AT6356E Rev.

01 - 11/2015

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x

Product Guide
COPYRIGHT © AVL LIST GMBH, 2015, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The contents of this document may not be communicated to any third party without the prior written consent of
AVL.

Feedback: docu@avl.com
 Warnings and Safety Instructions 3

Warnings and Safety Instructions

This manual contains important warnings and safety instructions, which must
be observed by the user.
The device is intended only for an exactly defined use which is described in the
manual. The manual also explains the essential prerequisites for the application
and operation of the device as well as the safety measures to ensure smooth
operation. AVL can offer no warranty nor accept any liability if the device is used
in applications other than those described and if the necessary requirements are
not met and the safety instructions not followed.
The device may only be used and operated by personnel, who, due to their qual-
ifications, are capable of observing the necessary safety measures during use
and operation.
Any accessories and equipment used with the device must be supplied or
approved by AVL. The operating principle of this device is such that the accuracy
of the measurement results depends not only on the correct operation and func-
tioning of the device, but also on a variety of peripheral conditions beyond the
control of the manufacturer. Therefore, the results obtained from this device
must be examined by an expert (e.g. for plausibility) before any action is taken
based on those results.
Any adjustment and maintenance work necessary on instruments when open
and under voltage must be carried out by a professional technician who is aware
of the dangers.
Repairs to the device may be carried out by the manufacturer or qualified service
personnel only.
When the device is in use, an expert must ensure that neither the object under
test nor the testing equipment is operated under conditions that may lead to
damage or injury.

AVL List GmbH

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

4 Warnings and Safety Instructions

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

 Grouped Safety Messages 5

Grouped Safety Messages

WARNING

Danger of explosion and injury

This device must not be used in any environment where there is a danger of
explosion.

WARNING

Danger to life due to electrical voltage

Any connected equipment that uses voltages higher than 50 V AC or
75 V DC must satisfy the requirements of the 2006/95/EC.
To ensure that the risk of electric shock is minimized, the device may only be
opened by qualified staff.
To prevent the risk of fire and electric shock, the devices of the system must not
be exposed to rain or permanent humidity or moisture.
If a foreign body or liquid gets inside the device, disconnect the device from the
power supply and have it checked by an expert before using it again.
Make sure that the device is supplied with the correct supply voltage.
Only use the supplied power supply cable with protective ground.
Only connect the power supply cable to a grounded socket.
Disconnect the device from the power supply system whenever you change a
fuse.

NOTICE

In order to comply with the requirements of the 2004/108/EC Directive on Elec-

tromagnetic Compatibility, only shielded cables with adequately shielded plug
connections may be used.
Power supply connections with standardized connectors and the exceptions
mentioned do not need to be shielded.
Always place the device in a position that allows air to circulate freely through
the device's venting apertures.

Information

When disposing of the product or of parts of it, make sure that the legal regula-
tions in force in the country in which the device is operated are observed (e.g.
regulations for the disposal of electronic scrap).

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

6 Grouped Safety Messages

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

 Table of Contents 7

Table of Contents
Warnings and Safety Instructions................................................................................................................ 3

Grouped Safety Messages ............................................................................................................................ 5

1 What You Should Know.................................................................................................. 11

1.1 Applicability............................................................................................................................. 11

1.2 Safety Instructions .................................................................................................................. 11

1.3 Warranty Seal......................................................................................................................... 11

1.4 Intended Use .......................................................................................................................... 12

1.5 About this Documentation ...................................................................................................... 12

1.5.1 Abbreviations and Glossary Terms................................................................................... 12
1.5.2 Typographic Conventions ................................................................................................. 13
1.5.3 Online Help ....................................................................................................................... 14
1.5.4 We Want to Hear from You............................................................................................... 14

2 General ............................................................................................................................. 15
2.1 Application .............................................................................................................................. 15

2.2 Software Requirements .......................................................................................................... 15

2.3 Basic Equipment..................................................................................................................... 15

2.4 Options ................................................................................................................................... 16

2.4.1 External Power Supply...................................................................................................... 16
2.4.2 Cascading Package .......................................................................................................... 16

3 System Overview and Connections .............................................................................. 17

3.1 Block Diagram ........................................................................................................................ 17

3.2 Front View .............................................................................................................................. 18

3.3 Rear View ............................................................................................................................... 19

3.4 Cascading............................................................................................................................... 19

3.5 Temperature Range ............................................................................................................... 20

4 AVL IndiSignal Operating Software............................................................................... 21

4.1 Installation .............................................................................................................................. 21

4.2 AVL IndiSignal View ............................................................................................................... 22

4.2.1 Toolbar.............................................................................................................................. 22
4.2.2 Rack View ......................................................................................................................... 23
4.2.3 Transducers and Calibration............................................................................................. 23
4.2.4 Status Bar ......................................................................................................................... 23

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

8 Table of Contents

4.3 General Information About Calibration ................................................................................... 24

4.4 Settings 4P4x ........................................................................................................................ 24

4.4.1 Piezo Amplifier Tab ...........................................................................................................24
4.4.2 Sensor Data Management ................................................................................................27

4.5 Functions ................................................................................................................................ 28

4.5.1 Calculation of the Calibration Factor .................................................................................28
4.5.2 Calibration Info Tab ...........................................................................................................29

4.6 Offline Mode ........................................................................................................................... 29

4.7 Presettings.............................................................................................................................. 30

5 Sensor Data Management............................................................................................... 31

5.1 Electronic Sensor Data TEDS (SDC) ..................................................................................... 31

6 Optimizing the Signal Quality......................................................................................... 35

6.1 Cable Length, Cable Installation............................................................................................. 35

6.2 Isolation .................................................................................................................................. 35

6.3 Cable Noise ............................................................................................................................ 35

6.4 Electromagnetic Compatibility ................................................................................................ 35

6.5 Piezo Signal Conditioning....................................................................................................... 36

6.5.1 Drift Compensation ...........................................................................................................36
6.5.2 Extended Output Range....................................................................................................37
6.5.3 Filter ..................................................................................................................................37

7 Maintenance ..................................................................................................................... 39
7.1 Accuracy................................................................................................................................. 39

7.2 Drift ......................................................................................................................................... 39

8 Technical Data ................................................................................................................. 41

8.1 General................................................................................................................................... 41

8.2 Signal Input............................................................................................................................. 41

8.3 Signal Output.......................................................................................................................... 42

8.4 Signal Conditioning................................................................................................................. 42

8.5 Data of Other Functions ......................................................................................................... 43

8.6 Pin Assignment - Front Panel................................................................................................. 44

8.6.1 BNC Socket.......................................................................................................................44
8.6.2 4-Pin FISCHER Socket .....................................................................................................44
8.6.3 FISCHER Triax Socket .....................................................................................................44

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

 Table of Contents 9

8.7 Pin Assignment - Rear Panel ................................................................................................. 45

8.7.1 Connector RS232 OUT (X7) / Socket RS232 IN (X8)....................................................... 45
8.7.2 Connectors 9.5 ... 36 V DC IN (X1) / 9.5 ... 36 V DC OUT (X2)........................................ 46
8.7.3 Connector X9 .................................................................................................................... 46
8.7.4 Socket for Connector X9................................................................................................... 47

8.8 CE Compliance....................................................................................................................... 47

9 Appendix .......................................................................................................................... 49
9.1 Calibration with Dead-Weight Tester (IndiSignal Stand-alone Only)...................................... 49
9.1.1 Transducer Calibration...................................................................................................... 49
9.1.2 Calibration of the Entire Measurement Chain with Preselected Output Voltage............... 51
9.1.3 Calibration of the Entire Measurement Chain with Preselected Maximum Pressure........ 54
9.1.4 Deleting Saved Calibration Data....................................................................................... 59

Index.............................................................................................................................................................. 61

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

10 Table of Contents

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

 What You Should Know 11

1 What You Should Know

This documentation describes the functionality of the AVL microIFEM
Piezo 4P4x, which is available in the following variants:
 4P4A Piezo Amplifier suitable for TEDS with FISCHER triax connector
 4P4B Piezo Amplifier Double Range suitable for TEDS with FISCHER triax
connector
 4P4C Piezo Amplifier suitable for TEDS with FISCHER triax connector and
SID Sensor Identification
 4P4D Piezo Amplifier Double Range suitable for TEDS with FISCHER triax
connector and SID Sensor Identification
 4P4E Piezo Amplifier suitable for TEDS with 4-pin FISCHER connector
(AVL SDC)
 4P4F Piezo Amplifier Double Range suitable for TEDS with 4-pin FISCHER
connector (AVL SDC)
 4P4G Piezo Amplifier suitable for TEDS with 4-pin FISCHER connector
(AVL SDC) and SID Sensor Identification
 4P4H Piezo Amplifier Double Range suitable for TEDS with 4-pin FISCHER
connector (AVL SDC) and SID Sensor Identification
Double Range If the expected sensor charges at the amplifier input are higher than 14400 pC,
the permitted charge input range of the standard version is exceeded. In such
cases, the Double Range version has to be used.
Permitted charge input range for double range amplifiers:
160 pC - 28800 pC
SID Sensor Identifi- Using this function and the relevant sensors, the amplifier is capable of identi-
cation fying the sensor's unique ID, which enables the sensor's type, serial number and
sensitivity to be read from a sensor database.

