AT-SYS-1000
Turnkey, Multi-Channel Anti-Alias Low-Pass Filter and Instrumentation Amplifier System for Remote Signal Conditioning in Data Acquisition Systems

Excellence in Computer-Based Test

Turnkey Solution

The AT-SYS-1000 consists of multi-channel anti-alias low-pass filter and amplifier boards installed in a rugged chassis. Designed for larger channel count applications, it provides cost effective signal conditioning under control of a remote computer or as a stand-alone unit. Ready to run out of the box, the entire system is fully automated and computer controlled, reducing operating costs. To reduce setup time, all boards are pre-installed with system operation verified by the factory.

High-Performance Signal Conditioning

The AT-SYS-1000 ensures accurate results by using a high-quality anti-aliasing low-pass filter and instrumentation amplifier on each channel, with no multiplexing. The 8-pole filter provides tunable cutoff frequencies from 2 Hz to as high as 200 kHz, depending on the selected filter type. The amplifier provides programmable gain settings of 0.5 to 1,000 and AC/DC coupling, selectable per channel.

Easy Configuration and Setup

SystemView is an easy-to-use graphical interface for controlling the AT-SYS-1000. It provides point and click navigation through pull-down menus for quick selection of amplifier gains and filter cut-off frequencies. A controller card stores programmed commands in non-volatile memory, allowing for system power up to the last selected state.

Industry-Standard Hardware and Software

The AT-SYS-1000 combines PC plug-in cards with industry standard Windows software, simplifying system upgrades and also saving money by integrating easily with existing A/D converters from top manufacturers.

Virtually Unlimited Expansion

Expanding the capacity of the AT-SYS-1000 is simply a matter of plugging additional boards into the chassis. Using high-capacity boards with 16 channels, the AT-SYS-1000 delivers economical signal conditioning for large systems.

Remote Control

The AT-SYS-1000 uses RS-232 communications for remote programming from a host PC in the field or factory.

Filter/Amplifier Boards

AAF-16

• 16 single-ended low-pass filter channels*
• Cutoff frequency ranges between 2 Hz and 200 kHz
• Choice of Bessel, Butterworth, Cauer, and linear phase

PGA-16

• 16 instrumentation amplifier channels
• Gain steps of 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000
• Programmable AC/DC coupling per channel

* Differential when used with the PGA-16

Chassis

The AT-SYS-1000 chassis houses and powers the full-length system boards, which can be conveniently installed and replaced from the top of the unit. The passive backplane bus routes control of the digital signals from a controller card to all boards in the system. Non-volatile memory on the controller card allows for restoration of last system setup between power interruptions.

Avoiding very low-cost power supplies that can compromise system quality, the AT-SYS-1000 uses a reliable, low-noise AC power supply that supplies regulated DC power to all boards at positive and negative voltages.

The rugged AT-SYS-1000 chassis is capable of withstanding shock, vibration, and a wide range of operating temperatures in harsh industrial environments. Two filtered push-pull cooling fans provide positive pressure and exclude dust and dirt. A lockable door protects drives and switches from tampering and particles. The control panel functions include power on/off, keyboard lock, reset switch and three LED indicators to assist in monitoring system status. On the rear panel, a ground point provides an earth for the whole system and is attached via a screw.

An optional slide-type rack assembly is available for 19" rackmount installation.

General Specifications

• Construction: Heavy-duty steel
• Cooling system: One 32 CFM cooling fan (flow out) at rear panel for power supply, another 86 CFM fan (flow in) on front panel with an air filter
• Dimensions: 19" (W) x 17.8 (D) x 7" (H) (482 mm x 452 mm x 177 mm)
• Weight: 41.8 lbs (19 kg)

Environmental Specifications

• Operating temperature: 32 to 122°F (0 to 50°C)
• Relative humidity: 10 to 95% @ 40°C, non-condensing
• Safety: Meets UL/CSA/TUV
• EMI: Meets FCC/VDE Class A

Configuration

For remote applications, the AT-SYS-1000 provides a reliable, 2-way serial connection to a host PC. In this configuration, the AT-SYS-1000 communications module transmits the digital data on the RS-232 data bus to and from the serial port of the host PC.

Alternatively, monitor and keyboard options allow for local programming and setup of the AT-SYS-1000 without any communications.

Software

SystemView

• Windows NT
• Windows 95
• Windows 3.1
• DOS

The capabilities of the AT-SYS-1000 result from the meticulous design of SystemView, an easy-to-use graphical application for controlling the AT-SYS-1000.

Achieving system setups in just minutes, SystemView provides point-and-click navigation through pull-down menus for quick selection of key parameters, such as filter cut-off frequencies, amplifier gains and AC/DC coupling. As parameters are changed, SystemView makes all relevant calculations, avoiding tedious setup.

The AT-SYS-1000 communications module stores the last selected configuration in non-volatile memory between power interruptions. Multiple configurations can be saved on the host PC and be easily applied again by selecting the file and sending its data to the AT-SYS-1000 over the RS-232 link.

SystemView also handles the serial communications, implementing a simple data protocol with error checking. It can operate any of 4 serial ports (COM1 to COM4) and, with bidirectional communication, verifies correct COM configuration when operating.

How to Order

• AT-SYS-1000 -  Turnkey, computer-controlled filter/amplifier system. Base system includes rugged chassis with low-noise AC power supply and 14-slot passive backplane, serial communications module for RS-232 remote control, SystemView graphical software for Windows 95/NT/3.1, and VGA card.  Available with 16 to 96 channels of filtering (using AAF-16 board) and/or amplification (using PGA-16 board). (Boards available separately.)

Related Pages

• Need help selecting the best filter type for your application? Check out our Filter Type Selection Guide.
• What is aliasing and how do filters eliminate its effects to ensure more accurate results?  Find out in our Low-Pass Filter Tutorial.

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