Digital input channels

Digital inputs are sourced from a CX23-R DIO connector.

ClosedGeneric parameters

  • Connection: A unique hardware identifier created by the system.
  • Input pins: On a single connector, there are 4 input pins available. Most sensor input modes use only one pin; however, the quadrature encoder mode uses 2 input pins.
  • Reading: Current value of the channel. Show the readings by selecting the desired channels and clicking Live update. Not in edit dialog.
  • Units: For most channel types, the user can enter the physical units as desired; however, for some channel types (i.e., most temperature channels, and any bridge channel that uses the Strain gage scaling mode), the user can only select an option provided in the drop down list box.
  • Name: The channel name must be unique and contain valid characters (invalid characters are single and double quotes, '\', '@', '#', '&', '<' and '>'). Invalid channel names are 'true' and 'false' (case sensitive).
  • Description: Enter an optional detailed description of the channel.
  • Sample rate: Select the desired channel sample rate. If the sample rate changes, all dependent computed channels and DataModes™ are changed automatically.
  • Measurand: Enter an optional measurement type.
  • Input mode: Select the digital input mode from the options presented. In the channel edit dialog, a wiring diagram for the selected input mode is available for reference.
  • Data type: The format of the channel data output (read only).
  • Collect: Select the Collect checkbox to write the channel data to the SIE data file during a test run.
  • Decimals: Select the default decimal places for channel displays. Use the “Auto” option to apply the settings defined in the User Preferences. See User preferences > General > Decimal point handling for more information.
  • Network node: A CPU serial number shows for a module or camera channel's network node.
  • Custom column information: For each column to be used, enter a unique name for the column header. Select either the “Text” or the “Numeric” sorting option.
  • Threshold mode: Only the Static mode is available.
  • Low threshold and High threshold (mV): The threshold limits determine when an input channel switches from a logic value of 1 (Boolean True) to a logic value of 0 (Boolean False) and vice-versa. The High threshold is where the switch to logical 1 occurs, and the Low threshold is where the switch to logical 0 occurs. The difference between the High and Low thresholds is fixed by the hardware at (nominal) 1000 mV. For the High threshold, the maximum is 4800 mV and the minimum is 1 mV. Threshold values must be the same for all Digital input and Digital pulse counter channels on any given DIO Bank.
  • Transducer power: Set the transducer power mode to Off, 5 V or 12 V. If the transducer power is changed, all digital input and output channels are changed to the same mode automatically.

ClosedScaling parameters

  • Electrical units: Electrical units of channel input. The defined sensor scaling is used to convert data from Electrical units to Physical units.
  • Units: Physical units of measurement for the channel.
  • Range min and max: Specify the expected extreme values of the channel.
  • Warning and Alarm min and max: Specify the desired values for warning and alarm thresholds.
    • Enter a real number that defines the level in physical units, or a real number followed by the ‘%’ character that defines the level as a percent of Range max or min, or leave the cell blank to inhibit the warning or alarm.
    • The percent value must be in the range of 0% to 120%.
    • The % of Range max is independent of Range min and vice-versa. For example, if Range max is set to 1000 and Range min is set to -500 and 90% is used for both alarm levels, the alarms trip when the data value becomes > 900 or <-450. If the user changes the Range min to -600, the Min alarm threshold changes to -540. However, the Max alarm threshold does not change (i.e., it is still 900).
    • The values of the warnings and alarms, in terms of real numbers, must satisfy the following condition for all defined parameters:
      Min alarm threshold < Min warning threshold < Max warning threshold < Max alarm threshold.
    • A min or max warning will show a yellow background for the numbers.
    • A min or max alarm will show a red background for the numbers.