HBM optical strain gauge interrogator adds ease and flexibility to measurement tasks

The QuantumX MXFS BraggMETER optical interrogator by HBM

Durham Instruments is the premier Canadian source of HBM Test and Measurement products. One of the more recent is the QuantumX MXFS BraggMETER optical strain gauge interrogator. With this device, users get all the optical advantages of the filter-based BraggMETER technology, making optical measurement more flexible, more competitive, and easier.

With high strain, high fatigue resistance, and reliable long-distance measurement, the MXFS BraggMETER handles a large sensing network composed by various sensors.

Lower overall ownership costs

This device is suitable for many applications, like civil engineering, automotive tasks, wind power, and rail transportation, and Durham Instruments recommends it for use in automation, mining, and the military too. The MXFS BraggMETER allows users to connect up to 16 Fibre Bragg Grating sensors in series to each of the eight optical connectors, with parallel acquisition. The fibre-optic sensing device offers 128 channels per module with simultaneous acquisition, enabling lower overall ownership costs as well as lower cost per measuring point.

This optical strain gauge interrogator enables selection from two operating modes: normal speed, with an acquisition rate of 100S per second, ideal for monitoring projects or thermal testing of components; or high speed, with a 2,000S-per-second acquisition rate, recommended for dynamic monitoring or experimental stress analysis. A key benefit is high precision, with constant calibration to ensure system accuracy over long-term operation, a wavelength range of 100 nanometres, smart peak detection, measurement stability of 5pm, and measurement resolution under 2pm. FBG technology provides low losses, immunity to EMI and RF, and multiplexing capabilities.

The BraggMETER also allows integration of a large amount of exact, stable optical fibre measurements. The FBG sensors are simple to install, electromagnetically safe, and usable in explosive locations. Strain, temperature, acceleration, load, and tilt can be measured; this boosts the possible range of measurement tasks and their accuracy.

The MXFS optimally suits more challenging applications and work conditions in terms of functionality, size, and weight. Major advantages include resistance and stability, with long-distance measurement, low noise, signal stability, low risk of long-term measurement failure, fitness for environments with humidity or extreme temperatures, and no zero drift.

To learn more, contact Durham Instruments.

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