DyneSystems Products Team Up

for Seamless Dynamometer Data Acquisition

Companion II™ Data Acquisition System

The Companion II™ Data Acquisition System is specifically designed to acquire analog signal data for Cell Assistant™ for Windows, DyneSystems' dynamometer test data acquisition and control software. Once paired with the Companion II™, Cell Assistant™ can measure most types of analog signals, including high level voltage, current, and frequency signals - plus signals from thermocouples, thermistors, RTDs, and strain-gage bridges.

Flowchart showing connection between products available through DyneSystems and Midwest & Dynamatic Dynamometers

Components of a DyneSystems Test System Were Created to Work Together

The diagram above illustrates the position of Companion II in the flow of control, data acquisition and cell interface/safeties within a system comprised of dyno control and data acquisition products from DyneSystems. The bottom line is, when you combine the expandability and accuracy of the Companion II™ with the power and flexibility of Cell Assistant™ for Windows, you can satisfy your current and future dyno test cell, data acqusition, and control requirements.

Companion II Offers These Advantages and More

Rear view of Companion II Master Control and Signal Conditioning UnitsRear View of the Companion II Master (upper)
and Signal Conditioning Unit (lower)
  • Modular construction for easy integration into existing wiring or new construction
  • “Off the Shelf” field terminations
  • Factory wired and tested with pin/socket connections
  • Packaged in several configurations, to integrate with your specific needs
  • High quality acquisition of analog signals with true anti-aliased digital filtering for up to 120 channels
  • Provides superior deterministic sampling rates and electrical isolation

Companion II Master Control Unit

Companion 2 IO Box mounted on remote Throttle Actuator StandCompanion II I/O Box conveniently mounted on optional Remote Stand with Throttle Actuator

The Master Control Unit (shown, upper) provides all A-D computing for the analog data collection channels of the Signal Conditioning Unit (lower), and communicates with the test cell central data-acquisition PC. The single board computer-based system uses minimal panel space of 3.5" x 14", or 3.5" of standard rack space. The Companion IIT also includes power supplies for control power, pressure transducer excitation and other data collection hardware.

Companion II Signal Conditioning Unit (SCU)

The rack mounted Signal Conditioning Unit (lower unit in photo) can be customized per application because it utilizes industry standard 5B signal conditioning modules for each specific channel. The flexibility of 5B conditioners allows a variety of different types of signals to be connected. Analog inputs (in blocks of 6) are easily wired with Sub-D connectors, while thermocouples are connected with the appropriate spade quick-connects dependent on the type of thermocouple specified. Cold junction compensation is installed for each thermocouple channel. Also available in a panel mounted option - see below.

Panel Mounted Signal Conditioning Unit (SCU)

  • Requires 3" x 14" of panel space for each unit
  • Each Slave unit provides connection for up to 12 channels of analog data from the Device Under Test (DUT)
  • Up to 10 SCUs can be panel-mounted for each Master unit, equating to 120 possible channels of DUT data

Rack Mounted SCU

Optional boom arm shown enables convenient access to Companion I/O Optional boom arm enables convenient access to Companion II's I/O
  • Requires only 3.5" of standard 19" rack space for each unit
  • Each SCU provides connection for up to 24 channels of analog data from the Device Under Test
  • Up to 5 SCUs can be rack-mounted for each Master unit, equating to 120 possible channels of DUT data

I/O Options

Whether Companion II is rack-mounted or panel-mounted, several options exist for accessing its I/O. As shown in the two photos at right, standard thermocouple, voltage, and transducer inputs, as well as emergency stop button can be mounted on either a remote stand (shown here with throttle actuator), or on a boom swing arm. Both offer convenient access, with the boom's capacity for inputs being the larger of the two. Without these options, normal access is either through an I/O panel mounted in the side of the panel-mount enclosure, or direct connections to the inputs on the rear of the rack-mounted Signal Conditioning Unit. Discuss your application with our Sales Representative to determine which configuration will work best for your situation.

Specifications

Analog Inputs
Maximum Analog Inputs120
Panel-mounted Assembly12 inputs per assembly (max. 10 units per system)
Analog Input Channel Accuracy ±0.1% of full scale typical (thermocouple accuracy varies by type and range)
Analog Input Channel Resolution16 bit
Maximum Alias Error3.9 bits (-73dB) @ 11.5 Hz
Isolation1,500 volts RMS (typical)
Analog Input Signal TypesConsult with Sales Representative
Analog Output
Maximum Analog Outputs8
Analog Output Channel Accuracy±0.1% of full scale typical
Analog Output Channel Resolution12 bit
Isolation1,500 Volts RMS (typical)
Analog Signal Output TypesConsult with Sales Representative
Miscellaneous
Sample Rate20 Hz per Channel
CPU586 Processor
Communication115 kBaud RS-232 serial port
Filter Method5x over sampling with digital filtering

For More Information

  • View and print product brochures in PDF format
  • Request a no-obligation quote with our online quote form
  • Contact our sales department at the email address or phone number shown at the bottom of this page