Orchestra – small system with big bandwidth

Citation

(2003), "Orchestra – small system with big bandwidth", Sensor Review, Vol. 23 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2003.08723dad.004

Orchestra – small system with big bandwidth

Orchestra – small system with big bandwidth

Keywords: Frequency analysis, Spectral analysis

Orchestra, 01dB-Stell's new multichannel front-end for its dBFA analysis software, is now available from AcSoft for large-scale and/or distributed acquisition and analysis projects (Plate 4).

Orchestra is based on two important developments which provide an unmatched combination of channel and bandwidth capability, networkability and scaleability. First, it is built up from a system of bolt-together modules which is unique in the sound and vibration marketplace. With no mainframe, it is exceptionally light and compact, and offers low-cost entry.

Plate 4 Orchestra from AcSoft offers high bandwidth and scaleability for large-scale and/or distributed acquisition and analysis projects

Secondly, Orchestra uses Firewire communications technology for networkable acquisition and fast data transfer to a PC. As a result, Orchestra handles data acquisition and realtime analysis simultaneously, and can be built into a distributed system streaming data at 26Mbps from measurement blocks up to 100 m apart.

The Orchestra system comprises a Firewire communications module, a choice of input modules, and output/functional modules. Each input module has four channels, and each Firewire interface connects up to six input modules to a PC, with a maximum system configuration of 192 channels. Input modules provide signal conditioning for a wide variety of transducers – direct, IEPE, charge, microphone, strain gauge, thermocouple, tacho pulse, FV converter and CAN – and flexible triggering options. Functional modules provide analogue outputs and a function generator.

Given the analysis power of the dBFA suite, Orchestra handles realtime FFT and I/n-octave frequency analysis, with the latest version bringing acoustic intensity, sound power, structural analysis, materials testing, psychoacoustics and sound quality, time/ frequency analysis, order analysis, transient analysis, and building acoustics within the scope of this cost-effective system. Data can also be exported to other industry-standard analysis packages for advanced post-processing.

For further information and editorial contact: John Shelton, AcSoft Limited, 8B Wingbury Courtyard, Leighton Road, Wingrave, Aylesbury HP22 4LW; Tel: 01296 682686; Fax: 01296 682860; AcSoftO2.W/ May-03.