New DAQFlex temperature device

6th January 2010

ES Admin

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Measurement Computing Corporation today added a new thermocouple device to its line of OS-independent DAQFlex products designed for OEM applications.

The USB-2001-TC is a single-channel, 20-bit, thermocouple data acquisition device for measuring temperatures over the ranges defined by NIST J, K, R, S, T, N, E, and B thermocouple types. It has a 250 ms conversion time, and features integrated cold junction compensation. Under the new DAQFlex framework, the USB-2001-TC is supported under both Windows® and Linux® operating systems, and provides open thermocouple detection.

The USB-2001-TC unit itself is a compact 0.8 high by 1.5 wide by 2.5 inches long, with a captive 2 meter-long USB cable attached to one end, and a socket on the other end for receiving industry-standard thermocouple miniplugs. The USB-2001-TC gets power from the host PC via the USB cable, and requires no external supply.

DAQFlex products use a new OS-independent protocol that allows DAQ devices to be programmed with simple text-based messages. It combines small form-factor, bus-powered USB hardware, and a light and agile software framework that can be ported to multiple operating systems. The USB-2001-TC provides an ideal solution for embedded applications that require reliable temperature measurements at an affordable price point.

The DAQFlex protocol greatly simplifies driver and application development, because all DAQ operations are programmed through a common command interface comprising a consistent, extensible firmware interface and an open-source, cross-platform API.

Firmware parses text-based messages transmitted through a device driver, and converts these messages into DAQ-specific commands that control the device. This concise and well-documented interface allows driver development for multiple operating systems, and also supports OS-independent embedded systems that need to communicate only over a USB root port.

The USB-2001-TC is third in an expanding line of products designed specifically for the DAQFlex protocol. It sells for $99, and includes a CD containing example programs and installation software for both Windows and Linux operating systems. Compatible thermocouples are available starting at $29.