Variable Sampling Rate for Synchronized Data Acquisition

The Spider-80Xi platform gives users the immense flexibility to combine the Spider-80Xi, Spider-80SGi or Spider-80Ti devices into one system with synchronized data acquisition. The Spider-80SG and Spider-80SGi can work as general-purpose data acquisition systems that not only supports strain measurement but also supports several sensor types requiring precision excitation voltage, including MEMS and strain gage based sensors. The Spider-80Ti on the other hand can acquire temperature data along with any other type of measurement quantity by using it with any combination of Spider-80Xs and Spider-80SGs.

Multiple VCS instances

The Ethernet connection interface is one of the most important features of the 4th generation Spider series vibration controller. It provides the flexibility of location, reduces noise and electrical interference, and uses one PC to monitor multiple controllers.

Introducing EDM Cloud and Crystal Instruments Store

The future is here! Crystal Instruments’ newly released EDM Cloud service and enhancements to the online CI Store launch us into the current century and beyond; no end in sight to our innovative spirit.

NewsAnastassia Tolpygo - Application EngineerFebruary 25, 2019Non-applications

Sound Power on CoCo-80X

The CoCo-80X’s latest software release includes a new signal analysis project for Sound Power applications. The Sound Power CSA features a graphic interface to show the test point status. There are multiple test room types and microphone arrangements. When the test is complete, a report is generated.

Dynamic Signal AnalysisWalter Kemphaus - Product ManagerFebruary 25, 2019Acoustic Testing

Crystal Instruments & Sentek Dynamics at SmallSat Symposium 2019

The 4th annual SmallSat Symposium returns to the Silicon Valley Computer History Museum for 2019. Crystal Instruments and Sentek Dynamics had the privilege to exhibit products and solutions for the small satellites industry.

NewsMatt Chen - Senior Application & Sales EngineerFebruary 25, 2019Non-applications

Crystal Instruments EDM 8.0 Release Preview

Crystal Instruments is currently working on the latest and most advanced featured version of EDM 8.0. The following is a brief preview of what can be expected from the EDM 8.0 Version release:

NewsSandeep Mallela - Director of EngineeringJanuary 31, 2019Non-applications

IMAC XXXVII Review

Crystal Instruments exhibited a highly advanced new set of tools called “EDM Modal”, at IMAC 2019 in Orlando, Florida. IMAC XXXVII maintained a broader focus and chose this year’s theme as “Predictive Modeling for Engineering Design and Decision Making.” The conference took on a note of focusing more on general-purpose data acquisition while still maintaining a strong academic focus on the principles of modal analysis.

NewsJeff Zhao, Ph.D.January 31, 2019Non-applications

Experimental Modal Measurement and Analysis Seminar

Crystal Instruments will be hosting an “Experimental Modal Measurement and Analysis Seminar” from February 26 - 27, 2019, at the Biltmore Hotel in Santa Clara, CA. All are invited to attend. Registration cost is $199, click here to register.

NewsCrystal InstrumentsJanuary 28, 2019Non-applications

Modal Testing Using the CoCo-90X

Studying the modal properties of the structure under test is important to optimize the design of the test structure and to improve the NVH characteristics. Finite Element Analysis is widely used to obtain the mechanical properties of different objects. However, it is not only difficult to replicate the exact environmental constraints and boundary conditions but also challenging to obtain the damping ratios of the different modes. Experimental modal analysis not only helps in solving these issues but can also help in validating the results of the finite element model.

Hammer Impact Test Considerations

Roving excitation or response? Uni-ax or Tri-ax? SIMO or MIMO?

A modal impact hammer test is broadly classified between two types: roving hammer and roving response. Each method has its own pros and cons.

Updated "Scope of Business" statement by Crystal Instruments

This month, as part of a routine ISO 9001 audit process, we made a slight revision to Crystal Instruments’ “scope of business" statement. It now states:

The design, production, sales and servicing of hardware and software for machine vibration monitoring, dynamic measurement and environmental testing.

NewsJames Zhuge, Ph.D. - Chief Executive OfficerNovember 23, 2018Non-applications

Spider-80SG Interface with Rod End Load Cell

Measurements can be broadly classified into two categories: Static Measurements and Dynamic Measurements.

Dynamic measurements vary greatly over a short period of time (e.g., Vibration (Acceleration), Audio (Sound pressure), etc.). In these types of signals, we are mainly interested in the high frequency components so measurements down to DC are typically not necessary. For these measurements, we would use the AC input mode (or IEPE) which comes with a 0.375 Hz High Pass Filter. In most cases, the user sets another high pass filter to eliminate the low frequency components that are not needed. Crystal Instruments Spider-80X and Spider-80Xi systems are best suited for these types of applications.

Sandeep Mallela - Director of EngineeringNovember 21, 2018Structural Dynamics Testing

89th Shock and Vibration Symposium (SAVE) – Dallas, TX

Crystal Instruments and Sentek Dynamics attended the 89th Shock and Vibration Symposium in Dallas, Texas. The symposium, which is organized by Shock and Vibration Exchange (SAVE), is regarded as the leading forum for the structural dynamics and vibration community to present and discuss new developments and on-going research. The technical paper presentations and tutorials offered at the symposium revolve around applications such as shock-ship testing, earthquake engineering, structural dynamics, and shock and vibration instrumentation techniques; attracting attendees from all over North America.

NewsTrevor Ergas - Sales EngineerNovember 21, 2018Non-applications

Seatbelt Sensor with the Spider-80SG

As a heavily transportation reliant and automobile driving society, we have become dependent and quite trusting of the automotive industry for the seatbelt’s lifesaving properties. But, does one ever wonder how those seatbelt devices are certified for our utmost safety? Certainly, it is possible to monitor the speed and displacement as a safety check regarding how timely the seatbelt engages. There are few products on the market to ease the complexity of this testing and Crystal Instruments now offers one of such systems. The Spider-80SG integrates seamlessly with the IES 2098 Seatbelt Sensor. It is an accumulator and the accuracy of its readings depends on the voltage precision of the supply. The Spider-80SG provides this power and allows the counter to reset as needed.

Anastassia Tolpygo - Application EngineerNovember 21, 2018Environmental Testing

Advanced Engineering Show in Birmingham, UK (October 31 - November 1, 2018)

The Advanced Engineering Show was held in Birmingham, UK. The exhibition was located at the National Exhibition Center (NEC) in close proximity to the international airport. Various meeting points and discussion topics were dedicated to the aerospace industry, automotive industry, and more. The exhibition included many conferences highlighting the dynamic changes currently occurring within the fields of advanced engineering and manufacturing.

Jordi Gargallo - Europe Sales ManagerNovember 12, 2018Non-applications

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