VGM01 Gaussmeter

Virtual Instrument Benchtop Gaussmeter

The VGM01 virtual instrument bench-top Gaussmeter offers a Windows based virtual instrument, capable of sophisticated measuring functions, with an easy to use windows front end. Designed for a PC based environment in the laboratory, or factory for measurements of Magnetic Flux Density and Magnetic Field Strengths in SI or c.g.s. units.

DDE (Dynamic Data Exchange) enables the VGM01 virtual instrument bench-top Gaussmeter to link to EXCEL,TM giving advanced graphing functions and data storage capabilities.

COM ports 1 to 4 can be used on any IBM compatible machine (refer to minimum specification) running Windows 3.11, Windows 95 or Windows 98.

Click here for full specifications.

Introduction

The VGM01 virtual instrument bench-top Gaussmeter has been designed and manufactured by Hirst Magnetic Instruments Ltd, a company with more than 40 years experience in Magnetic Measurement. This experience and our extensive knowledge of the magnetics market has enabled us to design an instrument incorporating all of the measurement functions a user is ever likely to need. With a semi-flexible Transverse Hall Probe suitable for all but the very smallest of applications.

Hirst Magnetic Instruments Ltds.' Virtual Instrument Gaussmeters represent a unique development in today's Gaussmeter market.

The VGM01 virtual instrument bench-top Gaussmeter incorporates an Analogue Peak Detector for the DC and AC peak functions. This coupled with the Microprocessor operation of the VGM01 virtual instrument bench-top Gaussmeter means that fast response is possible with digital stability (fast pulses/no drop in readings) .

Software

The VGM01 virtual instrument bench-top Gaussmeter software contains powerful functions to control the operation of the Virtual Instrument Gaussmeter. These can be changed using a mouse or through simple to use menus, providing flexibility and ease of use.

DDE linking extends the data storage capabilities of the Virtual Instrument Gaussmeter through the use of EXCEL. The DDE set up window, enables data to be passed to EXCEL for extended data storage and advanced presentation .

Data is captured from a transverse probe using EXCEL and DDE linking over a time of approximately 50 seconds. The graph shows relative field against time which is plotted through the use of EXCEL charting functions.

To enable the user to capture data quickly, an internal data capture facility is included. The capture data window shows how information can be obtained, which includes time stamping, units, mode and relative field This data can be saved to disk in CSV (Comma Separated Variable) format for later use in spread sheets.

In addition to logging facilities the Gaussmeter software includes functions for filtering, nulling, and zero calibration. All of which are implemented using the simple menu system.

Measurement Functions

The VGM01 can measure:

• DC. DC magnetic field measurement
• DC PEAK. Maximum positive peak reading of the DC field
• AC RMS. True Root Mean Square (RMS)
• AC RMS MAX. Maximum true
• RMS AC PEAK. Maximum positive peak value

Measurement Units

The VGM01 virtual instrument bench-top Gaussmeter can measure Magnetic Flux Density or Magnetic Field Strength. The menu system enables the Operator to easily choose between Tesla, Amps/m (SI units), Gauss, and Oersted (CGS units).

Data Capture

The VGM01 virtual instrument bench-top Gaussmeter can HOLD measured value by pressing the Hall Probe button. Pressing the button again releases HOLD. (When enabled).

Calibration

The VGM01 virtual instrument bench-top Gaussmeter is Calibrated to Standards Traceable to the National Physical Laboratories.

The Hall Probe

The GM04 hand-held Gaussmeter, GM05 hand-held Gaussmeter and the VGM01 virtual instrument benchtop Gaussmeter are supplied with a transverse Hall probe as standard. The design of the Hall probe is critical to the satisfactory operation of any Gaussmeter. For the GM04 hand-held Gaussmeter and GM05 hand-held Gaussmeter we have used our extensive industrial experience to produce a transverse Hall probe which is semi-flexible and only 1mm thick by 4mm wide. This enables operators to take measurements in tight spaces and narrow air gaps. In addition the sensitive Hall element is clearly visible so that the user knows exactly where the measurement is being made. The probe is fitted with a push button enabling the operator to HOLD and STORE measurements and orientate the probe for polarity readings. An Axial probe is also available as an optional extra. This is only 5mm in diameter and also incorporates a push button for HOLD and STORE functions. All transverse and axial probes are fully interchangeable on both the the GM04 hand-held Gaussmeter and GM05 hand-held Gaussmeter without the need for re-calibration.