

5.1
Overview ..................................................................... 14

Instruction Manual
5.2
5.3
5.5
5.6
5.7
Connecting the D4(s) to the PC ................................... 14

Application Startup ..................................................... 15
Screen Management ................................................... 16
Control Screen............................................................. 16
Monitor Screen ........................................................... 16
5.7.1
5.7.2
5.8
Identify a D4 ........................................................................ 17
Peak Values ......................................................................... 17
Channel Configuration ................................................ 19

5.8.1
5.8.2
5.8.3
5.8.4
5.8.5
5.9
5.10
Saving and Recalling Settings (PC) .............................. 26

Saving Settings to the D4 ............................................ 27
5.10.1
5.10.2
5.10.3
5.10.4
5.11
Charting Controls ................................................................ 29

Charting Colors .................................................................... 30
Recording .................................................................... 30
5.12.1
5.12.2
5.13
Reset (Set to Default) .......................................................... 27

Excitation Output and Noise Rejection Settings ................. 27
Format Offscale Value ......................................................... 28
Poissons Ratio .................................................................... 28
Charting ....................................................................... 29
5.11.1
5.11.2
5.12
Channel Name ..................................................................... 20

Bridge Type ......................................................................... 20
Number of Decimal Places to Display ................................. 23
Scaling ................................................................................. 23
Balance (Zero) ..................................................................... 24
Setting up the Data File ....................................................... 30

Data File Format .................................................................. 31
Calibration ................................................................... 33
5.13.1
5.13.2
5.13.3
Shunt Calibration ................................................................ 33

System Calibration Software ............................................... 34
Required Instruments ......................................................... 34
5.14 Program Messages ...................................................... 40

5.15 Upgrading Firmware ................................................... 40
6 WARRANTY ........................................................................ 42

Instruction Manual

Instruction Manual
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Instruction Manual
1 DESCRIPTION
1.1
General
The Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner is a portable,

USB-powered, precision instrument for use with resistive strain
gages and strain gagebased transducers.
The Model D4 has four channels of data acquisition.
Connection to each channel is via an RJ-45 connector. Each
channel of input accepts full-, half-, or quarter-bridge
configuration. All required bridge completion components for
120-, 350-, and 1000-ohm bridges are supplied.
Operation of the Model D4 is performed with commands sent
via the USB connection. Application software is provided to
control the D4 with an MS Windowsbased personal computer.
A programmers reference kit is available to simplify writing
custom applications.
The Model D4 uses modern digital signal processing
technology to provide excellent noise rejection and stability.
Proprietary scaling and linearization algorithms provide
unsurpassed measurement accuracy for strain-gage bridge
measurements.
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Instruction Manual
1.2
Functional Features
The Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner has the following

features:
Four input channels.
Hardware and software support for quarter-, halfand full-bridge circuits.
Built-in precision bridge completion for 120-, 350and 1000-ohm half and quarter bridges.
8Hz sampling rate.
Automatic and manual zero-balance and calibration.
Full control of all functions via the USB Interface.
Portable, lightweight, rugged design.
Powered via the USB interface.
Intuitive, user-friendly software.
Programmability.
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Instruction Manual
2 SPECIFICATIONS
Note: Performance may be degraded at high levels of
repetitive electrostatic discharge; however, no damage to
the unit will occur.
2.1
Input Connections
Type: RJ-45 Modular

Quantity: Four
2.2
Bridge Configurations
Types: Quarter, half, and full bridges

Bridge Impedance: 60 to 2000
Internal Bridge Completion:
Quarter bridge: 120, 350, and 1000 0.01%
Half bridge: 1000 0.01%
2.3
Data Conversion
A/D Converter: Delta-sigma with integral chopper-stabilized,

programmable gain instrumentation amplifier.
Resolution: 24 bits. Noise-free resolution: 18 bits typ.
Filter: Integrated linear phase FIR Sinc5 filter followed by a
Sinc3 filter with a programmable decimation rate. Software
selectable output rate provides >120 dB rejection of 50Hz,
60Hz and higher level harmonics.
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Instruction Manual
2.4
Measurement Range/Resolution
Strain Range: 31,000 at GF = 2.000. (15.5 mV/V)

Resolution: 1 at GF = 2.000 (0.0005 mV/V)
2.5
Measurement Accuracy
0.1% of reading 3 counts.

