Concurrent | SIGnal Workbench - Dynamic analysis and test system

Concurrent SIGnal Workbench is a high-performance, real-time dynamic data processing and monitoring system for engine, turbomachinery, structural and other vibration test applications. SIGnal Workbench is a complete solution that provides everything needed for high-cycle fatigue testing – a real-time computer system, data acquisition input cards, programmable signal conditioning, cabling and powerful GUI test software for data acquisition control, data management, display and post-test analysis.

Data Analysis and Monitoring Software
SIGnal Workbench systems feature EDAS SignalBoss software, a comprehensive application suite that takes you step-by-step though the testing process. SignalBoss requires minimal training and allows users to quickly begin productive testing and data monitoring. SIGnal Workbench systems run Concurrent’s RedHawk™ Linux® real-time operating system. RedHawk provides the fully deterministic performance needed in high-performance, time-critical test applications.

Users can view any type of time or frequency domain plot in real-time while recording all data digitally. Data produced by SIGnal Workbench can include digital raw time domain, frequency domain with time domain statistics and compressed peak frequency domain data files. All SignalBoss software set-up and operation is via point-and-click GUI. Setup can also be performed using comma-delimited command files. Data inputs to the system include analog time domain read in real-time or data direct read from commercially available digital tape formats.

Programmable Signal Conditioning
SIGnal Workbench features individual-programmable signal conditioning modules that provide four channels of configurable transducer interface circuitry on a 3U euro-card. Each channel provides a programmable current/voltage output source and a fault-protected programmable gain amplifier. Selecting the voltage source mode allows the module to be configured as a strain conditioner. All of the functionality required to condition signals from sensors that use ¼, ½ or full bridge transducer configurations are supported in this mode.

Selecting the current source mode allows the module to support transducers that require constant current excitation, such as integrated electronics piezoelectric (IEPE) transducers. Channels can also be configured as instrumentation amplifiers to monitor general-purpose analog input signals. Conditioned signals are driven out of the module by low-impedance, high-speed operational amplifiers. All current and voltage sources are programmable via easy-to-use graphical interface.

Three shrouded headers on the backplane of a signal conditioning chassis are used to terminate the input and output signals for each module. The first two headers terminate the four input signal connections. The third connecter provides the buffered output signals. Outputs can be connected to the high-impedance differential input of SIGnal Workbench’s analog input cards to provide a complete signal conditioning and A-to-D conversion solution. All output is routed through the real panel of the signal conditioning chassis.

Real-Time Data Acquisition Platform
SIGnal Workbench systems include a Concurrent iHawk™ real-time computer platform custom-configured to the needs of your test application. Hard drive storage, memory size and processor performance can be selected in accordance with test run durations and channel count. SIGnal Workbench systems feature one or more 32-channel, 24-bit Sigma-Delta analog input boards supporting a rate of 200 Ksamples per second per channel. Other simultaneous sampling analog input cards are also available. The iHawk computer system, signal conditioning chassis and cabling can be optionally mounted in a mounted in a 14U or 34U rackmount cabinet.

Filtering and Finite Analysis Software Options
SIGnal Workbench’s optional DataDetective bulk data screening software can scan large volumes of electronic vibration data files and catalog peak response information. Results can be assigned to modes, ratioed to other locations and compared to limits. Scanned electronic data files can be produced by a SIGnal Workbench system or by other systems using custom file translators. DataDetective produces and interfaces to a database that can be sorted, filtered and exported to other application formats such as comma separated (CSV) or MATLAB formats. Each entry in the database is linked directly with the file that produced the entry. This permits the user to immediately call up the parent data file and examine responses more carefully. Files are viewed interactively by clicking on the entry in the database.

SIGnal Workbench’s optional GageMap is a user-friendly software tool that simplifies interaction with finite element models for test planning, model verification and test data analysis. GageMap makes it easy to extract finite element data for direct comparison to experimental measurements.