| Dual channel digital multimeter runs on Pocket PCs |
Oct. 19, 2004
 Hacker-DatenTechnik of Germany has introduced a kit that turns any Pocket PC, notebook, or Tablet PC equipped with a CompactFlash or PCMCIA slot into a dual channel graphic digital multimeter. The Graphic-DMM is said to integrate multiple measurement functions, providing high-level analysis features.
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The Graphic-DMM, packaged in a CompactFlash Type I card, contains two independent digital multimeters (DMMs), each with its own analog-to-digital converter and front-end circuitry. The DMMs are galvanically isolated from the CompactFlash interface for safety, and the two channels are also isolated from each other. Thus, each channel is floating relative to the other, and to the host, allowing simultaneous measurement of signals with widely differing ground potentials, according to Hacker.
 The Graphic-DMM package includes analysis software for Windows Pocket PC 2002/3 and Windows XP built on the Microsoft Foundation Class (MFC). The package supports digital display, auto ranging, hot swap, fast readings, a speech tool supporting multiple languages, and graphical display of data. Both versions of the tools -- for Windows XP and Pocket PC -- are based on a common library. Additionally, Hacker says that source code is available on request, to enable the creation of custom designs or the addition of special features. A high-level VB, VC/C++ driver that includes LabVIEW for PDA support is also available on request.
Key features and specifications of the Graphic-DMM are said to include: - Dual channel isolated 5.5 digit DMM and scope
- Seperate galvanic isolation to host PC/PDA and channel-to-channel
- DC Volts up to 650V, better than 10µV resolution on 6V range
- AC Volts up to 460V True RMS
- True AC/DC coupling, and bandwidth limit control per channel
- Ohms from 1Ohm to greater than 40MOhm in four ranges
- 350mA AC and DC current ranges (fused)
- Simultaneous sample rates from less than 1 S/sec to 40 kS/s on each channel, including 10, 50 and 60Hz modes
- Data streaming and triggered one-shot mode, on-board buffer for 16384 24-bit sample pairs
- Pre-trigger or post-trigger up to 16384 sample pairs
- Level or edge triggered modes with 8-bit threshold, programmable hysteresis and time domain filtering, independent per channel
- Programmable trigger logic combinations for ch1 and ch2
- In-circuit programmable 0.5KByte EEPROM to hold calibration constants and asset data. Allows field re-calibration
- Fully protected against over-voltage and over-current
- Low power consumption, typ. 350mW
- Compatible with CompactFlash Type I and PCMCIA using CF-to-PCMCIA adapter
The Graphic-DMM hardware/software kit is currently available from Hacker-DatenTechnik for 615 Eur.
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