(Instrument Gage Factor = 2.000)
2.6
Gage Factor Control
Range: 0.500 to 9.900
2.7
Balance Control
Type: Software
Control: Manual or automatic
2.8
Bridge Excitation
Value: 1.5 VDC nominal

Control: Software enable/disable
Measurements are fully ratiometric and not degraded by
variations in excitation voltage.
2.9
Communication Interface
Universal Serial Bus (USB). Cable included.
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Instruction Manual
2.10 Shunt Calibration

Location: Across each quarter-bridge completion resistor
Control: Software
Values:
P- to D120: 11.94K 0.1% (5000 at GF = 2.00)
P- to D350: 34.8K 0.1% (5000 at GF = 2.00)
P- to D1000: 99.5K 0.1% (5000 at GF = 2.00)
2.11 Power
USB: 5V 100mA
2.12 Operational Environment

Temperature: 0 to +50C
Humidity: Up to 90% RH. Non-condensing.
2.13 Case
Material: Aluminum
2.14 Size and Weight

Size: 4.3W x 1.4H x 5.7L inches (110 x 36 x 145 mm)
Weight: 0.8 lb. (0.36 kg)
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Instruction Manual
3 FRONT AND REAR PANELS

Status LED
USB Port
Input
Connectors
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Instruction Manual
3.1
USB Interface
The USB interface is the communication channel between the

Model D4 and a host PC.
When connected, a PC (running MS Windows XP, Vista, or 7)
identifies the D4 as a standard USB Human Interface Device;
therefore, no special device drivers are required.
3.2
Input Connectors
The input connectors connect the strain gage or transducer to

the D4.
Mating connectors for the D4:
Tyco 554739 or equivalent (MM Part No. D4-A106)
Recommended crimping tool for the mating connectors:
Tyco 3-231652-0 (MM Part No. D4-A108)
Note: Crimping tool can be used on both shielded and
unshielded connectors.
3.3
Status LED
The Status LED illuminates when the D4 is powered up and

ready for operation.
3.4
Software
The D4 is shipped with user-friendly application software that

provides data recording and control as well as calibration. A
Programmers Reference Kit is included that contains a
Programmers Reference Manual, an NI LabVIEW instrument
driver, and programming examples.
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Instruction Manual
4 HARDWARE OPERATION
4.1
Power Up
The D4 receives its power via the USB connection. The Status
LED illuminates when the D4 is ready to begin operation.
4.2
Input Connections
Strain gages and strain gagebased transducers are connected

to the D4 through the four input connectors labeled 1 through
4.
4.2.1 Pin Functions
Each channel of the D4 accommodates an eight-pin modular
plug (MM Part No. D4-A106). The pin arrangement and
functions are shown in Table 1 and in Figure 1.
Input Shielding: To reduce noise and protect the integrity of
the bridge signal from electrostatic discharge (ESD) and radio
frequency (RF) noise, a shielded cable connection is
recommended. The shield or drain wire should be connected to
the shield of the input connector.
Symbol
PP+
SD120
D350
S+
D1000
N/C
SHIELD
Strain Gage Card Function

Negative Excitation
Positive Excitation
Negative signal amplifier input
120 ohm Dummy Resistor
Positive signal amplifier input
Unused
Shield
Pin
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
S (Shield)
Table 1 - Model D4 Individual Pin Functions
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Instruction Manual
Figure 1 - Model D4 Input Plug Orientation
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Instruction Manual
EXCITATION +
SIGNAL +
EXCITATION
SIGNAL -
D120
D350
D1000
SHIELD
Connector on D4
Figure 2 - Model D4 Input Plug Connections
Half-Bridge and Quarter-Bridge Inputs: In addition to fullbridge operation, the D4 can accept half- and quarter-bridge
configurations. Internal completion resistors are provided for
120, 350, and 1000 quarter-bridges. A 1000 internal
half-bridge circuit is available for quarter- and half-bridge
configurations.
The connection to S+ for the half-bridge completion resistors is
under firmware control.
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Instruction Manual
4.2.2 Strain Gage and Transducer Input Circuits

The basic input circuits for strain gage and strain gagebased
transducers are shown in Figure 3 through 9.
EXCITATION + 2
D120
SIGNAL -
SHIELD
Figure 3 120 Ohm Quarter Bridge / Three-Wire Connection
EXCITATION + 2
D350
SIGNAL -
SHIELD
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Instruction Manual
EXCITATION + 2
D1000
SIGNAL -
SHIELD
EXCITATION + 2
SIGNAL -
EXCITATION -
1
REXT
S
SHIELD
Figure 6 Quarter Bridge / External Dummy
EXCITATION + 2
SIGNAL -
EXCITATION -
SHIELD
Figure 7 Half Bridge / Adjacent Gages
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Instruction Manual
EXCITATION + 2
SIGNAL -
EXCITATION -
SHIELD
Figure 8 Half Bridge / Separate Gages
EXCITATION +
SIGNAL +
EXCITATION -
SIGNAL -
SHIELD
Figure 9 Full Bridge / Four-Wire plus shield
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Instruction Manual
5 SOFTWARE OPERATION
5.1
Overview
The Model D4 is supplied with application software to

