WHY DIGITAL

KµDA is a high-precision, eddy current system. Microprocessor-based sensing systems offer many benefits over analog systems, especially in applications that have many variables. Kaman's KµDA, a smart digital system, has the ability to implement many control features that in the past required a PLC or other microprocessor-based controller.

STAND ALONE OPERATION

KµDA incorporates a 32-bit microprocessor, advanced signal conditioning electronics, and flash memory. Configuration, set-up, and calibration are accomplished either by pushing the buttons on the front panel, or by connecting KµDA to a PC and running KµDAView™, Kaman's proprietary software that is included with every system. All operating parameters are stored internally, so you can disconnect KµDA from the PC and retain all programming.

CONFIGURABLE

You can configure a KµDA system to operate with any of eight standard KµDA sensors, which offer ranges from .020" to 1.00". Custom sensors, as well as those used with other Kaman products, are also compatible with the KµDA electronics. You can save your configurations to a PC and then reload them into KµDA at a future date. If you decide to change sensors later, you simply set up KµDA to that new configuration.

KµDA is available as a single or dual-channel system. With a dual-channel KµDA, you can configure each channel for different sensors and for different target materials.

3-POINT LINEARITY CALIBRATION

You perform basic linearity calibration via push buttons. Because KµDA is digital, you do not need to turn potentiometers or use a voltmeter. Calibration is as easy as pushing these buttons on the front panel:

1. Select "Calibrate"
2. Select "Sensor 1" or "Sensor 2"
3. Set "Min" point
4. Set "Mid" point
5. Set "Max" point
6. Select "Run"

Standard system output is both +/-10 Vdc and 4-20 mA. By using KµDAView software, you can adjust the output voltage to anything that includes zero, such as 0 to 1 Vdc, +/-2.5 Vdc, -3.5 to 0 Vdc, or -2.5 to +3.5 Vdc.

21-POINT LINEARITY CALIBRATION

For applications requiring improved linearity, you can calibrate KµDA using 21 discrete, equidistant points over the standard or extended range of the sensor. This is a significant improvement over the 3-point linearity specification, depending on sensor size and target material. To calibrate to 21-point linearity, you follow the step-by-step instructions in KµDAView software.

TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION

The output of all eddy current-type displacement sensors is affected by changes in sensor temperature. Because KµDA is a digital system, it can actively monitor for changes in sensor temperature. If you perform a temperature compensated calibration in KµDAView, KµDA will actively compensate for both zero and slope shift of the analog output with changes in sensor temperature.

ANALOG OUTPUTS

Three outputs are standard with KµDA, each providing a separate analog voltage and 4-20 mA current output. The standard configuration is sensor 1 to output 1, sensor 2 to output 2. Output 3 is available for user-defined functions.

In many applications, you may not need to monitor the actual sensor outputs. In these cases, you can map the programmable functions and analysis results to any number of the outputs, providing useful information based on the sensor output. Examples of these outputs include:

1. Peak hold
2. Valley hold
3. Amplitude
4. Thickness
5. Centerline running position
6. Inside diameter
7. Outside diameter

All configurations of KµDA, including the outputs that you set via KµDAView, are stored in flash memory and retained even when disconnected from the PC or in the event of a power loss.

DIGITAL INPUTS

You can remotely trigger KµDA's programmable functions via three digital inputs on the terminal block or through three user-function push buttons on the front panel. This flexibility allows easy interface to PLC or PC-controlled process functions and identical functionality locally via the front panel.

DIGITAL OUTPUTS (LIMITS)

KµDA is equipped with four discrete opto-isolated outputs. Each output can be individually configured to a variety of limit sources or inputs. Using a PC and KµDAView, you can set for each output level or window mode, high and low settings, active high or active low, and enabled or disabled. Once you have completed the configuration, you can disconnect the PC, and all settings are permanently stored in flash memory in KµDA.

PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTIONS

You can configure KµDA to be as "smart" as you need it to be. You have available four independent programmable functions capable of calculating such measurements as thickness, inside diameter (ID), outside diameter (OD), total indicated run out (TIR), vibration amplitude, and centerline running position. In addition, KµDA features two analysis functions with the ability to sample and buffer data and then process it to derive the peak, valley, average, or standard deviation of the sensor signal. Other programmable parameters related to the analysis include: threshold, hysteresis, sampling interval, maximum samples, and percent from start.

DATA COLLECTION

KµDA is an extremely powerful process control tool. When you connect KµDA to a PC or any process controller with serial communication capability, you can set it up to automatically write the collected data to a file on the PC's hard drive or floppy drive and automatically time and date stamp it. Based on how you wish to configure it, this can be done as often as each second, or once an hour, once a day, once a week. This makes KµDA ideal for SPC data collection. You can also query KµDA via the serial interface for information on a variety of condition parameters and output states.

KµDAVIEW™ SOFTWARE

Kaman includes the latest revision of KµDAView software with every KµDA. Loaded onto a PC running Windows95 or later, KµDAView configures and customizes KµDA for any application. In addition, KµDAView monitors individual outputs along with the limits and digital input and output conditions. KµDAView also allows you to open and configure any number of strip chart windows to monitor and log sensor or function outputs. KµDAView can support multiple KµDA installations via RS-485 communication.

Engineering support from Kaman is always available if you desire to interface with a plant-wide control and data collection network.

EASY AND FLEXIBLE

KµDA is the most powerful position sensing system in the world. KµDAView software was written for ease of use and maximum flexibility. However, Kaman will configure KµDA for you at the factory if you desire. You provide Kaman with the specifications of your application, and Kaman will provide a KµDA that is fully operational right out of the box.

Kaman Instrumentation also offers you the option of downloading the latest version of KµDAView software directly from our web site. This allows you to keep your KµDA up-to-date with all the latest features and performance enhancements. Kaman also offers Application and Technical Notes on configuring KµDA to calculate target parameters such as ID, OD, thickness, and TIR. Our web site is updated often with additional Application and Technical Notes from actual case histories in many industries of how KµDA solved a tough measurement and control application.

Kaman Instrumentation's measuring systems products have been applied in nearly every industry imaginable from biomedical to metal forming, from aerospace to textile manufacturing, from power generation to semiconductor manufacturing. No matter what your application, chances are Kaman has a proven solution.

KµDA 19-INCH RACK MOUNT

FEATURES AND BENEFITS Holds up to four dual-channel modules for a total of eight individual channels. Maximum of 12 analog outputs (three per module). RS-232 or RS-485 communication. Standard 19-inch Euro-rack includes power supply with built-in loss of power detection.