1.1 Applicability
4P4 A/B/C/D/E/F/G/H, Rev. Level 00

1.2 Safety Instructions

This documentation contains a number of important warnings and safety
instructions, which must be observed by the user. Smooth operation can only
be ensured if the requirements are met and the safety instructions followed.

1.3 Warranty Seal

For safety reasons, the product is provided with a special seal which may only
be broken by AVL personnel. Any unauthorized damage to the seal shall be
considered an unauthorized change to the product, which will result in the termi-
nation of AVL´s warranty obligation.

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

12 What You Should Know

1.4 Intended Use

The product is only intended for the area of application which is described in the
documentation. If used contrary to its intended purpose or if the prerequisites
and safety instructions mentioned are not observed, no guarantee and/or liability
shall be assumed. The operating principle of this product is such that the accu-
racy of the measurement results depends not only on the correct operation and
functioning of the product, but also on a variety of peripheral conditions beyond
the control of the manufacturer. Therefore, the results obtained from this product
must be examined by an expert (e.g. for plausibility) before any action is taken
based on those results.
It is explicitly stated that use of this product alone will not ensure safety-related
monitoring of the operating condition of the combustion engine under test.

1.5 About this Documentation

Target group This documentation addresses test bed engineers/application engineers who set
up and execute indicating measurements.

Information

This documentation is not intended to, and should not, replace adequate
training!

It covers the following topics:

 Setup
 Parameterization
 Calibration and Maintenance
Secondary litera- For technical details about the handling of AVL indicating systems, please refer
ture to the AVL IndiCom documentation and/or the relevant system manual.

1.5.1 Abbreviations and Glossary Terms

EMC Electromagnetic Compatibility
SDB Sensor Data Base
SCF Signal Calibration Factor
SDC Sensor Data Connector
SID Sensor Identification
TEDS Transducer Electronic Data Sheet

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

 What You Should Know 13

1.5.2 Typographic Conventions

Safety messages:

WARNING

WARNING indicates a hazardous situation which – if not avoided – could result

in death or serious injury.

CAUTION

CAUTION indicates a hazardous situation which – if not avoided – could result in

minor or moderate injury.

Additional safety symbols:

Voltage hazard warning

Additional messages:

NOTICE

This text indicates situations or operation errors which could result in property
damage or data loss.

Information

This text indicates important information or operating instructions. Not observing

these instructions could inhibit or impede you from successfully completing the
tasks described in this documentation.

Standard text styles:

Bold Parameters; control elements in windows and
dialog boxes; important text
Italics Cross-references; foreign-language or new
terms; wildcards for elements that need to be
entered by the user, i.e. characters or text. If you
read, for example, macro name, you are required
to type the name of a macro.
UPPERCASE LETTERS Operating states
Courier Programming examples; source code
Times New Roman Formulas
Menu | Option Description of how to select a menu or menu item

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

14 What You Should Know

Lists:
1. Step-by-step procedures with a given sequence
2.
• One-step instructions
 Listings in no particular order


–
–

1.5.3 Online Help

This printed manual is also available as online Help.
To access online Help:
 open the Help menu
 or press the F1 key for context-sensitive Help.

1.5.4 We Want to Hear from You

Your comments and suggestions help us to improve the quality and practical
relevance of our manuals.
If you have any suggestions for improvement, please send them to:
docu@avl.com
We appreciate your feedback!

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

 General 15

2 General

2.1 Application
The AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x is designed as a compact 4-channel amplifier.
Its small size makes it perfectly suitable for use in test cells close to the pressure
transducers or in the vehicle.
The connections on the AVL microIFEM Piezo permit the control of the ampli-
fiers as well as the transmission of the output signal.
Electrical isolation of each channel's power supply and use of a differential
output amplifier ensure that the AVL microIFEM Piezo is also suitable for use in
environments with severe interference. The high upper cut-off frequency on the
other hand permits highly dynamic measurements.
The AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x is used to measure the electrostatic charges
generated by piezo transducers in pressure, force and acceleration measure-
ment chains. The extremely high input resistance makes it possible to carry out
quasi-static measurements. The large sensitivity range means that the amplifier
can be used in conjunction with most piezoelectric measurement transducers.
An integrated drift compensation function ensures drift free measurement results
where the isolation conditions are less than ideal.

2.2 Software Requirements

For parameterization of the AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x, AVL IndiSignal >v3.5a
is required.
For use with AVL IndiCom, the following versions are required:
 AVL IndiCom v2.4 SP2 HF13
 AVL IndiCom v2.5 HF8
 AVL IndiCom v2.6
 AVL IndiCom v2.7

2.3 Basic Equipment

 1 AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4 A/B/C/D/E/F/G/H
 1 serial interface cable, 10 m
 1 power supply cable, 10 m
 1 3-pin power connector
 4 BNC connecting cables E109 - 1.5
 4 clamp-on ferrites
 1 CD-ROM with the AVL IndiSignal Software
 1 Product Guide

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

16 General

2.4 Options

2.4.1 External Power Supply

EN0457 To supply the AVL microIFEM.

Type IN Maximum no. of Maximum ambient

Model connectable temperature
microIFEM
TR70 100 ... 240 V AC 4 45 °C
(EN0457) 50 ... 60 Hz 3 50 °C
1.5 A
2 55 °C
1 60 °C

2.4.2 Cascading Package

TI04FCCSA.01 The Cascading Package consists of the following components:
 1 serial interface cable (30 cm)
 1 power supply cable (30 cm)
 1 Y-supply cable for 2 microIFEMs

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

 System Overview and Connections 17

3 System Overview and Connections

3.1 Block Diagram

Voltage/Current-Converter

Circuit for the generation

of a sample impulse
Amplifier and
Sample/Hold
(switchable)

Comparator
µC COMP.

S/H

Drift Compensation Device

RESET UOffset Piezo Amplifier

-8 V 0V
Ck
Amplifier Analog Output
Lowpass Differential Amplifier ANALOG
Cs IN OUT

I1 A
x2

A = 1 ... 100
Us Cc
FILTER
Switchable summer for -8V Offset

Output Differential Amplifier

Charge-Voltage-Converter
(equivalent network)
Piezo-Transducer

Voltage Amplifier

Low-Pass Filter
Coaxial cable

Fig. 1 Block diagram

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

18 System Overview and Connections

3.2 Front View

PIEZO
Gen 4 AVL MICRO IFEM SENSOR ID2
2

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Fig. 2 AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4 A/B/C/D, front view

1 .... Q1 to Q4
Pressure transducer connections:
– BNC sockets for pressure transducers with BNC connector
– FISCHER triax sockets for pressure transducers with sensor data con-
nector (TEDS)
2 .... LEDs
Status indicators for the individual amplifier channels.
GREEN: regular operating state
ORANGE: acknowledgement of a control signal
RED flashes: amplifier channel is in saturation

PIEZO
Gen 4 AVL MICRO IFEM SENSOR ID2
2

Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4

Fig. 3 AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4 E/F/G/H, front view

1 .... Q1 to Q4
Pressure transducer connections:
– BNC sockets for pressure transducers with BNC connector
– 4-pin FISCHER sockets for pressure transducers with sensor data
connector (AVL SDC)
2 .... LEDs
Status indicators for the individual amplifier channels.
GREEN: regular operating state
ORANGE: acknowledgement of a control signal
RED flashes: amplifier channel is in saturation

