Using ICP 260A02 Triaxial Force Sensors with USB 9234

[gnaik]

Hi,

    I have a PCB make 260A02 Triaxial force sensor which requires a separate signal conditioning unit before its output can be analyzed in LABVIEW using the DAQ unit USB-6008. 

I also have a NI USB 9234 unit. Can I attach the tri-axial sensor output directly to the 9234 unit for data acquisition (bypassing the signal conditioning unit). My concerns are 

1. The 26A02 sensor requires a 24 V , 2mA constant current exitation. The 9234 unit provides the 2mA current excitation at 5 V. Will the sensor still work ? 

2. Is it possible to provide a separate 24 stabilized power supply across the output terminals and make it work ?

Kindly advice about the feasibility of this implementation. 

[Henrik_Volkers]

You should be able to use the sensor with the 9234.  (The max exitation voltage is per 9234 spec 19V  and the PCBsensorSpec claims 20V , however it should run.)

For the 6008: you will need a current limiter for each channel (BF245 FET with 500Ohm for 2mA)   and a coupling capacitor (470nF to 2µF) for each input to cut off the 8-12V bias. Since the 6008 has a quite low input impedance (140k???) you might get into trouble with lower freq. signals

Message Edited by Henrik Volkers on 06-01-2010 11:39 AM

[Kurt_Veggeberg]

PCB 260A02 Triaxial force sensor should work well with the USB-9234 or USB-4431 connected directly.    The PCB sensor requires 2 mA of excitation current which it provides when you enable ICP.