configure the D4 and collect data via the USB Interface. The
software supports a combination of up to six Model D4 or
Model P3 devices, differentiated by serial number. The
firmware version of your D4 (or P3) must be 2.50 or greater to
work with this application. Use the upgrade firmware feature
of your previous application to update the firmware to the latest
level.
5.2
Connecting the D4(s) to the PC
Connect the USB interface on the D4 to an open USB port on

the PC using the supplied cable. After the Status LED on the
D4 illuminates, the PC should recognize the D4 automatically.
When multiple D4s or P3s are connected at the same time, it
may take the PC several minutes to recognize all units.
You may monitor the PCs
recognition of each device
in the Windows Device
Manager. A USB Human
Interface Device will appear
in the Device Manager for
each D4 and P3 connected.
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Instruction Manual
5.3
Application Startup
Once the devices are connected to your PC, start the

application from Windows by navigating to the following item
in the startup menu:
Start>>Programs>>
Micro-Measurements P3-D4>> P3-D4 Application
The application will automatically connect to the devices.
Depending on the speed of the PC and the number of devices,
this process can take 1-5 minutes.
When the software has recognized the devices, the software
will display a Monitor Screen for each device connected and
one Control Screen that contains the menu bar.
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Instruction Manual
Note: Additional devices should not be added while the
application software is running. Exit the software before
adding or removing devices from the system.
5.5
Screen Management
The Control Screen and Monitor Screens may be moved by

clicking and dragging the title bar. A Monitor Screen may be
re-sized by clicking and dragging the lower right corner of the
screen.
5.6
Control Screen
The control screen gives you access to the main program menu
and the recording controls.
5.7
Monitor Screen
The Monitor Screen shows the channel readings. By default,

the channel readings are active when you start the program. To
turn the readings display on or off, on the Control Screen
menu, select Hardware>>Real Time Display.
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Instruction Manual
The screen on the left shows a Monitor Screen when readings
are inactive. The screen on the right shows the screen when
readings are active. Note that readings are grayed out when the
display is inactive.
5.7.1 Identify a D4
The serial number of each D4 displays in the title bar of the
window. If you need to identify which D4 is associated with a
serial number, you may select Hardware>>Identify and then
select that serial number. The LED light will blink on the D4
that has that serial number.
5.7.2 Peak Values
The display of peak values (Min peak and Max peak) may
be turned on or off with the menu item File>>Display Peak
Values. Peak values for all channels may be reset with the
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Instruction Manual
menu item Channels>>Reset Peak Values. Peak values for a
specific channel may be reset by right-clicking in the channel
reading segment and selecting Reset Peak.
No peak values
displayed
Peak values
displayed
Peak values
reset
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Instruction Manual
5.8
Channel Configuration
To access the configuration values for a channel, select

Channels>>Settings on the Control Screen. (The real-time
display readings must be disabled to access this screen.) If
multiple devices are connected, click on the serial number of
the desired D4 under Devices. The LED light on that D4 will
blink to confirm the selection.
Click on the channel to be configured. Note: Each of the four
channels on a D4 must be set independently.
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Instruction Manual
At the bottom of the screen are three buttons:
Click Cancel to exit the screen without saving changes.
Note: Cancel will not undo any changes that have been
applied.
Click Apply to apply the configuration changes
immediately. Results may be viewed on the Monitor
Screen.
Click OK to exit the channel configuration screen and
save changes.
5.8.1 Channel Name
The channel name entered will identify the channel on the
Monitor Screen and in the recorded data file. The default is:
Channel N, where N is the channel number 1 through 4.
5.8.2 Bridge Type
The bridge type determines whether the internal half bridge is
used and determines the appropriate scaling/linearization
algorithm. The following table summarizes the bridge types.
For more information on the calculations used by the D4,
please contact the Micro-Measurements application
engineering department.
The following bridge configuration examples assume that the
raw strain data is to be reduced to equivalent uniaxial strain
with the nonlinearity correction applied where appropriate.
Select the "Undef" bridge, either Half-Bridge/Quarter-Bridge
or Full-Bridge when you require the net output of the active
strain gages without mathematical correction for either bridge.
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Instruction Manual
Selection
Bridge Diagram
Description
Quarter
Single active gage in