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

 System Overview and Connections 19

3.3 Rear View

X1 IN 9.5 ... 36 V DC OUT X2 X9 7 X7 OUT RS232 IN X8

1 2 5 6

4 6
FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS! DON´T 3 7
OPERATE THIS INSTRUMENT
IN EXPLOSIVE HAZARDOUS 3 2 8
4
LOCATIONS! 8
CH4 X3 CH3 X4 CH2 X5 CH1 X6 1 0 UNIT ADDRESS

Fig. 4 AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x, rear view

1 .....9.5 ... 36 V DC IN - X4
Connection of power supply (9.5 ... 36 V DC)
2 .....9.5 ... 36 V DC OUT - X2
Voltage output.
If devices are cascaded, the next rack can be connected here.
Note: For restrictions, see Cascading on page 19 and Technical Data on
page 41.
3 .....CH4 to CH1 - X3 to X6
BNC output sockets for the analog signal of the respective amplifier.
4 .....UNIT ADDRESS
Address switch for cascading.
Address must be set to 0 if only one device is used.
If devices are cascaded, the first rack must be set to address 0. The
address must be increased by 1 for each subsequent rack.
5 .....RS232 OUT - X7
Serial connection to another AVL microIFEM if devices are cascaded.
6 .....RS232 IN - X8
Connection to the PC serial port or to the RS232 OUT socket of the
previous rack if devices are cascaded.
7 .....X9
Connection for Mounting Tray TI04F4MTA.02 for 4 devices.
8 .....Protective ground connection

3.4 Cascading
Up to 8 additional devices of the amplifier series can be cascaded.
1. Connect the PC's serial interface to the RS232 IN socket on the rear panel
of the first amplifier.
2. Set the address switch UNIT ADDRESS on this rack to 0.
3. Connect the RS232 OUT socket of the first AVL microIFEM to the RS232 IN
socket of the second AVL microIFEM.
4. Connect the 9.5 ... 36 V DC OUT socket of the first AVL microIFEM to the
9.5 ... 36 V DC OUT IN socket of the second AVL microIFEM.
5. Set the address switch UNIT ADDRESS on the second AVL microIFEM to
1.

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

20 System Overview and Connections

Connect additional AVL microIFEM following the same principle, increasing

the address by 1 for each rack added.

NOTICE

Make sure that the maximum continuous current of the supply connector does
not exceed 8 A.
E.g.: 24 V DC power supply: 15 W/24 V = 0.625 A, i.e. 9 racks can be cascaded.
E.g.: 12 V DC power supply: 15 W/12 V = 1.25 A, i.e. 6 racks can be cascaded.
EnsureAlso ensure that the start-up power consumption (22 W for each unit) of
all AVL microIFEM units does not exceed the maximum power output of the
power supply!
The power supply unit TR70 can supply up to four AVL microIFEM units.

The RS232 and power supply connecting cables are 1:1 connecting cables. For
the connector pin assignment and cable types, see Pin Assignment - Rear Panel
on page 45.)

3.5 Temperature Range

NOTICE

Please note that the maximum ambient temperature range (see Technical Data
on page 41) only applies if the device is used as a free-standing unit. If you stack
several microIFEM units on top of each other at high ambient temperatures, this
may lead to overheating and, consequently, failure, particular where the unit in
the middle is concerned. We recommend leaving a gap of 0.5 to 1 rack units in
between the devices.

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

 AVL IndiSignal Operating Software 21

4 AVL IndiSignal Operating Software

4.1 Installation

Information

Administrator privileges are required for installation.

The AVL microIFEM may be remote controlled via a serial line . Parameteriza-
tion is done via the AVL IndiSignal operating software.
Depending on your indicating system, AVL IndiSignal is available in different
versions. The basic operation is the same with all versions.
AVL IndiCom AVL IndiSignal is an integral part of parameterization in AVL IndiCom. Not only
the data acquisition hardware, but also the AVL microIFEM is visualized.
In this case, it is not necessary to do a separate AVL IndiSignal installation.
• Set the relevant COM port in the IndiSignal section within the indicom.ini
file.
Stand-alone AVL IndiSignal has to be installed as a separate program from the CD-ROM that
comes with the AVL microIFEM.
1. Insert the CD-ROM into the CD drive.
– The installation procedure will start automatically if the operating
system's Autorun function is enabled.
– If it does not start automatically after inserting the CD-ROM,
double-click the file Setup_IndiSignal.exe in the folder Install on your
CD-ROM.
2. Follow the instructions on the screen.
COM1 to COM8 can be selected as communication interface. The selected
interface is entered in the indisignal.ini file (under ComPort=) and may be
changed using a text editor.
If the amplifier is connected to a serial output of an AVL GigaBit indicating
system, set Ethernet as interface type.

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

22 AVL IndiSignal Operating Software

4.2 AVL IndiSignal View

4 5

Fig. 5 AVL IndiSignal main window

1 .... Toolbar
2 .... Rack View
3 .... Transducers and Calibration
4 .... Status Bar
5 .... Black background:
You can right-click into this area to open a context menu,
(e.g. amplifier properties dialog, etc.)

4.2.1 Toolbar
Check for new amplifiers
Has no function, because the amplifiers are permanently installed.

Properties
Shows the Properties dialog of the selected amplifier.

Temperature
Shows the amplifiers' current temperature in degrees Celsius.

Overrange Check On
When this button is clicked, the system continuously monitors the overrange
state of all amplifiers and displays it via different colors of the LED symbol. The
state is checked every 5 seconds. Click the button again to deactivate the mode.
Calling up a properties menu and reloading amplifiers or sensors will also deac-
tivate the function.

Reset Piezo Amplifiers

Resets all installed piezo amplifiers in all available racks, i.e. sets their output
voltage to 0 V or -8 V.

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

 AVL IndiSignal Operating Software 23

Reset Piezo Amplifiers at BDC

Resets all installed piezo amplifiers in all available racks in the correct pressure
phase, i.e. sets their pressure signal to 0 V or -8 V.
Phase-correct resetting means that the RESET function is activated in the
low-pressure portion of the pressure signal. This prevents the pressure curve
from being shifted downward in the high-pressure portion when the RESET
button is pressed.

Overview
Displays the system settings (e.g. gain, drift compensation, correction factor,
etc.) for the AVL microIFEM and the individual amplifiers.
Use the mouse to enlarge the window if you need to.
Firmware revision and SID identification hardware generation are also shown.

Help
Calls the online Help.

Refresh Sensor Data

Reloads the sensor data of all connected sensors (AVL SDC, SID, SDB) into the
relevant amplifier.

4.2.2 Rack View

This section displays the selected AVL microIFEM. Devices can be selected in
the status bar at the bottom of the window. Just click the required
AVL microIFEM or the associated option button.

Information

With AVL IndiCom you also see here symbols for the connected acquisition
units.The corresponding unit is shown when you click the symbol. These two
views can be used to define the connections between data acquisition and
AVL microIFEM.

4.2.3 Transducers and Calibration

This view shows a simplified version of calibration data. You see there sensi-
tivity, type and serial number of the connected sensors and the range of corre-
sponding amplifier.
 If you double-click into this view, an input dialog will be opened and you
can edit these parameters for the individual amplifiers without having to
open the Properties dialog.
Modifications are submitted by pressing RETURN.
 If the TEDS (AVL SDC), SID or SDB functions are activated for a piezo
transducer, the system will read in type, serial number and sensitivity from
the data connector TEDS) or the database. These values are not editable.

4.2.4 Status Bar

The status bar shows all connected amplifiers. Here you can select amplifiers by
mouse click and set parameters via the Properties dialog.
An amplifier's Properties dialog may be opened in the following ways:
 Double-click the relevant amplifier.
 When you click an amplifier, it will be marked with a red frame. Click this
button to call up the Properties dialog:

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

24 AVL IndiSignal Operating Software

 Right-click an amplifier area to show a context menu and select Properties

from the menu.
For details about amplifier settings, see Settings 4P4x on page 24.

4.3 General Information About Calibration

Every amplifier is configured in the associated Properties dialog in
AVL IndiSignal (for information on how to call this dialog, see Rack View on
page 23).
In this dialog, the characteristic sensor data and measurement parameters are
input, and the calibration factor is automatically calculated. It is also possible to
input additional information about the sensor (i.e. type of sensor, serial number;
etc.) and to set operating parameters of the amplifier. These parameters are
stored in a non-volatile memory in the amplifier.
If the TEDS (AVL SDC), SID or SDB functions are activated for a piezo trans-
ducer, the system will read in type, serial number and sensitivity from the data
connector or the database. These values are not editable.
If you work with AVL IndiCom, it is not necessary to manually transfer the cali-
bration factor. When establishing a connection between an analog channel in the
indicating system and an amplifier in the AVL microIFEM, the calibration factor is
automatically transferred to AVL IndiCom.

