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The New VR10500 Vibration Control Hardware

Analysis, Data Acquisition

Author Cherie Stoll

The VR10500 vibration controller broadens the Vibration Research platform as a high-powered option for advanced vibration testing. Expanding upon the functionality of the VR9500, VR released the VR10500 for high-channel-count vibration control and dynamic signal analysis.

We are releasing this new control hardware to provide our customers with new testing opportunities. The VR10500 was designed to coordinate with high-channel-count and multi-shaker systems. It is an advanced hardware system for complex applications.

The VR10500 is most certainly not a replacement for the VR9500 vibration controller. The VR9500 remains the best in its class for 4 channel count systems, while the VR10500 is better suited for 8+ channel count systems.

That being said, new advancements have been made to the VR10500. The controller is more powerful, has more input channels and drive outputs, and includes unique features that will continue to set VR apart from the competition.

VR10500 Primary Applications

As a vibration controller and dynamic signal analyzer, the VR10500 can be used with both our VibrationVIEW and ObserVIEW software packages. The primary applications of the VR10500 include:

  • 16 Channel System
  • Up to 512 Input Channels
  • Multiple Shaker Systems
  • Up to 6 Outputs (4 Analog and 2 Digital)
  • Controller & Analyzer Combination
  • Advanced Controller Configurations

Vibration Research VR10500 Controller Front Panel

High-Channel Count System

The VR10500 has 16 analog inputs, and systems can be combined to a total of 512 channels. The hardware supports configurations of 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 channels. After 32 channels, the channel count increases by increments of 16.

All 512 inputs can be used simultaneously and at the same sample rate, and any combination of channels can be used to create an optimal control or limiting solution. The 512 channels are fully functional and can be used at the maximum 256kHz sample rate.

A higher channel count may be beneficial or required for advanced testing situations for application-based, high channel count systems and large or complex structures like wings, rockets, missiles, satellites, full vehicles, etc.

Six Outputs from a Single Controller

For multiple shaker systems, a single VR10500 controller has the potential for up to 6 control outputs: 4 analog control outputs and 2 digital control outputs. As with the VR9500, users can drive two shakers in phase, multiple shakers with independent output loops (without phase control), and three-axis systems without cross-coupling or correlation. With the VR10500, the outputs are generated from the same hardware, which provides more power and control. It also provides the opportunity for further software development and implementation of additional control methods for multi-shaker and multi-axis control.

VR10500 Rear Panel

Digital Control Output (In Beta)

The VR10500 digital control output is unique to any vibration controller. The output has two digital 24-bit channels and can be used to drive a shaker. It will be able to remove the analog link between the shaker and the amplifier to minimize the effects of ambient noise picked up between the controller and amplifier. No other controller on the market has this capability.

The digital control output will also improve connection safety. If an analog connection between the controller and amplifier is broken or damaged while the test is running, it can create a significant transient spike that could damage the shaker. A digital link will simply break and then shut down.

This output will also break the ground path between the controller and noisier amplifiers/shaker systems to eliminate one of the potential ground loops in vibration testing systems.

Currently, the digital control output will require a conversion box (supplied by VR) to convert the digital signal to analog before reaching the amplifier. After a solution has been developed, VR plans to work with amplifier companies to implement the conversion as a new standard in shaker amplifiers.

Additional Features

Additional features of the VR10500 include:

  • Up to 16 Channel Sine-on-Random Tone Response
  • Integrated Network Switching
  • Tachometer Inputs
  • Higher Voltage Digital I/O
  • Digital Control Output
  • Quad-Core Processor

Remote Inputs/Outputs

The remote Input on the VR10500 will have the additional capability to support a dual tachometer or a single quadrature tachometer. This feature is most significant when using the controller as a dynamic signal analyzer. We have also added a timestamping option for remote Inputs.

As with the VR9500, the remote output internal voltage is 5V. With the VR10500, however, users will be able to connect an external 24V power supply and manipulate the voltage through the digital output.

ObserVR1000, VR9500 and VR10500 Hardware Stack

New Software Development

The increased processing power and channel count of the VR10500 create new testing opportunities, and the improved user interface allows for high channel count configuration. There are also many opportunities for new software features. Software development for the VR10500 is currently underway. If your team would like to be a part of the development process, please contact your sales representative for more information.

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