MicroStrain SG-Link User Manual

Wireless strain node

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User Manual
Version 1.0.3
®
SG-Link
OEM
Wireless Strain Node
Micro Sensors, Big Ideas®
www.microstrain.com

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Summary of Contents for MicroStrain SG-Link

  • Page 1 User Manual Version 1.0.3 ® SG-Link Wireless Strain Node Micro Sensors, Big Ideas® www.microstrain.com...
  • Page 2 Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of MicroStrain, Inc. While MicroStrain, Inc. makes every effort as to the accurateness of this document, it assumes no responsibility for errors or...
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    MicroStrain, Inc. Table of Contents WELCOME ..............................5 SUPPORTED FIRMWARE AND SOFTWARE VERSIONS . ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. GUIDE TO RELEVANT DOCUMENTS ........ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. OVERVIEW ..............................6 INSTALLATION ............................7 STARTER KITS, MODULES AND OPTIONS ......ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
  • Page 4 MicroStrain, Inc. GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS ....................... 35 MECHANICAL DRAWING ........................37 ELECTRICAL BLOCK DIAGRAM ....................... 38 SOFTWARE ............................... 39 ..........................39 TANDARD FFERING .......................... 39 YSTEM EQUIREMENTS ........................39 OFTWARE NSTALLATION ....................... 39 OMMUNICATIONS ROTOCOL FCC (UNITED STATES) CERTIFICATION ..................41 ........................
  • Page 5: Welcome

    MicroStrain is based in Williston, Vermont and is a privately held corporation. Founded in 1987, our early development focused on producing micro-displacement sensors for strain measurement in biomechanics research applications. Our first sensors were designed for arthroscopic implantation on human knee ligaments;...
  • Page 6: Overview

    SG-Link® OEM also has an on-board temperature sensor. The SG-Link® OEM employs a 12 bit A/D converter to digitize the voltage on the differential input, single ended input and temperature channels. The digital data is passed to the on-board microprocessor, processed with the embedded algorithm, and in turn either passed to its radio for immediate transmission or saved to the 2MB on-board flash memory for later download.
  • Page 7: Installation

    MicroStrain, Inc. Common Terms These terms are in common use throughout the manual: • Address: Each node has a unique address from 1 to 65534 which identifies the node to the base station and software. • Base Station: The transceiver base station attaches to your host computer and provides communication between the software and the node(s).
  • Page 8 (continue until the power is cycled on the node). • Node: The node is the wireless transceiver that carries the sensors and provides communication with the base station. The G-Link®, V-Link®, SG-Link® and TC-Link® are all nodes.
  • Page 9: Operation

    The data will be written to the memory on-board the SG-Link® OEM during the session. In continuous datalogging, the one session will last until the memory is full. Multiple finite datalogging sessions may be conducted with the SG-Link®...
  • Page 10 In continuous low duty cycle, the low duty cycle session will last until the host software stops the session or the power is cycled on the SG-Link® OEM. The data is transmitted over the air to the base station during low duty cycle; no data is written to the on-board memory during the session.
  • Page 11: Base Stations

    8 channels of data from a single node. However, it may be configured to support up to 8 nodes, that is to say, it may be configured to handle one channel of data from up to 8 individual SG-Link® OEM s. Please refer to the...
  • Page 12 When the SG-Link® OEM is not sampling, it can be in one of two states: Sleep or idle. In Sleep mode, the SG-Link® OEM, on a settable interval (by default 5 seconds), momentarily awakens and listens for any commands.
  • Page 13: Differential Input Channel

    Appendix 6 of this manual. The SG-Link® OEM powers the differential input channel with +3 volts DC at up to 50 mA for bridge excitation. A special feature of the excitation is that it will revert to a ‘pulsed’...
  • Page 14 120 ohm gauges is such that temperature is a critical factor in their performance and the user should be aware of the effects of temperature on the measurements derived. Finally, the science and use of strain gauges is a large subject. MicroStrain sales and support are always available to discuss your particular requirements.
  • Page 15: Connecting A Quarter Bridge Strain Gauge

