Metek EX1200A SERIES, User Manual

Page: 12 / 163

VTI Instruments Corp.
12 EX1200A Series Introduction
More than Switch and Measure
EX1200As include a wide range of modules that can be used to create a stimulus/response test
subsystem. Analog output modules can be used as part of the test sequence to generate waveforms
or set control levels and can be synchronized with measurement inputs. Digital I/O modules are
also available and can be used to control external devices such as relay coils, or as bus emulation
with pattern generation capability of up to 10 MHz. Inputs can be constantly monitored,
independent of the scanlist with an event detector in order to detect fault conditions that must be
immediately serviced by the test system.
Fast Throughput
The full-featured scanlist and tight synchronization with the internal DMM minimizes processor
overhead and reduces the overall test execution time. Channel lists can be stepped through in
sequence and synchronized with DMM measurements. No processor intervention is required, thus
the overall time to complete test can be limited to integration/settling time of DMM and settling
time of relays.
Low Cost of Ownership
EX1200As can be used to mix thermocouple, RTD, thermistor, and voltage channels in a single
mainframe to offer maximum flexibility for multiple applications and seamless network
integration with other instruments. This scalable architecture in a small footprint optimizes the
cost/channel across a wide range of channel counts. The Ethernet-based communication interface
is based on an industry standard that is built to stand the test of time and eliminates concerns
related to interface obsolescence and support cost commonly found on PC-based architectures.
Since EX1200As interface over a standard LAN connection, it is not affected by computer bus
obsolescence.
Maintenance Friendly
The EX1200A systems interface with the host computer using low-cost, readily available, and
lightweight Ethernet cabling. In addition, the switch modules are pluggable from the front,
resulting in very low MTTR, simplified wiring to termination panels, and a reduction in sparing
costs. The onboard relay monitor tracks relay actuations and stores the data in memory simplifying
predictive maintenance. Embedded monitor and control panels provide immediate access to
instrument functions and require no third party software beyond standard web tools creating a
framework for simplified front-line maintenance.
“Best-in-Class” Software
VTI delivers a variety of software utilities and options that are designed to accelerate the time it
takes to begin using an EX1200A. It is delivered with an embedded web interface that provides
virtual control of all functions in the module without the need for any third party software aside
from a standard web browser and Java Runtime Environment™ (JRE). These graphical front
panels have been designed to closely emulate actual front panel controls to optimize ease of use.
The functionality has been implemented such that most operations can be accessed through a very
clean main panel with no function panel being more than one layer deep.
More than an Embedded Control Panel
Each switch and instrument has its own embedded web interface that can be used to directly
monitor and control operation of the device. In addition, a powerful soft front panel dedicated to
scanning measurement operations is provided. Operators can quickly setup a list of channels to be
measured at programmable intervals with desired functions per channel (e.g. dc voltage,
temperature, resistance, etc.) as well as the state of discrete switches and analog and digital output
channels at the beginning of each scan step. This robust utility provides a very quick and easy
mechanism for defining test sequences where stimulus and switch settings need to be modified
during the test and input channels can be measured to verify how they respond to these changes.