4.4 Settings 4P4x

4.4.1 Piezo Amplifier Tab

This Properties dialog shows all amplifier settings, which can be changed if
required.

Fig. 6 Piezo Amplifier Properties

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

 AVL IndiSignal Operating Software 25

4.4.1.1 Calibration
 Signal Input Range
Here enter the expected maximum peak pressure.
Please note that any superimposed oscillations (knock) could increase it
even further.
 Transducer Sensitivity
Enter here the sensitivity of the used transducer in pC/bar. The correct gain
is automatically calculated based on signal input range and sensitivity.
 Transducer Type / Serial Number
For documentation of your measured data in conjunction with AVL IndiCom,
enter transducer type and serial number.

Information

If this amplifier has already been calibrated with a dead weight tester, the cali-
bration parameters are locked for input (see Calibration with Dead-Weight Tester
(IndiSignal Stand-alone Only) on page 49).

4.4.1.2 Settings
 -8 V Output Offset
If this check box is activated, the signal zero point is set to -8 V. This
improves utilization of the -10/+10 V input range of connected indicating
systems.

Information

This setting only concerns the analog device outputs (see Fig. 4 on page 19).

 Drift Compensation
If this check box is activated, a field will be displayed to the right containing
the two options Cyclic and Continuous.
– Cyclic mode: This mode attempts to keep the value that the curve has
at approx. -180° at 0 V or -8 V. It therefore requires cyclic signals, such
as e.g. cylinder pressures or line pressures. With signal periods
T > 1.2 s Continuous mode is automatically selected.
– Continuous mode: In this mode, the system attempts to keep the
signal's linear mean value at 0 V or -8 V. This mode is suitable for
piezoelectric transducers installed in the intake manifold or exhaust
and for accelerometers. If used with cylinder pressure signals and at
low speeds (< 1000 rpm), the accuracy of the indicated mean effective
pressure is somewhat reduced.

NOTICE

Make sure to use the drift compensation appropriate for your signal type!
The minimum signal lift for the detection of cyclic signals is approx. 0.7 V above
the signal's linear mean value (typ. at approx. 1.2 V). If this condition is not met
(e.g. in idle), the amplifier will automatically switch to Continuous mode.
(Utilize the output offset of -8 V and set the gain in a way that, at full load, the
output range is optimally used.)

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26 AVL IndiSignal Operating Software

 Grounded Input
If this check box is activated, the sensor input ground is connected to pro-
tective ground.

NOTICE

With ground isolated sensors this function has to be activated for the potential to
be defined.
With ground referenced sensors it depends on the ambient conditions at the test
bed whether or not this function would be useful for reducing interference. It
should generally be deactivated with ground referenced sensors.

 Reset
– With this check box you can reset this piezo amplifier permanently.
– If you want to reset the amplifier for a short time and then use it again,
you have the following possibilities:
Right-click the relevant amplifier to open the context menu and select
Reset, or click the following toolbar button:

All amplifiers of all cascaded IFEM racks will be reset.

– If you want to reset the amplifier in the correct pressure phase
("grounding"), click the following button in the toolbar:

All amplifiers of all cascaded IFEM racks will be reset in the correct
pressure phase.
Phase-correct resetting means that the RESET function is activated in
the low-pressure portion of the pressure signal. This prevents the pres-
sure curve from being shifted downward in the high-pressure portion
when the RESET button is pressed.

4.4.1.3 Filter
An integrated second-order Bessel filter enables you to filter the output signal.
The displayed frequency shows the upper cut-off frequency currently set (-3 dB).
The following options are available:
12, 20, 30, 50, 100 kHz

Information

The real filter frequencies may differ by around 10 %.

Please note that low filter frequencies will lead to a signal delay.

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

 AVL IndiSignal Operating Software 27

4.4.2 Sensor Data Management

Please see below a description of different ways to read out pressure transducer
sensitivity from a database or a data medium (TEDS):

4.4.2.1 SID (Sensor with ID) for 4P4 C/D/G/H

If a sensor with SID is used, the sensor identity will be determined if this check
box is activated and the Apply button is clicked. For this purpose, the unique ID
stored in the sensor is read out and searched for in the database.
If a sensor with this ID is found in the database, the Transducer Sensitivity,
Transducer Type and Serial Number fields are automatically filled with values.
The system will use the optimal transducer sensitivity, depending on the set
signal input range.

Information

A central sensor database is required to use this function.

For installation and operation of the sensor database, use the program Sensor-
Admin, which is available under Tools on your AVL IndiSignal CD-ROM or in
the IndiSignal installation folder.

The microIFEM 4P4 C/D/G/H is equipped with a third-generation SID identifica-

tion hardware.

Information

When cascading different types of microIFEM units, care must be taken not to
use amplifiers with 1st generation and 3rd generation SID identification hard-
ware at the same time.

Which generation of the integrated SID identification hardware is installed, is

shown under SID in the overview (see AVL IndiSignal View on page 22).
SID: 1, 2 -> 1st generation
SID: 3, 4 -> 2nd generation
SID: 5, 6 -> 3rd generation

4.4.2.2 TEDS (SDC)

Selecting the check box TEDS (SDC) activates the reading of the sensor data
from a connected TEDS element (TEDS = Transducer Electronic Data Sheet).
Depending on the type of AVL microIFEM, this can be a TEDS with FISCHER
triax socket or with a 4-pin FISCHER socket (AVL SDC). The system will auto-
matically use the optimal transducer sensitivity, depending on the set signal input
range.
To call up the Properties dialog of the TEDS, click the following button:

For details, see Electronic Sensor Data TEDS (SDC) on page 31.

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28 AVL IndiSignal Operating Software

4.4.2.3 SDB (Database)

If you are using a sensor without SID, you can nevertheless utilize the benefits of
a database. Activating this check box allows you to select the transducer type
and serial number. The Transducer Sensitivity will be read automatically from
the database and input in the relevant field. The system will use the optimal
transducer sensitivity, depending on the set signal input range.

Information

A central sensor database is required to use this function. For installation and
operation of the sensor database, use the program SensorAdmin, which is
available under Tools on your AVL IndiSignal CD-ROM or in the IndiSignal
installation folder.
To activate this database, use the program ActivateSensorDataBase.exe, which
is available in the AVL IndiSignal installation folder.

4.5 Functions

4.5.1 Calculation of the Calibration Factor

Gain A is calculated based on transducer sensitivity S and signal input range pN.
When you click the Apply button after entering the parameters, the amplifier is
set to the following gain:
4P4 A/C/E/G:
8000 ( for 0 V offset ) or 14400 ( for -8 V offset ) [ pC ] ]
A ≤ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pC
S -------- ⋅ p N [ bar ]
bar

4P4 B/D/F/H:
16000 ( for 0 V offset ) or 28800 ( for -8 V offset ) [ pC ]
A ≤ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
pC
S -------- ⋅ p N [ bar ]
bar

This produces a signal calibration factor (SCF) of:

4P4 A/C/E/G:
bar 800 [ pF ]
SCF -------- = ----------------------------
V pC
S -------- ⋅ A
bar

4P4 B/D/F/H:
bar 1600 [ pF ]
SCF -------- = ----------------------------
V pC
S -------- ⋅ A
bar

Information

The formulas listed above should be considered merely as indicative, as the

actual gain factor additionally requires the correction factor, which is determined
when calibrating the AVL microIFEM. The correction factor is shown in the
amplifier overview (see AVL IndiSignal View on page 22).

Regarding transfer of the signal calibration factor to the connected indicating

system, see Settings 4P4x on page 24.
The resulting signal calibration factor can be used as a scaling factor for a
connected data acquisition system. When connecting AVL IndiCom, no manual

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

 AVL IndiSignal Operating Software 29

input in AVL IndiCom is needed, because the software reads out the SCF auto-
matically.
If the maximum pressure that occurs during operation is not known, we recom-
mend starting with a high initial value and then reducing it until the piezo ampli-
fier goes into saturation (check by means of LED or overrange check; red LED
symbol). Then increase the value until the overrange check shows a green LED
symbol.

