Which PCI to use for TBX-68?

[cfm]

Hello,

I am a student doing a project on the forces exerted on collagen gels by cells and I have pretty much no background in electronics or computers but I have been given the task of recreating a set up that measures small forces with parts from a disused machine. Some background to my project:

To measure the mechanical forces exerted by different cells in collagen gels. The gel is connected to a fixed point at one end and a force transducer at the other so that the force generated by the cells displaces it towards the gel. The forces are in the range of 10^-5 Newtons and the signal goes ito an amplifier whch feed into a voltmeter to give readings between 0 and 100 V. The volmeter is connected to the TBX 68 via 2 connections. In the previous system they were using LabView and I intend to do the same once I can connect the TBX 68 to a computer. Other than that I have one female to female 69 pin cable and my computer does not have a DAQ card. I know that I need a PCI card and have been suggested the PCI 6024E but I wondered if there is either a cheaper DAQ card that would be suitable or if there is another way of doing this that might work out any cheaper?

thanks,

Jamie

[Brooks_C]

Hello Jaime,

None of our multi-function data acquisition (DAQ) boards can read in 100V.  In general the input range is +/- 10V, with some exceptions that have a smaller range.  If you have to read a 100V signal you'll need to get a DMM--but that would be more expensive than a DAQ card.  Since you're using an amplifier already I'd assume you have the ability to change this output range to fit the +/- 10V range that is typically available.

The PCI-6024E is a legacy E Series device and the predecessor of the M Series of devices.  In general the M Series devices and cheaper and offer higher resolution and sampling speeds than the E Series devices they replaced.  You can Find the Right Data Acquisition Device here.

Many times force sensors are bridge-based sensors so if this is what you'll be using I would start by select bridge based sensors under Measurement Types.  If you just need a voltage measurement then you can start by choosing voltage and narrow down the results from there.

I hope this helps get you started and if you need more help choosing the correct product for your application feel free to contact National Instruments directly using the contact information available at www.ni.com/contact.

Have a great day!