We recently republished a classic white paper about dynamic signal analysis.

Announcing EDM 11.1

Our team is thrilled to announce the 11.1 version of Engineering Data Management (EDM) software. Packed with a range of new features and improvements, this update is designed to elevate the user experience.

Dynamic Signal Analysis Basics

DSA is often referred to Dynamic Signal Analysis or Dynamic Signal Analyzer depending on the context. DSA uses various technologies for digital signal processing. Among them, the most fundamental and popular technology is based on the so-called Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The FFT transforms the time domain signals into the frequency domain. To perform FFT-based measurements, it is important to understand the fundamental issues and computations involved.

CoCo Software 2.2 Release

The latest release of version 2.2 CoCo Software includes notable updates such as support for 1 hz resolution, an IEPE powered tachometer, Waterfall & Colormap signal reviews, and the ability to sync VDS user profiles on a CoCo device.

Auto-Wake Function for Data Acquisition (DAQ), Machine Condition Monitoring, and Vibration Analysis

The auto-wake feature is a new and powerful function provided in EDM 10.0 software. This feature allows users to set up a wake-up alarm for Spiders to power on, perform a test, and power off. Users can upload up to 8 predefined tests and run these in Black Box mode (without a connection to a computer or network to run). This convenient mode allows users to acquire data autonomously or with little user intervention.

Advantages of Circular Recording vs. Standard Timestream Recording

Some data acquisition applications will inevitability run into one of the most common problems of the information age: information overload. Today, modern DAQ systems, such as the highly versatile Crystal Instruments Spider product line, can store significant amounts of vibration data. Now, memory limitations are significant. However, sifting through large amounts of data in order to capture a small transient event is undesirable.

EDM 10.0 Release

Crystal Instruments is excited to announce the release of EDM 10.0, the latest software version for all Spider and CoCo products serving advanced and fundamental industries in addition to furthering academic advancements.

Watch how our products are designed and made.

Founded in 1996, Crystal Instruments designs and manufactures instrumentation products for machine vibration monitoring, dynamic measurement, and environmental testing. The products are developed in Silicon Valley and our modern lab in North Carolina. Crystal Instruments products are thoroughly tested on a variety of vibration shakers and environmental chambers in our lab during the design phase to meet the extreme requirements of military and aerospace applications.

Alias Rejection and Alias-free Bandwidth

There are two steps for converting an analog signal into a digital signal – quantization in time (sampling) and quantization of amplitude. Any signal that goes through the sampling process is subject to the effect of aliasing. The common use of the word ‘alias’ is used to describe a false name or identity, which is similar to how the term is used in signal processing.

EDM 9.1 Release

Crystal Instruments is pleased to announce the release of EDM 9.1, the most reliable and powerful version available from Crystal Instruments.

Record Time Waveform and Save its Spectra on CoCo-80X

The CoCo’s Save and Record functions are generally only discussed in the context of separate measurements. Although the Save and Record functions cannot be executed simultaneously, the CoCo is still able to store both the time waveform and FFT from the same set of original data. By exploiting the fact that FFT/block signals are always being buffered in the CoCo’s RAM, we can acquire the FFT signals while simultaneously recording the time waveforms to the SD card.

New Ultra-compact Spider-20H, Spider-20HE, & Spider-20i with 256 kHz Sampling Rate

Featuring the highest sampling rate provided in the industry at 256 kHz. Handheld battery powered system with wired & wireless network options and 20V input range. Sync between multiple devices. Choose the convenient portable model or industrial model for permanent mounting.

The Spider-20H, Spider-20HE, and Spider-20i received a hardware upgrade to support an impressive 256 kHz samping rate on all 4 input channels. It is the highest sampling rate offered in the market of compact analyzers. The high sampling rate is especially beneficial for measuring high orders and transient capture in blast tests, pyroshock events, drop shock tests, crash tests, etc.

In addition to the high samping rate, the input range is expanded to 20V to capture larger signals.

Spiders with 256 kHz Sampling Rate

Crystal Instruments EDM 9.0 release introduces new additions to the Spider product line featuring support for sampling rates up to 256 kHz.

The new Spider-80Hi and Spider-80Ci are scalable versions of the Spider system featuring the impressive new 256 kHz sampling rate. Recording can also be performed at sampling rates up to 256 kHz for all input channels, up to 512 channels per Spider system.

The compact, ultra-portable four channel version of the Spider has also been developed to support a 256 kHz sampling rate. Currently, three variations of the compact Spiders supporting the 256 kHz sampling rate are available: Spider-20H, Spider-20HE, Spider-20i.

CoCo-80X: Designed for Usability

Today’s engineering tools are the result of constant software development, but these developments aren’t always best for the end-user. Engineers who are heavily invested in their tools will be reluctant to switch to a new device. In a time where software is constantly changing, people don’t have the time to struggle with new software interfaces. Especially field technicians, whose job is to collect and analyze data, don’t like wasting time getting used to a new software interface. Their job is already complicated, and is only made worse with a complicated measurement device. If their tools are too complicated to use, engineers will look for a simpler solution.

Post Process Data Acquired and GPS-stamped by the CoCo-80X

There are often instances where it may be beneficial to add location information to your acquired data. With the CoCo-80X, these GPS signals can be acquired simultaneously with other measurements -- there is no need to carry a separate GPS device. The CoCo-80X’s large LCD and touch-screen interface makes it easy to use the analyzer and acquire data. All measurements are combined into a single test file, so there’s no need to manage files.