Gb dbrta user manual october 2007

dBRTA software « Real-time acquisition » part of dBFA suite

USER MANUAL

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Copyright ©

dBRTA software

« Real-time acquisition » part of dBFA suite User manual  nvh@01db-metravib.com Þ www.01db-metravib.com

01dB-Metravib (Head Office) 200, chemin des Ormeaux F-69578 Limonest Cedex FRANCE (33) 4 72 52 48 00 (33) 4 72 52 47 47 01dB Italia s.r.l.

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01dB GmbH Hügelhof 44 88634 Herwangen-Schönach GERMANY (49) 07552 / 938 570 (49) 07552 / 938 571

01dB Inc. 01dB do Brasil 01dB Asia-Pacific 28100 Cabot Drive, Suite# Rua Domingos de Morais, 2102 No. 9 Jalan USJ10/1D 100 Sala 11 – 1 Andar – Vila Mariana 47620 Petaling Jaya, Novi, MI 48377 04036-000 Saõ Paulo Selangor USA BRAZIL MALAYSIA (1) 315 685 3141 (55) 11 5579 6460 (60) 3 563 22 633 (1) 315 685 3194 (55) 11 5579 6610 (60) 3 563 18 633 The specifications are subject to change without notice.

MICROSOFT® is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation Windows 95™, Windows 98™, Windows ME™, Windows 2000™, Windows XP™ and Windows Vista™ are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation dBFA/dBRT.05/NUT/016/D – Updated on October 2007.

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1

INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................. 7

2

UPDATING THE LICENSE NUMBER............................................................................................................. 8

3

PREFERENCES ................................................................................................................................................... 9 3.1 SELECTING THE ACQUISITION FRONT-END DEVICE .......................................................................................... 9 3.2 DEFINING THE COLOURS ................................................................................................................................ 10 3.2.1 Channels .................................................................................................................................................. 10 3.2.1.1 3.2.1.2 3.2.1.3

3.2.2

Screen Area.............................................................................................................................................. 11

3.2.2.1

4

Change colours .................................................................................................................................................10 Add channel......................................................................................................................................................10 Delete or sort channels......................................................................................................................................10 Change colour...................................................................................................................................................11

UPDATING THE TRANSDUCER DATABASE............................................................................................. 12 4.1 ADDING OR DELETING A NEW TRANSDUCER .................................................................................................. 14 4.1.1 Adding a new transducer ......................................................................................................................... 14 4.1.2 Deleting a transducer or a model of transducer ...................................................................................... 14 4.2 VIEW OR UPDATE THE CALIBRATION HISTORY FOR A TRANSDUCER............................................................... 14 4.2.1 To vew the calibration history for a given transducer:............................................................................ 14 4.2.2 To update the calibration of a transducer: .............................................................................................. 14 4.3 ADDING OR DELETING A NEW CALIBRATOR ................................................................................................... 15 4.3.1 To add a new calibrator : ........................................................................................................................ 15 4.3.2 To delete a calibrator or a model of calibrator: ...................................................................................... 15

5

RECORDER........................................................................................................................................................ 16 5.1 DEFINING A NEW CONFIGURATION ................................................................................................................ 19 5.1.1 Acquisition parameters ............................................................................................................................ 21 5.1.1.1 5.1.1.2 5.1.1.3 5.1.1.4

5.1.2 5.1.3 5.1.4 5.1.5 5.1.6 5.1.7 5.1.8

Auto-Offset function ................................................................................................................................. 24 Gain setting.............................................................................................................................................. 25 Channel control ....................................................................................................................................... 26 Hardware options .................................................................................................................................... 27 Output parameters ................................................................................................................................... 27 General parameters ................................................................................................................................. 28 Display parameters .................................................................................................................................. 28

5.1.8.1 5.1.8.2 5.1.8.3

5.1.9

Padlock: ............................................................................................................................................................21 General parameters:..........................................................................................................................................21 Advanced options: ............................................................................................................................................23 Toolbar: ............................................................................................................................................................24

Channel group customisation: ..........................................................................................................................28 Adding a group:................................................................................................................................................29 Deleting a group: ..............................................................................................................................................29

Tachometric channel parameters............................................................................................................. 29

5.1.9.1

Deleting a tachometric channel: .......................................................................................................................30

5.2 SAVING A CONFIGURATION ........................................................................................................................... 31 5.3 OPEN AN EXISTING CONFIGURATION ............................................................................................................. 31 5.4 LAUNCHING AND MONITORING A TEST .......................................................................................................... 31 5.4.1 Recording data......................................................................................................................................... 33 5.4.2 Preparing triggers ................................................................................................................................... 34 5.4.2.1 5.4.2.2

5.4.3 6

Timing chart for trigger operating: ...................................................................................................................34 Adding conditions : ..........................................................................................................................................34

Saturations and low dynamic ranges ....................................................................................................... 36

ANALYZER ........................................................................................................................................................ 38 6.1

DEFINING A NEW CONFIGURATION ................................................................................................................ 42 Different steps are requested to set up an analysis when strarting from a blank configuration : ....... 43 6.1.2 Acquisition parameters ............................................................................................................................ 44

6.1.1

6.1.2.1 6.1.2.2 6.1.2.3

Padlock : ...........................................................................................................................................................44 General parameters:..........................................................................................................................................44 Advanced options: ............................................................................................................................................46

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6.1.3 6.1.4 6.1.5 6.1.6 6.1.7 6.1.8 6.1.9 6.1.10 6.1.11

dBFA/dBRT.05/NUT/016/D

Toolbar : ...........................................................................................................................................................47

Auto-Offset function ................................................................................................................................. 47 Gain setting.............................................................................................................................................. 48 Calibration............................................................................................................................................... 49 Hardware options .................................................................................................................................... 50 TEDS........................................................................................................................................................ 50 Output parameters ................................................................................................................................... 51 GPS .......................................................................................................................................................... 51 General parameters ............................................................................................................................. 51 Defining analytical processing ............................................................................................................ 52

6.1.11.1 6.1.11.2 6.1.11.3

6.1.12

Adding a processing : .......................................................................................................................................52 Deleting a processing : .....................................................................................................................................52 Setting up a processing : ..............................................................................................................................52

Definition of spectrum tolerance curves .............................................................................................. 53

6.1.12.1 6.1.12.2

6.1.13

Tolerance Curve files : .....................................................................................................................................53 Using tolerance curves :....................................................................................................................................55

Defining graphic representations for acquired data and analytical results ........................................ 56

6.1.13.1 6.1.13.2 6.1.13.3 6.1.13.4 6.1.13.5 6.1.13.6

Adding a representation:...................................................................................................................................56 Deleting a representation: .................................................................................................................................57 Setting up a representation: ..............................................................................................................................57 Change the input channel of an existing representation :..................................................................................57 Adding a XY representation: ............................................................................................................................57 Ranking a representation: .................................................................................................................................57

6.2 6.3 6.4

SAVING A CONFIGURATION ........................................................................................................................... 58 OPEN AN EXISTING CONFIGURATION ............................................................................................................. 58 ANALYTICAL PROCESSINGS ........................................................................................................................... 59 6.4.1 2D analysis .......................................................................................................................................... 59 6.4.1.1 6.4.1.2

6.4.2

Analysis vs. Time...................................................................................................................................... 60

6.4.2.1 6.4.2.2 6.4.2.3 6.4.2.4 6.4.2.5

6.4.3

FFT ...................................................................................................................................................................60 Octave...............................................................................................................................................................60 FFT vs. Time ....................................................................................................................................................62 Octave vs. Time................................................................................................................................................62 Statistics vs. Time.............................................................................................................................................62 Statistics............................................................................................................................................................62 Leq....................................................................................................................................................................62

Analysis vs. Tacho.................................................................................................................................... 63

6.4.3.1 6.4.3.2 6.4.3.3 6.4.3.4

Tachometric channel.........................................................................................................................................64 FFT vs Tacho....................................................................................................................................................64 Octave vs Tacho ...............................................................................................................................................64 Order Analysis vs Tacho ..................................................................................................................................64

6.5 DISPLAY PARAMETERS .................................................................................................................................. 66 6.5.1 Time graphs ............................................................................................................................................. 66 6.5.2 Spectrum representation .......................................................................................................................... 66 6.5.3 Representation of statistical results ......................................................................................................... 68 6.5.4 Representation of tachometric channels .................................................................................................. 68 6.5.5 Representation of orders versus rpm ....................................................................................................... 68 6.6 RUNNING AND MONITORING A TEST .............................................................................................................. 68 6.6.1 Setting up acquisition graphs................................................................................................................... 69 6.6.2 Page layout of graphs .............................................................................................................................. 70 6.6.3 Mouse right click use during a test .......................................................................................................... 71 6.6.3.1 6.6.3.2 6.6.3.3 6.6.3.4 6.6.3.5

6.6.4

Recording data......................................................................................................................................... 72

6.6.4.1

6.6.5 6.6.6 7

Channel(s) : ......................................................................................................................................................71 Auto-Scale Once...............................................................................................................................................71 Print ..................................................................................................................................................................71 Copy .................................................................................................................................................................71 Tolerance curves...............................................................................................................................................71 Emergency recording (Analyzer mode) :..........................................................................................................72

preparing triggers .................................................................................................................................... 72 Overload and low dynamic ranges .......................................................................................................... 72

TRANSIENT / IMPACT TESTING ................................................................................................................. 73 7.1

DEFINING A NEW CONFIGURATION ................................................................................................................ 74 Different steps to follow to set up an analysis starting from a blank configuration :.......................... 75 7.1.2 Acquisition parameters ............................................................................................................................ 75 7.1.3 Gain setting.............................................................................................................................................. 75

7.1.1

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7.1.4 7.1.5 7.1.6

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Channel control ....................................................................................................................................... 75 General parameters ................................................................................................................................. 75 Defining analytical processings............................................................................................................... 77

7.1.6.1 7.1.6.2

Calculation selection: .......................................................................................................................................77 Calculation set-up:............................................................................................................................................78

7.1.7 Defining graphic representations for acquired data and analytical results ............................................ 78 7.2 SAVING A CONFIGURATION ........................................................................................................................... 79 7.3 OPEN AN EXISTING CONFIGURATION ............................................................................................................. 79 7.4 RUNNING AND MONITORING A TEST .............................................................................................................. 79 7.4.1 Setting up triggers.................................................................................................................................... 80 7.4.2 Defining weighting windows .................................................................................................................... 81 7.4.2.1

7.4.3 7.4.4 7.4.5 8

Building user-defined windows ........................................................................................................................81

Defining the path...................................................................................................................................... 82 Setting up acquisition graphs................................................................................................................... 84 Page layout of graphs .............................................................................................................................. 85

RT AUTOMATION............................................................................................................................................ 86 8.1

CONFIGURATION ........................................................................................................................................... 86 Add a sequence :.................................................................................................................................. 86 Delete sequences : ............................................................................................................................... 87 Sort sequences : ................................................................................................................................... 87 Save and load a sequencer configuration :.......................................................................................... 87 PROGRESS OF A SEQUENCE ............................................................................................................................ 87

8.1.1 8.1.2 8.1.3 8.1.4

8.2 9

REPLAY .............................................................................................................................................................. 88

10

REPORTING .................................................................................................................................................. 89 10.1 DEFINING THE TEMPLATE .............................................................................................................................. 89 10.2 GENERATING REPORTS FROM THE ANALYZER MODULE ................................................................................ 89 10.3 GENERATING REPORTS FROM DBFA. ............................................................................................................ 91 10.4 DEFINING DISPLAY PREFERENCES ................................................................................................................. 92 10.4.1 File Menu............................................................................................................................................. 92 10.4.2 Edit Menu ............................................................................................................................................ 92 10.4.3 Preference Menu.................................................................................................................................. 93 10.4.4 Parameters .......................................................................................................................................... 94

11

POST-PROCESSING..................................................................................................................................... 96

12

DBRTA REMOTE CONTROL..................................................................................................................... 96 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 12.7 12.8

PRINCIPLE ..................................................................................................................................................... 96 INITIALIZATION ............................................................................................................................................. 96 STARTING THE REMOTE CONTROL ................................................................................................................. 97 EXTERNAL PROGRAM CONNECTION............................................................................................................... 97 CLOSE CONNECTION ...................................................................................................................................... 98 COMMANDS :................................................................................................................................................. 98 DATA RECEIPT ............................................................................................................................................... 98 EXCEL EXAMPLES ......................................................................................................................................... 99

13

DBRTA LAUNCHING FROM A DOS COMMAND ............................................................................... 100

14

QUIT THE SOFTWARE............................................................................................................................. 100

15

COMMENTS ON DBRTA.INI FILE ......................................................................................................... 101

16

APPENDIX: LIMITS TO THE CURRENT VERSION ........................................................................... 103 16.1 16.2 16.3

MINIMUM PC RECOMMENDATIONS : ........................................................................................................... 103 UTILISATION DE DBRTA EN MODE « INVITE » ........................................................................................... 103 LIMITS TO THE CURRENT VERSION :............................................................................................................. 104

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dBFA/dBRT.05/NUT/016/D

INTRODUCTION

The dBRTA software is the acquisition part of dBFA suite. Data are recorded in measurement session (*.cmg) files. dBFA will be used for post-processing of data stored in measurement session files (refer to the user manual: gb_dBFA_4.8_user_manual.pdf). Furthermore, dBFA is also used for acoustic intensity measurements (refer to the user manual: gb_dBFA32_Intensity_ISO9614.pdf).

The following welcome page is displayed upon launching the dBRTA software: Title bar

Current system

DAQ

Main menus

01dB-METRAVIB web link

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UPDATING THE LICENSE NUMBER

Using the right button of the mouse, click on the title bar to display the following contextual menu:

1. Select the “About …” menu to display the information dialogue box below:

2. Click on the “License number” button and enter the new license number.

3. Click on the “Confirm” button (green checkmark).

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3 3.1

dBFA/dBRT.05/NUT/016/D

PREFERENCES SELECTING THE ACQUISITION FRONT-END DEVICE

dBRTA can control different acquisition front-end systems. The title bar lists the selected acquisition system, next to the software name. To select a new device, click on the “Device Preferences” menu in the contextual menu of the title bar.

The following dialogue box is displayed:

1. Select the acquisition device; 2. Click on the “Validate” button

.

A direct click on the bottom right image gives the same selection capability.

Once the device has been selected, the device name (indicated in the title bar), as well as the device picture, are updated in the welcome window. The selected device then becomes the default device and will be automatically selected in future measurement sessions.

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3.2

dBFA/dBRT.05/NUT/016/D

DEFINING THE COLOURS

To change the colour palette, select “Colour preferences” in the context menu of the title bar. The preference window is used to define the list of default colours. The following window is then displayed:

3.2.1

CHANNELS

The “channels” Tab consists of a series of default colours used for the graphic representation of curves. A display colour is assigned to each acquisition channel.

3.2.1.1 Change colours 1. Click on the colour located to the right of the channel number to display a selection box.

2. Select the new colour and close the selection box.

3.2.1.2 Add channel 1. Click on the Add button:

. A new channel is added at the end of the list.

2. Change its colour (see above).

3.2.1.3 Delete or sort channels 1. Select the channel(s) to delete or to move.

2. Click on the corresponding button: Delete channel Move channel up in the list Move channel down in the list If the number of acquisition channels is greater than the number of channels defined in the palette, the first colours are used twice so that all channels are assigned a colour.

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3.2.2

dBFA/dBRT.05/NUT/016/D

SCREEN AREA

The colours of the software itself can be changed using the “Screen Area” Tab.

3.2.2.1 Change colour 1. Click on the colour located to the right of the channel number to display a selection box.

2. Select the new colour and close the selection box.

Before exiting with

the preference window:

=> Save the palette by clicking on the Save button:

.

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dBFA/dBRT.05/NUT/016/D

UPDATING THE TRANSDUCER DATABASE

The dBRTA software uses a database to manage transducers, calibrators and calibrations. This database is accessed from the “Sensors/Calibrators” menu of the main window.