uniaxial tension or
compression.
HB adj
,-
Two active gages with

equal and opposite
strainstypical of
bending-beam
arrangement.
HB opp
,-

equal strains of the same
signused on opposite
sides of column with
low thermal gradient
(bending cancellation,
for instance.)
HB shear

equal and opposite
strains aligned with the
maximum and minimum
principal strains to
measure shear strain.
HB adj
,
Two active gages in

uniaxial stress field
one aligned with
maximum principal
strain, the other with
transverse "Poisson"
strain. Default Poissons
Ratio = 0.3.
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Instruction Manual
Selection
Bridge Diagram
Description
FB 4
active
Four active gages with

pairs subjected to equal
and opposite strains
(beam in bending).
FB shear
Four active gages with

pairs subjected to equal
and opposite strains
(shaft in torsion).
Four active gages in
two aligned with
maximum principal
strain, the other two with
strain (column). Default
Poissons Ratio = 0.3.
Four active gages in
two aligned with
maximum principal
strain, the other two with
strain (beam). Default
Poissons Ratio = 0.3.
FB opp
FB adj
Undefined full bridge

circuit. No correction for
Wheatstone Bridge
nonlinearity or active
arms.
Undef FB
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Instruction Manual
Selection
Bridge Diagram
Description
Undefined half- or
quarter-bridge circuit.
No correction for
Wheatstone Bridge
nonlinearity or active
arms.
Undef
HB/QB
Table 2 Bridge Types
5.8.3 Number of Decimal Places to Display

Enter the number of values you would like to have after the
decimal place on the displayed data.
Value
0
1
2
n
Description
Display no decimal places; e.g. 123
Display 1 decimal place; e.g. 123.1
Display 2 decimal places; e.g. 123.12
Where n is the number of decimal places.
5.8.4 Scaling
The engineering units for a channel may be microstrain (ue),
millivolts per volt (mV/V), or may be user defined. Scaling
options on the D4 are determined by the units selected.
5.8.4.1 Strain Gage Inputs
Microstrain: If the selected units are ue (microstrain), scaling
is determined by the gage factor of the sensor as follows:
Range: 0.500 to 9.900
Default: 2.000
Millivolts per volt: If the selected units are millivolts per volt
(mV/V), no scaling is necessary.
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Instruction Manual
5.8.4.2 Transducer Inputs
Custom: User-defined units (such as psi or cm) assume linear
scaling. To properly scale the data, enter the following
parameters:
Engineering Units
Enter up to four characters. This will be displayed in
the channel segment on the Monitor Screen.
Full Scale in mV/V

Enter the millivolt per volt value at full scale. This
value is used in conjunction with the Full Scale in
Engineering Units value. It is used with engineering
units other than microstrain (ue) or mV/V. During
manual shunt calibration, fix the full-scale value in
engineering units and change the full-scale mV/V
value. It is recommended to set this value at or near the
expected full-scale value when manually scaling the
channel.
Range: -15.625 to +15.625 (excluding 0)
Default: 2.000
Full Scale in Engineering Units

Defines the full-scale value for engineering units other
than ue or mV/V. All scaling is linear.
Range: -99999 to 99999 (excluding a value of 0)
Default: 1
5.8.5 Balance (Zero)

Balancing specifies that the current value of a sensor is the zero
offset reading. Because this zero offset reading is rarely 0.00,
it is typically subtracted from all subsequent readings. Channel
readings returned from the D4 have the zero offset removed.
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Instruction Manual
You may auto-balance a channel, manually balance the

channel, or disable the removal of the zero offset. The default
balance value is 0.
5.8.5.1 Auto Balance (Zero)
The steps in performing an auto-balance operation for a single
channel are:
1. Enter all of the other channel settings before you
auto balance.
2. Adjust the sensor to the correct setting for a zero
reading.
3. Set the Balance Mode of the channel to Auto.
4. Click the Zero button.
5. The new balance value is reflected in the slide bar
and applied to the channel reading.
A zero (auto-balance) also may be applied to an individual
channel on the Monitor Screen by right-clicking in the channel
segment and selecting Zero.
You may also perform a zero (auto-balance) of all channels on
all D4s by the menu item Channels>>Zero All.
5.8.5.2 Manual Balance
Before performing a manual balance operation, it is
recommended that the real time display is active. The steps in
fine-tuning the balance value after an auto-balance operation
are:
1. Perform the auto-balance operation; make sure the
value is applied. (If you dont wish to auto-balance
first, then configure the channel and adjust your
sensor to the correct setting for a zero reading.)
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Instruction Manual
2. Set the Balance Mode to Manual.
3. The balance value from the auto-balance operation
is reflected in the slide bar. The balance value is
displayed in raw counts.
4. Depending on the current reading and the desired
reading, adjust the balance value on the slide bar
either up or down.
The slide bar has the range selections of coarse, medium, fine
and ultra-fine. The coarse selection has the widest range of
balance settings and a coarser step size. Ultra-fine has the
narrowest range of balance settings and a small step size. The
medium and fine selections fall in between.
5.8.5.3 Balance Mode Disabled
Channels with the Balance Mode disabled will not remove any
zero offset from the reading; however, the initial amplifier zero
is removed. This mode allows you to evaluate initial bridge
offsets. Click the Apply button to see the changes reflected in
the channel reading on the Monitor Screen.
5.9
Saving and Recalling Settings (PC)
You may save the applications current settings to a file on