    MicroStrain, Inc. Connecting a quarter bridge strain gauge This example assumes the SG-Link® OEM is configured with the optional internal quarter bridge completion resistors. If not, the completion of the bridge (shown as internal circuitry) must be completed externally. The three wire arrangement is recommended in order to cancel thermal effects of the lead wire resistance (RL).
  • Page 16: Connecting A Half Bridge Strain Gauge

    MicroStrain, Inc. Connecting a half bridge strain gauge This example assumes the SG-Link® OEM is configured with the optional internal half bridge completion resistors. If not, the completion of the bridge (shown as internal circuitry) must be completed externally. It is strongly recommended that shielded wiring be used, as this can significantly reduce system noise.
  • Page 17: Connecting A Full Bridge Strain Gauge

    MicroStrain, Inc. Connecting a full bridge strain gauge This example assumes the SG-Link® OEM is configured with the optional internal full bridge completion. In this arrangement, the user is responsible for all bridge completion. It is strongly recommended that shielded wiring be used, as this can significantly reduce system noise.
  • Page 18: Programmable Gain

    MicroStrain, Inc. Programmable Gain As indicated in the Differential Input Channel section, the SG-Link® OEM has a user- programmable gain that allows the bridge circuit to be amplified to suit the characteristics of the particular strain gauge in use; this programmable gain can be set from 20 to 2560.
  • Page 19: Single Ended Input Channel

    The SG-Link® OEM can provide +3 volts DC up to 50 mA to the sensor. Alternatively, the sensor can be powered with +3 volts by any external constant source. In this case, the current draw of the sensor will not compromise the SG-Link®...
  • Page 20 0-3 volt photocell to test the single ended input channel. Each starter kit is shipped with a Tester Board and a detailed Tester Board Quick Start Guide. Users are always welcome to contact MicroStrain sales or support to discuss specific sensor applications in more detail.
  • Page 21: Temperature Sensor

    MicroStrain, Inc. Temperature Sensor General Information • The SG-Link® OEM has an on-board, solid state temperature sensor mounted on the surface of the circuit board. • Specifications for this National Semiconductor Model LM60 sensor may be found http://www.national.com/mpf/LM/LM60.html • The temperature sensor output is presented on channel 3 of the SG-Link®.
  • Page 22: Terminal Strip

    MicroStrain, Inc. Terminal Strip The SG-Link® OEM has an 8-pin wiring terminal strip incorporated on one edge of the circuit board. This terminal strip accommodates the differential input channel sensor connection, the single ended connection, and a power connection. Figure 5...
  • Page 23: Device Status Led

    MicroStrain, Inc. Device Status LED The SG-Link® OEM has an LED indicator near the edge of the front face at DS1. The LED signals the various operating states of the SG-Link® OEM to the user. Figure 6 When the SG-Link® OEM is switched on, the...
  • Page 24: Radio And Antenna

    Specifications may be found at: http://www.fractus.com/sales_documents/FR05-S1-N-0-104/DS_FR05-S1-N-0-104.pdf The stated range for the SG-Link® OEM is up to 70 meters line-of-sight from its base station. An optional high gain antenna may be added to the base station and/or node to...
  • Page 25: Node Addressing

    MicroStrain, Inc. Node Addressing Each node has a unique address from 1 to 65534 which identifies the node to the base station and software. Typically, the factory assigns the last 4 digits of the node’s serial number as the address, and changes to this address are not recommended except under special circumstances.
  • Page 26: Sample Duration Calculations

    MicroStrain, Inc. Sample Duration Calculations Datalogging, streaming, low duty cycle and high speed streaming sampling sessions can all be set to last a finite duration, a finite amount of time. Finite sample duration is a value ranging from 100 to 65500, in increments of 100.
  • Page 27: Time Stamping

