
![]() |
Edward Lowton
Editor |
![]() ![]() |
Charge amplifier module for NI CompactRIOT
05 September 2014
A new charge amplifier module from Kistler Instruments allows a variety of force, pressure, torque and acceleration piezoelectric sensors to be used directly with National Instruments (NI) flexible CompactRIO platform without the use of external amplifiers.

The charge signals from the sensors are directly digitised, using Delta-Sigma ADC, for processing by the FPGA and the real-time operating system. Kistler says that for the best resolution, four hardware measuring ranges have been implemented and innovations in the analog front-end allow impressively low drift values.
One and four channel versions are available, both with 24-bit analog-to-digital conversion up to 52.7 kSps per channel, providing direct integration into CompactRIO systems. Configuration, control & operation, including reset/measure signal, range selection and data transfer, are programmed using the graphical programming tools LabVIEW, LabVIEW Real-Time and LabVIEW FPGA. Example 'Virtual Instruments' are supplied as standard to facilitate quick integration into LabVIEW projects.
Wherever piezoelectric force, pressure, acceleration or torque signals need to be measured and processed in real-time, the new Kistler Charge Amplifier Module in combination with the NI CompactRIO provides an easy to implement and use system. The rugged design makes the system equally suitable for use in production environments, mobile data-acquisition applications, and the laboratory.
- Cost effective and simple joining processes
- Rosetta's fuel levels monitored
- New torque sensor has magnetoresistive built-in speed sensor and integral, digital measurement conditioning system
- Highly dynamic pressure sensor with 500kHz natural frequency
- Torque sensor
- Torque sensor
- X-Y monitoring system
- Hot runner balancing act
- Process monitoring system for those serving the medtech sector
- Piezoelectric sensors seminar