Programmable measurement system with modular measurement modules that convey interface information
US7881899B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 22, 2008 |
| Grant date | Feb 1, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG16H40/63
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
System and method for measurement, DAQ, and control operations which uses small form-factor measurement modules or cartridges with a re-configurable carrier unit, sensors, and a computer system to provide modular, efficient, cost-effective measurement solutions. The measurement module includes measurement circuitry, e.g., signal conditioner and/or signal conversion circuitry, and interface circuitry for communicating with the carrier unit. The module communicates interface information to the carrier unit, which informs the computer system how to program or configure a functional unit on the carrier unit to implement the communicated interface, or sends the information directly to the computer system. The computer system programs the carrier unit with the interface, and the programmed carrier unit and measurement module together function as a DAQ, measurement, and/or control device. The carrier unit may receive multiple cartridges, each having a respective interface protocol, where the carrier unit is configurable to support the respective protocols sequentially and/or in parallel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.