Your analog sensor just got 'virtually' smart with the introduction of Virtual TEDS by National Instruments. Transducer electronic data sheets (TEDS) provide analog sensors with the ability to self identify themselves to data acquisition measurement systems, which greatly simplifies set-up.
While IEEE P1451.4 smart TEDS sensors have an EEPROM memory chip that contains the electronic data sheet, Virtual TEDS are downloadable files available free at www.ni.com/sensors. Accessing folders containing Virtual TEDS files during configuration of your data acquisition measurement systems gives you plug and play capabilities for your traditional analog sensors.
Virtual TEDS delivers higher productivity because they eliminate the need to:
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Track down paper data sheet and calibration certificates
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Determine the correct scaling parameters in a particular application
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Manually enter data—and correct any data entry errors, if you catch them.
Typically, Virtual TEDS reduce set-up time for a sensor from about 10 minutes to no more than 30 seconds. By using an existing virtual instrument (VI) in the TEDS library for LabVIEW, you automatically connect the sensor's scaling data to your measurement application. Additionally, with LabVIEW you can update the Virtual TEDS file, i.e. user information, calibration data, and date, etc.
Obtaining Virtual TEDS are easy and create backwards capability for the IEEE P1451.4 standard to existing analog sensors and National Instruments data acquisition hardware. By entering your sensor's manufacturer model or serial number at www.ni.com/sensors, you download a Virtual TEDS file to a folder on your desktop or server.
Electronic communication minimizes the risk of human error and delivers more reliable data and makes it practical for much more information to be used in describing a sensor. Non-standard material used in sensors is often less expensive and better performing than standardized material. The free flow of pertinent characterization information about sensor material, available through Virtual TEDS, can often provide more accurate results at lower costs.
By using the Virtual TEDS Editor, which is a free LabVIEW executable program, you view and edit sensor properties stored in a Virtual TEDS file. Sensor-use history is easily stored electronically, and the IEEE standard acts as a library index system for all sensors, making asset management much more simple and comprehensive.
Using Virtual TEDS files in your LabVIEW applications helps you to create a more productive measurement data acquisition system, making configuration and management of sensors easier, faster, and more controlled.
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