Dynamic Signal Analysis
Used extensively in aerospace, automotive, defense, power, and process industries, dynamic signal analysis serves as a primary tool for vibration applications and other dynamic measurements including vibration surveys, model validation, acceptance testing, troubleshooting, and diagnostics.
FFT Analysis
Many dynamic measurements benefit from real-time analysis and results in the frequency domain. The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) converts Time Domain to the Frequency Domain and is the fundamental analysis in understanding signal frequency content.
- Frequency Domain – Display spectral information in different formats – Linear Spectrum, Auto Power Spectrum and Power Spectral Density (PSD)
- Zoom Analysis – Enhance spectral resolution with the bandwidth of interest
- Compare Signals – Overlay signals from different tests or runs; import external user signal for comparative visual reference or limit lines
- Integration and Differentiation – compute velocity or displacement from acceleration, and vice-versa
Recording and Playback Analysis
Time data recording provides peace of mind if you have only one shot at a measurement. Data can be processed any number of times using different measurement techniques, eliminating the need to go back into the field.
- Simultaneous Recording and Measurement – Measurements can be made during recording, reducing post-analysis time
- Independent Recording Sample Rate – Recording sample rate can be different from the measurement sample rate
- Circular Recording – Record only the last few seconds or minutes of the measurement, irrespective of the measurement time saving hard disk space
- Multi Recorder – Record multiple time data streams simultaneously at independent sample rates and recording times
- Automatic Exporting – Export recordings to Matlab, ASCII, UFF, DSF, CSV formats during measurement saving precious time
Structural and Modal Analysis
SignalCalc 900 series is streamlined to make modal measurements with special signal processing features that help the user every step of the way.
- Structural Geometry – Easily assign Rectangular, Cylindrical or Spherical coordinates to measurements
- Preview Average Mode – Examine time and frequency content before accepting the measurement
- Shaker Excitation – Offers a large range of output signals to suit a variety of structures
- Multi Output Multi Input (MIMO) Analysis – Analyze modal properties in complex structures using multiple shakers placed at strategic locations
- Modal Programs – Automatically export to MEscope, UFF, Matlab, SDF, ASCII/CSV
Rotating Machinery Analysis
Analyze vibration measurements synchronized to the speed of the rotating shaft.
- RPM Measurement – FFT-based fixed bandwidth technique ideal for steady-state or slow-changing rpm values
- Synchronous Averaging – Measurement converges to the ideal values after canceling asynchronous noise
- Order Tracking – Uses a resampling technique for synchronization to provide revolution histories and order spectra. Ideal for high and rapidly changing speeds
- Demodulation – Computes amplitude and phase/frequency domain demodulation by computing the Hilbert transform
- Waterfall Analysis – Combines rotation speed, amplitude, and orders on the same graph providing useful insights and patterns to help differentiate structural resonances from order-related vibration.
Octave Analysis
Octave Analysis provides Real-time octave, 1/3rd, 1/6th, 1/12th, and 1/24th octave band spectral analysis.
- Filter Specifications – Analysis is implemented by digital filter banks that conform to ANSI S1.11 – 1986 ANSI S1.11 – 2004 specifications
- Exponential Detector – computes a running average of the RMS value biased to the current input. Provides Fast (125 ms) or Slow (1 sec) time constants in accordance with IEC 651
- Linear Detector – computer the true RMS value at each filter averaged over a fixed integration time
- Sensor Calibration – Built-in sensor calibration function automates calibration of sound and vibration sensors
About Data Physics
Data Physics, owned by Battery Ventures, was founded by two Alumni of Hewlett Packard in 1984. Dave Snyder had designed hardware and software for the Fourier Analyzers developed at the Santa Clara Division of HP. Sri Welaratna had worked for HP in England, Europe and then in Santa Clara developing applications of Fourier Analyzers. The first project Dave and Sri did together was the design of the UD 400AT vibration controller, the first to use a PC as the host computer and a DSP based signal processing peripheral. This project began in 1983 and used the Texas Instruments TMS32010, the very first Digital Signal Processor.
Starting with the SignalCalc software library for HP Basic computers Data Physics evolved to signal processing solutions on PCs using add on DSP hardware to provide the computational power required for realtime measurements and analysis.
In 2014, Battery Ventures bought a controlling stake in Data Physics. DP is the fifth active industrial-technology platform in the Battery portfolio. In 2015, Battery Ventures acquired a controlling stake in both Lansmont and Team Corporations, establishing the foundation of the Noise & Vibration Technologies (NVT) Group.