VTI Instruments EX1401, User Manual

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EX1401 Introduction 13
S
ECTION
1
I
NTRODUCTION
O
VERVIEW
The EX1401 provides a total of 16 isolated channels for precision voltage and temperature
measurement. Its combination of measurement performance and integrity, configuration flexibility,
package density, and network connectivity make it the most powerful, yet easy-to-use, instrument
of its kind. The EX1401 is a complete, self-contained temperature measurement system that
communicates over Ethernet and can be optionally powered over the same Ethernet cable. Unlike
other data acquisition offerings in its class, the EX1401 offers a tightly integrated solution that frees
the user from the complexity of marrying terminal blocks, signal conditioning cards, digitizer, power
supply, and chassis together.
The EX1401 also provides a level of measurement integrity and channel independence that far
exceeds the typical data acquisition system. Absent are caveats about scanning speed, channel order,
and overload effects. In the EX1401, channels have no influence on each other, regardless of
scanning speed or channel state. Excellent common mode rejection performance provides immunity
from not only power line interference, but also high frequency noise. Moreover, it aids in
maintaining overall system integrity by offering a high-performance open transducer detection
system. The EX1401 provides isolation from earth and channel to channel. This provides worry free
measurements in high voltage environments like automotive and battery test.
The EX1401 provides a high level of configuration flexibility as well. Each channel can be
configured independently with regards to measurement function, filter setting, and limit values. In
addition to measuring all standard thermocouples, the EX1401 can be programmed with user-
defined thermocouple polynomial equations or be used as a low-noise voltmeter. Scanning speed is
programmable up to a maximum of 20 kSa/s (kilosamples per second), independent of the number
of channels being scanned. This combination of filtering and scanning speed provides the EX1401
with the low noise performance required for sensitive applications as well as the speed necessary to
measure fast, fine-gauge thermocouples.
For highest accuracy and stability, the EX1401 provides a precision analog temperature sensor, per
channel, to measure the cold-junction of the mini TC connector. The accuracy of this reference
junction temperature sensor is typically within +/- 0.05°C (20°C to 30°C operating temp.)
Thermocouple accuracy is detailed in the specifications.
The EX1401 is as easy-to-use as it is powerful. An integrated web page provides a convenient way
to instantly verify communications and instrument functionality, while industry standard IVI drivers
provide a familiar application programming interface to reduce integration and program
development time.
F
EATURES
Combined Thermocouple and Analog Inputs
Easily combine thermocouple and analog signals on these versatile instruments with sampling rates
up to 20 kSa/s per channel. Each input incorporates an independent signal conditioning path with