External influences such as common mode noise or ground loops can create substantial problems for measurement systems. In most standard measurement instruments, the inputs are referenced to one common ground potential, making it very difficult to meet higher demands on accuracy. The ISO-Channel technology developed by Data Translation, which is also included in the new DT8875 and DT8876 systems, protects the measurement signals from noise and transients. Each input channel is galvanically isolated from the other channels. This ensures complete channel-to-channel isolation of up to 7000 V in the DT8876 model.
The new measurement instruments can be provided with different 4-channel or
8-channel analog input modules to allow flexible configuration. The choice includes boards for direct connection of B, E, J, K, N, R, S and T thermocouples with a resolution of up to 0.0004 °C and boards for RTD connection (2-wire, 3-wire or
4-wire Pt100, Pt500, Pt1000). Modules for measuring voltages of up to ±400 V are also available. Each measurement channel is provided with a 24-bit Delta Sigma A/D converter and supports simultaneous sampling rates of up to 10 Hz. Independently of the selected measurement modules, the systems both feature eight opto-isolated digital inputs and eight opto-isolated digital outputs to drive relays directly, for example. The Ethernet interface and the integrated web server allow easy remote operation of the instruments.
The new models come with an easy-to-use data logger software customized for use with the instruments. The scope of supply also includes 32-bit and 64-bit drivers for Windows 7, Vista or XP, software interfaces for LabVIEW and MATLAB, IVI-COM drivers, and sample programs with source code in .NET, Visual Basic, Visual C#, Visual C++ or Visual J#. SCPI communication support allows use under Linux and connection to PLC systems.