your PC with the menu item File>>Save Configuration. The
settings may be recalled with the menu item File>>Load
Configuration.
In addition to the channel settings, the Poissons Ratio, Record
Interval, Peak Value setting and Offscale Values are saved.
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Instruction Manual
5.10 Saving Settings to the D4

The menu item Hardware>>Save Configuration to Flash lets
you select a device and store the current device settings to the
devices internal flash memory. This will become the default
configuration for the device after a power-cycle. If you wish to
return the factory default settings, use the Channels>>Reset
All menu item to reset the settings and then store those settings
to flash. Channel Readings Adjustments
5.10.1 Reset (Set to Default)
The menu item Channels>>Reset All resets the channel
configuration values on all devices to their default settings.
5.10.2 Excitation Output and Noise Rejection Settings
The Hardware>>Other Device Settings menu item allows you
to access the Excitation Output setting and the Noise Rejection
frequency setting. These fields are only available if the D4
firmware level is 2.42 or greater.
The bridge excitation
output should be enabled
during normal operation.
You may disable the
excitation output to
identify self-generating
noise sources.
The digital filters in the D4
may be tuned to optimize
the noise rejection from
power line frequencies.
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Instruction Manual
5.10.3 Format Offscale Value
You may specify the value that is used to indicate positive
offscale and negative
offscale readings
using the menu item
File>>Configure
Offscale Display. This
value is used on the
Monitor Screen and in
recorded data.
If you are planning on charting your recorded data with a
spreadsheet, you may wish to change these values to a numeric
(for example, 99999 and -99999).
5.10.4 Poissons Ratio
You may define the Poissons ratio of the material to which the
strain gage is bonded using the menu item
Hardware>>Poissons Ratio. Poissons ratio is used to
calculate strain in bridge configurations that are dependent
upon Poissons ratio. This value is shared among all channels
on the selected D4.
Range: 0.0 to 0.5
Default: 0.3
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Instruction Manual
5.11 Charting
Charting maps the real time display readings. To begin
charting, select Channels>>Chart. The chart window will
display and charting will begin.
5.11.1 Charting Controls

The following fields displayed at the bottom of the screen may
be used to control the charting:
Pause Display checkbox Suspends/resumes the
charting.
Update Interval Enter the desired interval for how
often the chart is updated in milliseconds. The
minimum interval is 125 milliseconds.
Number of points Enter the desired number of
data points (readings) to be displayed.
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Instruction Manual
Min Y Axis Two options exist for charting the

minimum Y axis value:
o One is to check the Auto (min) box. This will
automatically adjust the min value based on the
min value of the plotted data.
o Or, uncheck the Auto checkbox. This will allow
entry of a fixed value in Min Y Axis.
Max Y Axis As with the minimum value, either
check the Auto checkbox, or uncheck it and enter a
value in Max Y Axis.
Channels - Select the channels to be charted.
5.11.2 Charting Colors