    MicroStrain, Inc. Time Stamping The SG-Link® OEM node and Agile-Link™ software handle time stamping of datalogging, streaming, low duty cycle and high speed streaming data in different ways. The table below describes the various methods: Sampling Time Stamp Source Clock Type...
  • Page 28: Power

    The SG-Link® OEM has no power on/off switch. Power-up-and-down must be controlled externally. Re-chargeable or non-rechargeable batteries may be used. The SG-Link® OEM starter kit is shipped with a 9 volt battery connector and attached 8” 2-lead pigtail to facilitate battery connection to the Terminal Strip (see Terminal Strip section).
  • Page 29: Standard Packaging

    MicroStrain, Inc. Standard Packaging The SG-Link® OEM is offered as an unenclosed circuit board as standard packaging. Please see the Mechanical Drawings section of this manual for dimensions. Figure 7-Front Figure 7-Back Figure 7-Ortho...
  • Page 30: Operating Temperature

    MicroStrain, Inc. Operating Temperature The SG-Link® OEM electronics will operate between -40° C and +85° C. Extended temperature ranges can be achieved with custom enclosures and suitable power supplies. Please contact a MicroStrain Sales Engineer with your requirements.
  • Page 31: Sampling Rates

    MicroStrain, Inc. Sampling Rates As described in more detail elsewhere in this manual, the SG-Link® OEM has four sampling modes, being 1) Datalogging, 2) Streaming, 3) Low Duty Cycle and 4) High Speed Streaming. Each of these modes supports a unique set of sampling rates. In Datalogging and Low Duty Cycle modes, you may choose the sampling rate for the session.
  • Page 32: High Speed Streaming

    MicroStrain, Inc. • 1 sample every 30 seconds for each active channel • 1 sample every 60 seconds for each active channel • 1 sample every 2 minutes for each active channel • 1 sample every 5 minutes for each active channel •...
  • Page 33: Datalogging Memory

    • Let’s look at some sample datalogging sessions and see how they consume memory. Example 1 • We set the SG-Link® OEM with channels 1, 2 and 3 active, with a sampling rate of 2,048 samples per channel per second and a sweep rate of 20,000 (9.77 seconds).
  • Page 34: Factory Calibration And Testing

    Testing The SG-Link® OEM receives a final precision test prior to being shipped. The test is conducted on both the differential input channel (strain channel) and the single ended input channel (analog channel). The SG-Link® Tester Board, a precision instrument designed and manufactured by MicroStrain, is used.
  • Page 35: General Specifications

    ± 0.1% typical ± 1 bit 0.0024% Resolution ± 1 microstrain typical for 3 wire quarter bridge strain gauge +3 volts DC at 50 mA maximum (pulsed to sensors for samples rates of DC Bridge Excitation 100 Hz and below to conserve power)
  • Page 36 MicroStrain, Inc. node only: real-time streaming - 25 mA, datalogging - 25 mA, sleeping - 0.5 Power Consumption mA External sensors: 350 Ω strain gauge - 8 mA, 1000 Ω strain gauge - 3 mA (add sensor consumption to above to calculate total power consumption) Operating -40 to +85˚C...
  • Page 37: Mechanical Drawing

    MicroStrain, Inc. Mechanical Drawing All dimensions in mm. Figure 8...
  • Page 38: Electrical Block Diagram

    MicroStrain, Inc. Electrical Block Diagram EEPROM: Sensor Cal. Coeff., Filter Differential +3 Volts (regulated) Parameters, 16 Bit ID Input* Microprocessor with Embedded Software Algorithms Single Ended Instrumentation Amp Input 2 MBytes Flash Memory Offset Serial (SPI) Anti-aliasing Filter 12 Bit A/D Temperature Sensor 2.4 GHz RF Transceiver...
  • Page 39: Software