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The toolbar contains 5 buttons used to show or hide the various settings dialogue boxes in the settings area: List of transducers

List of transducer models

Calibration history

List of calibrators

List of calibrator models

All lists in this window operate along the same lines.

The first column is used to select an element from the list by simply clicking on the row of the element to select, and display the recording status of the element through an icon: New element (not recorded in the database yet) Element to delete These modifications are stored into the database only after validation (“OK” or “Apply” buttons):

The “OK” (checkmark) button is used to validate the database and return to the main screen of the software.

The “Apply” (blue mark) button is used to validate the database and keep the transducer database management screen displayed.

Before validation, the addition, modification or deletion of an element can always be cancelled by clicking on the corresponding symbol with the right button of the mouse:

The “+” button located before the last empty row is used to add new elements to the list.

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4.1

dBFA/dBRT.05/NUT/016/D

ADDING OR DELETING A NEW TRANSDUCER

4.1.1

ADDING A NEW TRANSDUCER

1. Check whether the transducer already exists in the database. If not: a. Display the list of transducer models and add a new element. b. Fill in the different fields, including options. To display advanced options, select the element, then click on the blue arrow:

According to the sensor type, the available options are « IEPE » (Integrated Electronic PiezoElectric) and « 200 V » (for 200 V polarised condenser microphones). c.

Validate

2. Display the list of transducers.

3. Add a new transducer and fill in the various fields.

4.1.2

DELETING A TRANSDUCER OR A MODEL OF TRANSDUCER

1. Select the element to delete.

2. Click on the “Del” key. The

button is displayed to the left of the element.

Note: it is not possible to delete a transducer model if it is linked to existing transducers.

4.2

VIEW OR UPDATE THE CALIBRATION HISTORY FOR A TRANSDUCER

4.2.1

TO VEW THE CALIBRATION HISTORY FOR A GIVEN TRANSDUCER:

1. Display the list of transducers; 2. Display the list of calibrations; 3. Select the transducer. The list of calibrations is automatically updated.

A newly created transducer has a default sensitivity of 1.

4.2.2

TO UPDATE THE CALIBRATION OF A TRANSDUCER:

1. View the history of the selected transducer; 2. Click on the “New calibration” button

in the calibration list:

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3. Fill in the different fields; Caution: the sensitivity must be filled in V/EU (Engineering Units) except for some families of sensor (Gauge or Charge) for which the sensitivity must be filled in mV/V/EU or pC/EU, etc…

4. Validate to refresh the history.

4.3

ADDING OR DELETING A NEW CALIBRATOR

4.3.1

TO ADD A NEW CALIBRATOR :

1. Check whether your calibrator’s model already exists in the database. If not: a) Display the list of transducer models and add a new element; b) Fill in the various fields;

Name Trademark Type RMS Unit Frequency

Calibrator model designation.

Calibrator trademark Calibrator type RMS level delivered by the calibrator Unit of the signal delivered by the calibrator Frequency of the signal delivered by the calibrator. During the calibration phase, a band-pass filter is applied using this field as the centre frequency. To cancel this filter, set 0 in this field.

c) Validate.

2. Display the list of calibrators.

3. Add a new calibrator and validate the different fields.

4.3.2

TO DELETE A CALIBRATOR OR A MODEL OF CALIBRATOR:

1. Select the element to delete.

2. Click on the “Del” key. The

button is displayed to the left of the element.

Note: it is not possible to delete a calibrator model if it is linked to existing calibrator.

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dBFA/dBRT.05/NUT/016/D

RECORDER

The Recorder module aims at monitoring a test while viewing the time and frequency information for each channel and stores the time data into a file on the PC hard disk.

Click on the RECORDER button to display the RECORDER’s sub-menus.

¾

Configuration: Used to start the recorder mode • New: used to start the Recorder mode with blank parameter settings.

• Open: used to opened stored Recorder configurations • Default: used to start a default configuration allowing a quick view on signals • Last or [<Name of last file>]: used to start the Recorder mode with the settings used last.

The default submenu proposes an automatic configuration with 4 active channels for data acquisition frontend having at least 4 channels (dB4, Harmonie, Orchestra, NetdB12…) and only 2 for DAQ like Symphonie and Sound cards. The next figure shows what happens when Default configuration is selected. All transducers are dummy devices (voltage type with 1V/V sensitivity). They can’t be calibrated and are stored in the transducers Database. From this default configuration, the user can change any parameter and save the customized configuration.

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dBFA/dBRT.05/NUT/016/D

Automation: Used to start the Recorder automation mode • • •

New: used to start the RT Automation mode for Recorder with blank automation settings.

Open: used to start an existing RT automation onfiguration Last [<Name of last file>]: used to start the RT Automation mode for Recorder with the automation settings used last.

To run an Automation session, please refer to § 8.

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When launching the Recorder mode (from a new configuration, from an existing configuration or from default configuration), dBRTA sets up the acquisition hardware, and after finding it, displays the main window of the Recorder mode.

This window consists of: • a title bar indicating the name of the current configuration file; • a menu bar; • a toolbar; • a graphic display area; • a status bar.

When starting with a new configuration, the display area is empty when the Recorder mode is launched with a blank configuration.

If the acquisition front-end device is not found, a message appears. Check: • The device is well on tension • The device is connected correctly to the PC • The correct device was selected in the main window

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5.1

dBFA/dBRT.05/NUT/016/D

DEFINING A NEW CONFIGURATION 1. Launch the Recorder mode from the main window, using the “New” sub-menu. The Recorder window is displayed with an empty graphic viewing area.

2. Click on the “Settings” button of the toolbar ( menu. The following window is displayed:

), or select Acquisition / Settings in the

As a general rule, new or modified settings are validated by: ¾ Either clicking on the “OK” button to validate the parameters and return to the Recorder acquisition screen; ¾ Or clicking on the “Apply” button to validate the parameters and remain in the settings parameters, thus allowing for further modifications.

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The toolbar contains 4 buttons that can be used to show or hide the various settings dialogue boxes in the settings area: Acquisition parameters

Output parameters

(if outputs are available on the acquisition front-end device)

General parameters

Display parameters

Tachometric channel parameters

The following operations are required: 1. Define the acquisition parameters; 2. Close the acquisition padlock; 3. Define, when needed: a) General parameters b) Display parameters c) Tachometric channels 4. Validate.

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5.1.1

dBFA/dBRT.05/NUT/016/D

ACQUISITION PARAMETERS

The acquisition parameter area has the following layout:

5.1.1.1 Padlock: This button is used to lock access to acquisition parameters for further modification. To open or close the padlock, click on the button to change its status: Open padlock

. Acquisition parameters are in write mode: fields can be filled in.

Close padlock

. Acquisition parameters are in read-only mode: fields cannot be filled in.

Access to acquisition parameters must be locked before setting up channel groups and tachometric channels or before launching a test, otherwise modifications will not be taken into account.

5.1.1.2 General parameters: The general parameter grid lists all active channels for all modules (rows) and parameters common to all channels, regardless of the module type (columns). When the acquisition hardware consists of several physical modules, these are represented by alternating coloured rows. This list automatically adapts to the connected hardware.

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Parameters are (in column order): Column heading

Description

Comments

Ch.

Physical number of channel

Active

Is channel active?

This parameter cannot be modified. By default, it is incremented by 1 with respect to the total number of channels following the order of hardware detection. Click on a cell of this column to select the channel corresponding to the cell.

Multi-selection is allowed.

Box indicating the channel status (active or inactive). Active channels are acquired and recorded.

Name

Channel name

Description

Comment

Sensor

Name of transducer connected to channel

Unit

Channel unit

Sampling frequency

Sampling frequency

Sensitivity

Sensitivity of measurement chain in V/EU

Free text field used to assign a name to a channel. Compulsory for active channels.

Free text field used to assign a comment to a channel. Optional field.

Compulsory and unique field for each active channel. Click on a cell of this column to display a pull-down list of transducers compatible with the type of channel.

Non-modifiable field. Automatically updated when a transducer is selected.

Frequency can be selected from the list of frequencies available for the acquisition hardware being used. If the “multifrequencies” option is checked in the toolbar, different frequencies can be selected for the different channels (depending on the hardware specifications). Otherwise, modifying one of these fields on a channel will result in an update of all other channels in order to keep the same frequency.

Field updated after modification of the transducer associated with the channel, after update of the transducer sensitivity using a button on the toolbar, or after channel control (see later on for a detailed description of the toolbar buttons). It can be modified by a key in.

By default, selecting a new transducer for the channel will fill this field in using the transducer sensitivity.

To get a negative sensitivity, it is possible to open the configuration file *.rec with a text editor and to type a minus sign « -» before the value. Example : Sensibilité=0.05;-1

These parameters can only be modified by opening the padlock on the toolbar.

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5.1.1.3 Advanced options: Advanced options are shown or hidden depending on the status of the “Advanced options” button: Show options Hide options Advanced options are used to: 1. Define general parameters for a set of channels: name, description and status (active or not); 2. Set up hardware-specific options (input range, filters, coupling ... when available) for the selected channel(s).

These options are accessed as follows: 1. Click on the “Advanced options” button; 2. Select the channel(s) for which a parameter needs to be modified. CTRL or MAJ keys permit the multi-selecting.

Options are listed as a property grid, as shown below:

Specific options

Common parameters

In the case of a single selection (only one channel selected), only options specific to this channel are listed in the property grid (if there are such options).

In the case of a multiple selection (several acquisition channels are selected), the following information is displayed: y Options specific to selected channels. A specific option is displayed only if it is available for all selected channels, and if allowed values are the same for all channels; y The channel root name. If this field is empty, it is not taken into account. If there is a root name that has been defined it will be used to make up the channel name as follows: <Rootname>_<Channel number>; y A description common to all channels; y The status common to selected channels.

Modifications on these parameters are applied to all selected channels when changing the selection of the general parameter grid.

These parameters can only be modified if the padlock of the toolbar is opened.

For Symphonie, Harmonie and Orchestra (with a microphone module) DAQ front-ends, it is possible to condition 200V polarization voltage microphones. When a 200V input mode is activated on one channel, all other input channels have activated their 200V mode. So, prepolarized (0V) microphones must not be used with 200V polarization microphones.

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5.1.1.4 Toolbar: The toolbar is used to perform various operations relative to the acquisition set-up: Open a new acquisition configuration. This function is used to reset the dialogue box for acquisition set-up, and have a blank configuration. Option is valid when the padlock is opened.

Open an existing acquisition file. This operation opens a file selection box, from which the acquisition configuration file will be selected and updates the settings grid. By default, the file extension is *.ini. It is also possible to extract the acquisition configuration from another configuration file of the recorder mode (*.rec). Option is valid when the padlock is opened.

Save the current acquisition configuration in a *.ini file. Option valid when the padlock is opened.

Auto-Offset function. Used to set the offset of the acquisition channels before running a test. This option is available depending on the type of acquisition hardware. In particular, it is available when there are strain gauge type channels in the system. Option is valid when padlock is closed.

See further down for details on the Auto Offset function.

Gain setting. Used to set the gains on active channels before a test. This option is available depending on the type of acquisition hardware, some of them don’t permit to use range, like sound card or Solo. Option is valid when padlock is closed. See further down for details on gain setting.

Channel control. Used to calculate the sensitivity of the measurement chain for a given channel. Option is valid when padlock is closed. See chapter on channel control.

Hardware properties. Used to set some acquisition hardware-specific options: data transfer period, resolution, frequency type, etc. Option is valid when padlock is opened.

Update of the sensibility for selected channels based on the transducer database Multi-frequency option. Accessible if the acquisition hardware allows for multi-frequency acquisition. Option must be checked to select various frequencies per group of channels. Option is valid when padlock is opened.

5.1.2

AUTO-OFFSET FUNCTION

1. Click on the “Auto-Offset” button in the toolbar. The following dialogue box is displayed:

2. Select the channels for which the offset needs to be set. To select all channels, click on the “All” button: 3. Validate.

.

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GAIN SETTING

1. Click on the “Gain setting” button in the toolbar. The following dialogue box is displayed:

2. Enter the value for the Autorange duration.

3. Select channel to set-up individualy. Use “All channels” to select all activated channels .

4. Click on the “Autorange” button: 5. Wait until the calculation is completed.

6. Close the window.

Input ranges can also be defined manually by selecting the channels and modifying the range using the pull down list in the “Tuning” frame. If several channels are selected, this list is not available if the input ranges are different.

Displayed values in the bargraph are peak values.

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CHANNEL CONTROL

1. Select the channel to calibrate.

2. Click on the “channel control” button of the toolbar. The following dialogue box is displayed:

3. Select the calibrator. Information on the calibrator is updated. The default level can be changed for instance if a piston phone is used.

4. Generate the input standard signal for the channel.

5. Wait for the level to stabilise. .

6. Click on the “Adjust” button: 7. For a finer adjustment use the “+” and “–” buttons.

8. Confirm the new sensitivity by clicking on the “Validate” button: the acquisition parameter grid.

9. Select the new channel to calibrate.

10. Click on the “Channel control” and repeat steps 4–8.

. The sensitivity is updated in

11. Quit the dialogue box by clicking on the “Exit” button: In the case of strain gauge-type channels, a shunt resistance can be used by setting the shunt mode to “On”:

Set the shunt mode back to “Off”.

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HARDWARE OPTIONS

The “Hardware options” menu is used to modify some parameters that are specific to the acquisition hardware and independent from the channels.

Click on the “Hardware options” button in the toolbar. The following dialogue box is displayed:

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¾

¾ ¾

“Data block duration”: enter a period for transferring acquisition data from the hardware to the PC. When this field is available, it is used to optimise data transfer depending on the configuration (transfer rate, hardware configuration, etc.). The figure on the right gives the corresponding sample number of the transferred time block (Sampling frequency x Data block duration – For example, 51200 x 0.08 = 4096 samples.

“FIFO duration”: set the software FIFO memory devoted to acquisition data, in order to adapt to the PC resources and to the memory requirements of the recording (pre/post-trigger) and processing operations. The number on the right calculates the memory required for 1 channel, based on sampling frequency and quantization. This number gives the FIFO memory size ((Quantization x FIFO duration) / (Data block duration x 8 for 16 bits and 6 for 24 bits) – For example 24 x 4 x 4096/0.08 x 6 = 819200 (800kB)) “Quantization”: display resolution for acquired data. If the hardware has several digitization resolutions (for instance 16 and 24 bits), then this field consists of a pull-down list of allowed values.

“Frequency type”: choose a frequency range from a list provided by the hardware. This field is displayed only when the hardware offers several ranges.

5.1.6

OUTPUT PARAMETERS

This menu is enabled when the acquisition hardware used allows this function.

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1.

2.

3.

4.

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Select the output type.

Select the sampling frequency for the output signal.

Activate the output channel(s).

Select one or several channels and modify the common parameters.

For further information about the parameters and types of output signal available, please refer to the user manual of the acquisition hardware selected.

The Acquisition synchro option allows synchronisation between output generation and acquisition input.

5.1.7

GENERAL PARAMETERS

This area is used to modify the location and the name of the file for the data measurement session:

Click on

5.1.8

to select the folder path and campaign name on the PC computer.

DISPLAY PARAMETERS

This set-up area is used to define the real-time graphic representation of acquisition data:

Right click on a channel group to select the active channels to display.

The different acquisition channels can be viewed in different non-exclusive forms: 2D time signal, bargraph, instantaneous 2D spectrum, 1/3 octave, etc.

For each group of channels, the most adapted type(s) of representation can be selected. It is possible to define as many channel groups as necessary. By default, the software offers a group of dynamic channels called “Dyn”.

5.1.8.1 Channel group customisation: 1. Make sure the acquisition padlock is closed.

2. Click on the “Advanced options” located to the right of the group list ( creation window:

) and display the group

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Groups are divided into two types: dynamic and process.

Dynamic and process groups operate similarly.

5.1.8.2 Adding a group: 1. Click on the “+” button of the last line; 2. Enter the name of the new group; 3. Check the representation for each channel in the group.

The different representation modes are: • • • • •

2D time bargraph numerical value 2D spectrum (dynamic group only) 1/3 octave (dynamic group only)

4. Validate to close the group definition window.

5. Right click on the cell corresponding to the new group in the “Channels” column. The channel selection box is displayed.