4.5.2 Calibration Info Tab

Fig. 7 Piezo Amplifier Calibration Info

This tab displays the calibration factor determined by the set measuring range
and the transducer sensitivity.

4.6 Offline Mode

AVL IndiCom Offline also contains an offline version of AVL IndiSignal.
The Test Environment File (which may be copied from the test bed to an office
PC) contains the AVL microIFEM.
Via context menu it is, however, also possible to add or remove an
AVL microIFEM. This allows you to set the amplifiers to the required signal input
range and input the transducer sensitivities in the office. The resulting picture
can then be printed out and used as a guide for test setup on the test bed.

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30 AVL IndiSignal Operating Software

4.7 Presettings
By changing entries in the indicom.ini file it is possible to specify settings which
cannot be defined via the user interface.
 With AVL IndiCom, you can find these settings in the [IndiSignal] section of
the indicom.ini file.

Entry Input Options Description

Language= GER Dialog language German
ENG Dialog language English
(IndiSignal only)
ComPort= 1 ... 8, OFFLINE, OFF Serial interface 1 ... 8
OFFLINE = Offline simulation
OFF = Disconnected
CalPW= AVL (factory setting) Password to unlock the calibration
or any password values after dead-weight tester
calibration
PreLoad= 0 = NO This defines whether or not the
1 = YES settings of the amplifiers come
from the IndiCom parameter file.
The system makes a configuration
check of racks and amplifiers.
(Only if used with AVL IndiCom.)
TEDSEditPW= AVL (factory setting) Password which is requested if
or any password you want to change the settings of
the AVL SDC.
ViewTime= sec Defines whether the operating
h time of the AVL SDC(s) is
cyc displayed in seconds, hours or
cycles.
Database OFF / ODBC Defines whether or not the sensor
database should be used (see
also Sensor Data Management on
page 27
Enable TEDS 0 = NO Setting 1 means that a TEDS
with SDB 1 = YES (SDC) is used together with a
sensor database, i.e. only serial
number and type are used.

Tab. 1

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 Sensor Data Management 31

5 Sensor Data Management

The AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x enables you to read the characteristic trans-
ducer data from a sensor data connector or a database (either manually or auto-
matically via SID). This includes both calibration values and sensor runtimes.
 SID (Sensor Identification) for 4P4 C/D/G/H
If SID is activated, the amplifier identifies the unique sensor ID number
which allows to read the sensor's type, serial number and sensitivity from
the sensor database (requires amplifier with SID identification and piezo
transducers provided with SID).
 SDB (Sensor Data Base)
Here you can select a sensor type and a serial number via an input field.
Sensitivity is then read out automatically from a sensor database according
to the set input range.
 AVL SDC (Sensor Data Connector) or non-AVL TEDS (Transducer
Electronic Data Sheet)
This additional connector contains a memory in which the characteristic
data are stored. Type, serial number and sensitivity according to the set
input range are read out of this memory. The connected TEDS type is
detected automatically.

5.1 Electronic Sensor Data TEDS (SDC)

Based on the AVL SDC-TEDS, the following sections show the dialogs with
which the data stored in a connected TEDS can be displayed or changed.
The contents of these dialogs may differ, depending on TEDS type and sensor
manufacturer.
Header

Fig. 8 AVL SDC, Header tab

 AVL Sensor Type

Type of sensor.
 AVL Serial Number
Serial number of sensor.
 Sensor ID
Unique sensor ID number.

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32 Sensor Data Management

 Layout Version
Version number of internal memory allocation.
 Total Operating Time
Total operating time of the sensor.
When you start AVL IndiCom, the operating time counter in the amplifier is
set to 0. As soon the amplifier gets a cylinder pressure signal, this internal
counter recognizes the duration. When AVL IndiCom is stopped, the current
counter content will be added to the field Total Operating Time. The time
unit can be set in the indicom.ini file (sec, h or cyc).
; View SDC Operating Time in seconds or hours (sec/h/cyc)
ViewTime=h

 Total Operating Cycles

Total number of engine cycles of the sensor.
 Edit
By clicking Edit you can switch to the Edit mode, which enables you to edit
the values in the Property column.
 At the same time, the button Burn is enabled which allows you to save the
modifications in the AVL SDC.
 Close
Closes the dialog.
Calibration

Fig. 9 AVL SDC, Calibration tab

This tab displays the calibration data.

 Calibration Date
Date of the calibration.
 User Name
Name of the person who does the calibration.
 Remark
Comment.
 Operating Time
In this field you see the operating time for the current calibration. If you
recalibrate the sensor, the current data including the operating time will be
moved to the History 1 page and the operating time will be reset to 0.

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 Sensor Data Management 33

 Range 1 to 3, Sensitivity 1 to 3 and Linearity 1 to 3

In these fields you can input the calibration values for up to 3 ranges. The
transducer sensitivity factor is selected automatically according to the
defined pressure range. The calibration values are taken from the Current
page (see list box in upper right-hand section of window).

Example
Pressure Range (input signal range) = 80 bar
Range 1 to 15 bar
Range 2 to 50 bar
Range 3 to 100 bar
Selection of calibration factor from range 3

 Sensor calibration
To calibrate a sensor, first click the button New. The calibration data of the
Current page will be moved to the History 1 page. History 1 will become
History 2, etc. The pages History 1 to 5 allow you to compare the current
calibration with the previous one and see whether there are any changes.
 Edit
By clicking Edit you can switch to the Edit mode, which enables you to edit
the values in the Property column.
At the same time, the button Burn is enabled which allows you to save the
modifications in the AVL SDC.
 Close
Closes the dialog.

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34 Sensor Data Management

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

 Optimizing the Signal Quality 35

6 Optimizing the Signal Quality

6.1 Cable Length, Cable Installation

For best signal quality ensure that:
 The amplifier input cable is kept short.
 The amplifier input cable is installed as far away from other cables (espe-
cially ignition, injectors) as possible.
 Should you still notice superimposed interference signals, you could try to
reduce them by adjusting the Grounded Input setting.
 The amplifier input cable is not exposed to mechanical stress and vibra-
tions.
 The amplifier input cable connections are kept clean and dry.

NOTICE

The amplifier outputs are ground referenced. If you are using longer cables
leading up to the indicating systems' inputs, these are required to have differen-
tial inputs.

6.2 Isolation
For quasi-static operation, the cable should have an isolation resistance of
>1013 ohms, otherwise the output voltage of the charge amplifier will drift signifi-
cantly.

6.3 Cable Noise

Normal coaxial cables generate electrical charges as a result of vibrations due to
friction between the shield and dielectric. To prevent this effect, coaxial cables
used for piezo electric measurements should have an additional coating of
graphite or conductive plastic on the dielectric material.

6.4 Electromagnetic Compatibility

To comply with the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) directive it is neces-
sary to mount a clamp-on ferrite core onto the input signal cable (included in
scope of supply):

Ferrit Core

Piezo Amplifier

Fig. 10 Position of ferrite core (thick cable)

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

36 Optimizing the Signal Quality

Ferrit Core

Piezo Amplifier

Fig. 11 Position of ferrite core (thin cable)

6.5 Piezo Signal Conditioning

Best quality of the measurement signal can be ensured by applying the following
functions:
 Drift Compensation
 Extended Output Range
 Filter

6.5.1 Drift Compensation

You have a choice of the three modes no drift compensation, cyclic drift compen-
sation or continuous drift compensation:
No drift compensa- For quasi-static measurements (e.g. dead weight calibration).
tion
Advantage Amplitude and phase of the measurement signal are not affected.
Disadvantage Zero point drift; reset required prior to each measurement.

Continuous drift For signals with no distinctive pressure maximum (e.g. low pressure signals
compensation such as intake manifold pressure).
In this mode, the device attempts to keep the signal average value permanently
at 0 V or -8 V, which also has an impact on the signal amplitude.

Information

This mode should not be used for accurate IMEP measurements at speeds
< 1000 rpm.

Advantage No zero point drift; no reset required prior to each measurement.

Disadvantage IMEP error at speeds < 1000 rpm

Cylic drift compen- For periodical signals (e.g. cylinder pressure).

sation
Advantage No zero point drift, no effect on amplitude and phase, no reset necessary prior to
each measurement.
You can choose between 0 V and -8 V offset voltage.