    Refer to the High Speed Streaming Quick Start Guide for specialized details. • A Quick Start Guide for your particular wireless node (2.4 GHz V-Link®, SG- Link®, SG-Link® OEM or G-Link®) is provided on the CD to get you up and running. Data Communications Protocol Customers and/or developers wishing to customize the Agile-Link™...
  • Page 40 MicroStrain, Inc. is designed for use with the 2.4 GHz V-Link®, SG-Link®, SG-Link® OEM , G-Link®, USB Base Station, Serial Base Station and Analog Base Station. The SDK provides a complete Data Communications Protocol manual as well as code samples for C++, VB and LabVIEW.
  • Page 41: Fcc (United States) Certification

    MicroStrain, Inc. FCC (United States) Certification The SG-Link® OEM module complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and regulations. Compliance with the labeling requirements, FCC notices and antenna usage guidelines is required. In order to operate under MicroStrain’s FCC Certification, OEMs/integrators...
  • Page 42 MicroStrain, Inc. Important Notes The SG-Link-OEM Module has been certified by the FCC for use with other products without any further certification (as per FCC section 2.1091). Modifications not expressly approved by MicroStrain could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
  • Page 43: Ic (Industry Canada) Certification

    MicroStrain, Inc. IC (Industry Canada) Certification The SG-Link® OEM module is labeled with its IC ID number. If this IC ID is not visible when the module is installed inside another device, then the outside of the device into which the module is installed must also display the following label referring to the enclosed module.
  • Page 44: Support

    MicroStrain's Support Engineers are available by phone Monday through Friday 9:00AM to 5:00PM local time. When calling MicroStrain, indicate to the receptionist that you are calling for product support and you will be promptly routed to a Support Engineer. Please have your equipment ready to test.
  • Page 45: Rma

    General Instructions In order to return any MicroStrain product, you must contact us for a Return Merchandise Authorization number (RMA#). Call toll free (800) 449 3878 to obtain an RMA# from a MicroStrain representative.
  • Page 46: 30 Day Return Policy

    MicroStrain, Inc. 30 Day Return Policy All stock product orders from MicroStrain may be returned within 30 days for a full refund. In order to return or exchange all or part of your order, you must contact us for a Return Merchandise Authorization number (RMA#).
  • Page 47: Terms And Conditions

    MicroStrain. At the sole discretion of MicroStrain, credit terms of net 30 days up to a pre-approved limit may be offered to buyer. A late payment charge of one and a half (1.5%) percent per month, or the maximum percentage rate permitted by law, if lower, shall be charged on all past due balances.
  • Page 48 MicroStrain, Inc. for return. All returns must be shipped by Buyer to MicroStrain C.I.F. our distribution center as provided in the RMA policies provided by MicroStrain. 6. Compliance with Laws, Rules & Regulations. i.) Products sold may be exported from the United States of America only in accordance with US Export Administration Regulations and diversion contrary to US law is prohibited.
  • Page 49 MicroStrain further warrants that, during the Software Warranty Period, the magnetic media on which MicroStrain delivers the Software will be free of physical defects. MicroStrain’s sole obligation shall be to replace the non-conforming Software (or defective media) with software that substantially conforms to MicroStrain’s functional...
  • Page 50 MicroStrain. Products shall be fully insured by the customer. MicroStrain will not be held responsible for any packages that are lost in transit to MicroStrain. The repaired or replaced packages will be shipped to the customer via UPS Ground or any...
  • Page 51 Return Merchandise is to be shipped to MicroStrain, Inc. at the address indicated below; vi) MicroStrain may reject or return any Product that is not packaged and shipped in strict compliance with the foregoing requirements, or for which an RMA number has not been obtained or is not visible from the outside of the package.
  • Page 52 MicroStrain, Inc. and may be registered in the United States or in other jurisdictions including internationally. MicroStrain, Inc.'s trademarks, service marks and trade dress may not be used in connection with any product or service that is not affiliated with MicroStrain, Inc., in any manner that is likely to cause confusion among customers,...
  • Page 53: Appendix 1: Host-To-Base Station Communication