6. Select the channels to assign to the group and validate.

5.1.8.3 Deleting a group: 1. Select a group from the list; 2. Press the “Del” key.

3. Validate to close the group creation window.

5.1.9

TACHOMETRIC CHANNEL PARAMETERS

One or several “speed” channels can be calculated from the trigger input channels. See chapter 6.4.3.1 for more details.

1. Check that the acquisition padlock is closed.

2. Display the setting area for tachometric channels:

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3.

4.

5.

6.

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Check the “Tacho” field.

Click on the “+” button. A channel is automatically added to the list of processing.

Select the channel. Parameters are displayed in the property grid.

Fill in the fields:

Name

Name of the tachometric channel

Used Channel

Physical number of the trigger input channel. To modify: 1 – Right click to display the selection dialogue box. 2 – Select the trigger input. 3 – Validate.

Unit

Customised text, rpm by default.

Tacho Ch.

This parameter is only available for Symphonie and Harmonie data acquisition front-ends. For the recorder mode, this feature is not active (refer to « Analyzer chapter – Analyzer mode includes Recorder mode as it is possible to record signals and process them in real timel)

Slope

Pulse detection direction

Retrigger delay (%)

Time elapsed since last pulse was detected. As a percent of the last calculated period.

Average number

Number of averaged values. This is a sliding average.

Threshold

Pulse detection threshold (in physical units)

Low level (hysteresis)

Lower pulse detection threshold in physical units (hysteresis)

Conversion Fact.

Conversion factor to transform, for instance, rotation speed into displacement speed (rpm into km/h)

Pulses per rev.

Number of pulses per revolution

Output frequency

Sampling frequency of the resulting tachometric signal (rpm profile).

First RPM

Graphical visual limit regarding tachometry (no influence on the calculation).

Graphical visual limit regarding tachometry (no influence on the calculation).

Last RPM

5.1.9.1 Deleting a tachometric channel: 1. Select the channel to delete; 2. Click on the “–” button.

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SAVING A CONFIGURATION

After a modification of the parameters (acquisition, display groups, tachometric channels, etc.), a modification indicator is displayed in the status bar of the main screen:

To save the modifications: • Menu bar: File / Save or File / Save as…

•

5.3

Toolbar: “Save” button:

.

OPEN AN EXISTING CONFIGURATION

To open an existing configuration: • Using the menu bar: File / Open •

5.4

Using the toolbar: “Open” button:

.

LAUNCHING AND MONITORING A TEST

Once the test parameters are defined (acquisition, display groups, tachometric channels), the main screen of the RECORDER mode is set up according to the user’s preferences:

To launch the acquisition, click on the “Activate” button:

or use the key F3.

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To stop the acquisition, click on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stopâ&#x20AC;? button:

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or use the key F4.

Graphs are represented in full scale. For some of the graphic representations (2D time, FFT or Octave), a detailed view is available (including axes and cursor) in full-screen mode, by double clicking on the graph to enlarge.

A graph settings window is automatically displayed with: X and Y information are the abscissa and the cursor value, respectively. The scale zone is used to change the scale of the Y axis: 1. Select the scale mode: Auto once (instantaneous Auto scale), Full scale or Manual 2. In case the manual mode is selected, enter the upper and lower limits of the scale 3. Confirm changes by clicking on the Apply button

.

Double click on the graph to return to the previous screen.

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RECORDING DATA

When triggering the recording, all active channels, as well as tachometric channels, are recorded. Acquired data are recorded in the measurement session defined in the general parameters of the module. A text editing zone in the status bar is used to fill in the “Recording” field for recorded items. This comment is free. It can be modified manually between two recordings or automatically incremented.

To activate the place incrementation, enter the root name, and then select the Acquisition / Increment place menu, or use CTRL+I keys. There is a checkbox in front of the menu. To disable this option, uncheck the box, or use CTRL+I keys. To reset the increment to 1, select the Acquisition / Reset increment menu or use CTRL+R keys. or use the key F5. The button remains pressed To start the recording, click on the “Record” button: down until the recording is stopped (by clicking once again on the “Record” button or “Stop” button, or on triggering of the stop conditions).

By default, the recording is triggered manually. Clicking on the “Record” button triggers the recording on the hard disk. A recording can be triggered and/or stopped using triggers, according to criteria such as threshold or duration exceeding.

The counter of the status bar indicates the recording time elapsed.

When the recording is stopped manually, dBRTA software asks for measurements storage in the campaign designed in the settings.

Click on “Yes” or “No”.

In case of stop recording condition (refer to the next paragraph), this question will not appear and the data measurements will be automatically recorded in the campaign.

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PREPARING TRIGGERS

5.4.2.1 Timing chart for trigger operating:

5.4.2.2 Adding conditions : 1.

Triggers are setting only during the acquisition.

2.

Click on the “Triggers” button in the toolbar. The trigger definition window is displayed: It consists of a toolbar, a “Start conditions” area and a “Stop conditions” area.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Click on the padlock button to activate the window.

Select either the “Start conditions” or the “Stop conditions” area.

Select the type of condition in the toolbar: duration, level or threshold.

Click on the “+” button.

A new condition is added to either the “Start” or the “Stop” list, depending on the initial selection.

Select the condition. A definition area is displayed on the right hand side:

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Enter the parameters for this condition. a. “duration”-type condition: enter the triggering duration b. “threshold”-type condition:

Reference Source

Source type: acquisition channel (RMS, Peak or signal (sample) value), or tachometric channel

Channel

Physical number of the channel under monitoring

Unit Level

Unit of the exceeding level defined above. In EU lin, EU log or dB.

Threshold

High / Low

Exceeding trigger threshold. If acquisition has been activated, a bargraph is used to visually set this threshold.

Direction of threshold exceeding.

Case of a « Threshold » condition: the application triggers when the signal crosses (with a positive or negative slope according to the high/low option) the threshold set in the parameter dialog.

Case of a « Level » condition: the application triggers when the signal is higher or lower (according to the high/low option) than the threshold set in the parameter dialog.

Bargraph colour indicates if the threshold or level is exceeded by the currently signal. If it is green, it did not exceed there. The value of the level is also indicated with the selected unit. To refresh the bar-graph, click on the name of the trigger corresponding.

The following examples explain the use of these two kinds of conditions with a High option selected (positive slope / high level). The level is the horizontal line in the drawings below.

Example 1: the signal crosses the threshold => these two conditions trigger.

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Example 2: the signal does not cross the threshold => the level condition only triggers.

10. Repeat steps 3 – 8 as many times as necessary.

11. Select the condition combinatory mode: AND / OR. 12. Click on the “General parameters” button to display the following dialogue box:

13. Enter the parameters: Retrigger Retrigger mode: 1 – One shot: a single trigger / 2 – Loops x N and Delay between two loops in seconds / 3 – Continuous Pre-trigger Post-trigger

Duration of pre-trigger (in s).

Duration of Post-trigger (in s).

14. Validate.

15. Click on the padlock button.

Note: to inform the durations of pre/post trigger, use the character ". " (dot) as decimal symbol, because of the integer part only will be used by the software.

5.4.3

SATURATIONS AND LOW DYNAMIC RANGES

Saturations and low dynamic ranges are monitored during the acquisition.

There are four LED's indicating the general occurrence status of these phenomena:

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When saturation (low dynamic ranges, respectively) occurs on a channel, graphs relative to this channel display data in red (in blue, respectively) during the saturation phenomenon, and then data revert to green.

The instantaneous saturation (low dynamic range) status LED turns red (blue) during the saturation event, then turns back to green.

The recorded status LED changes colour as soon as saturation (low dynamic range) occurs and remains red (blue).

By placing the mouse over one of these four LEDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, an information message is displayed, listing the defective channels.

To inhibit the recorded error status, click on the corresponding LED. The overload triggering (red LED) is a comparison test on the digital conversion value in each acquired time block.

For a 16 bits digitization, the maximum value is 2(16-1) = 32768 and for 24 bits, 2(24-1) = 8388608.

The Overload trigger are : Data acquisition front-end Orchestra Harmonie Symphonie Nidaq GX1 NetdB HPE1432 NiDaqMx SOLO dB4

Overload level 24576 for 16 bits 6291456 for 24 bits 29000 31800 8388608 - 2 25000 8388607- 2 32767- 10 8388608- 10 8388607 8338608-10

The Under range level is checked for digital value under 16.

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6

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ANALYZER

The ANALYZER module is used to perform a test, process and analyse acquired data in real-time, and store analysis results and/or time data into a file on the hard disk of the PC computer. Click on the Analyzer button, submenus relative to the Analyzer are displayed.

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Configuration: Used to start the Analyzer mode : • New: used to start the Analyzer mode with blank parameter settings.

• Open: used to open stored Analyzer configurations • Default: used to start a default configuration allowing a quick view on signals • Last or [<Name of last file>]: used to start the Analyzer mode with the settings used last.

The Analyzer configuration mode is the main purpose of this chapter.

Other specific mode like “Automation “ and “Replay” are available from the main “Analyzer menu”.

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Automation: Used to start the Analyzer automation mode • New: used to start the RT Automation mode for Analyzer with blank automation settings.

• Open: used to start an existing RT Automation configuration • Last [<Name of last file>]: used to start the RT Automation mode for Analyzer with the automation settings used last.

To run an Automation session, refer to § 8.

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Replay: Used to start the Replay Analyzer mode (Applying real time processing on stored data signals) • New: used to start the Replay Analyzer mode with blank parameter settings.

• Open: used to opened stored Replay Analyzer configurations • Last or [<Name of last file>]: used to start the Replay Analyzer mode with the last used settings.

To run a replay session, refer to § 9.

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When launching the Analyzer mode for the first time, New, Open and Default settings submenus are available. If the Analyzer mode was already used, the last configuration can be accessed by clicking directly on file name displayed in the submenu.

When launching the Analyzer mode from an existing or default configuration, dBRTA sets up the acquisition hardware, and if the hardware was detected, displays the module’s main window:

This window contains: • a title bar listing the current configuration file; • a menu bar; • a toolbar; • a graphic display zone; • a status bar.

The graphic zone is empty when the module is launched with a blank configuration (New).

The default submenu proposes an automatic configuration with 4 active channels for data acquisition frontend having at least 4 channels (Harmonie, Orchestra, NetdB12…) and only 2 for DAQ like Symphonie and Sound cards. One page per channel is displayed with basic processing (FFT, 1/3 octave and Leq) and the signal (see next figure). All transducers are dummy devices (voltage type with 1V/V sensitivity). They can’t be calibrated and are stored in the transducers Database. From this default configuration, the user can change any parameter and save the customized configuration.

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DEFINING A NEW CONFIGURATION 1. From the main window, launch the ANALYZER mode using the “New” submenu. The ANALYZER window is displayed with an empty graphic zone. or, in the menu, select Acquisition → 2. In the toolbar, click on the “Settings” button: Settings. The parameter settings window is displayed:

To validate the creation of a new configuration or any modification of an existing configuration, you should: ¾ Either click on “OK” to validate the parameters and display the acquisition screen of the ANALYZER module; ¾ Or click on “Apply” to validate parameters. The parameter-settings screen remains displayed and allows for further modifications.

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The toolbar contains 5 or 6 buttons that are used to display or hide the various parameter-setting dialogue boxes:

Acquisition parameters

Output parameters

(if outputs are available on the acquisition front-end device)

General parameters

Processing parameters

Tolerance-curve parameters

Display parameters

6.1.1

DIFFERENT STEPS ARE REQUESTED TO SET UP AN ANALYSIS WHEN STRARTING FROM A BLANK CONFIGURATION :

1. Enter the acquisition parameters; 2. Lock the acquisition (the acquisition hardware is then configured based on the parameters entered by the user); 3. If required, enter the measurement session name in the General parameters area; 4. Define the real time processing to perform and set up analyses; 5. Lock the Processing parameters zone to validate the analysis parameters; 6. If required, enter Tolerance-curve parameters.

7. Enter the channels and processing to display, then set up the selected graphs; 8. Validate.

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6.1.2

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ACQUISITION PARAMETERS

The â&#x20AC;&#x153;acquisition parametersâ&#x20AC;? area is as follows:

6.1.2.1 Padlock : This button is used to lock the access to acquisition parameters (they cannot be modified). To open or close the padlock, click on the button, which will then change status: Open padlock Closed padlock

. Acquisition parameters are in modification mode: fields can be filled in. . Acquisition parameters are in read-only mode: fields cannot be modified.

Access to acquisition parameters should be locked before starting to set up processing and/or display of analyses.

6.1.2.2 General parameters: The general parameter grid lists all active channels (rows) and parameters common to all channels (columns). When the acquisition hardware is made up of several physical modules, lines are coloured differently. This list is automatically adapted to correspond to the hardware currently connected.

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Parameters are as follows (following the column order): Column heading

Description

Comments

Ch.

Physical number of the channel

This parameter cannot be modified. By default, it is defined by increments of 1, following the order of hardware detection. Click on a cell in this column to select the channel corresponding to the cell. Multiselection is allowed.

Active

Is channel active?

Box indicating the channel status (active or not).

An active channel will be acquired.

Name

Channel name

This free text field is used to assign a name to the channel. Must be filled for active channels.

Description

Free comment

This field (free text) is used to assign a free comment to the channel. Optional field. This value will be included in the “comment” field of the associated session.

Transducer

Name of transducer connected to the channel

This field must be filled in and is unique for each channel. Click on a cell in this column to display a pull-down list suggesting transducers compatible with the assigned channel.

Unit

Channel unit

Sampling frequency

Sampling frequency

The frequency can be selected among the list of frequencies available for the current acquisition hardware. If the “multiple frequencies” option is checked in the tool bar, then different frequencies can be selected for all channels (depending on the hardware specifications).

Otherwise, modifying one of these fields on a channel will result in the updates of all other channel to keep a single frequency.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity of the measurement chain in V/E.U.

This field is updated after modification of the transducer associated with the channel, after update of the transducers’ sensitivity using the toolbar, or after channel control (for the latter cases, refer to the description of the toolbar, later on in this document). It can be modified by key in. By default, selecting a new transducer for the channel will automatically input the sensitivity in the corresponding field.

This field cannot be modified. Automatically updated when a transducer is selected.

These parameters can only be modified if the toolbar padlock is opened.

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6.1.2.3 Advanced options: Advanced options can be displayed or hidden, depending on the status of the “Advanced options” button: Options are hidden Options are displayed This section is used to: 1. Enter general parameters for a set of channels: Name, description, and status (active or not).

2. Set up options specific to the acquisition hardware (input range, filters, coupling … when available) for the selected channel(s).

To gain access to these options: 1. Click on the “Advanced options” button to enable the option area; 2. Select the channel(s) for which a parameter needs to be modified. CTRL or MAJ keys allow the multi-selecting.

Options are listed as a table, as shown below: Specific options

Common parameters

In case of a single selection (only one acquisition channel is selected), only options that are specific to this channel (if there are any) are displayed.

In case of a multiple selection (several acquisition channels are selected), the following information is displayed: • Options specific to selected channels. A specific option is displayed only if it is available for all selected channels and if allowed values are the same for all channels; • The channel name root. If this field is empty, it will not be taken into account. Otherwise the text is used as the root for the channel name, which is built up as follows: <Root>_<channel #>; • A description common to all channels; • The common status of selected channels.

Modifications to these parameters are applied to all selected channels when changing the selection in the table of general parameters.

These parameters can only be modified if the toolbar padlock is opened.

When Symphonie, Harmonie and Orchestra (microphone module) systems are used, it is possible to condition 200V polarization microphones. When one channel is set with a 200V Input mode, all channles are 200V polarized. Electret microphone or 0V polarization microphones must not be used with 200V polarization microphones.

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6.1.2.4 Toolbar : Functions relative to the acquisition set-up are available from the toolbar: Open a new acquisition configuration. This function is used to reset the dialogue box for acquisition set-up, and have a blank configuration. Option is valid when the padlock is opened.