NOTICE

If the cylinder pressure signal is no longer detected (signal period > 1.2 s or
amplitude < average value [V] +0.7 V), Continuous mode is automatically
selected.

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

 Optimizing the Signal Quality 37

NOTICE

In the Cyclic mode, the maximum drift compensation current is no more than
10 % of the current available in the Continuous mode. This also applies if the
signal is no longer detected and the operating mode internally switches to
Continuous. This way, any interference from the drift control at the signal detec-
tion threshold is prevented.

6.5.2 Extended Output Range

0V To be used in case of:
 Positive input voltage range of the evaluation device
 Input signal with significant negative range (e.g. intake manifold pressure)
-8 V To be used in case of:
 -10/+10 V input voltage range of the evaluation device
 Charge amplifier input signal with low negative signal range (e.g. cylinder
pressure)

6.5.3 Filter
Basically, the 50 kHz or 100 kHz setting should be used to prevent phase shift
errors even at very high speeds.
The other selectable cut-off frequencies serve to filter superimposed pipe oscilla-
tions if the sensor has been mounted unfavorably.

NOTICE

If the LED on the flashes red, this indicates a brief or longer saturation of the
amplifier. Reset the amplifier. If necessary, reduce the gain by entering a higher
value in the Signal Input Range input field. Also check cable connections.

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38 Optimizing the Signal Quality

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

 Maintenance 39

7 Maintenance

7.1 Accuracy
On a regular basis (typically once a year):

Check of the amplifier's accuracy.

For this check, AVL provides the AVL Amplifier Calibration Unit.
Article:
TI04CALUA.01 Amplifier Calibration Unit

7.2 Drift
The high isolation resistance of piezo amplifiers at the time of delivery can only
be maintained if the devices are always kept dry and clean.
If the piezo amplifier is in perfect condition, the typical drift is <0.03 pC/s (max.
0.2 pC/s in entire operating range), which corresponds to an input current of
0.03 pA.
Significant Drift The drift is too large when a value of 36 mV/min at the amplifier output with Gain
= 16 is exceeded. This gain is set internally when e.g. the following values are
input:
 Transducer Sensitivity = 20 pC/bar
 Signal Input Range = 25 bar.

1. Check the drift on a regular basis.

2. Switch on the measurement chain.
3. Activate the check box Reset for 15 minutes.
4. Then terminate the Reset and observe the voltage at the respective output.
5. If there is too much drift in the measurement chain, disconnect the pressure
transducer and the cable from the amplifier input.
– If the drift is less than it was when the pressure transducer was con-
nected, the drift is caused by the cable and/or the pressure transducer.
– If there is still as much drift as there was before, perform the next
steps.
6. Carefully clean the isolation element in the input socket.
– For this purpose, use a clean, dry cloth.
– If that does not reduce the drift, then clean it with pure diethyl ether or
trichloroethylene and dry it with a clean cloth.

WARNING

Danger of chemical burns and injury

Always heed the relevant warnings and safety instructions when using caustic or
highly flammable cleaning agents.

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

40 Maintenance

– If there is still too much drift, dry the amplifier for 6 hours at +70° C.

Information

If none of these measures solves the problem, the amplifier needs cleaning
inside as well. This should only be done by the manufacturer.

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

 Technical Data 41

8 Technical Data

8.1 General
Pollution degree
2
Power supply
Input voltage range 9.5 V ... 36 V DC
Max. continuous current load of supply connector
8A
Power consumption
22 W start-up power, 15 W continuous power
Dimensions
218 x 42 x 230 mm (width x height x depth).
Depth including cable connections: 250 mm
Weight
1 AVL microIFEM = 1.5 kg19" tray incl. 2 pieces AVL microIFEM = 4 kg
Ambient temperature
-40 °C ... +60 °C
(See also External Power Supply on page 16.)
Storage temperature
0 °C ... +65 °C
Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperatures up to 31° C, with a linear
decrease to 50% relative humidity at 40° C, non-condensing.

8.2 Signal Input

Charge Type
Asymmetric, highly isolated for connecting piezoelectric measurement trans-
ducers.
Connection
BNC socket and 4-pin FISCHER or FISCHER triax socket Q1 to Q4 on the front
panel.
Isolation resistance
>1013 ohms
Overload capacity
Input protected against electrostatic voltages and charges occurring during oper-
ation and handling.

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42 Technical Data

8.3 Signal Output

Type
Asymmetric, output ground connected to protective ground and can be decou-
pled from the input ground by means of a differential amplifier.
Connection
BNC socket on the rear panel of the AVL microIFEM.
Voltage
-11 V ... +11 V at load >333 ohms
Current
+30 mA max.
Output offset
0 V or -8 V selectable
Temperature drift
<0.5 mV/°C (DRCO, 50 pC/V)

8.4 Signal Conditioning

Polarity
Inverting, negative input charge produces positive output voltage.
Sensitivity
4P4 A/C/E/G: adjustable between 8 pC/V and 800 pC/V
4P4 B/D/F/H: adjustable between 16 pC/V and 1600 pC/V
Measuring range
 Offset 0 V
– 4P4 A/C/E/G:
For +10 V at output: 80 pC min., 8000 pC max.
– 4P4 B/D/F/H:
For +10 V at output: 160 pC min., 16000 pC max.
 Offset -8 V
– 4P4 A/C/E/G:
For 18 V at output: 144 pC min., 14400 pC max.
– 4P4 B/D/F/H:
For 18 V at output: 288 pC min., 28800 pC max.
Errors
Output voltage / input charge
 Linearity error <0.01% FSO
 Gain error
– 4P4 A/C/E/G:
25 pC/V... 800 pC/V: <0.3%
8 pC/V ... 25 pC/V: <0.5%
– 4P4 B/D/F/H:
50 pC/V... 1600 pC/V: <0.3%
16 pC/V ... 50 pC/V: <0.5%
Temperature sensitivity of gain
<40 ppm/°C
Gain resolution
12-bit

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

 Technical Data 43

Frequency Upper cut-off frequency (-3 dB)

Response Adjustable: approx. 12 kHz / 20 kHz / 30 kHz / 50 kHz / 100 kHz
Lower cut-off frequency
 DRCO OFF
Quasi-static measurements possible. The time constant depends mainly on
the degree of soiling and humidity of the highly isolating elements, the con-
nected cable and the measurement transducer.
 DRCO ON
Zero point drift-free, depending on the measurement signal period:
– Measurement signal period T <1.2 s:
Amplitude and phase not affected.
– Measurement signal period T >1.2 s:
Continuous drift compensation
(i.e. amplitude and phase are affected)
Drift (due to leakage current)
typ. < 0.03 pC/sec
< 0.2 pC/sec in entire operating range
Drift (when applying a constant charge signal of 13500 pC)
typ. < 0.1 pC/sec
Hum and noise
<1 mVRMS or <10 mVss (0 to 50 MHz)
(50 pC/V, DRCO)

8.5 Data of Other Functions

Overload Indication When the control range is exceeded (approx. +11 V), the LED flashes red (or
LED symbol lights up red) if the range monitoring function has been activated in
AVL IndiSignal.
Drift Compensation Signal period
DRCO
 T <1.2 s (corresponds to 100 min-1 in 4-stroke engines):
Drift-free measurement without any effect on amplitude and phase
 T >1.2 s:
Continuous drift compensation
Output signal lift
Uout min = 0.7 Vss
Minimum output signal lift for drift compensation to function properly.