    MicroStrain, Inc. Appendix 1: Host-to-Base Station Communication RS-232 Communication between the Serial base station or the RS-232 interface of the Analog base station and the host computer is via a standard RS-232 connection as shown in the RS-232 Signals Definition and RS-232 Asynchronous Character Format tables.
  • Page 54: Appendix 2: Datalogging With Agile-Link™ Software

    • Click Configure. The Configuration window will appear. • Click the Channels tab. Check boxes to enable SG-Link® OEM’s channels 1, 3 and 4. Uncheck the channel 2 box to disable the temperature channel. Leave the Offset scroll boxes for channel 1 at the default value of 512 (mid-scale). Leave the Hardware Gain text box at the default value of 104.
  • Page 55 MicroStrain, Inc. • Right-click on the node icon/label and a pop-up menu will appear. • Click Datalogging. Click Browse Triggers. The Trigger Browser window will appear. • Click the + sign to the left of the trigger label (example: July 20, 2007 09:36:07) and Trigger 1 will appear.
  • Page 56: Appendix 3: Streaming With Agile-Link™ Software

    • Click Configure. The Configuration window will appear • Click the Channels tab. Check the box to enable SG-Link® OEM’s channel 1. Uncheck the channel 2, 3 and 4 boxes to disable the unused, temperature and single ended channels. Leave the Offset scroll boxes for channel 1 at the default value of 512 (mid-scale).
  • Page 57 MicroStrain, Inc. Operating up to 4 nodes in streaming mode (broadcast method) • Establish communication with up to 4 nodes, each paired with a separate base station and each pair on a different frequency. • Configure each node individually for a streaming session as described in the Operating one node in streaming mode section above.
  • Page 58: Appendix 4: Low Duty Cycle With Agile-Link™ Software

    MicroStrain, Inc. Appendix 4: Low Duty Cycle with Agile-Link™ software Low Duty Cycle Low Duty Cycle (LDC) allows you to sample each sensor (each channel) on a node from 500 Hz to 1 sample per hour. Sensor data is ‘blipped’ to the base station and collected, displayed and saved by Agile-Link™...
  • Page 59 MicroStrain, Inc. • If you plan to acquire data in engineering units, you should proceed to setting Channel Actions. • Click View. • Click Channel Actions. • The Channel Actions window appears. • Click Resync to set existing calibrations to the active channels or manually Setup each channel from here.
  • Page 60 MicroStrain, Inc. • As Low Duty Cycle samples are received from the node, their values will be displayed by channel. If engineering units have been applied by Channel Actions, the units will display in those units; otherwise all values will be in raw bits.
  • Page 61 MicroStrain, Inc. • To stop Low Duty Cycle sampling, click Stop Monitoring. • To save the Low Duty Cycle session to file, click Save Stream. A ‘Save As’ window will appear allowing you to name and save the session data. Click OK.
  • Page 62 MicroStrain, Inc. • Note: Alternatively, all nodes assigned to a base station can be started at the same time. Right-click the base station and click LDC Monitor Node. A Data Collector window will spawn and all nodes will automatically start Low Duty Cycle.
  • Page 63 MicroStrain, Inc. • Return to the Data View, right-click any of the nodes and the menu appears. You can deal with individual nodes as before to Stop Monitoring and/or to Save Stream. You may also click Stop All Monitoring to stop sampling all the nodes at once.
  • Page 64: Appendix 5: High Speed Streaming With High Speed Streaming Software

    MicroStrain, Inc. Appendix 5: High Speed Streaming with High Speed Streaming software High Speed Streaming High Speed Streaming allows you to sample each sensor (each channel) on a node at rates as high as 4000 samples per channel per second. Sensor data is transmitted to the base station as it is sampled (in real-time) and is collected, displayed and saved by the High Speed Streaming software.

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