HBM’s QuantumX MXFS BraggMETER offers reliable measurement over long distances

The HBM QuantumX MXFS BraggMETER optical strain gauge interrogator

Durham Instruments carries many products by HBM Test and Measurement; among the more recent additions to this family is the QuantumX MXFS BraggMETER optical strain gauge interrogator. This device gives users all the optical benefits of the filter-based BraggMETER technology, for easier, more flexible, and more competitive optical measurement. The unit handles a large sensing network composed by various sensors, with high strain, high fatigue resistance, and dependable long-distance measurement.

High range of applications

The MXFS BraggMETER is ideal for tasks like civil engineering, automotive applications, wind power, and rail transportation. Durham Instruments deems it suitable for automation, mining, and the military too. This device allows workers 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 provides 128 channels per module with simultaneous acquisition, which enables lower overall ownership costs and lower cost per measuring point.

This optical strain gauge interrogator allows selection from two operating modes: normal speed, with an acquisition rate of 100S per second, perfect 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 major advantage of the MXFS BraggMETER 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 offers low losses, immunity to EMI and RF, and multiplexing capabilities.

The BraggMETER also enables integration of a large amount of exact, stable optical fibre measurements. The FBG sensors are easy to install, electromagnetically safe, and usable in explosive locations. Strain, temperature, acceleration, load, and tilt can be measured. This increases the possible range of measurement applications and their accuracy.

This device optimally suits more challenging tasks and conditions in terms of function, size, and weight. Benefits 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.

• Tweet