PC-based vibration control system

Citation

(1999), "PC-based vibration control system", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 71 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.1999.12771eab.007

PC-based vibration control system

PC-based vibration control system

Keywords: Software, Vibration, Spectral Dynamics

Spectral Dynamics (SD) have announced a new PC-based vibration control system called PUMA. The system is reported to break new ground in two ways. As an affordable PC-based platform it incorporates the patented test algorithms and high-end analog circuitry designs used in SD's UNIX-based, workstation-class controllers. PUMA is also built around the CATS (computer aided test suite) architecture that offers novel capabilities for running tests "live" on the Internet.

It is a modular, scalable system designed for real-time processing and control applications. A fully configured unit offers 16 channels of 20kHz input. Each channel uses multiple 60MHz, 32-bit floating-point DSPs for high-speed parallel processing with reportedly increased test accuracy. Each input channel also has a dedicated analogue filter for full alias protection. This high-performance hardware results in 90dB dynamic range over the entire control loop.

The software for PUMA claims two sets of advantages. First, the system inherits the functionality of the UNIX-class applications, which SD has refined through nine generations of vibration controllers. It combines this functionality with the familiarity and broad-based software compatibility of the Windows OS. The Pentium-based PUMA claims to be a complete solution for environmental test with comprehensive capabilities for random, sine, resonance dwell, classical shock and shock response spectrum (SRS) testing. In terms of graphic displays, user customisation, multi-tasking, test set-up and automation.

It is the first in the series of data analysis systems which SD plans to build around its CATS architecture. Based on industry standards such as Windows and object linking and embedding (OLE) technology, CATS resolves the interface, communication and connectivity issues involved in putting a structural or acoustic test online. Authorised users of CATS need only a modem, a networked computer, or an Internet connection to participate virtually in a test as PUMA conducts it. It makes the unedited data stream and test conditions available so that each authorised user can examine, process, store and report data as they think fit.

"Our customers have been asking for a vibration control system that really helps them reduce the length of product development cycles while maintaining, or enhancing quality", says Todd Davis, director of sales and marketing at Spectral Dynamics. "PUMA meets their needs because it not only acquires and processes data as efficiently as any high-end control system, it also offers capabilities for communication, data sharing and concurrent engineering. For the first time, all the departments involved in the development of a new product can share all relevant test data in real time, without the cost or complexity of dedicated networks."

We are informed that it comes as a fully integrated system ready to run tests right out of the box. It is reported to meet all requirements for random sine and shock testing up to 10kHz. The base system comes with four input channels, one output channel and a Pentium CPU. PUMA systems are available now. Pricing varies according to configuration.

Further details are available from Spectral Dynamics, Inc. Tel: +1 408 474-1719; E-mail: bummelu@sd-star.com