Open an existing acquisition file. This operation opens a file selection box, from which the acquisition configuration file will be selected and updates the settings grid. By default, the file extension is *.ini. It is also possible to extract the acquisition configuration from another configuration file of the analyzer mode (*.ana). Option is valid when the padlock is opened.

Save the current acquisition configuration in a *.ini file. Option valid when the padlock is opened.

Auto-Offset function. Used to set the offset of the acquisition channels before running a test.

This option is available depending on the type of acquisition hardware. In particular, it is available when there are strain gauge type channels in the system. Option is valid when padlock is closed. See further down for details on the Auto Offset function.

Gain setting. Used to set the gains on active channels before a test. This option is available depending on the type of acquisition front-end device; some of them don’t permit to use range, like sound card or Solo. Option is valid when padlock is closed. See further down for details on gain setting.

Channel control. Used to calculate the sensitivity of the measurement chain for a given channel. Option is valid when padlock is closed. See chapter on channel control.

Hardware properties. Used to set some acquisition hardware-specific options: data transfer period, resolution, frequency type, etc. Option is valid when padlock is opened.

Update of the sensibility for selected channels based on the transducer database.

Read TEDS. Used to see if TEDS transducers are available and connected on some input channels. Option is valid when padlock is opened.

Check TEDS. Used to check if TEDS transducers are available for an existing configuration.

Option is valid when padlock is opened or not.

Multi-frequency option. Accessible if the acquisition hardware allows for multi-frequency acquisition. Option must be checked to select various frequencies per group of channels.

Option is valid when padlock is opened.

6.1.3

AUTO-OFFSET FUNCTION

1. Click on the “Auto Offset” button in the toolbar to display the following dialogue box:

2. Select the channels on which the offset needs to be adjusted. To select all channels, click on the “All” button: 3. Validate.

.

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6.1.4

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GAIN SETTING

1. Click on the “Gain setting” button in the toolbar to display the dialogue box shown below:

2. Enter the value for the Autorange duration.

3. Select the channels with a click on channel numbers. To select all channels at once click on “All channels” .

4. Click on the “Autorange” button: 5. Wait until the calculation is completed.

6. Close the window.

Input ranges can also be defined manually by selecting the channels and modifying the range using the pull-down list in the “Tuning” frame. If several channels are selected, this list is active only in case the ranges available for each channel are compatible.

All displayed values in the Bargraph are peak values.

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6.1.5

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CALIBRATION

1. Select the channel to calibrate.

2. Click on the “channel control” button of the toolbar

. The following dialogue box is displayed:

3. Select the calibrator. Information on the calibrator is updated. Level and frequency can be changed if necessary.

4. Generate the standard input signal for the channel.

5. Wait for the stabilised level. .

6. Click on the “Adjust” button: 7. For a finer adjustment use the “+” and “–” buttons.

8. Confirm the new sensitivity by clicking on the “Validate” button: the acquisition parameter grid.

9. Select the new channel to calibrate.

10. Click on the “Channel control” and repeat steps 4–8.

11. Quit the dialogue box by clicking on the “Exit” button:

. The sensitivity is updated in

.

In the case of strain gauge-type channels, a shunt resistance can be used by setting the shunt mode to “On”:

Set the shunt mode back to “Off”.

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6.1.6

dBFA/dBRT.05/NUT/016/D

HARDWARE OPTIONS

The “Hardware options” menu is used to modify some parameters that are specific to the acquisition hardware and independent from the channels.

Click on the “Hardware options” button in the toolbar. The following dialogue box is displayed:

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¾

¾ ¾

“Data block duration”: enter a period for transferring acquisition data from the hardware to the PC. When this field is available, it is used to optimise data transfer depending on the configuration (transfer rate, hardware configuration, etc.). The figure on the right gives the corresponding sample number of the transferred time block (Sampling frequency x Data block duration – For example, 51200 x 0.08 = 4096 samples.

“FIFO duration”: set the software FIFO memory devoted to acquisition data, in order to adapt to the PC resources and to the memory requirements of the recording (pre/post-trigger) and processing operations. The number on the right calculates the memory required for 1 channel, based on sampling frequency and quantization. This number gives the FIFO memory size ((Quantization x FIFO duration) / (Data block duration x 8 for 16 bits and 6 for 24 bits) – For example 24 x 4 x 4096/0.08 x 6 = 819200 (800kB)) “Quantization”: display resolution for acquired data. If the hardware has several digitization resolutions (for instance 16 and 24 bits), then this field consists of a pull-down list of allowed values.

“Frequency type”: choose a frequency range from a list provided by the hardware. This field is displayed only when the hardware offers several ranges.

6.1.7

TEDS

TEDS: Transducer Electronic Data Sheet. All specifications and set-up, calibration and diagnosis parameters characteristic of the transducer are embedded in the electronic memory of the transducer. The measuring amplifier can read these data and automatically define the appropriate settings. The user can thus immediately get measurements expressed in the proper unit, without any action. This type of information management is defined in Standard IEEE P1451.4. Only available with Orchestra hardware.

Software integration: Two additional buttons with Orchestra in the acquisition set-up toolbar (§6.1.1Acquisition parameters) : Search for connected transducers and automatic filling of acquisition grid with 1. ‘Read TEDS’ recognised TEDS transducers. These transducers must have been previously entered into the database. : From an existing configuration, this button checks all connections: 2. ‘Check TEDS’ • Presence of transducers • Verification that transducers are not reversed In a case of a tri-axis transducer, create one transducer per axe with same serial number and same name: • • •

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Note: if TEDS type does not exist in your base, please contact your technical support.

6.1.8

OUTPUT PARAMETERS

Cf. § 5.1.6 (Output parameters).

6.1.9

GPS

The Analyzer mode can drive a Garmin™ GPS. The system retrieves position information (latitude, longitude, altitude or X, Y, Z coordinates in an ECL (Earth Centre Local) Cartesian system), along with the following magnitudes if available from the GPS: • speed (Vx, Vy, Vz), • dating reset at midnight, • Reception quality: index ranging from 0 (very bad) to 4 (very good).

To use GPS, you have to change default parameters: 1. open the configuration file (.ana) 2. edit the following fields: [GPS] Use=1 UseSpeed=1 UseQuality=0 UseDataTime=1 UseCartesian=0 SamplingFreq=1 ComPort=1 Use UseSpeed UseQuality UseDataTime UseCartesian SamplingFreq

= 1 if GPS acquired; else =0 = 1 if acquired; else 0 = 1 to acquire this index; else 0 Same as above 1 to acquire Cartesian coordinates; 0 to acquire latitude, longitude and altitude.

Recovery frequency in Hz.

3. To define the port address: open file dBRTA.ini (installation folder of the software) and edit the following field : Address of COM port to which the GPS is connected Data are directly saved into the measurement session file for further display.

Com port

6.1.10 GENERAL PARAMETERS This area is used to modify the location and the name of the file for the data measurement session:

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6.1.11 DEFINING ANALYTICAL PROCESSING This area is used to select and define analytical processing to perform. All processing performed will be stored into the measurement session file. This area can be accessed only after the acquisition has been locked and can be modified only after this area has been unlocked.

Toolbar functions: Lock of the processing set-up window. Open the padlock to access the processing set-up. Close the padlock to validate and go to the display set-up.

Open / Save a processing configuration file. These buttons are used to save selected processing for further use in other configurations.

Option for the recording of acquired signals. While all processing results are saved on the disk during a test, time signals are saved upon request of the operator by checking this box.

6.1.11.1 Adding a processing : 1. Select a type of processing among the list of available processing. button or double click on the selected type of processing. The processing is then 2. Click on the added to the list of processing to perform..

6.1.11.2 Deleting a processing : 1. Select the processing(s) to delete.

2. Clock on the

button. The processing is now deleted from the list of processing to perform.

6.1.11.3 Setting up a processing : 1. Select the processing to set up from the list of processing to perform. Parameters are displayed in the description area to the right of this list.

2. Modify the parameters.

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these processing are listed in the description area. Modifications to these parameters will then be applied to all selected processing. A summary of parameters is available in parentheses to the right of the processing name in the list of processing to perform.

For more details on processing parameters and on the nature of available processing, please refer to Chapter 6.4 “Analytical processing”.

When a processing parameter is not valid, a default (and valid) value is suggested to the user. The corresponding cell is displayed in red and the icon before the name of the corresponding processing in the central list is replaced by a red cross. To accept the default value, double click on the invalid field or on the processing name in the list.

After all processings are set up, close the padlock in the toolbar to validate the modifications.

6.1.12 DEFINITION OF SPECTRUM TOLERANCE CURVES This function is optional (this step can be skipped in the set-up procedure). dBFA suite allows using templates on spectra in order to monitor excess levels by frequency bands and to control the beginning and/or the end of recordings using these events.

6.1.12.1 Tolerance Curve files : Tolerance curves are defined in *.gab files that are stored in the “Data” folder (C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\dBRTA\Data) created during the installation procedure. This file format is compatible with that of *.csv files (spreadsheet files) and *.gab files can then be created or changed in Microsoft Excel ® or using any text editor (using “Tab” characters as separators). <Type of Template > <Unit > Frequency [i] Frequency [i+1] …

Level 1 Level 1

Level 2 Level 2

The first two rows of the above table are the file header.

First row, first column: type of curve. This value can have the following values: 1. Max. curve: Any value exceeding this template triggers an alarm (visual alarm or recording trigger) 2. Min. curve: Any value lower than this template triggers an alarm (visual alarm of recording trigger).

3. Double Min/Max curve: combination of the above. The file contains two tolerance curves: 1 Min. curve and a Max. curve.

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The following rows use {frequency; value} pairs to define the curves. Frequencies are defined in the first column. In case of Min. curve or Max. curve, the second column corresponds to the curve value for the frequency defined in the first column. In case of a Min/Max template, the second column corresponds to the level of the Min. curve and the third column to the level of the Max. curve.

An example of a Min/Max curve is presented below: Using Microsoft Excel: 3 # 1: Max 2: Min 3: Min/Max 1 # 1: dB 0 100 1000 80 20000 40

190 190 170

Using a text editor:

The above example will generate the following representation:

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6.1.12.2 Using tolerance curves : One can assign a tolerance curve to a spectrum (autospectrum or octave spectrum) using the following set-up area:

Assigning a tolerance curve to a spectrum: 1. Select the spectrum in the list on the left that presents available spectra and channel(s) to monitor.

2. Select the adequate template in the list on the right that presents *.gab files stored in the Data folder. ) button.

3. Click on the Add ( Ö A new line appears in the centre area, listing the name of the spectrum and channels, the filename and which curve is used.

The curve can be used either: • For visual monitoring only, • Or for recording triggering condition only, • Or for both of the above.

To define how to use the curve, double click on the Use field: this field can be set to Visu, Trig, and Visu + Trig.

When a curve is associated to a spectrum for visual monitoring purposes, all 2D representations of the said spectrum will display associated curve(s).

When a tolerance curve is associated to a spectrum for triggering condition purposes, a new Mask/Spectrum condition is available from the triggering parameters (see § 6.6.4 Preparing triggers).

Deleting a Mask/spectrum assignment: 1. Select the corresponding line; 2. Click on the Delete (

) button.

To change an assignment: 1. Select the corresponding line; 2. Select the new value from the list of spectra or from the list of mask curves (depending on the situation); 3. Click on the updating arrow ( Click on button

or

).

to refresh the tolerance curve list.

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6.1.13 DEFINING GRAPHIC REPRESENTATIONS FOR ACQUIRED DATA AND ANALYTICAL RESULTS This area is used to select data for a real-time representation among acquired data and analytical results.

It can be accessed only after the acquisition and processing areas have been locked.

The Available Plot section displays all acquisition or analysis flows available, and for each flow, all active channels available.

A flow of data is defined by data resulting from: Acquisition. Channels are grouped by sampling frequencies. Flows are called SIG_XXX (XXX • representing the sampling frequency).

Analysis. Flow names are made up from the name of the processing to which is affixed, if need be, • a suffix defining the type of processing. For instance, for a processing called MyCross of Cross type for which Gxx, Gxy, H1 and Coh processing are activated, the following flows will be available in the list: • MyCross_Gxy • MyCross_Gxx, • MyCross_Coh, • MyCross_H1 Channels resulting from cross analyses (Gxy, H1, H2, Coh …) are labelled by a code defined as follows: (physical # of reference channel) × 1000 + (physical # of calculation channel). For instance, for a cross spectrum calculated on acquisition channels 2 and 5 with respect to reference channel 6, the flow will include the following channels: 6002 and 6005. In all other cases (acquisition or analysis flow), channels numbers used are directly the numbers of the corresponding acquisition channels, or S for superimposed mode. Example: FFT_Gxx_S Each channel of an available flow can be represented graphically in real-time.

6.1.13.1 Adding a representation: 1. Select a flow in the list of available flows.

2. Select one or several channel to display. button (or double-click on the selected channel in case of single selection). A new 3. Click on the view will be added to the list of graphs to display. In case of multi-selection (with the CTRL key), the channels are displayed in superimposed mode.

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6.1.13.2 Deleting a representation: 1. Select the graph(s) to display.

2. Click on the

button. The graph is deleted from the list of displayed graphs.

6.1.13.3 Setting up a representation: 1. Select the graph to set up from the list of selected plot. Parameters are displayed in the description area to the right of this list.

2. Modify parameters.

6.1.13.4 Change the input channel of an existing representation : 1. Select the corresponding flow in the list of available plot.

2. Select the new channel.

3. Double-click on the graph to update the central list. Parameters are stored, only the input channel is modified.

6.1.13.5 Adding a XY representation: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Select a flow in the list of available flows.

Select the Y-channel to display.

Click on the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;XYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; button. A new view will be added to the list of graphs to display.

Fill the X-channel parameter for this new display right-clicking on this field.

6.1.13.6 Ranking a representation: 1. Select one or several active plots and use or to position the plots. The changes are applied on each pages if the selection corresponds to plots located on several pages By default, each physical channel is associated with a colour (to change default colours, refer to § 3.2).

Each processing performed on a channel is assigned the channel colour. For instance, an octave calculation on channel 3 will be represented using the same colour as that of channel 3.

To change the colour of a channel, regardless of the general preferences: 1. Right click on the channel#. The dialogue box for colour change is displayed:

2. Select a colour 3. Validate.

If several graphs are selected in the list, only parameters common to all are displayed in the properties area. Modifications to these parameters are then applied to all selected graphs.

A summary of parameters is available in parentheses to the right of the graph name in the list of graphs to display.

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For more details on graphic parameters and on the nature of available representations, please refer to Chapter 6.5 “Display parameters”.

When a display parameter is not valid, a default (and valid) value is suggested to the user. The corresponding cell is displayed in red and the icon before the name of the corresponding graph in the central list is replaced by a red cross. To accept the default value, double click on the invalid field or on the graph name in the list.

After all graphic representations are set up; close the padlock in the toolbar to validate the modifications.

6.2

SAVING A CONFIGURATION

After a modification of the parameters (acquisition, processing, display, etc.), a modification indicator is displayed in the status bar of the main screen:

To save the modifications: • Menu bar: File / Save or File / Save as…

•

6.3

.

Toolbar: “Save” button

OPEN AN EXISTING CONFIGURATION

To open an existing configuration: Menu bar: File / Open.

Toolbar: “Open” button

.

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ANALYTICAL PROCESSINGS

Processings are distributed over three types of analyses: • 2D analysis (Averaging giving only one result type) • Analysis versus Time (Averaging giving several results of the same type each time step) • Analysis versus Tacho (Averaging giving several results of the same type each rotation speed step) All processings (all types included) present the following parameters: Name

Processing identifier. A default name is provided, but it can be customised.

Used Channels

List of channels on which the processing is performed. By default, all active first flow channels are selected.

Each processing can be performed on all channels or on a selection of channels from an acquisition flow (an acquisition flow is defined by the channels with the same sampling frequencies). Selecting the channels to process: 1. Right click on the “Used channels” field to display the following dialogue box:

2. Select the flow to process by clicking on its name (e.g., SIG_25600 to select the flow of channels acquired at 25600 Hz).

3. Check the box to the left of the flow name to select all channels of the flow. In this case, if other acquisition channels are added to this flow, they will be automatically taken into account in the processing. If the box is not checked, only selected channels will be processed.

