System channels

System channels are sourced from the data processor unit, such as CPU load, system temperature and memory use.

ClosedGeneric parameters

  • Connection: A unique hardware identifier created by the system.
  • 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.

ClosedSpecific parameters

  • Input mode: This defaults to the CX23-R module, which is the source of the system channels.
  • Expiration time: Specify the time period in seconds that can elapse without data before data is considered stale and the output is set to the invalid value. The value may be any real number greater than zero.
  • Invalid value: Specify the value to be set when the expiration time has elapsed without any data. The value may be any real number.

ClosedScaling parameters

  • Scaling mode: Set the channel scaling mode.
    • Defined slope intercept: Specify the Slope and Intercept of the scaling line.
    • Defined zero span: Specify the Electrical zero of the sensor scaling line. Enter both the Electrical span and the Physical span.
    • Defined two point: Specify the Electrical 1, Physical 1, Electrical 2 and Physical 2 points to define the scaling line.
    • Experimental two point: Use the Experimental two point scaling option to define the two point parameters based on experimental measurements.
  • Electrical units: Electrical units of channel input. The defined sensor scaling is used to convert data from Electrical units to Physical units.
  • Calibration date: When using the channel calibration dates and locks option, the UTC calibration date (yyyy-mm-ddThh:mm:ss) is shown when the channel is calibrated. See Calibration options for more information.
  • Units: Physical units of measurement for the channel.
  • Electrical 1: Specify for Defined two point scaling mode. Automatically set after Experimental two point scaling.
  • Physical 1: Specify for Defined two point scaling mode. Automatically set after Experimental two point scaling.
  • Electrical 2: Specify for Defined two point scaling mode. Automatically set after Experimental two point scaling.
  • Physical 2: Specify for Defined two point scaling mode. Automatically set after Experimental two point scaling.
  • Electrical zero: Specify for Defined zero span scaling mode.
  • Electrical span: Specify for Defined zero span scaling mode.
  • Physical span: Specify for Defined zero span scaling mode.
  • Slope: Specify for Defined slope intercept scaling mode.
  • Intercept: Specify for Defined slope intercept scaling mode.
  • 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.

ClosedZero parameters

  • Zero mode: Select one of the following options.
    • Not applicable: Zeroing is not allowed.
    • Interactive only: Interactive zeroing is allowed.
    • Normal Test Starts: Zeroing is done automatically on every normal test start. Interactive zeroing is allowed.
  • Zero target: Specify the physical value desired for the zero task. Typically, this is 0.0, but not always. For example, this parameter may be set to 1.0 (g) for an accelerometer that senses the force of gravity. In this example, the zero task would result in the channel data being offset so that the current reading is 1.0.
  • Zero offset: Automatically set after zeroing a channel. The user can edit this, but that is not generally advised.