Digital filters are powerful tools utilized during the data conditioning phase to analyze signals. These filters empower users to augment signal processing capabilities by integrating them with other data conditioning modules, thus generating advanced post-analysis functionalities. Among the primary types of real-time digital filters are the Decimation filter, the FIR (Finite Impulse Response) filter, and the IIR (Infinite Impulse Response) filter.
Read moreDynamic Signal Analysis Basics
We recently republished a classic white paper about dynamic signal analysis.
Read moreAnnouncing EDM 11.1
Our team is thrilled to announce the 11.1 version of Engineering Data Management (EDM) software. Packed with a range of new features and improvements, this update is designed to elevate the user experience.
Read moreDynamic Signal Analysis Basics
DSA is often referred to Dynamic Signal Analysis or Dynamic Signal Analyzer depending on the context. DSA uses various technologies for digital signal processing. Among them, the most fundamental and popular technology is based on the so-called Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The FFT transforms the time domain signals into the frequency domain. To perform FFT-based measurements, it is important to understand the fundamental issues and computations involved.
Read moreUsing the CoCo-90X to ensure safe and reliable lift bridge operations
Using purpose driven equipment like the CoCo-90X, an advanced battery powered dynamic signal analyzer that scales up to 16 input channels, IVC Technologies can collect more input channels than traditional walk around data collectors and can record time streams for several minutes or longer to observe and capture data from the entire raising and lowering of the bridge in one data set. With 16 channels, vibration data can be collected on the motors, gearboxes, and sheave bearings synchronously. This both reduces the overall collection time and increases the ability to properly access the synchronous data.
Read moreCoCo Software 2.2 Release
The latest release of version 2.2 CoCo Software includes notable updates such as support for 1 hz resolution, an IEPE powered tachometer, Waterfall & Colormap signal reviews, and the ability to sync VDS user profiles on a CoCo device.
Read moreAuto-Wake Function for Data Acquisition (DAQ), Machine Condition Monitoring, and Vibration Analysis
The auto-wake feature is a new and powerful function provided in EDM 10.0 software. This feature allows users to set up a wake-up alarm for Spiders to power on, perform a test, and power off. Users can upload up to 8 predefined tests and run these in Black Box mode (without a connection to a computer or network to run). This convenient mode allows users to acquire data autonomously or with little user intervention.
Read moreAdvantages of Circular Recording vs. Standard Timestream Recording
Some data acquisition applications will inevitability run into one of the most common problems of the information age: information overload. Today, modern DAQ systems, such as the highly versatile Crystal Instruments Spider product line, can store significant amounts of vibration data. Now, memory limitations are significant. However, sifting through large amounts of data in order to capture a small transient event is undesirable.
Read moreEDM 10.0 Release
Crystal Instruments is excited to announce the release of EDM 10.0, the latest software version for all Spider and CoCo products serving advanced and fundamental industries in addition to furthering academic advancements.
Read moreWatch how our products are designed and made.
Founded in 1996, Crystal Instruments designs and manufactures instrumentation products for machine vibration monitoring, dynamic measurement, and environmental testing. The products are developed in Silicon Valley and our modern lab in North Carolina. Crystal Instruments products are thoroughly tested on a variety of vibration shakers and environmental chambers in our lab during the design phase to meet the extreme requirements of military and aerospace applications.
Read moreAlias Rejection and Alias-free Bandwidth
There are two steps for converting an analog signal into a digital signal – quantization in time (sampling) and quantization of amplitude. Any signal that goes through the sampling process is subject to the effect of aliasing. The common use of the word ‘alias’ is used to describe a false name or identity, which is similar to how the term is used in signal processing.
Read moreEDM 9.1 Release
Crystal Instruments is pleased to announce the release of EDM 9.1, the most reliable and powerful version available from Crystal Instruments.
Read moreVDS Machine Builder
The Vibration Diagnostic System (VDS) software provides several important tools for machine predictive maintenance data collection, analysis and management. When synchronized with a CoCo handheld analyzer, the system integrates factory and route structuring, machine information, vibration data and analysis all in one place. The diagnostic algorithms are based on the concept of a machine model, and VDS provides a powerful tool for building machine models. This tool is called the Machine Builder.
Read moreMicro-vibration Measurements with CoCo-80X
The accurate measurement of micro-vibrations is the first step of successful vibration contamination control. According to generic vibration criteria for vibration sensitive equipment, the RMS velocity of vibration criterion is from 50 to 3.1 μm/s (2000 to 125 μin/s). To measure such small amplitudes, high sensitivity and low frequency sensors must be used. Crystal Instruments provides the Wilcoxon WR 731 and PCB 393B31 accelerometers with the CoCo-80X data analyzer for this application.
Read moreOff Route Measurements on CoCo-70X
Off Route measurements are linked to machines in the database using a system called Job Management. When taking Off Route data, the measurements are stored under jobs and each job is assigned to a machine. The job-machine relationship is maintained after syncing the CoCo with VDS, so Off Route measurements are automatically associated with the correct machines.
Read moreNew Ultra-compact Spider-20H, Spider-20HE, & Spider-20i with 256 kHz Sampling Rate
Featuring the highest sampling rate provided in the industry at 256 kHz. Handheld battery powered system with wired & wireless network options and 20V input range. Sync between multiple devices. Choose the convenient portable model or industrial model for permanent mounting.
The Spider-20H, Spider-20HE, and Spider-20i received a hardware upgrade to support an impressive 256 kHz samping rate on all 4 input channels. It is the highest sampling rate offered in the market of compact analyzers. The high sampling rate is especially beneficial for measuring high orders and transient capture in blast tests, pyroshock events, drop shock tests, crash tests, etc.
In addition to the high samping rate, the input range is expanded to 20V to capture larger signals.
Read moreStrain Gage Connections
When designing and testing materials and products it is essential to understand its material properties and how it reacts to the forces and loads applied to it. The deformation a DUT experiences when a force is applied is called strain. Strain is the ratio of the change in length of a material to the original length. Strain can be positive (tensile) or negative (compressive).
Read morePresenting the CoCo-70X Vibration Analyzer
The CoCo-70X is Crystal Instruments’ latest handheld vibration analyzer, designed specifically for the machinery Predictive Maintenance (PdM) community. The four-channel analyzer features an IP-67 rating and is ideal for a wide range of industries including petrochemical, paper, steel and other metals, automotive, aviation, aerospace, electronics and military.
Read moreWhole Body Vibration Measurements Help Obtain Vibration Emission Data
What is WBV used for?
Many industrial workers are subjected to whole-body vibration on a regular basis, which can have a noticeable effect on their health. Employers are expected to provide an accurate risk assessment of whole-body vibrations resulting from use of their equipment. WBV measurements are therefore necessary to provide access to vibration emission data. The availability of accurate vibration emission data is essential to the process for employers completing a vibration risk assessment.
Remote Condition Monitoring (RCM)
Remote Condition Monitoring (RCM) by Crystal Instruments is designed for the remote monitoring of equipment or structures that are inaccessible to configure within a local network. Common applications and examples of remote condition monitoring include the monitoring of vibrations during the transportation of equipment, monitoring vibrations on bridges and structures close to rails or roadways, and monitoring vibrations caused by rotating windmills on the ground.
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