Measurement Computing StrainBook/616 - Manual (Page 13)

What Are WBKs?
You can use optional modules and cards to enhance or expand your StrainBook/616 system. These options
are known as WBKs.
Typically, the StrainBook/616 is used with one or more WBK16 modules when you require more than 8
channels. The WBK16 is an 8-channel strain-gage signal-conditioning module. Up to 7 WBK16 modules
can be accommodated by the StrainBook/616 (for a total of 64 channels) and scanned at 1 µs/channel.
Almost all bridge configurations are supported via a bridge-completion network and software. High-gain
differential-amplifier applications are also supported. Software controls bridge configuration, gain, offset,
excitation voltage, polarity, filtering, and the calibration process.
Another WBK option popular with the StrainBook/616 is the WBK30 memory board. WBK30 is a
DRAM-based memory board that installs inside a StrainBook. There are three models of WBK30
available; each significantly increases the capacity of a StrainBook’s standard data buffer of 64 K samples.
Capacities are as follows:
WBK30/16 — 16 MB
WBK30/64 — 64 MB
WBK30/128 — 128 MB
The WBK30 option, if selected for use in StrainBook, must be factory installed.
Reference Note:
o
The WBK16, WBK30, WBK40, and WBK41 are briefly discussed in Chapter 10,
System Expansion. A more detailed discussion of these and other WBK is presented
in the WBK Option Cards and Modules User’s Manual, p/n 489-0902. A PDF version
of the document is included on your data acquisition CD.
o
The WBK16/LC Shunt Relay Module option is a small card that can be plugged into a
channel’s CN-115 header on the StrainBook and WBK16 printed circuit boards.
WBK16/LC is used for shunt calibration and is discussed in Chapter 6 of this user’s
manual.
How is StrainBook/616 Powered?
Power supply input voltage to the StrainBook/616 and to the system modules, e.g., WBK10A, WBK14,
WBK15, WBK16, WBK17, WBK18, WBK40, and WBK41 must be in the range of 10 VDC to 30 VDC
and can come from an appropriate AC-to-DC adapter or a battery option. The latter includes DBK power
modules and batteries in the range of 10 VDC to 30 VDC.
Available AC-to-DC adapters include the TR-40U, which has an input of 90-264 VAC and an output
rating of 3.3 amps @ 15 VDC. Note to check the specifications of your specific TR-40U as some earlier
models have lower current ratings.
Battery options include the DBK30A, DBK34A, and other 10 to 30 VDC sources, such as car batteries.
The DBK30A provides 14 VDC and when fully charged has a storage capacity of 3.4 A⋅hr; car batteries
have much higher capacities. The basic formula for battery life is:
Runtime (hr) = Battery capacity / load (W
⋅hr / W)
Where: W = Supply Voltage x Input Current
StrainBook /616 967794 Introduction 1-3