6.4.1

2D ANALYSIS

For all processings of this type of analysis, calculation results are 2D spectra. These are real-time processings, which means that they are performed on continuous data blocks. Processings of this type have some common parameters: Type of averaging Average # Averaging time

Available types: None (instantaneous results), Linear, Exponential, Max. hold (sometimes excessively called Peak Hold) Active if the type of averaging is not set to None. This parameter depends on the averaging time and is updated each time it is modified. Similarly the averaging time is updated each time the number of averages is modified.

Expressed in ms. Active if the type of averaging is not set to None. Automatically rounded up to the nearest number of blocks or period.

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6.4.1.1 FFT Parameters are: Integ. / Deriv.

Overlap Type of window FFT size Zoom Zoom factor Middle frequency Bandwidth Reference channels Gxx Gxy H1 H2 1/H1 1/H2 Coh

Available if the sensor is an acceleration, velocity or displacement one (g, m/s², m/s, m units). Apply an integration or derivation (one or two times) calculation on the autospectrum.

Overlap Percentage: 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% Rectangle, Hanning, Hamming, Bartlett, Blackman, Flat-Top, Kaiser-Bessel Number of points in the calculation block, to be selected among the following values: 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 4096, 8192, 16384, 32768.

Activates or not the FFT zoom factor.

Available if zoom is active.

Available if zoom is active.

Gives the value of the bandwidth under analysis, which depends on the sampling frequency of the flow under study: Fs=Fmax x 2,56 It is possible to define one, several or no reference channels. In the latter case, only Gxx processing is available.

Activation of autospectra calculation.

Activation of cross spectra calculation.

Activation of H1 calculation.

Activation of H2 calculation.

Activation of inverse H1 calculation.

Activation of inverse H2 calculation.

Activation of coherence calculation.

6.4.1.2 Octave Results of this processing are averaged broad-band spectra.

Calculation parameters are as follows: Minimum and Upper and lower limits of the analysis bandwidth expressed in normalised maximum centre centre frequency values. A list of values is available, which depends on the frequency frequency resolution. If the upper frequency of the 1/n octave filter is greater than the sampling frequency/2.56 of the input channels(s), this parameter is adjusted to the nearest value possible. Validation is then required.

Frequency resolution Select 1/N from a list: 1, 1/3, 1/6, 1/12, 1/24, 1/48.

Full octaves When the option is selected, the bandwidth is shortened so as to include only “full” octaves. The minimum frequency is replaced by the minimum value of the upper octave band, and the maximum frequency is replaced by the maximum value of the lower octave band.

Time Weighting Select the time weighting from a list: None, Fast, Fast Max., Fast Min, Slow, Slow Max, and Slow Min. The Fast and Slow time weighting are according to Sound Level meters standards. Max and Min are maximum and minimum values in the measurement period.

Period in ms Time resolution of the analysis (timing of spectra).

6.4.2

ANALYSIS VS. TIME.

This type of analysis consists in processing 2D-type analyses with continuous trigger of fixed time step.

Results can be averaged over time. All results originating from this type of processing are then time histories. For spectral processings, these are then 3D data (one 2D spectrum per time step), whereas Statistical results are 2D data.

All processings of this type have some common parameters:

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Type of average Average #

Averaging duration Step Step #

dBFA/dBRT.05/NUT/016/D

None, Linear, Exponential, Max and Max Max. If no average is selected, instantaneous values will be calculated.

Number of blocks N to average prior to results delivery. After N blocks, the averaging is reset except for Max Max (calculation takes into account max amplitude of previous Max spectra). Averages are then contiguous and collected values are equivalent to a reading step.

In ms. Automatically updated according to the number of blocks or period. Inversely, the number of blocks is automatically updated each time this parameter is modified.

In ms. Delay between two stored results.

Number of results to deliver. If this value is equal to zero, no condition is set (at the beginning of the recording session) to stop the analysis. In this case, the analysis must be manually stopped.

A processing of this family is automatically stopped when the number of results to deliver is reached (defined by the Steps # parameter). The following scheme explains the effect of the three parameters: Average # (or duration), step and step#.

Averaging type each spectrum

Average duration (ms) is linked to average number, FFT size, sampling frequency and overlap

between

Number of spectrum or periods (s) used for averaging

Step is the time between two averaging results Number of averaging results at the end of the analysis. If the value is 0, the result number depends on manual stop

Step

Step

Average #1

Average #2

Average Duration

Average #1

Average #2

Average Duration

Average #1

Avearge #2

Average Duration

Step #

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6.4.2.1 FFT vs. Time Results of this processing are cross-spectra versus time.

Associated parameters are the same as those of FFT (2D analysis).

6.4.2.2 Octave vs. Time The result of this processing is a broad-band multispectrum versus time.

Specific parameters are the same as those of Octave (2D analysis).

6.4.2.3 Statistics vs. Time Calculated statistical values correspond to overall values obtained for the total acquisition period. They evolve in real time.

Available statistical criteria: • Min. value (Negative peak value) • Max. value (Positive peak value) • Peak value (Absolute max value calculated from Mn and Max) • Peak-Peak value) • Average value • Standard deviation (Disparity) • Skew (third statistic moment) • Kurtosis (fourth statistic moment) • RMS value • RMS band. In this case, fill the frequencies boundaries (Min. Freq., Max. Freq.).

Additional parameters: Min. Freq.

Max. Freq.

Period (ms)

6.4.2.4

Available if RMS band option is checked.

Available if RMS band option is checked.

Time window corresponding to a calculation block.

Statistics

Same processing as statistics vs. time but yielding a single result.

6.4.2.5 Leq The Leq is the equivalent continuous sound pressure level (in decibels) within a time interval. This is the value of the sound pressure level of a continuous, steady sound that, within a specified time interval t2t1 has the same root mean square value as the sound under consideration whose level varies with time.

Calculation parameters are as follows: measurement session.

Freq. weight.

Time weight Max Cumulative

Frequency Weighting. Select the weighting to apply to the computed overall level: A, B, C, Lin Select the time weighting to apply to the computed overall level: Leq, Fast (Inst/Leq/Min/Max), Slow (Inst/Leq/Min/Max).

If this option is selected, the maximum value of the Leq is kept for real time monitoring and record into the measurement session.

If this option is not selected, Leq is calculated every "Step (ms)". The calculation is reset and then repeated at each "Step (ms)" until the number of steps "Step #" is reached. This corresponds to a short Leq calculation (integration time “Step (ms”) resulting in a Leq vs. Time plot in the measurement session.

If this option is selected, the Leq calculation is cumulated/averaged.

Parameter "Step (ms)" corresponds to the basic integration time used to calculate the cumulative/average Leq. The calculation is not reset to zero at each "Step (ms)", the average cumulative energy of the previous “Step (ms)” being memorised. The final result always consists of a single value, expressed in dB, plus the total calculation time.

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SEL

6.4.3

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This option is available only if the “cumulative” option is active. SEL (Single Exposure Level) is the energy of a noise event of duration T referred to an action time of 1 s. This comes down to referring the Leq calculated over a cumulative time to a Leq calculated over 1s. SEL is used to compare events that do not have the same duration.

ANALYSIS VS. TACHO.

This type of analysis consists in processing 2D-type analyses in continuous trigger conditioned by a tachometric channel. During a run-up phase, a result is provided for each speed value ranging from a predefined minimum value to a predefined maximum value with a fixed step. All results coming from this type of processing depend then on the calculated speed. No averaging is applied. For spectral processings, results are then 3D data (one 2D spectrum per time step), while for statistical processings, results are 2D data.

This type of analysis is possible only with at least one tachometric type processing. Each processing should then have a defined reference tachometric channel (Driver name field). A processing that depends on the speed will automatically stop when the user-defined (in the tachometric channel set-up) ending speed is reached. Data can then be stored into a measurement session.

The « Synchro. Pos. » parameter (synchronisation position) is the same for this processing family. It can have one of the three following values: Beginning, Middle and End and defines the position of the time block to process with respect to speed. The scheme below shows the different possible situations:

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6.4.3.1 Tachometric channel This processing is the same as that used in the Recorder module. It consists in calculating a speed from a trigger input acquisition channel. The parameters are as follows: Unit Free text Tacho. Channel Click the check box when using the specific tacho input of Symphonie or Harmonie data acquisition front-end.

Slope Positive or Negative Retrigger delay (%) Percentage of the last calculated period where impulses are not searched for.

Average # Threshold Low level (hysteresis) Conversion factor Number of impulses per revolution Output frequency

Number of averaged values. This is a sliding linear average.

Threshold in EU for impulse detection Lower threshold (in EU) below which impulse detection is authorised again (hysteresis).

Multiplying factor used to refer to rotation speed other than that calculated (e.g., case of gearboxes).

Dividing coefficient for calculated speed.

Sampling frequency of resulting tachometric signal.

Delta RPM

Speed increment. Defines the speed step for the output of analysis results.

First RPM Last RPM

Starting speed. Lower limit of the analysis range for the run-up phase.

Ending speed. Upper limit of the analysis range for the run-up phase.

When the user-defined ending speed is reached, the associated processing is interrupted. Data can then be stored into a measurement session.

Several tachometric channels can be defined. The name of these channels will be used to assign a tachometric channel to an “analysis vs. tacho.” processing.

6.4.3.2 FFT vs Tacho Results of this processing are cross-spectra versus speed. Associated parameters are the same as those of FFT (2D analysis). A spectrum is calculated only for instants corresponding to a required speed.

6.4.3.3 Octave vs Tacho The result of this processing is a broad-band multispectrum versus time.

Specific parameters are the same as those of Octave (2D analysis).

6.4.3.4 Order Analysis vs Tacho Two methods are available to calculate orders versus tacho (run-up or coast-down): • Order extraction (method based on FFT calculation): OrdervsTacho.

• Order tracking (method based on DFT/resampling technique): OrderTrackingvsTacho.

These calculations yield the evolution of one or several orders versus speed. For more information on the choice of the method and the settings, please refer to application note « gb_ application_note_order_analysis_10_2004.pdf ».

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The common parameters are the following one: Order spectrum?

If this option is active, the result is an order spectrum; else the result is a list of orders. In case of order spectrum, the list of calculated orders ranges from 1st Order to Last order with a Step Order. The maximum order allowed depends on the maximum speed studied and on the sampling frequency.

Overall Order?

The overall RMS level value of the signal is calculated. Order 0 appears in the available plot 1st order Minimum calculated order Last order Maximum calculated order Step Order Interval between two calculated orders Order List List of calculated orders. The orders are separated by a “;”: « 1;1.2;5 ». This setting appears only if Order spectrum is not selected Weighting Order spectrum or list of orders are frequency weighting. Lin, acoustic frequency weightings and human vibrations weightings are proposed.

Synchro. Pos. Define how to synchronize the results with the rpm values.

In case of OrderVsTacho, the following parameters must be filled: Strategy Recomposition method, at constant Delta F or constant Delta N. Dn or DF Recomposition width. Expressed in frequency (if recomposition in Delta F) or in order (if recomposition in Delta N).

FFT size Number of time samples for spectrum calculation. Only for information. No setting possible.

The method selected for energy recomposition requires at least one narrow band, which gives then a minimum width as follows: • In DeltaF, the minimum width of recomposition is given by the Frequency resolution.

• In DeltaN, the minimum width is given by: [Frequency resolution] / [RpmMin/60], RpmMin being defined in the parameters of the tachometric channel.

In case of order tracking, it is possible to adjust the order width. It is also possible to disable the resampling. Resampling is used when there are no enough samples in the revolution block to achieve the order width.

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6.5

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DISPLAY PARAMETERS

Display parameters depend on the type of graphic representation, which depends on the flow to display.

However, some parameters are common to all types of representation.

Name Name of graph. This name is printed in the title area of the graph.

Source Flow to which displayed values belong. Information field that cannot be modified.

Used Channels Channels displayed on the graph. To change the channels on display, right click on the value field and select the new channels.

Tab Name Name of screen-page in which the graph will be displayed. This name can either be edited (free input) or selected from a pull-down list of existing screenpages (or by default Page 1, Page 2 and Page 3).

6.5.1

TIME GRAPHS

The following parameters are available : Scale settings Level scale. Available modes: Full Scale, Auto Once (automatic instantaneous setting), or Manual.

Scale unit Scale unit: EU or DAC Depth (s) Depth of the scope. Defined in s.

Number of Y axis Number of Y axes for the selected graph area. The axes are shown alternately on the left and the right of the scope. The link between the channels and the different axes is defined in the fields: Y Axis #<n>.

Y axis #<n> In case curves are superimposed on a graph: parameters of Y axis # n. This field must be filled in as follows: <Channels> | <min value> | <max value>, where: -<Channels> is used to define channels associated to the axis. If channel numbers are adjacent, channels are listed using a dash (e.g., 1-5), otherwise channels are listed using a semi-colon (e.g., 1;4;13). Both characters can be combined (e.g., 1-5;7;10 means channels 1 to 5 inclusive + channel 7 and 10). A channel can only be assigned to one axis.

-<min value>: lower value of the level scale (in case of manual adjustment, otherwise: 0) -<max value>: upper value of the level scale (in case of manual adjustment, otherwise: 0).

6.5.2

SPECTRUM REPRESENTATION

The following parameters are available: Type of plot 2D spectrum, Sonogram. Nyquist representation is available for complex data (Gxy, H1â&#x20AC;Ś).

Representation Modulus, phase, real and imaginary parts of spectral data can be represented for complex data.

Power Unit Display magnitude: RMS, PWR, PSD, ASD, and ESD. Scale settings Scale. Available modes: Full Scale, Auto Once (automatic instantaneous setting), or Manual Scale Level Scale unit: Lin, dB, or Log. For the phase representation of a cross function, this unit is in degree; for the imaginary and real parts, the linear option only is available.

Freq. Scale Set up of frequency scale: Lin level or Log level. Not enabled in the case of an Octave plot.

Freq. Weighting Lin, acoustic frequency weightings and human vibrations weightings are proposed.

Overall 1 First Overall value calculation in the complete frequency bandwidth. None (without frequency weighting), Lin, acoustic frequency weightings and human vibrations weightings are proposed.

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Overall Cursor Overall User Overall Max F Overall Min F Split Overall Dynamic Y axis #<n>

Number of Y axes

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Second Overall value calculation in the complete frequency bandwidth. None (without frequency weighting), Lin, acoustic frequency weightings and human vibrations weightings are proposed.

Overall value calculation in the frequency bandwidth defined between the two cursors. Calculated only if two cursors are activated from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Plot settingsâ&#x20AC;?

Overall value calculation in the frequency bandwidth defined by the two next parameters.

Max. frequency value of the Overall user calculation Min. frequency value of the Overall user calculation Define the percentage of the display dedicated to the overall values Define the displayed dynamic (Y axis) when using Full Scale and Auto Once features Parameters of Y axis # n. This field must be filled in as follows: <Channels> | <min value> | <max value>, where: -<Channels> is used to define channels associated to the axis. If channel numbers are adjacent, channels are listed using a dash (e.g., 1-5), otherwise channels are listed using a semi-colon (e.g., 1;4;13). Both characters can be combined (e.g., 1-5;7;10 means channels 1 to 5 inclusive + channel 10). A channel can only be assigned to one axis.

-<min value>: lower value of the level scale (in case of manual adjustment, otherwise: 0) -<max value>: upper value of the level scale (in case of manual adjustment, otherwise: 0).

In case curves are superimposed on the same graph: parameter defining the number of Y axes for the selected graph. Axes are placed alternatively on the right and on the left hand side. Channel assignment to the different axes is defined in fields:

Y axis #<n>.

In the case of a sonogram-type plot, the following parameters are available: Depth(s) Depth in s of the sonogram view. If this value is equal to zero, a default depth equivalent to 100 spectra will be used.

For a processing vs. Tacho., this depth is imposed by the Min RPM and Max RPM values of the tachometric channels.

Width% Defines the height/width ratio of the waterfall display. 100% value corresponds to a waterfall display with no perspective.

Vertical scrolling Defines the scrolling direction of the sonogram. Horizontal (from left to right) or vertical (from bottom to top).