Colors may be adjusted by selecting File>>Configure Chart
Trace Colors. Select and save the colors prior to launching the
chart.
5.12 Recording
The D4 application software supports both manual and timebased recording.
5.12.1 Setting up the Data File
To specify the data file name and location, click Select File on
the Control Screen.
Browse to the path of the desired
location, enter the file name,
then click Save.
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Instruction Manual
5.12.1.1 Time-based Recording
The application records data on a periodic basis. To set the
interval, select File>>Record Interval. The minimum
recording interval for a scan is 125 milliseconds. A scan is
defined as one reading from all active channels. Active
channels are displayed on the Monitor Screen(s).
Note: P3s cannot acquire data faster than 2Hz.
Time-based recording can be started, paused, or stopped from
the Control Screen.
5.12.1.2 Manual Recording
Click the manual recording button Manual Record (Single
Shot) to record one scan to the data file. Manual recording can
be performed when time-based recording is active. The
maximum recording rate is 8Hz.
5.12.2 Data File Format
The data is stored in a standard, ASCII-format text file. This
format may be viewed with MS Notepad or with a spreadsheet
program such as MS Excel.
The first line is the data header. All columns are separated by
the ASCII tab character 09 (09h). The line is terminated with a
carriage return and line feed.
Subsequent lines contain the tab-delimited data. All lines are
terminated with a carriage return (ASCII character 13 (0Dh)
and line feed (ASCII character 10 (0Ah).
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Text file shown in Notepad
File shown after import into MS Excel
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5.13 Calibration
5.13.1 Shunt Calibration
Shunt Calibration functionality allows you to adjust the
sensitivity of the selected channel (gage factor or full-scale
value) while a calibration signal is applied. The shunt
calibration factor is primarily used to remove any offsets due to
lead-wire resistance.
When you enable shunt calibration, a precision shunt resistor is
placed between the P- and the appropriate dummy (D120, D350,
D1000) resistor. The internal shunt calibration resistors simulate
an equivalent strain of 5000 at a gage factor of 2.000. The
shunt resistor is applied to all channels simultaneously.
The steps in performing a shunt calibration are:
1. Configure the channel.
2. Balance (zero) the channel.
3. Enable the shunt calibration by selecting
Hardware>>Enable Shunt Calibration on the
Control Screen.
4. View the adjusted channel reading on the Monitor
Screen.
5. If the channels engineering unit is set to ue
(microstrain), adjust the gage factor. If the
engineering units are user-defined, adjust the fullscale in millivolts/volt setting. Click the Apply
button to see the changes reflected in the channel
reading on the main screen.
6. Loop through steps 4 and 5 until the desired reading
is obtained.
7. Unselect Hardware>>Enable Shunt Calibration on
the Control Screen.
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Instruction Manual
5.13.2 System Calibration Software
To calibrate a D4, first stop the channel readings by
unselecting Hardware>>Real Time Display on the Control
Screen. Then select Hardware>>Calibrate on the Control
Screen and select the serial number of the D4 to be calibrated.
Note: Performing an improper calibration may render your D4
inoperable.
5.13.3 Required Instruments
The calibration process requires a Micro-Measurements Model
1550A Strain Indicator Calibrator, or another device with
equivalent features and specifications. The D4 is a ratiometric
measuring device, so measurement is not affected by
fluctuations in the excitation voltage. It is therefore important
to use a Wheatstone Bridgebased calibrator. Other sources,
such as a precision voltage reference, are not suitable for
calibration purposes. This section assumes that you are using a
Model 1550A.
The system calibration process takes four measurements on
each channel: zero, positive and negative full scale, and amp
zero. After the measurements are taken, calibration values for
amplifier zero and software gain are stored in the internal flash
memory.
Following are the steps involved in performing a system
calibration. These steps must be performed in the order shown
and all channels must be calibrated. To abort the process after
beginning calibration, select the Abort Calibration button and
power-cycle the D4. To abort before beginning calibration,
select Exit Calibration.
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Instruction Manual
Note: Each time Take Reading is selected, in-process and
completion messages are displayed in the status bar at the
bottom left of the screen.
Step 1: Get previous calibration values (optional)
Before calibrating the system, you may want to report the last
calibration date and the previous (on-card) calibration settings
for each channel. Select the Get Previous Cal Values button to
retrieve the data from the D4. Enter any desired text into the
Additional Report Data text box; this text will be included in
saved/printed calibration reports.
To save and print a calibration report, select the Save Previous

Cal Values button. When the Save As window displays.
navigate to the desired location in which to save the file.
Retain the default file name or change as desired.
The default file name for the calibration report, whether created
before or after calibration, is as follows:
SSSSSS_YYYY_MM_DD_M-M_Device_Cal_Report.txt
where:
SSSSSS is the serial number of the D4,
YYYY_MM_DD is the date, and
M-M_Device_Cal_Report.txt is the terminator.
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Instruction Manual
When Save is clicked, your default text file viewer, e.g., MS
Notepad, will be launched, displaying the calibration values.
The file may be printed using the viewer.
Step 2: Calibrate each channel