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44 Technical Data

8.6 Pin Assignment - Front Panel

8.6.1 BNC Socket

Fig. 12 BNC socket

8.6.2 4-Pin FISCHER Socket

Assignment Signal
Pin 1 TEDS Data
Pin 2 Ground
Pin 3 Charge signal
Pin 4 Not used

Tab. 2

2 1

3 4
Fig. 13 4-pin FISCHER socket (only 4P4 E/F/G/H)

8.6.3 FISCHER Triax Socket

Assignment Signal
Pin 1 Charge signal
Pin 2 TEDS Data
Pin 3 Ground
Pin 4 Not used

Tab. 3

1
2

Fig. 14 FISCHER triax socket (only 4P4 A/B/C/D)

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

 Technical Data 45

8.7 Pin Assignment - Rear Panel

8.7.1 Connector RS232 OUT (X7) / Socket RS232 IN (X8)

Assignment Signal RS232 IN Signal RS232 OUT

Pin 1 Not used Not used
Pin 2 TXD RXD
Pin 3 RXD TXD
Pin 4 Not used Not used
Pin 5 Ground Ground
Pin 6 Not used Not used
Pin 7 Not used Not used
Pin 8 Not used Not used
Pin 9 Not used Not used
Socket housing Cable shield (protective Cable shield (protective
ground) ground)

Tab. 4

1 5

6 9
Fig. 15 9-pin Sub-D connector RS232 OUT (X7)

5 1

9 6
Fig. 16 9-pin Sub-D socket RS232 IN (X8)

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46 Technical Data

8.7.2 Connectors 9.5 ... 36 V DC IN (X1) / 9.5 ... 36 V DC OUT (X2)

Assignment Signal
Pin 1 Ground
Pin 2 Protective ground
Pin 3 +24V
Socket housing Cable shield (protective
ground)

Tab. 5

3 2 1
Fig. 17 3-pin Sub-D connector 9.5 ... 36 V DC IN (X1)/ 9.5 ... 36 V DC OUT (X2)

8.7.3 Connector X9

Assignment for 25-pin Signal

SUB-D connector
Pin 13 Ground
Pin 16 RESET CH1
Pin 17 RESET CH2
Pin 18 RESET CH3
Pin 19 RESET CH4
Socket housing Cable shield (protective
ground)

Tab. 6

Fig. 18 25-pin Sub-D connector X9

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 Technical Data 47

8.7.4 Socket for Connector X9

Assignment for 37-pin Signal

SUB-D socket
Pin 16 Ground
Pin 25 RESET CH1
Pin 26 RESET CH2
Pin 27 RESET CH3
Pin 28 RESET CH4
Socket housing Cable shield (protective
ground)

Tab. 7

Fig. 19 37-pin Sub-D socket for connection to connector X9

8.8 CE Compliance
The AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x complies with the following directives and stan-
dards:
2004/108/EC Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive complied with by virtue of
compliance with the following Standard:
 EN 61326-1:06 Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control and Labora-
tory Use
EMC Requirements
Area of application:
Class A equipment:
Equipment suitable for use in establishments other than domestic and those
directly connected to a low voltage power supply network which supplies build-
ings used for domestic purposes.
AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x
The charge inputs Q1 to Q4 are not EMC-protected.
Because:
 The inputs must have high external impedance (>1013 ohms) so that no
EMC filters can be used.
 The main sources of interference on the test bed are ground loop problems.
To suppress such interference, the shields of input cables at the amplifier
end must not be connected to protective ground because the sensors are
connected to the engine ground at the engine end. In this way, no effective
HF shielding can be achieved.
The CE test was therefore carried out with no measurement cables and pressure
transducers connected.

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 Appendix 49

9 Appendix

9.1 Calibration with Dead-Weight Tester (IndiSignal Stand-alone Only)

Individual pressure transducers or the entire measurement chain can be cali-
brated with a dead weight tester.
• Right-click the piezo amplifier and select the option Dead-Weight Tester
from the context menu. The first dialog of the Calibration Wizard is then dis-
played where you can choose between three calibration methods:
– Transducer Calibration
– Calibration of the Entire Measurement Chain with Preselected Output
Voltage
– Calibration of the Entire Measurement Chain with Preselected Max-
imum Pressure

NOTICE

To avoid errors, make sure that the dead-weight tester is properly grounded
when doing calibration measurements.

9.1.1 Transducer Calibration

The following example shows how to calibrate a sensor on a dead weight tester,
i.e. how to determine the sensitivity in pC/bar.
The selected calibration pressure is 120 bar, the voltage at ambient pressure is
set to -8 V.

Fig. 20 Transducer Calibration

1. If you want to calibrate the transducer with a dead-weight tester, activate

the Transducer Calibration check box.

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50 Appendix

2. Click Next.

Fig. 21 Calibration parameters for transducer calibration

3. Mount the pressure transducer on the dead weight tester and input the cali-
bration pressure (Calibration Pressure input field) as well as the approxi-
mate sensitivity (Estimated Transducer Sensitivity input field).
4. Enter the pressure transducer data.
5. Select -8 V offset voltage for optimum utilization of the measuring range.
6. Enter the user ID (User-ID).
7. Click Next.

Fig. 22 Voltages measured during transducer calibration

8. Click Reset to reset the charge amplifier to its original status. When doing
so, ensure that ambient pressure is applied to the transducer.
9. Read the output voltage without calibration pressure (e.g. with the DVM
function of the indicating instrument) and enter this voltage value in the
Without Pressure Weight input field.
10. Apply the calibration pressure.
11. Read the output voltage with calibration pressure and enter this voltage
value in the With Pressure Weight field.

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 Appendix 51

12. Click Next.

Fig. 23 Transducer calibration results

13. Read the automatically calculated pressure transducer sensitivity under

Transducer Sensitivity.
It is possible to print out the calibration results or save them to a text file.
14. Click Finish to close the Calibration Wizard.
The transducer's calibration values are saved in the piezo amplifier. The
amplifier, however, is not disabled for further calibration value modification.

9.1.2 Calibration of the Entire Measurement Chain with Preselected Output Voltage
The example given below shows the calibration of the entire measurement chain
with preselected output voltage.
The selected calibration pressure is 120 bar, the required voltage difference
between calibration pressure and ambient pressure is 16 V. The estimated
sensitivity is 17 pC/bar.

Fig. 24 Calibration of measurement chain with predefined output voltage

1. If you want to calibrate the entire measurement chain using a dead weight
tester with preselected output voltage, activate the Measuring chain cali-
bration check box and click the Output voltage predefined option button.

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52 Appendix

You can use this to obtain the required output voltage (maximum 10 V) for a
specific calibration pressure.

Fig. 25 Calibration parameters with predefined output voltage

2. Mount the pressure transducer on the dead-weight tester.

3. Input the calibration pressure (Calibration Pressure input field) and the
approximate sensitivity (Estimated Transducer Sensitivity input field).
4. Enter the pressure transducer data.
5. In the Voltage at calibration pressure input field, enter the required output
voltage at the applied calibration pressure (in the example 8 V).
6. Select -8 V offset voltage for optimum utilization of the measuring range.
The internal gain will be calculated with the following values:
– Calibration Pressure (in the example 120 bar)
– Estimated Transducer Sensitivity (in the example 17 pC/bar)
– Output voltage ~16 V = voltage difference between calibration pres-
sure and ambient pressure
7. Enter the user ID (User-ID).
8. Click Next.

Fig. 26 Measured voltages with predefined output voltage

9. Click Reset to reset the charge amplifier to its original status. When doing
so, ensure that ambient pressure is applied to the transducer.

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 Appendix 53

10. Read the output voltage without calibration pressure (e.g. with the DVM
function of the indicating instrument) and enter this voltage value in the
Without Pressure Weight input field.
11. Apply the calibration pressure.
12. Read the output voltage with calibration pressure and enter this voltage
value in the With Pressure Weight field.
13. Click Next.

Fig. 27 Calibration results with predefined output voltage

It is possible to print out the calibration results or save them to a text file.
After this calibration, the system can calculate the exact sensitivity of this
transducer (in our example 16.57 pC/bar instead of the estimated
17 pC/bar).
If you now repeat the calibration (click Repeat calibration), the calculated
sensitivity (in the example 16.57 pC/V) will be transferred automatically into
the field Estimated Transducer Sensitivity and the Calibration Wizard's
Measured Voltages dialog will be displayed.
14. Carry out the calibration once again as described.

Fig. 28 Measured voltages (adjusted) with predefined output voltage

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54 Appendix

15. Enter the measurement values in the corresponding fields and click Next.

Fig. 29 Calibration results (adjusted) with predefined output voltage

Based on the correct transducer sensitivity you now get the expected
voltage difference of 16 V for 120 bar.
It is possible to print out the calibration results or save them to a text file.
16. Click Finish to close the Calibration Wizard.
The calibration values of the entire measurement chain including the pres-
sure transducer are stored in the piezo amplifier and can be checked on the
Calibration Info tab in the Properties dialog.
These calibration values cannot be deleted until the link on the Calibration
Info tab in the Properties dialog is canceled.
17. To do this, click Cancel.
The password to unlock the calibration values is defined in the indisignal.ini
file (entry CalPW =).