Colour Map Set of colours used for the sonogram scale. See default sets below.

Available sets of Colour Map:

In the case of cross functions, it is also possible to select the representation mode: Modulus, Phase, Real part, Imaginary part.

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REPRESENTATION OF STATISTICAL RESULTS

The following parameters are available: Plotting type Bargraph, value or trend (2D graph) Scale Level Scale unit: UP or dB. Decimal # Number of decimals in value display. 4 by default.

6.5.4

REPRESENTATION OF TACHOMETRIC CHANNELS

The following parameters are available: Plotting type Bargraph, value or trend (2D graph) Decimal # Number of decimals in value display. 1 by default.

6.5.5

REPRESENTATION OF ORDERS VERSUS RPM

If the option “Order Spectrum?” is enabled for the process OrderVsTacho or OrderTrackingVsTacho, the orders calculated are displayed as a 2D spectrum (order spectrum in X-axis, amplitude in Y-axis) or as a sonogram or waterfall (3D display).

Else, the orders are displayed as a 2D graph in which orders are superimposed and are displayed versus the speed (rpm). In this case, It is possible to choose the orders to display in a same graph editing this orders (with the “;” separator) in the field Orders.

6.6

RUNNING AND MONITORING A TEST

Once the test parameters are defined (acquisition, processing, display), the main screen of the Analyzer mode displays the selected graphs in tabs corresponding to the screen-pages defined by the user when setting up the graphs:

To launch the acquisition, click on the “Activate” button: To stop the acquisition, click on the “Stop” button:

or use the key F3. or use the key F4.

button is During a test, and if allowed by the acquisition peripheral device, a “Fan control” available to stop the ventilation system of the acquisition hardware during acoustic measurements.

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SETTING UP ACQUISITION GRAPHS

The Display parameters button of the toolbar:

displays or hides a window used to set up graphs.

1 Graph. Displayed parameters are those of the selected graph. Changes will apply to this graph only.

1 page. Displayed parameters are parameters common to all graphs on the current page.

Changes will be applied to all graphs on this page.

All pages. Displayed parameters are parameters common to all graphs on all pages. Changes will apply to all graphs of all pages.

1. Select the range of application for the changes: 2. Change parameters.

3. Confirm changes by clicking on the Apply button The secondary toolbar is used to display and configure the cursor information zone, either on each graph separately, or on all graphs: No cursor. Hide cursors.

1 cursor. Show 1 cursor.

2 cursors. Show 2 cursors.

Display delta cursor.

Display the harmonic cursors.

Show/Hide information zone.

Reset XY graph.

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A full-screen view is available (including axes and cursor) by double clicking on the graph to enlarge. â&#x20AC;˘ Double click on the graph to return to the normal screen.

By default, this dialog is a pop-up window independent of the main window of the Analyzer module. It can also be linked to the main window, by placing it side by side with the main window. In this case, it will follow the motions of the main window .

6.6.2

PAGE LAYOUT OF GRAPHS

The page layout can be customised. The layout can be different for each page. It is stored with the module configuration.

1. Select the page to customise by clicking on the corresponding tab.

2. In the Options menu, select Display â&#x2020;&#x2019; Layout. The following window is displayed:

3. In the Pages list, select the page(s) to customise. The current page is selected by default.

4. Select the type of page layout for the graphs: Matrix

Horizontal Vertical Square

Graphs are arranged in a matrix. The number of columns of this matrix is defined in the Nb of columns field and the number of rows derived thereof.

Graphs are lined up horizontally.

Graphs are piled up vertically.

Graphs are placed so as to get the same number of columns and rows (when possible).

5. Validate.

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MOUSE RIGHT CLICK USE DURING A TEST

When right clicking, the following menu appears:

6.6.3.1 Channel(s) :

When selecting Channel(s), click on checkboxes to display desired channels without settings window use.

6.6.3.2 Auto-Scale Once Graph auto-scale is activated.

6.6.3.3 Print This command prints the graph on the default printer. The printing layout window is opened.

6.6.3.4 Copy Copy the current graph to the clipboard.

6.6.3.5 Tolerance curves For 2D display concerning spectrum (FFT, 1/n octave), it is possible to change the tolerance curves selected in the settings window directly from the measurement window.

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RECORDING DATA

When triggering the recording, processing results, and if the option is selected, acquired data, are stored in the measurement session defined in the general parameters of the module. A text-editing zone in the status bar is used to fill in the “Place” field for recorded items. This comment is free. It can be modified manually between two recordings or automatically incremented.

To activate the place incrementation, enter the rootname, then select the Acquisition / Increment the place menu. There is a checkbox in front of the menu.

• To disable this option, uncheck the box.

• To reset the increment to 1, select the Acquisition / Reset increment menu.

•

(F5). The button remains pressed To start the recording, click on the “Analysis” button: down until the recording is stopped.

For each processing, when the specified number of data blocks is reached, the associated processing stops. The overall recording stops when all processings are completed or upon manual stop (by clicking on the “Save” button). In case of a manual stop, a dialogue box prompts the user for confirmation and allows to accept (i.e., save) or reject data.

By default, the recording is triggered manually. A recording can be triggered and/or stopped using triggers, according to criteria such as threshold or duration exceeding.

At the end of the analysis, graphs are “frozen” for analysis purposes. To resume monitoring, click on button:

6.6.4.1 Emergency recording (Analyzer mode) : Even if the “Time recording” is not active in the process settings, this mode allows the time signal recording according to the set-up defined in the general settings at any time: check this option to activate this mode and a FIFO duration (in s) to be defined (it represents the recording time before trigger, the end being triggered manually).

6.6.5

PREPARING TRIGGERS

To add triggering conditions, refer to the corresponding section of the RECORDER module (Section 5.4.2).

In addition to conditions on time signals existing in the RECORDER module, when in Analyzer mode is activated, another condition is available for triggering: trigger on exceeding of spectrum tolerances curves.

The following set-up dialogue box is displayed when this condition is selected:

1. Select the active template in the reference section.

2. Select the source and channel to monitor.

3. In the Excess section, select if the triggering condition is fulfilled when all levels by frequency bands are exceeded at the same time, or if only level exceeded in one of these bands is enough to trigger the action.

6.6.6

OVERLOAD AND LOW DYNAMIC RANGES

Saturations and low dynamic ranges are monitored during acquisition (refer to corresponding section of the Recorder module: Section 5.4.3).

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TRANSIENT / IMPACT TESTING

The Transient / Impact Testing module allows for the real-time analysis of transient phenomena through transfer functions or for hammer impact testing. Time signals and analysis results can be viewed in real time and saved into a measurement session file for further processing with dBFA or with modal analysis software.

Select the Transient / Impact Testing menu in dBFA main screen to display the following sub-menus:

• • •

New settings: launch the Transient / Impact Testing mode with a blank configuration.

Open: Start the Transient/Impact Testing mode with an existing configuration Last [<Name of last file>]: launch the Transient / Impact Testing mode using the last configuration.

When launching the Transient / Impact Testing mode for the first time, only the New settings submenu is available.

When launching the Transient / Impact Testing mode (from a blank configuration or from an existing one), dBRTA sets up the acquisition hardware, and if the hardware was detected, displays the module’s main window:

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This window contains: • A title bar listing the current configuration file; • A menu bar; • A toolbar; • A graphic display zone; • A status bar.

By default, the graphic zone is empty when the module is launched with a blank configuration.

7.1

DEFINING A NEW CONFIGURATION 1. From the main window, launch the Transient / Impact Testing mode using the “New settings” submenu. The Transient / Impact Testing window is displayed with an empty graphic zone.

2. In the toolbar, click on the “Settings” button: Settings. The parameter settings window is displayed:

or, in the menu, select Acquisition →

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After having filled in the different parameters, to validate the creation of a new configuration or any modification of an existing configuration, you should: ¾ Either click on “OK” to validate the parameters, close the setting windows and display the acquisition screen of the Transient / Impact Testing module. ¾ Or click on “Apply” to validate parameters. The parameter-setting screen remains displayed and allows for further modifications.

The toolbar contains 4 buttons that are used to display or hide the various parameter-setting dialogue boxes:

Acquisition parameters

General parameters

Processing parameters

Display parameters

7.1.1

DIFFERENT STEPS TO FOLLOW TO SET UP AN ANALYSIS STARTING FROM A BLANK CONFIGURATION :

1. Enter the acquisition parameters; 2. Lock the acquisition (the acquisition hardware is then configured based on the parameters entered by the user); 3. If required, enter the session name in the General parameters area; 4. Enter the analyses to perform and set up these analyses; 5. Lock the Processing parameters zone to validate the analysis parameters; 6. Enter the channels and processings to display, then set up the selected graphs; 7. Validate.

7.1.2

ACQUISITION PARAMETERS

Cf. § 5.1.1 (Acquisition parameters).

7.1.3

GAIN SETTING

Cf. § 5.1.3 (Gain setting).

7.1.4

CHANNEL CONTROL

Cf. § 5.1.4 (Channel control).

7.1.5

GENERAL PARAMETERS

This area is used to modify the location and the name of the file for the data measurement session:

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There are two options specific to the Transient / Impact Testing module: Application of coherence rules: When using the module with a test path (see § …), rules can be applied to ensure the coherence between data stored in the measurement session and the path in progress. These rules are as follows: 1. Results are identified by the test name and the channel labelling. Double names are not allowed (e.g., 1 measurement performed twice under the same test name).

2. The stored file must contain results for measurement labelled as “already performed”.

3. On the contrary, the stored file must not contain results of measurements labelled as “not performed yet”.

If any incoherence is detected, the test cannot go on. This option can be deactivated at any time.

Sound help: this option is used to enable the noise aid, which consists of an audible warning at the end of each impact, defining whether saturation occurred or not: 1. Saturated impact 2. Impact within the programmed dynamic range.

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DEFINING ANALYTICAL PROCESSINGS

This area is used to select and define analytical processings to perform. This area can be accessed only after the acquisition has been locked and can be modified only after this area has been unlocked.

Toolbar functions : Lock of the processing set-up window. Open the padlock to access the processing set-up.

Close the padlock to validate and go to the display set-up.

Option for the recoding of acquired signals. Time signals are saved upon request of the operator by checking this box.

7.1.6.1 Calculation selection: In the calculation selection zone: 1. Select the processings to perform.

2. Among the selected processings, select those to save (the checkbox is enabled only if the processing is performed).

Available processings are: Gxx Autospectrum (always calculated) Gxy Cross spectrum (always calculated) H1 H1 calculation H2 H2 calculation 1/H1 inverse H1 calculation 1/H2 inverse H2 calculation Coh Coherence

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7.1.6.2 Calculation set-up: The set-up is common to all selected calculations.

1. Right click in the “Ref. channel” field to select the excitation channel.

2. By default, the “eff. channels” field shows an error (red background). The list of response channels must be confirmed or changed. To confirm the list of channels, double click in the parameter cell of the field. To change this list: a. Right click in the field to display the channel selection dialogue box. b. Check the option to the left of the data flow name (e.g., SIG_25600 if the sampling frequency is 25.6 kHz) to perform the processings on all active channels (in this case, if an additional channel is activated, it will automatically be taken into account). Otherwise, uncheck this option and select each channel separately.

3. Define then the other parameters.

Processing name Type of window

FFT size Zoom Zoom factor Centre frequency Bandwidth Type of averaging Number of impacts

Processing identifier. A default name is provided, but it can be customised.

Rectangle, Transient, Exponential, User. In the “User” case, the window will be described in the “Weighting window” menu of the toolbar of the main menu. See §…

Number of points in the calculation block, to be selected among the following values: 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 4096, 8192, 16384, 32768.

Activates or not the FFT zoom.

Available if zoom is active. Integer value, multiple of 2.

Available if zoom is active.

Gives the value of the bandwidth under analysis, which depends on the sampling frequency of the flow under study.

Available types: None (instantaneous results), Linear, Exponential, Max Lin. hold Number of transient phenomena or of hammer impacts making up a measurement. Available only when averaging is enabled (i.e., averaging mode is different from None).

After all processings are set up, close the padlock in the toolbar to validate the modifications.

7.1.7

DEFINING GRAPHIC REPRESENTATIONS FOR ACQUIRED DATA AND ANALYTICAL RESULTS

Cf. § 6.1.12 (Defining graphic representations for acquired data and analytical results)

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The operating mode is the same as that of the ANALYZER module. There are a few differences to point out though: XY representation of time signals is not available.

Sonogram representation is not available.

For default spectral result representations, real-time and averaged spectra are superimposed (the real-time spectrum is represented with a dashed line, whereas the averaged spectrum is represented with a full line). In case spectra are superimposed on the same graph, averaged spectra only are represented.

7.2

SAVING A CONFIGURATION

Cf. § 6.2 (Saving a configuration)

7.3

OPEN AN EXISTING CONFIGURATION

Cf. § 6.3 (Open an existing configuration)

7.4

RUNNING AND MONITORING A TEST

Once the test parameters are defined (acquisition, processing, display), the main screen of the Transient / Impact mode displays the selected graphs in tabs corresponding to the screen-pages defined by the user when setting up the graphs.

A transient-type test is run according to the following operating mode: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

(F3) Start acquisition: Set up trigger(s) (these settings are saved in the test configuration file) Define or customise weighting windows (these settings are saved in the test configuration file).

Click on the “Save” button Each time a transient phenomenon is detected; graphs freeze and represent results of this phenomenon, while the system is in stand-by mode, waiting for confirmation or reject of the current impact. This step is repeated the number of times defined in the processing set-up, after which time the test stops.

A hammer impact-type test is run according to a similar operating mode, including a notion of “path”: 1. Start acquisition 2. Set up trigger(s) (these settings are saved in the test configuration file) 3. Define or customise weighting windows (these settings are saved in the test configuration file) 4. Click on the “Save” button 5. The first measurement starts 6. Each time an impact is detected; graphs freeze and represent results of the transient phenomenon, while the system is in stand-by mode, waiting for confirmation or reject of the current impact. This step is repeated the number of times defined in the processing set-up. This whole steps corresponds to one measurement. Once this measurement is completed, the next one starts and so on until the path is completed.

7. At the end of the path, the test stops automatically.

To accept or reject an impact, click on the following buttons: Accept (F7) Reject (F6) Furthermore, a test can be remotely controlled using a monitoring screen:

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This screen shows a summary of the test: test name, measurement and impact, and for each impact, indicators show the saturation status along with the acquisition status (waiting for an impact, impact detected).

Finally, two shortcuts are available for the “Accept” and “Reject” buttons, as well as an automatic sequencing mode (in this case, impacts are automatically sequenced without confirmation/acceptance of the last impact).

If the test is stopped between two measurements and later resumed, the path will automatically restart with the first non-performed measurement.

7.4.1

SETTING UP TRIGGERS

This function is available in acquisition mode only (pressed-down start button). Click on the Trigger button in the toolbar to open the following dialogue box:

1. Unlock the trigger set-up.

2. Add condition using button

(to delete a condition, select it and click on the “Delete”

). button: 3. Select the trigger logic: button AND/OR. 4. Set up each condition: a. Select the channel: click on the channel name to open a pull-down list of active channels. b. Define the trigger threshold. It can be defined in physical units or in percent of the full scale (from –100 to +100 %). To use percent, enter “%” after the value (e.g., “20 %”).

To use P.U., enter the numerical value only (e.g., 1.3). c. Define the trigger slope (upward or downward), by clicking on the corresponding icon.

5. Enter the pre-trigger delay in ms.

6. Lock the window.

A bargraph (detail column) allows viewing the signal with respect to the full scale and thus to visually adjust the threshold using the cursors: •

Two blue cursors indicate minimum and maximum values reached. To reset these values, click on the reset button in the toolbar.

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7.4.2

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A red cursor indicates the threshold level. The threshold can be set directly by moving this cursor on the bargraph using the mouse.

DEFINING WEIGHTING WINDOWS

The weighting window is selected when configuring the processing, using the “Type of window” field.

There are two types of weighting windows: • Predefined windows (Rectangle, Transient, and Exponential). These windows apply both to excitation and response channels.