All of step 2 must be repeated for each of the four channels on
the D4. The channels may be calibrated in any order, but steps
2A through 2E must be performed sequentially. Begin by
selecting a channel (1 through 4) from the drop-down list.
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Instruction Manual
Step 2A: Install calibrator on selected channel
Configure the Model 1550A Strain Indicator Calibrator as a
full-bridge circuit and install on the selected channel. See
Figure 9 for connection details.
Step 2B: Take a zero reading
Set the 1550A calibrator to 0 , positive polarity and click
the Take Zero Reading button.
Step 2C: Take a positive, full-scale reading
Set the 1550A calibrator to +30,000 (positive polarity)
and click the Take Reading button.
Step 2D: Take a negative, full-scale reading
Set the 1550A calibrator to -30,000 (negative polarity)
and the click the Take Reading button.
Step 2E: Take an amp zero reading
Finally, the system needs to establish a true electrical zero
(amp zero). Set the 1550A calibrator to 0 , positive
polarity, short the S+ and S- terminals on the 1550A
calibrator and click the Take Reading button below step
2E. Values will appear in the Amp Zero and Gain indicator
fields.
Note: After the first channel has been completed, the Abort
Calibration is available.
Step 3: Finish the system calibration process
After measurements for all four channels have been taken,
select the Finish Calibration button to complete the system
calibration process.
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Instruction Manual
When the calibration process is complete, Calibration

Complete displays in the status bar at the bottom of the
screen. The system will store the new calibration values in the
D4s internal flash memory, along with the calibration date.
Step 4: Retrieve the new calibration data and date
(optional)
After calibration, you may view, save and print the new
calibration date and calibration settings. To view the data,
select the Get Current Cal button.
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Instruction Manual
To save and print a calibration report, select the Save Current

Cal Values button. When the Save As window displays,
navigate to the desired location in which to save the file.
Retain the default file name or change as desired. The default
file name for the calibration report is as follows:
SSSSSS_YYYY_MM_DD_M-M_Device_Cal_Report.txt, where:
SSSSSS is the serial number of the D4,
YYYY_MM_DD is the date, and
M-M_Device_Cal_Report.txt is the terminator.
When Save is clicked, your default text file viewer, e.g., MS

Notepad, will be launched, displaying the calibration report.
Both the previous and current calibration data will be included.
The file may be printed using the viewer.
Click the Exit Calibration button to end the calibration process.
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Instruction Manual
5.14 Program Messages

Program status and informational messages may be displayed
by selecting the File>>Show Activity Log menu item.
Messages are added to this log only when it is opened.
5.15 Upgrading Firmware