9.1.3 Calibration of the Entire Measurement Chain with Preselected Maximum

Pressure
The example given below shows the calibration of the entire measurement chain
with preselected maximum pressure. A maximum pressure of 140 bar is
assumed. However, calibration is performed using a pressure of 120 bar. The
estimated sensitivity is again assumed to be 17 pC/bar.

Fig. 30 Measurement chain calibration with predefined maximum pressure

1. If you want to calibrate the entire measurement chain using a dead weight
tester with preselected maximum pressure, activate the Measuring chain
calibration check box and click the Maximum pressure predefined option
button.

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 Appendix 55

You can use this if you want to carry out a measurement with a higher oper-
ating pressure than the one you use for calibration.

Fig. 31 Calibration parameters with predefined maximum pressure

2. Mount the pressure transducer on the dead-weight tester.

3. Input the calibration pressure (Calibration Pressure input field) and the
approximate sensitivity (Estimated Transducer Sensitivity input field).
4. Enter the pressure transducer data.
5. Enter the required maximum operating pressure in the Maximum Pressure
input field.
6. Select –8 V offset voltage for optimum utilization of the measuring range.
The internal gain will be calculated with the following values:
– Maximum Pressure
– Estimated Transducer Sensitivity
7. Enter the user ID (User-ID).
8. Click Next.

Fig. 32 Measured voltages with predefined maximum pressure

9. Click Reset to reset the charge amplifier to its original status. When doing
so, ensure that ambient pressure is applied to the transducer.
10. Read the output voltage without calibration pressure (e.g. with the DVM
function of the indicating instrument) and enter this voltage value in the
Without Pressure Weight input field.
11. Apply the calibration pressure.
12. Read the output voltage with calibration pressure and enter this voltage
value in the With Pressure Weight field.

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56 Appendix

13. Click Next.

Fig. 33 Calibration results with predefined maximum pressure

It is possible to print out the calibration results or save them to a text file.
After this calibration, the system can calculate the exact sensitivity of this
transducer (in our example 16.52 pC/bar instead of the estimated
17 pC/bar).
If you now repeat the calibration (click Repeat calibration), the calculated
sensitivity (in the example 16.52 pC/V) will be transferred automatically into
the field Estimated Transducer Sensitivity and the Calibration Wizard's
Measured Voltages dialog will be displayed.
14. Carry out the calibration once again as described.

Fig. 34 Measured voltages (adjusted) with predefined maximum pressure

15. Enter the measurement values in V and click Next.

Fig. 35 Calibration results (adjusted) with predefined maximum pressure

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 Appendix 57

Based on the correct transducer sensitivity you now get a maximum pres-
sure range of 140 bar.
It is possible to print out the calibration results or save them to a text file.
16. Click Finish to close the Calibration Wizard.
The calibration values of the entire measurement chain including the pres-
sure transducer are stored in the amplifier of the AVL FlexIFEM and can be
checked on the Calibration Info tab in the Properties dialog.
The amplifier is disabled for further calibration value modification.
The password to unlock the calibration values is defined in the indisignal.ini
file (entry CalPW =).

9.1.3.1 Calibration of Entire Measurement Chain with Preselected Output Voltage for all Piezo
Amplifiers
The example given below also demonstrates how to calibrate the entire
measurement chain with preselected output voltage, but for multiple sensors.

Fig. 36 Calibration of measurement chain with predefined output voltage for all
piezo amplifiers

1. If you want to calibrate more sensors at the same time, activate the check
box All Piezo Amplifiers.
The calibrating parameters are valid for all sensors, the sensor parameters
have to be defined individually.

Fig. 37 Calibration parameters with predefined output voltage for all piezo ampli-
fiers

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58 Appendix

2. After the pressure drop at the dead-weight tester, fill in the displayed
voltage values for every amplifier.

Fig. 38 Measured voltages with predefined output voltage

for all piezo amplifiers

Finally, the system calculates the calibrating factors and writes them into
each amplifier.

Fig. 39 Calibration results with predefined output voltage

for all piezo amplifiers

3. Carry out the calibration once again as described.

4. Enter the measurement values in the corresponding fields and click Next.

Fig. 40 Measured voltages (adjusted) with predefined output voltage

for all piezo amplifiers

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 Appendix 59

Fig. 41 Calibration results (adjusted) with predefined output voltage for all piezo
amplifiers

Based on the correct transducer sensitivity you now get the expected
voltage difference of 16 V for 120 bar.
It is possible to print out the calibration results or save them to a text file.
5. Click Finish to close the Calibration Wizard.

9.1.4 Deleting Saved Calibration Data

If you want to enter parameters directly or use a new calibration method, you first
have to unlock the calibration data.
• Click the Unlink button on the Calibration Info tab within the Properties
dialog.
The password to unlock the calibration values is defined in the indisignal.ini
file (entry CalPW =).

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60 Appendix

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 Index 61

Index
A H
abbreviations … 12 hum … 43
accessories … 16
accuracy check … 39 I
ambient temperature … 41 IndiCom … 21
amplifier IndiSignal operating software … 21
parameterization … 24 indisignal.ini / indicom.ini entries
properties … 23 CalPW … 30
reset … 22-23 ComPort … 30
settings … 24 Language … 30
application … 15 PreLoad … 30
TEDSEditPW … 30
B ViewTime … 30
basic equipment … 15 installation … 21
intended purpose … 12, 15
C interface
cable installation … 35 select … 30
cable length … 35 isolation … 35
cable noise … 35 isolation resistance … 35, 41
calibration … 23-25, 32
general … 24 L
with dead-weight tester … 49 leakage current … 43
calibration factor … 28 LED … 18
cascading … 19 liability … 12
CE compliance … 47 linearity error … 42
CH4 to CH1 … 19
coaxial cable … 35 M
continuous current load … 41
maintenance … 3, 39
current signal output … 42
measuring range … 42
cut-off frequency … 26
mounting tray … 19
D N
database … 30 noise … 35, 43
dialog language … 30 non-volatile memory … 24
dimensions … 41
double range … 11
DRCO … 42-43 O
drift … 39, 43 offline mode … 29
drift compensation … 25, 43 offset voltage … 36
continuous … 36 online help … 14, 23
cyclic … 36 options … 16
output
E offset … 25
output offset … 42
electromagnetic compatibility … 35 output signal lift … 43
EMC … 5, 35, 47
output voltage preselection … 51, 57
enable TEDS with SDB … 30
overload indication … 43
overrange check … 22
F
feedback … 14 P
filter … 26
parameterization … 21
frequency response … 43
password
front view … 18
calibration values … 30
SDC change … 30
G piezo amplifier settings … 24
gain pin assignment
error … 42 front panel … 44
factor … 42 rear panel … 45
glossary … 12 plausibility check … 3
grounded input … 26 polarity … 42

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62 Index

pollution degree … 41 V
power consumption … 41 voltage
power supply … 16, 41 output … 19
preselected maximum pressure … 54
supply … 19
presettings … 30
pressure transducer … 18 voltage signal output … 42
properties dialog, call … 23
W
Q warning messages … 3, 11
warranty … 11-12
Q1 … 18
weight … 41
Q4 … 18

R
rear view … 19
repair … 3
reset … 26
RS232 IN … 19
RS232 OUT … 19

S
safety instructions … 3, 5, 11
SDB … 23, 28, 31
SDB (database) … 28
SDC … 18, 27, 31
sensitivity … 42
sensor
operating time … 30
sensor data … 31
sensor data connector … 31
sensor data SDC … 31
sensor database … 31
sensor ID … 31
sensor identification … 31
sensor operating time … 32
sensor with ID … 27
SID … 11, 23, 27, 31
signal
input … 41
output … 42
signal conditioning … 42
signal period … 43
signal quality … 35
stand-alone … 21
status bar … 23
storage temperature … 41
supply voltage … 41

T
technical data … 41
TEDS … 18, 27, 31
TEDS (SDC) … 23
temperature … 42
toolbar … 22
total operating
cycles … 32
time … 32
transducer calibration … 49
triax … 11, 18, 27, 41, 44

U
UNIT ADDRESS … 19
unlock calibration values … 59
upper cut-off frequency … 43

AVL microIFEM Piezo 4P4x — Product Guide

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

AVL List GmbH, Hans List Platz 1, 8020 Graz, Austria

Phone: +43 316 787-0, Fax: +43 316 787-400, eMail: info@avl.com, www.avl.com