• User-defined windows that are fully customisable by the user from the weighting dialogue box of the main menu. In this case, one can available from the Weighting button of the toolbar define one window for excitation channels and one window for response channels.

7.4.2.1 Building user-defined windows This function is available in acquisition mode only.

Click on the Weighting button in the toolbar to open the following dialogue box:

This window is made up of three toolbars and three plot zones.

The three plot zones represent: • A reference channel, • An excitation channel, • A processing result, To select one of the plots, click on the plot (the graph name shown in the tab is now written in boldface).

The display of this window can be customised by selecting another layout and by resizing the graphs.

To resize a graph, place the cursor on the border of the graph zone: the cursor changes its shape (two vertical cross arrows). Click on the left button of the mouse and move this limit represented by a transparent line.

To customise the graph layout, select a graph by clicking on its tab and drag it (hold down the left mouse button) to its new location. As soon as a location is available, the cursor (which originally carries a “no entry” sign) turns into a sheet and the new location is represented by a full rectangle. Release the mouse button.

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displayed in real time.

2. In the graph adjustment toolbar, select the response channel and the calculation to display. Select the appropriate Autoscale option (automatic or “one shot”).

3. Do an impact: graphs are “frozen” according to the trigger set-up.

4. Select the response graph (excitation graph) to build the customised weighting window that will be applied to response channels (excitation channels).

5. Move the cursor (initially set at instant t=0 s) to the instant defining the end of the first time section in the customised weighting window.

6. Select the type of window and the slopes (/ - upward, \ - downward or /\ - symmetrical) to apply to this section.

7. Click on the “+” button. The weighting window under construction is displayed in red and superimposed on the signal.

8. Repeat steps 5 to 7 until the window is defined over the whole time depth.

9. Click on the “Window” button to apply changes to the signal, and click again to view the unweighted signal.

To modify an already displayed window: 1. Place the cursor on the section to change.

2. Select the new parameters (type of window and slope).

3. Click on Modify.

To increase or decrease the time range of an already displayed window: 1. Place the cursor on the section to change.

2. Click on the Size / Position button.

3. Move the cursor: the window dimensions change.

4. Click on the Size / Position button.

To delete a window’s section: 1. Place the cursor on the section to delete.

2. Click on the “X” button.

Once windows are defined, exit the dialogue box.

7.4.3

DEFINING THE PATH

The path defines the sequence of measurements making up the test, as well as the geometry of each measurement.

For each measurement, each channel is defined by geometry according to formalism 1+X. The number on the left represent the measurement point, the centre sign represents the direction and the letter on the right represents the axis (X, Y or Z).

The path definition dialogue box is available form the main toolbar:

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The main toolbar includes the following functions: Exit button. Used to close the dialogue box and save changes.

Tools

Show or hide the incrementation toolbar.

Path strategy: Fixed excitation (for all measurements in the path, the reference channel corresponding to the excitation is always calculated on the same measurement points) or Fixed response (the response always results from the same measurement points, only the excitation moves).

Reverse the measurement definition table: presentation of measurements in columns or in rows.

Cancel button. Cancel the last action. Click several times on this button to cancel last actions.

Cancel Measurement. Cancel a measurement. To do so, select the measurement to cancel and click on this button. The measurement is then tagged as none performed.

The incrementation toolbar includes the following functions: Add measurement(s) to the path.

Insert measurement(s) in the path.

Delete existing measurement (if not performed yet).

These two buttons are used to change the order in which measurements are performed.

Select the measurement to move and click on up/down keys.

/

Delete the whole path. This function is active if no measurement has been performed yet.

/

Measurement/Path button. Defines the incrementation strategy.

Incrementation is an automation tool for path definition. If the position of transducers follows an incrementation logic, this tool allows to automatically defining the path with only one operation, based on a rule describing this logic.

Let us now assume for instance that we are dealing with a 4-channel system (1 reference channel and 3 response channels) in fixed excitation mode. The excitation is exerted on measurement point #1 and responses are successively analysed for measurement points #2, 3 and 4 in all three directions. The path is defined as follows: Measurement Ref. position Response #1 Response #2 Response #3 # (channel 1) (channel 2) (channel 3) (channel 4) 1 1+X 2+X 2+Y 2+Z 2 1+X 3+X 3+Y 3+Z 3 1+X 4+X 4+Y 4+Z The position of each transducer can be entered in each cell. However, one can see that a very simple incrementation rule can be used to automate this process. Regardless of the reference channel, which is fixed (Fixed excitation mode), the incrementation rule for response channels can be summarized as follows: - Initial value 2+X. - Incrementation: in XYZ within a measurement, then incrementation of the measurement point between two measurements for each channel.

Incrementation tools allows for the parameterisation of this rule.

First of all, select the incrementation strategy. Two are available: â&#x20AC;˘ Measurement-type strategy. Only strategy available when the path is empty. The incrementation rule applies between to consecutive channels of the same measurement. â&#x20AC;˘ Path-type strategy. The incrementation rule applies between two consecutive measurements on the same response channel.

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In the present example, the path is empty. We should then select the Measurement strategic mode and define the following parameters in the Tools zone: • Initial coordinate system: position of the first response channel of the first measurement. In the present example: 2 + X. •

•

Incrementation rule: XYZ (since analysis is required in all three directions) and 1 (since we want to increment by one measurement point each time). Priority is given to the direction, i.e., direction is first incremented for the same measurement point, and then one goes to the next measurement point.

Number of measurements: 3, corresponding to the requested number of measurements.

Once the rule is defined, click on the Add button (“+”): the result is displayed in the grid.

The position of the excitation channel now remains to be manually defined (it is automatically copied on all channels).

It is to be noted that the initial coordinate system has changed and is now equal to 5+X (i.e., the value of the next position if the position of the last channel of the last measurement is incremented).

In this example, one could also have added a single measurement using the aforementioned rule and then selected the Path incrementation strategy, using the following incrementation strategy: • Initial coordinate system: disabled field, because the rule is applied with respect to the same channel as the previous measurement (by default the last one). This requires then that at least one measurement has been defined.

• Incrementation rule: None for direction (since for a given response channel, only the measurement point is incremented) and 1 (to increment the measurement point).

• Number of measurements: select 2 to add 2 measurements to the initial measurement.

Finally, this dialogue box is used to visually sort already-performed measurements (displayed in grey) from yet-to-be-performed measurements and, if required, to go back on any one of them to cancel it and repeat it.

7.4.4

SETTING UP ACQUISITION GRAPHS

CF. § 6.6.1 (Setting up acquisition graphs).

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PAGE LAYOUT OF GRAPHS

The page layout can be customised. The layout can be different for each page. It is stored with the module configuration.

1. Select the page to customise by clicking on the corresponding tab.

2. In the Options menu, select Display â&#x2020;&#x2019; Layout. The following window is displayed:

3. In the Pages list, select the page(s) to customise. The current page is selected by default.

4. Select the type of page layout for the graphs: Matrix Graphs are arranged in a matrix. The number of columns of this matrix is defined in the Nb of columns field and the number of rows derived thereof.

Horizontal Graphs are lined up horizontally.

Vertical Graphs are piled up vertically.

Square Graphs are placed so as to get the same number of columns and rows (when possible).

5. Validate

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RT AUTOMATION

The RT Automation module is used to automate a test according to a defined sequence. It allows to sequence recordings or real-time analyses using different configurations (as far acquisition, processing and display parameters are concerned), with time conditions or manual confirmation between two steps.

The module is launched from one of the Recorder or Analyzer sub-menus in dBRTA: To sequence configurations of the Recorder type (or of the Analyzer type): Select the New sequence submenu (or Last sequence if a Sequencer session has already been opened). The Sequencer dialogue and set-up box is then displayed.

8.1

CONFIGURATION

The sequencing is defined either online (if the acquisition hardware is connected) or offline (if the acquisition hardware is not connected).

8.1.1

ADD A SEQUENCE :

A sequence is: • Either an analysis (including recording) of the Recorder or Analyzer type, the time of which is limited by triggering conditions. A sequence starts when a Recorder-type or an Analyzer-type configuration is launched (“Start” action + recording of Recorder and Analyzer modules). The acquisition goes on until the recording is stopped by trigger or because current analyses are completed. If the retrigger function is enabled, the sequence goes on until the defined number of retrigger actions is reached. It is then required to define a stop condition in the analysis setup, otherwise the sequence will only stop upon manual stop and other sequences will not be processed. Recorder-type acquisitions and Analyzer-type acquisitions cannot be combined in the same sequence. When the Sequencer is launched from the Recorder (Analyzer) sub-menu, only Recorder-type (Analyzer-type) configurations can be selected.

• Either a program file (external executable file). It is possible to customize your automation running an external command after the analysis (TTL, e-mail…) or running a user process after analysis for instance. .

1. Click on button 2. Select the type of sequence: Analysis or Process.

3. Select the configuration file by clicking on the “File” field. Configuration set-up should be previously defined and tested from the Recorder or from the Analyzer module, and the acquisition front-end device have to be the same. In case of Process (external program), this field could be used to define a setting file compatible with the program file.

4. Select the type of starting condition for this sequence. The default option is “None”. In this case, the sequence starts automatically. Two other options are available: Page 86/104

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The sequence starts at the time indicated in the “Parameter” field like hh:mm:ss The sequence starts after the delay indicated in the “Parameter” field

5. Enter the number of cycles. The default value is 1, in which case the sequence is only run once, after which the next sequence starts. If the number of cycles is equal to or greater than 2, the sequence is repeated the programmed number of times after the condition is met.

6. The confirmation field is used to take a break after each cycle (hence after each sequence). A dialogue box prompts the user for confirmation before going on with the sequence.

8.1.2

DELETE SEQUENCES :

1. Select the sequence(s) to delete 2. Click on the button

.

To delete all sequences, click on button

8.1.3

SORT SEQUENCES : 1.

2.

Select sequence(s) to move.

Click on Up and Down arrows.

When displaced, sequences keep their initial order number. To automatically renumber sequences and take into account the new sequence order, click on

8.1.4

.

SAVE AND LOAD A SEQUENCER CONFIGURATION :

To save a configuration, use Save and Save as… buttons. Parameters are stored in a *.seq file. and select the corresponding *.seq file (caution: if the To Load an existing configuration, click on Sequencer module was launched from the Recorder (Analyzer) menu, only Recorder-type (Analyzer-type) sequences will be available).

8.2

PROGRESS OF A SEQUENCE

Once the sequencing is programmed, follow the steps described below: 1. Set up the connection with the acquisition peripheral device by clicking on the

button.

2. If required, display the test status screen using the button . This screen is that of the Recorder module or of the Analyzer module depending on the type of acquisition. This screen does not provide access to the standard menus of these modules (set-up, start, stop, save, etc.), since all operations are controlled and automated from the Sequencer. There are two modes for this button: display mode or blind mode. In the latter case, status screens are not shown. . Sequences are run successively. They turn 3. Start the sequencing using the Start button: green when they are run and red once they are completed.

A manual pause can be inserted between two cycles or two steps by clicking on button sequencing will stop after completion of the current cycle and will resume after confirmation.

. The

. In this case, Also, the sequencing (hence the acquisition in progress) can be stopped using button when the sequencing is started again, it will start with the first non-run sequence. To reset the process to the first sequence, click on the Reset button:

.

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REPLAY

The Replay mode is used to apply Analyzer mode processings to already stored signal data.

The module is launched from Analyzer sub-menu in dBRTA The main difference with the Analyzer mode is that hardware configuration is replaced by input data settings.

File

Path and name of the file containing signal data. File selection is done with Open button

Analysis on Activate

.

The analysis starts as soon as the Activate button analysis starts when the Analysis button

is pressed. If not select the

is pressed.

Session

If several measurement sessions are contained in the CMG file, click on the arrow to select the session.

Speed

Speed of the analysis: 50% (half speed), Real (real speed) or 200% (twice the speed). The speed corresponds to a simulation of data acquisition with stored signals reading (DAT recorder for example).

The list of measured channels is shown. â&#x20AC;&#x153;# sampleâ&#x20AC;? corresponds to the number of samples (Sampling frequency x signal time length). The rest of the Replay mode is exactly the same as the Analyzer mode.

It is possible to track the signal reading during the analysis thanks to this icon

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10 REPORTING The Automatic Reporting module allows to generate automatic and customised reports in Word (Microsoft©) format after completion of the analysis. When iterative tests are performed, e.g., when the same real-time analysis configuration is used to test several pieces of equipment (including tests ranging over several days), this module generates similar (customised or standard) reports, with no further action required than the initial configuration of the report (template and content) during analysis set-up.

This module is launched at the end of the real-time analysis by pre-programming in the Analyzer module or in dBFA. In any event, the operating mode is as follows: 1. Template definition in WORD and definition of the location of each result within the document; 2. For each result to export, definition of display preferences; 3. Assignment of each piece of result data to a predefined location in the document and a display preference; 4. Automatic or manual start for document generation.

Settings defined in steps 1 to 3 can be saved for future use on other data.

10.1 DEFINING THE TEMPLATE TM

This action is carried out directly in WORD (Microsoft ). This module is compatible with the following versions of the word-processing software: WORD 97, WORD 2000 and WORD 2003.

Create a WORD file according to the required document template (header, logo, chapters, title, default test, etc.).

For each location selected to display results, insert a bookmark: 1. Place the cursor at the selected location of the document; 2. In the Insert menu, select Bookmark…; Select a name for the bookmark. This name will be later recalled to assign data to their locations.

Click on OK. Save the document. It will now be used as the template for the test report. Several templates can be created, in which case the appropriate template will be selected during the configuration of the current test.

A bookmark corresponds to the location of a family of graphs representing channels of the same data flow that are displayed using the same graphic preferences.

10.2 GENERATING REPORTS FROM THE ANALYZER MODULE The “Settings” dialogue box is accessed from the main toolbar of the module (button ).

Acquisition and processing operations should preferably have been properly and previously set up, in order to ensure access to the list of available data flows.

Click on the Reporting button to display the following dialogue box:

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1. In the Inputs tab, select the predefined and customised WORD template for the test report; 2. In the Inputs tab, select the graphic preference file. To customize these preferences, refer to § 11.4.

For both actions, selection fields are followed by buttons

(giving access to Windows Explorer for file

(giving a preview of the document or allow modification/creation of a new preference selection) and file). After both files have been selected, preferences and bookmarks zones are automatically filled in with the list of available graphic preferences and of available bookmarks.

The Sources zone lists data that can be exported to the report. To export data to the report: 3. Select the data flow and then the channel(s) to display at the same location in the template document; 4. Click on the Add row button in the Sources zone. A row is automatically added to the data/bookmarks/preferences table in the Data tab, including the selected data. Tip: to assign all channels of a flow to a single bookmark, directly double click on the flow.

5. Drag the associated bookmark from the Bookmarks zone to the bookmark field of the new table row; 6. Repeat this operation with the graphic preference to use; 7. Repeat steps 3 to 6 in order to assign associated data to each bookmark. A bookmark can be used for one piece of data only.

8. Select output options. These options are available from the Outputs tab: Persistence

If this option is active, the test report will be automatically saved on the disk.

Output path

Folder in which reports are saved if the persistence option is active.

Root Auto

Rootname for test report files.

Option allowing using the “information” field in the status bar of the module as the rootname.

In this case the Root field is disabled: <Root>_<YYYYMMJJ>_<hhmmss>.doc Option allowing for automatic printing of the test report. If the retrigger mode is active, all reports will be printed at the end of the Analyzer session.

Print

9. Start the analysis. After completion of the analysis, the report will be automatically generated.

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10.3 GENERATING REPORTS FROM DBFA. 1.

2.

3.

Select items to include in the test report; Right click on the mouse and select Test report in the context menu; The following dialogue box is displayed:

4.

Define the report settings as in dBRTA (refer to Paragraph 11.2);

5.

Click on the button

to generate the report.

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10.4 DEFINING DISPLAY PREFERENCES To access this menu, click on button following dialogue box is displayed:

to the right of the Preferences field in the Inputs tab. The

This window includes: • A menu, • Toolbars providing shortcuts to these menus, • A section listing preferences, • A section listing parameters associated with the selected preference, • A preview of the result.

