National Instruments announced the release of a new wireless data acquisition module and two new PXI Express modules for sound and vibration applications. With the NI WLS-9234 wireless dynamic signal acquisition (DSA) module, engineers and scientists can stream vibration data wirelessly over the IEEE 802.11g (Wi-Fi) standard to distributed monitoring systems and eliminate the cost and clutter of cabling. The new PXI Express DSA modules, the NI PXIe-4496 and PXIe-4498, make it possible to acquire data from 272 channels at full rate in a single PXI Express chassis, so engineers and scientists can acquire more data from more channels at faster rates.

The WLS-9234 offers four simultaneously acquired input channels, each with 24-bit resolution and a 51.2 kS/s maximum sampling rate. The module delivers 102 dB of dynamic range and incorporates software-selectable AC/DC coupling and integrated electronic piezoelectric (IEPE) signal conditioning for accelerometers and microphones. The WLS-9234 relays data wirelessly over a Wi-Fi network, allowing for easy distributed I/O, and provides support for various wireless security protocols including WEP, WPA and WPA2 (IEEE 802.11i) to protect data and network integrity. In addition, the module features support for direct Ethernet connection.

The NI PXIe-4496 and PXIe-4498 modules offer 16 simultaneously acquired channels, each with 24-bit resolution, 204.8 kS/s maximum sampling rates and a 113 dB dynamic range. The modules are based on the PXI Express bus architecture, which offers higher throughput than PXI and makes it easy to synchronize up to 17 NI PXIe-449x modules in a single chassis and simultaneously acquire data at full rate. The NI PXIe-4496 and PXIe-4498 modules are designed for interfacing with accelerometers and microphones that require constant current power. All the new modules are compatible with the NI Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite, the most comprehensive collection of NI analysis and signal processing tools for noise, vibration and harshness; machine condition monitoring; and audio test applications.

The suite includes NI Sound and Vibration Assistant stand-alone, interactive software for quickly acquiring, analyzing and logging acoustic, noise and vibration data. The Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite also extends analysis functionality with NI LabVIEW VIs for performing audio measurements, octave analysis, frequency analysis and order tracking for automotive, military and aerospace and mechanical and structural designs.