Yokogawa's new SL1000 is a PC-based data-acquisition unit designed to provide high-speed data logging and fast data transfer in electromechanical and power measurement applications.

Featuring 100MS/s sampling on 16 channels and isolated inputs for high-voltage measurements, the SL1000 is also equipped as standard with intuitive, easy-to-use logging and control software for quick start and set-up.

The ability of the SL1000 to deliver independent, isolated-channel hardware at 100MS/s per channel, with no compromise in bit resolution, memory depth, or streaming performance, is said to make it superior to high-speed digitisers that lack the isolation, attenuation or bit resolution necessary for power electronics testing. It is also claimed to offer benefits over PC-based platforms with fast streaming throughput, which sacrifice noise immunity, signal conditioning and hardware integrity.

In addition to its high-speed acquisition, the SL1000 will transfer data to a PC or record to its internal hard drive at rates up to 1.6MS/s (3.2Mbyte/s). Data transfer is via USB 2.0 or 1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet. A standalone mode also allows data logging without a PC.

The high-speed acquisition rate of 100MS/s is maintained across all 16 channels, and is also available on a new 12-bit 1kV isolation module with 20MHz bandwidth. Acquisition trigger modes include normal, single and single (N) condition.

The SL1000 supports parallel testing, and can perform measurements simultaneously on up to four groups of signals with independent sample rates.

Eight slots are provided for plug-in modules, of which twelve types are currently available for parameters including voltage, temperature, strain, acceleration and frequency. Each module incorporates its own analogue/digital convertor, and the instrument incorporates 'plug and play' automatic recognition of units and modules.

SL1000 data-acquisition unit