10.4.1 FILE MENU

Menu New

Shortcut Ctrl + N

Icon

Function Create new preference file

Open

Ctrl + O

Open existing preference file

Save

Ctrl + S

Save current file

Save as …

Save as default preference …

F12

Save current file under a new name Save selected preference as default preference

10.4.2 EDIT MENU

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This menu is used to copy the selected preference along with all associated settings.

1. Select the preference, 2. Use the “CTRL + C” shortcut, 3. Then CTRL + V. A new preference (identical to the original preference) is added to the list.

10.4.3 PREFERENCE MENU

This menu is used to add or remove preferences. The toolbar provides direct access to the Add (a preference of the selected type) function.

Add a preference of the “Signal” type used for time signals, statistics vs. time and Leq history.

Add a preference of the “Sonogram” type for sonogram-type representations.

Add a preference of the “2D spectrum” type for 2D spectrum representations (Gxx, Gxy, H1, H2, 1/H1, 1/H2) and Leq representations Add a preference to the “Octave” type Add a preference of the “Table” type. This type can be used for spectra, statistics vs. time and Leq. Add a preference de type « Order vs. RPM » used to display in a 2D graph the evolution of one or several orders superimposed versus rpm.

Several preferences of the same type can be created within the same preference file using different display parameters (scales, colours, cursors, etc.).

Each preference is defined by a single name, which is used when associating data to represent.

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10.4.4 PARAMETERS X axis:

X-axis properties: • Show unit: Yes / No • Axis colour: if this field is selected, a list is displayed: select the colour. The RGB colour can also be directly typed in this field according to formalism: R ; G ; B (e.g., 255 ; 255 ; 255 for white) • Type of autoscale: Automatic or manual • XMax and Xmin: upper limit of the axis in manual scale • Type of scale: Lin, Log

Y axis:

Y-axis properties. Axes can be added or removed by clicking on button « … » to the right of the Y-axis field (if selected). In the parameter list, each axis corresponds to a row with label [i] where i is the axis subscript.

• • • • • •

Show unit: Yes / No Axis colour: if this field is selected, a list is displayed: select the colour. The RGB colour can also be directly typed in this field according to formalism: R ; G ; B (e.g., 255 ; 255 ; 255 for white) Type of autoscale: Automatic or manual XMax and Xmin: upper limit of the axis in manual scale Type of scale: Lin, Log Type of unit: RMS, PWR, PSD, ASD, ESD

Z axis:

Active for 3D representations: • Show unit: Yes / No • Axis colour: if this field is selected, a list is displayed: select the colour. The RGB colour can also be directly typed in this field according to formalism: R ; G ; B (e.g., 255 ; 255 ; 255 for white) • Type of autoscale: Automatic or manual • XMax and Xmin: upper limit of the axis in manual scale • Type of scale: Lin, Log • Type of unit: RMS, PWR, PSD, ASD, ESD.

Colours • • •

Grid colour Border colour Background colour

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A list is displayed when one of these fields is selected: select the colour among the list of available colours.

The RGB colour can also be directly typed in this field according to formalism: R; G; B (e.g., 255; 255; 255 for white).

• Palette: active in sonogram mode (Jet, Cool, Gray, Hot).

Dimension:

Properties defining the graph dimensions. If the bookmark in the document is an image and the Use template size field is set to True, the graph will have exactly the same size as the image.

Otherwise, dimensions (length and width) can be manually defined or fit to the page height/width.

Cursor:

This option is active for 2D spectra.

To display a cursor: 1.

Set property Show cursor to True.

2.

Define the position of the cursor (in Hz) or place the cursor graphically on the graph preview.

3.

Select the position of the information zone.

Misc.:

Properties defining whether the grid is displayed or not, or defining the character font.

Data:

Properties relative to the number of curves per graph, as well as to display parameters for each curve.

Each curve is defined by its label ([0], [1] …). These curves are superimposed. If the number of curves defined in the preference is smaller than the number of data to display, several graphs will be inserted into the document, one after the other, in order to display all data. Let us assume for example that 7 channels are associated with a preference yielding 4 superimposed curves. The final document will include 2 graphs, the first containing 4 curves and the second 3 curves.

• Show symbols: used to represent signal samples by symbols: cross, circle, triangle, etc.

• Curve colour • Colour of symbol filling • Symbol colour • Label of Y axis: if the graph has several axes, label of axis with which the curve is associated.

• Curve width: in pixels.

• Symbol filling: Yes / No • Symbol of curve colour: Yes / No • Symbol size: in pixels.

• Type of symbol: Circle, Rectangle, Triangle, Diamond, Cross, Line.

• Type of plot: active for Octaves. Available values in the list: Bar, Steps, Full steps, Line, Mountain, Full Mountain, Points.

For spectra:

•

Type of data: Modulus, Phase, Real, Imaginary

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11 POST-PROCESSING This module runs the dBFA software in post-processing mode. It allows processing of recorded signals after the acquisition and reading of real time analysis results. Please refer to “gb_dBFA32_manual.pdf”.

If dBFA post-processing is launched from the “post-processing” icon of the welcome window and if data acquisition is done with recorder, analyzer or transient/impact mode, the concerned campaign file is automatically opened in dBFA and refreshed if several measurements sessions are successively performed.

You can post-process and acquire data without closing dBFA.

12 DBRTA REMOTE CONTROL 12.1 PRINCIPLE dBRTA software can be controlled by another program.

The recorded items at the end of the analysis automatically exported in ASCII format to an external application connected to dBRTA software thanks to TCPIP protocol.

For this reason, it is not recommended in this current version to record signals items due to the large amount of bytes to transfer.

12.2 INITIALIZATION Launch the dBRTA software with the following parameter « --server » like shown in the shortcut window.

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It is necessary to specify a connection port with the TCP parameter in the dBRTA.ini file. The default port is 7888 ([dBRT] heading) as shown below in the “dBRTA.ini” file extract.

[dBRT] DeviceName=DeviceNetdB.dll DeviceMode=0 X=336 Y=25 ButtonFont=Arial NormalHeightFont=13 NormalHeightFontMnu2=12 UnderlineHeightFont=13 Debug=0 DebugLevel=9 PostProcessPath=..\dBFA\dBFA.exe BitmapFile= SplashScreenTimeout=2000 DataDirectory=C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\dBRTA\Data NbDummySensors=4 PortTCP=7888

12.3 STARTING THE REMOTE CONTROL First of all, it is necessary to start the analyzer mode with or without existing configuration. The remote control also works with the Transient/Impact Testing module. It is not recommended to use the recorder mode because it stores only signals data. dBRTA software is waiting for a connection on the specified port (see above).

If it is not possible due to a busy port address, an error message is displayed.

12.4 EXTERNAL PROGRAM CONNECTION A demonstration program named TCPIPClient.exe is available in the folder where the dBRTA software is installed.

Program example delivered with dBFA suite

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A very common socket connect(…) command (settings and form are different from one programming language to another) allows a link between the external program and dBRTA software on the listening port.

If the two applications programs are running on the same computer, specify “localhost” as target computer.

When the connection is asked, dBRTA: • Send 3 bytes : OKLF (LF = line feed, character is 10) • Remove menus and toolbar • Listen to commands

12.5 CLOSE CONNECTION A closesocket(…) command or equivalent one allows dBRTA : • To return to a normal interactive mode • To wait for another connection on its port

12.6 COMMANDS : All commands and answers are in ASCII format followed by LF (Line Feed) LF receipt leads dBRTA to recognize the sent command If the command is accepted, dBRTA runs the requested task and send OKLF. If not, dBRTA sends ERRORLF TCPIPClient gives the command list: ACQ_START, ACQ_STOP, ANA_START, ANA_STOP are equivalent to the Toolbar commands If the requested status is already active, dBRTA answers ALREADYLF If the requested status doesn’t allow it, dBRTA sends the current status.

STATUS command sends 4 possible statuses: ACQ_STOP, ACQ_START, ANA_START; ANA_STOP OPENFILE file name opens one configuration file. The file name is seen from dBRTA.

12.7 DATA RECEIPT Data correspond to exported items relative to the campaign specified in the configuration.

Data are in ASCII format with LF end Data unit is, when possible, dB (accuracy: 1/10 dB) The format is variableTABvalue where TAB is the 9 character.

According to the context, several values are possible on the same line. They are also separated by TAB. The receipt is terminated by END_LIST

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12.8 EXCEL EXAMPLES The dBFA suite installation program copies « dBRTAWinsock.xls » file in the « C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\dBRTA » directory and records MSWINSCK.OCX file as an ActiveX in charge of TCPIP protocol with EXCEL (or another language).

When opening « dBRTAWinsock.xls » Excel file, the following screen is opened :

According to the Excel security level, Excel may mention that ActiveX control is potentially dangerous. Click on “Yes” to initialise the Excel spreadsheet.

Launch dBRTA with an existing or new analyzer configuration with no active signal recording. Click on « Connection » to take control on dBRTA. « Close » stops the connection with dBRTA « Status » gives the analyzer status. « Open File » load a analyzer configuration. « Start activate » and « Stop activate » activates or not the analysis. « Start Analysis » and « Stop analysis » starts and stops the analysis.

At the end of the analysis, calculated data are sent to an Excel file (one sheet per item).

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13 DBRTA LAUNCHING FROM A DOS COMMAND It is possible to start dBRTA software from DOS command from any external program: Association of an extension file (ana ou rec – analyzer or recorder) with dbrta.exe executable program is not sufficient.

Example for analyzer mode: C:\Program Files\01dB-metravib\dBFA Suite 4.8\dBRTA>dbrta --module=3 -param=c:\soundcard_demo.ana --autoexit « Module » parameter launches recorder when it is equal to 2 (module=2), analyzer when it is 3 (module=3) and Impact Testing with 4 (module=4).

The « param » parameter is followed by the configuration file name. the “space” character must be avoided in the file path and file name.

The « autoexit » parameter quits dBRTA software automatically when exiting configuration with CTRL+Q or File/Exit (It is equivalent to a click on the Exit button of the main welcome dBRTA window). If this parameter is not in the DOS command, it is necessary to quit the software manually.

Example for the recorder mode : C:\Program Files\01dB-metravib\dBFA Suite 4.8\dBRTA>dbrta -module=2 --param=c:\Sample_Recorder_1.rec –autoexit

14 QUIT THE SOFTWARE Click on the “Exit” button.

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15 COMMENTS ON DBRTA.INI FILE dBRTA.ini file is located in the folder “C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\dBRTA”. It consists of parameters that could be modified in order to optimize dBRTA software use. Only some interesting parameters are described. [dBRT] (Dll file name concerning current DAQ front-end) DeviceName=DeviceOrchestra_.dll (Welcome screen - X Position in pixels unit) X=383 (Welcome screen - Y Position in pixels unit) Y=2 (Welcome screen - Icons font) ButtonFont=Arial (Welcome screen - Icon menu Font size) NormalHeightFont=13 (dBFA post-processing path PostProcessPath=..\dBFA\dBFA.exe (time duration of image display when launching dBFA suite) SplashScreenTimeout=2000 (Current data file path) DataDirectory=D:\My documents\Mesures\dbfa32 (Number of active channels for the default configuration – NbDummySensors=4 PortTCP=7888 [ANALYZER] X=9 Y=-11 Width=1024 Height=779 WinState=1 [ANALYZER - Param] X=47 Y=-2 Width=1174 Height=782 WinState=3 [RECORDER] X=20 Y=20 Width=1059 Height=653 WinState=1 [RECORDER - Param] X=20 Y=20 Width=1237 Height=550 WinState=1 [TRANSIENT] X=1 Y=-2 Width=1092 Height=648 WinState=1 [TRANSIENT - Param] X=20 Y=20 Width=1043 Height=550 WinState=1

“Analyzer” and “recorder” modes) (TCP port adress for dBRTA server mode) (Size and position parameters of the « Analyzer » mode window.)

(Size and position parameters of the « Analyzer » mode settings window.)

(Size and position parameters of the « Recorder » mode window.)

(Size and position parameters of the « Recorder » mode settings window.)

(Size and position parameters of the « Transient/Impact Testing » mode window.)

(Size and position parameters of the « Transient/Impact Testing » mode settings window.)

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[RT - GUI] NbCursorHarmonique=10 [GROUPE_TACHY] X=893 Y=96 Width=288 Height=180 WinState=1 [DATABASE] X=-1 Y=-1 Width=965 Height=782 WinState=1 [Export] LabelFreqNum=0

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(Number of harmonic cursors in the « Analyzer » mode) (Size and position parameters of the tachy window of the « Recorder » mode.)

(Size and position parameters of the « Sensors/calibrators » database window.)

(In server mode (see §12), If LabelFreqNum=1, 1/n octave spectra is exported with digital format frequency values. If 0, frequency values are text formatted (example : « 50 Hz »))

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16 APPENDIX: LIMITS TO THE CURRENT VERSION 16.1 MINIMUM PC RECOMMENDATIONS : • • • • • •

Laptop or Desktop PC Intel® Pentium IV 1.8 GHz (Recommended 2.4GHz or more or new Centrino™ for Notebook) 256 Mo RAM (Recommended 512 MB or More) Video Card with 32 MB RAM (Recommended 64 MB or more) Hard Disk 30GB ATA/66, ATA/100 or ATA/133 (NoteBook:5400 rpm; Desktop: 7200 rpm) Screen 15”

OS: Windows 2000 (SP 4) or XP (SP 1 or SP2) or Vista Pro.

16.2 USE OF DBRTA IN « GUEST » MODE After an installation procedure generally done under the Administrator mode, it is recommended to give writing rights to dBFA suite software users, especially to “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\dBRTA” and “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\dBFA” folders.

It is recommended to place your user name in a Group and to modify WRITE permission for this Group. To make these folders accessible, after having selected them with windows explorer, right click on Properties, tab Security. Select Group name to modify then tick WRITE case.

The users must also have WRITE permission on folders containing data (campaigns). If it is not the case, dBRTA and dBFA software can’t modify the files. dBRTA doesn’t run if it has no writing rights on the storage file.

Important Notice: - A user who creates a file has all permissions on it, - Group of users has automatically writing permission on all files created by a member of this group.

- To test a program under another session name different from the current one, right click then select « Execute as »

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16.3 LIMITS TO THE CURRENT VERSION : Concerning the data storage duration: Each signal item stored in a measurement session must not exceed 500 MB per channel. The following table shows the rough maximum duration of recording according to the sampling rate and the quantization.

Sampling rate

16-bit record

24-bit record

51200 Hz 25600 Hz 1600 Hz

85 minutes 170 minutes 45 hours

42 minutes 85 minutes 22 hours

The recording will stop properly when at least one item reaches 500MB size. Beyond this size, it is recommended to create another measurement campaign. A duration trigger set in stop conditions with a limited number of recording loop or continuous loop, allows successive recordings fulfilling 500MB per channel rule (See trigger chapter) Signals and calculations results are recorded in separated files (BID extension) which are related to the campaign name. These BID files correspond to campaign items. There are limited to 500MB size. dBFA post-processing open the campaign and gives two storage possibilities, either separated items files or all items in the campaign file. In the case, the campaign file size must not exceed 800MB. 1.

Concerning ORCHESTRA : ¾ The option MIC/EAR of EX-IF10D interface is not controlled from dBRTA; ¾ Differential input modes are not taken into account on EX-MI10D (IEPE/Direct) modules; ¾ No setting of weighting filters is possible when using EX-MI10D (IEPE/Direct) modules; ¾ The interface trigger input is not used

2.

Concerning MELODIE : ¾ Multi-frequency mode is not available. ¾ Sampling frequency is limited to 51.2 kHz. ¾ GX-PA and GX-MC modules are implemented.

3.

Concerning NetdB12 : ¾ Multifrequency mode is not available ¾ The external trigger input is not available yet. ¾ The generator is limited to white noise. The white noise is available on 6 different NetdB12 outputs:

1= 2= 3= 4= 5= 6=

¾

out1 out2 phone left phone right spdif left spdif right

Special tacho inputs on channels 11 and 12 are not active yet

End of the document

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