The EX1403A Precision Bridge and Strain Gauge Instrument sets a new standard for strain and bridge measurements, delivering the highest performance measurements possible while controlling overall test hardware costs. 

Sixteen channels of strain or voltage, independent 24-bit ADCs per channel, extensive software-selectable filtering, and independent signal conditioning paths deliver exceptional accuracy and reliability. 

Built-in signal conditioning, programmable excitation, and selectable bridge completion, all integrated into the instrument and configurable on a per-channel basis, greatly simplify setup and configuration. With unmatched performance, accuracy and reliability, the EX1403A is the “go-to” solution for the most complex structural test applications worldwide.

A single system that can provide high-quality static or high-speed strain measurements:

• Airframe structural and fatigue test
• Rocket and satellite structural test
• Wind tunnel flight load test
• General purpose bridge measurements
• Load frame materials testing

Scalable for High-Speed Synchronized Data Acquisition

In addition to its core set of features, the EX1403A integrates Extended Functions as defined in the LXI specifications to provide box-to-box synchronization to correlate acquired data precisely. Time stamping of data and LAN Event Messaging that simplify intermodule communication and flexible triggering options over Ethernet; this eliminates the overhead normally attributed to application software running on the host controller.

The EX1403A supports easy integration and synchronization of multiple devices through the IEEE-1588 v2 Precision Time Protocol standard for synchronization, providing an architecture that can be scaled from tens to thousands of channels. Multiple instruments can be easily distributed extremely close to the measurement points of interest, reducing the run length of analog cabling and minimizing errors induced by noisy environments. 

Additionally, Power Over Ethernet (PoE) enables a single cable to be used for both power and data capture. All measurement data is returned with IEEE-1588 timestamp codes with typical accuracies of <200nS, ensuring that acquired data is tightly correlated across the test article.

Confidence

Manufacturing and test environments of today are dynamic, dictating minimal downtime of test systems in order to meet increasing product throughput demands. Ensuring that acquired data is reliable and that instrument calibration can be turned around quickly are keys to the success of any production team. VTI embeds intelligence into the EX1403A to facilitate maximum system "uptime" and increase manufacturing efficiency.

Built-In-Self-Test (BIST), Self-CAL, Lead-Wire CAL, or Shunt CAL can be executed prior to a critical test to have confidence that digitizer and connections to transducers are OK.

Connectivity
Created in 2004 and adopted by the test and measurement industry in 2005, LXI (LAN Extensions for Instrumentation) defines a core set of capabilities that ensure compliant devices interact consistently in an instrumentation network. As an LXI-certified device, the EX1403A provides the convenience of LAN communications and control with features such as an embedded web page for monitoring and control and a consistent means of identification on the network. Connect the device directly to your network using industry-standard cables with the assurance that it will be a trusted and proven "network citizen."