MonoDAQ-U-X: Measuring (via a USB port) with DEWESoft

Following his review of the MonoDAQ-U-X published last month, Clemens Valens has not had the time to use or even familiarise himself with the software to do a demonstration. But now it's a done deal, you can find the video below. Measuring the gain of an NPN transistor shows how to use the functions of the MonoDAQ and the resources of the DEWESoft software. This first demonstration hardly scratches the surface of this subject. Don't hesitate to give us your suggestions for more on this promising combination.

MonoDAQ-U-X is a new multi-function measuring device. That's not all you can say about it, even if it just looks like a rather modest measuring box powered by a USB-C port. The single USB-C cable to the back of the box is thus used for power and communication with a PC. Galvanic separation is assured by isolating the power and signal lines immediately behind the USB connector. At the front, the 8 multi-function terminals of the connector are configurable as inputs or outputs, analogue or digital. The configuration of each channel is done with the aid of a table in the DEWESoft software. Ah, software, that great all-encompassing word!

Familiarising yourself with the DEWESoft software

Following his review published last month, Clemens Valens hasn't had the time to either use or even familiarise himself with the software and use it for a demonstration with the MonoDAQ-U-X.

But now it's a done deal, and you can find the video below. Measuring the gain of an NPN transistor shows how to use a channel of the MonoDAQ to power the circuit under test, another as an output then as an input to measure the current supplied to the transitor under test. One other terminal of the MonoDAQ is configured as an input to measure the voltage on the collector. And as the MonoDAQ only has one current measuring input (already used) two other inputs are used to measure the base current (on the connections of the base resistor).

As the Hardware-Software combination of the MonoDAQ-U-X / DEWESoft seems promising, it is very probable that we will soon have more demonstrations with other examples of this cooperation. Don't hesitate to let us know of other subjects you would like to see tackled.

Sigma-delta with sampling < 50 kS/s (16 bits)

Under the hood, the main link in the measuring chain is the sigma-delta Analogue Digital Converter (ADC) with a sampling rate of up to 50 kS/s (16 bits) and maximum resolution of 20 bits (100 S/s). Using only one channel, the signal is free of aliasing effects in a pass band of 0.4 times the sampling frequency. With several channels in use, the signals are multiplexed ahead of the ADC. It is possible to use up to 8 single ended inputs or up to 4 differential inputs. Half of the channels have an input range up to 10 V while the other half have an input range of 2 V due to the absence of a voltage divider on these channels.

Specifications

Isolation of power and signal between USB connector and front panel terminals
Max. sampling rate: 50 kS/s (16 bits), max resolution: 20 bits (100 S/s)
Possibility to connect up to 2 strain gauges (full bridge) or up to 4 thermocouples
Max. 4 differential or 8 single-ended inputs
Current measuring input with internal shunt (0.5 Ω)
Analogue output (+/– 4 V, 14 bits, 50 kS/s)
8 digital inputs or outputs max.
1 Wire, I²C interface and UART on front panel connector
Internal humidity sensor
3 axis accelerometer and 3 axis gyroscope