Note: Before upgrading, disable the real-time display. Go to
Hardware>>Real Time Display and unselect it if it is checked.
To upgrade to a newer version of firmware on the D4, select
Hardware>>Update Firmware on the menu. Select the serial
number of the D4 to receive the update. (Recording and
displays will be halted when selection is made.)
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Instruction Manual
A file browser appears that lets you select the firmware
upgrade file. By default this file is named
158000134_D4.hex. Typically you will navigate to the latest
file provided by Micro-Measurements. After you select OK, a
confirmation prompt will appear showing the current firmware
version of the D4 and the version that you are attempting to
install. If the versions are correct, select OK to continue. A
progress bar will display to track the upgrade.
While the upgrade is occurring, do not touch the D4 hardware
or the software application. You will be requested to powercycle the D4 and restart the application when the upgrade is
complete.
If you need to upgrade several D4s, it is okay to choose
Restart Later. That way you only need to restart the
application once after you have upgraded all of the D4s.
However, power-cycle the D4 immediately. Note: You will be
unable to communicate with the D4 until the application has
been restarted.
If you need to stop the upgrade, its okay to pull the plug from
the D4. Just do it early on or it will be too late. You will see
some error messages; then just close the application, and
restart.
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Instruction Manual
6 Warranty
Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. warrants all instruments it manufactures to be free from defect in materials and
factory workmanship, and agrees to repair or replace any instrument that fails to perform as specified within three
years after date of shipment. Coverage of computers, cameras, rechargeable batteries, and similar items, sold in
conjunction with equipment manufactured by Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. and bearing the identifying name of
another company, is limited under this warranty to one year after the date of shipment. The warranty on nonrechargeable batteries and similar consumable items is limited to the delivery of goods free from defects in materials
and factory workmanship. This warranty shall not apply to any instrument that has been:
i.
repaired, worked on or altered by persons unauthorized by Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. in such a
manner as to injure, in our sole judgment, the performance, stability, or reliability of the instrument;
ii.
subject to misuse, negligence, or accident; or
iii.
connected, installed, adjusted, or used otherwise than in accordance with the instructions furnished by
us.
At no charge, we will repair, at our plant, or an authorized repair station, or at our option, replace any of our products
found to be defective under this warranty.
This warranty is in lieu of any other warranties, expressed or implied, including any implied warranties of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. There are no warranties, which extend beyond the
description on the face hereof. Purchaser acknowledges that all goods purchased from Vishay Measurements
Group, Inc. are purchased as is, and buyer states that no salesman, agent, employee or other person has made
any such representations or warranties or otherwise assumed for Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. any
liability in connection with the sale of any goods to the purchaser. Buyer hereby waives all rights buyer may
have arising out of any breach of contract or breach of warranty on the part of Vishay Measurements Group,
Inc., to any incidental or consequential damages, including but not limited to damages to property, damages
for injury to the person, damages for loss of use, loss of time, loss of profits or income, or loss resulting from
personal injury.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages for consumer products,
so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
The purchaser agrees that the Purchaser is responsible for notifying any subsequent buyer of goods manufactured by
Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. of the warranty provisions, limitations, exclusions and disclaimers stated herein,
prior to the time any such goods are purchased by such buyer, and the Purchaser hereby agrees to indemnify and hold
Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. harmless from any claim asserted against or liability imposed on Vishay
Measurements Group, Inc. occasioned by the failure of the Purchaser to so notify such buyer. This provision is not
intended to afford subsequent purchasers any warranties or rights not expressly granted to such subsequent
purchasers under the law.
Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. reserves the right to make any changes in the design or construction of its
instruments at any time, without incurring any obligation to make any change whatever in units previously delivered.
Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. sole liabilities, and buyers sole remedies, under this agreement shall be limited
to the purchase price, or at our sole discretion, to the repair or replacement of any instrument that proves, upon
examination, to be defective, when returned to our factory, transportation prepaid by the buyer, within the applicable
period of time from the date of original shipment.
Return transportation charges of repaired or replacement instruments under warranty will be prepaid by MicroMeasurements.
Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. is solely a manufacturer and assumes no responsibility of any form for the
accuracy or adequacy of any test results, data, or conclusions, which may result from the use of its equipment.
The manner in which the equipment is employed and the uses to which the data and test results may be put are
completely in the hands of the Purchaser. Vishay Measurements Group, Inc. shall in no way be liable for damages
consequential or incidental to defects in any of its products.
This warranty constitutes the full understanding between the manufacturer and buyer, and no terms, conditions,
understanding, or agreement purporting to modify or vary the terms hereof shall be binding unless hereafter made in
writing and signed by an authorized official of Vishay Measurements Group, Inc..
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D4 Instruction Manual - Strain Gages

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Model D4

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Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner

Pin Functions ......................................................................... 8

5 SOFTWARE OPERATION ................................................14

Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner

Connecting the D4(s) to the PC ................................... 14

Channel Configuration ................................................ 19

Saving and Recalling Settings (PC) .............................. 26

Charting Controls ................................................................ 29

Reset (Set to Default) .......................................................... 27

Channel Name ..................................................................... 20

Setting up the Data File ....................................................... 30

Shunt Calibration ................................................................ 33

5.14 Program Messages ...................................................... 40

Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner

Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner

Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner

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Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner

The Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner is a portable,

Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner

The Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner has the following

Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner

Type: RJ-45 Modular

Types: Quarter, half, and full bridges

A/D Converter: Delta-sigma with integral chopper-stabilized,

Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner

Strain Range: 31,000 at GF = 2.000. (15.5 mV/V)

0.1% of reading 3 counts.

Gage Factor Control

Range: 0.500 to 9.900

Value: 1.5 VDC nominal

Universal Serial Bus (USB). Cable included.

Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner

2.10 Shunt Calibration

2.12 Operational Environment

2.14 Size and Weight

Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner

3 FRONT AND REAR PANELS

Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner

The USB interface is the communication channel between the

The input connectors connect the strain gage or transducer to

The Status LED illuminates when the D4 is powered up and

The D4 is shipped with user-friendly application software that

Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner

Strain gages and strain gagebased transducers are connected

Strain Gage Card Function

Table 1 - Model D4 Individual Pin Functions

Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner

Figure 1 - Model D4 Input Plug Orientation

Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner

Figure 2 - Model D4 Input Plug Connections

Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner

4.2.2 Strain Gage and Transducer Input Circuits

Figure 3 120 Ohm Quarter Bridge / Three-Wire Connection

Figure 4 350 Ohm Quarter Bridge / Three-Wire Connection

Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner

Figure 5 1000 Ohm Quarter Bridge / Three-Wire Connection

Figure 6 Quarter Bridge / External Dummy

Figure 7 Half Bridge / Adjacent Gages

Model D4 Data Acquisition Conditioner

Figure 8 Half Bridge / Separate Gages