Improving Test & Measurement with TEDS

The first phase of a measurement performed using modern data acquisition systems is the setup. The user has to type in the sensor characteristics such as sensitivity, rated output, or cubic fittings so that the data acquisition system can calculate the physical values based on the sensors’ electrical output signals. This is a time-consuming and significantly risky process, as any typing error can lead to serious consequences.

TEDS (Transducer Electronic Data Sheet) technology provides a solution to these issues associated with test and measurement data acquisition systems.

TEDS Electronic Chip — TEDS is a tiny electronic chip that carries unique sensor information.

What is TEDS?

TEDS is a tiny electronic chip that carries unique sensor information. The TEDS technology is described by the IEEE1451.4 standard. As the IEEE1451 is an internationally accepted standard, the TEDS technology not only works with components from one manufacturer but also with devices from different suppliers combined in one measurement chain. HBM was actively involved in the development of this standard and electronic transducer identification using TEDS.

All data in a TEDS chip is stored in templates, which are essentially tables where the sensor parameters are laid out. Several templates are available for different sensors, such as voltage sensors, bridge sensors (strain-gauge technology), or current output sensors.

When connecting a sensor featuring TEDS to a data acquisition system that can read a TEDS chip, the setup of the measurement chain is performed automatically. Typing errors are obviously not an issue with his technology and the setup time is substantially reduced.

This ensures accurate measurements, even with frequently changing measurement configurations and large numbers of connected transducers.

TEDS is beneficial for test and measurement applications in development laboratories as well as for manufacturing and production monitoring.

TEDS at HBM

Almost all the sensors supplied by HBM are optionally equipped with TEDS, and the HBM amplifiers and data acquisition systems are capable of reading TEDS.

The electrical connection of a TEDS in combination with a strain-gauge based sensor can be done using the six wires that, in any case, are used to connect such sensors to a data acquisition system. Therefore, a clever circuit allows switching the TEDS sensor to two different states. When switched to “Read TEDS”, the TEDS is ready to be read out so that the measurement chain can be set up. When switched to “Measure”, the sensor acts like a normal sensor and measurements can be performed. The major advantage of this technology is that existing cable infrastructure can be used.

It is also possible to have two additional wires for connecting the TEDS and the data acquisition system.

HBM offers a range of TEDS solutions, including TEDS modules for upgrading transducers, new transducers with TEDS, and amplifiers that read TEDS.

If you would like to learn more about TEDS by HBM and how we can help with your test and measurement applications, please don’t hesitate to contact us.