Model 100/200
Data Coupler for Hostile Environments

The 100/200 systems are designed around small yet rugged transmitter modules capable of operating in hostile industrial environments with temperatures to 175° and static acceleration to 50,000 G. The modules are not affected by contaminants such as oil, dirt, water or other industrial impurities and are powered by induction. An induction power system operates similar to an air gap transformer where the primary winding is stationary, and the secondary winding rotates. Secondary "rotation" can be from 0 RPM to very high RPM's. Successful operation to 75,000 RPM and above has been achieved. Optional battery power operation is available where induced power is not practical.

In operation, physical phenomena (stress, temperature, etc.) are sensed by a transducer (strain gauge, thermocouple, etc.) and converted to a frequency modulated electronic signal by the transmitter module. The modules are located on the assembly with the sensor(s) and transmit the electronic signals across the rotating/stationary interface to an adjacent stationary antenna. The signal is conditioned in a receiver and data can be displayed directly in engineering units. Analog outputs are available for use with recorders and displays.

The E series is rectangular. This series requires an additional U-core or transformer for coupling induction power to the transmitter. An antenna pin is available to connect the RF signal to the transmitting antenna.

The H series is rectangular with a built-in RF coupling plate and induction power pickup coil.

The R series is cylindrical in shape and has a transformer coupled power input and an antenna pin for coupling the RF signal to the antenna.

The receiver for a 100/200 system is a Model 155W which consists of a 155W receiver module and a signal conditioning card.

The standard 155W Receiver module is capable of tuning to signals anywhere in the FM radio band of 88 to 108 MHz. The 155 Receiver module is also available with frequency ranges of 75 to 89 MHz, 64 to 76 MHz, and 54 to 65 MHz as an option. Signal conditioning cards of various types plug into the receiver module. The type of signal conditioning card used depends on the type of transmitter. Together, the receiver module and signal conditioning card form a modular unit. The receiver modules are approximately 3" x 5" x 11" and are designed to fit a 155W receiver mainframe rack. The mainframe rack is 18" x 5.5" x 14" and up to five receiver modules can be plugged into a single frame, along with a power supply. One power supply provides power to all modules.

Model 435A VHF Amplifier is used in systems where long cable runs (more than 75 meters) are necessary between the RF pickup point at the stationary antenna and receiver. It is also required where there are large RF losses due to distribution when multiple receivers are used.

The receiver power supply will normally be a 155W AC or 155W DC which are plug-ins for the receiver mainframe rack (see discussion under receivers above).

Antennas, like power supplies, must be split between the rotating antenna (transmitter side) and the stationary antenna (receiver side).

The antennas on the transmitter side are further split into: a) battery powered and R Series, and b) H and E Series. The battery powered and R Series transmitter's antenna can be a small (less than 1 square inch) plate or if that is not practical, a short (less than 4 inches) wire can be used. The H and E Series transmitters have the antenna plate built in.

The antennas for the receiver side can be as simple as a conductive metal loop (often from 5/32 inch diameter brass) but can be very complex in unique environments. The simple loop arrangement works well for loop diameters of 8 inches or less. Over 8 inches special steps must be taken. Technical notes are available and we have many years of experience in solving antenna problems.