Beran 455 System

USER MANUAL FOR 455 SYSTEM
Document Number : Um455V100.DOC
Date
: January 2001
Issue
: 1.1.0
Raised
: J Lovell
Approved
DISCARD THIS SHEET PRIOR TO BINDING
USER MANUAL
for
455
VIBRATION TRANSDUCER
CALIBRATOR
Hatchmoor Ind Estate, Torrington, Devon, England, EX38 7HP

Telephone No: (+44) 01805 624304
Fax No: (+44) 01805 624093
Issue: 1.1.0 April 2001
Issue: 1.1.0
April 2001
Contents
455 USER MANUAL CONTENTS

1.
INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
2.
Results Handling
Test Profile Generation
Measurement Traceability
Password Protection
Calibrating The 455
Accessories
SAFETY
2.1 Safety Terms and Symbols
2.2 Safety Precautions
3.
INTRODUCING THE 455 SYSTEM

3.1 Introduction
3.2 Setting Up The Beran 455 System
3.3 Learning To Test
3.3.1 Loading Transducer Configuration
3.3.2 Entering Transducer Serial Number
3.3.3 Loading Reference Transducer
3.3.4 Loading Exciter Information
3.3.5 Loading Test Profiles
3.3.6 Starting The Tests
3.3.7 Displaying Test Results
3.4 Printing Results
4.
INTRODUCING THE TRANSDUCER UNDER TEST MENU

4.1 Introduction
4.2 A Fictional Transducer
4.3 Configuring The Transducer
4.3.1 Entering the Transducers Menu
4.3.2 Data To Enter
4.4 Storing/Printing Transducer Configuration
5.
INTRODUCING THE SETTING PROFILES MENU

5.1 Introduction
5.2 Programming A Frequency Step
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April 2001
1.1
2.2
2.3
2.3
2.3
2.3
2.4
3.1
3.1
3.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.2
4.2
4.2
4.2
4.3
4.3
4.3
5.1
5.1
5.1
5.2
5.2
5.2
5.2
6.1
6.1
6.1
Contents
5.3 Programming An Amplitude Step
5.4 Frequency Sweep Profile
5.5 Saving/Printing Profile Configurations
6.
INTRODUCING THE REFERENCE MENU

6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
7.
INTRODUCING THE UTILITIES MENU

7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
8.
Entering The Utilities Menu

Configure Exciter Sub-Menu
Example Shaker
External Test Hardware
Configure System
Save Setup
Additional Utilities
INSTALLATION AND OPERATING CONTROLS

8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
8.6
8.7
8.8
9.
Introduction
Information Required
Data To Be Loaded
How The Settings Should Look
Saving/Printing Reference Transducer Information
Unpacking and Inspection

Introducing The Front Panel
QWERTY Keyboard
Undo Function
Help Function
Status Line
Principle of Operation
System Configurations
HARDWARE AND CONNECTION DETAILS

9.1 Mains Power Supply
9.1.1 Supply Voltage
9.1.2 Supply Power Cord
9.1.3 Inlet Fuse
9.2 Cleaning
9.3 Cooling
9.4 455 Rear Panel Connectors
9.5 Optional Rack Mounting
10. POWERING ON AND POWERING OFF THE 455 INSTRUMENT

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April 2001
6.1
6.2
6.2
7.1
7.1
7.1
7.3
7.3
7.4
8.1
8.1
8.1
8.1
8.3
8.3
8.3
8.3
9.1
9.1
9.1
9.1
9.2
9.2
9.2
9.2
9.4
10.1
10.1
10.1
10.1
10.1
10.1
10.1
10.2
10.3
11.1
Contents
10.1
10.2
10.3
Powering On
Status Line
Powering Off The 455 Instrument
11. USING THE MENUS

11.1 Finding the Correct Menu
11.1.1 Testing Menu
11.1.2 Transducers Menu
11.1.3 Profiles Menu
11.1.4 Reference Menu
11.1.5 Utilities
11.2 Selecting Menu Options
11.2.1 Entering Numeric Information
11.3 Connecting the 455 Controller
11.4 Restarting the Transducer Application
12. TEST MENU
12.1 Transducer
12.2 Serial Number
12.3 Transducer Information
12.4 Reference
12.5 Exciter
12.6 Operator
12.6.1 Operator Name
12.6.2 Temperature
12.6.3 Humidity
12.6.4 Air Pressure
12.6.5 Phase Measurement
12.6.6 Display From (Max. and Min Phase Angle Ranges)
12.6.7 Graph y-axis
12.6.8 Graph Zero At
12.6.9 Input Gain
12.6.10 High Pass Filter
12.6.11 Access Mode
12.7 Test Profiles
12.8 Running A Test Profile
12.9 Completion of Testing
12.10 Hardcopy
12.11 Error Messages
13. TRANSDUCERS MENU
13.1
List Known Transducers
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April 2001
11.1
11.1
11.1
12.0
12.0
12.0
12.0
12.0
12.0
12.0
12.1
12.1
12.1
12.2
13.1
13.1
13.1
13.1
13.1
13.2
13.2
13.2
13.2
13.2
13.3
13.3
13.3
13.3
13.3
13.4
13.4
13.4
13.4
13.5
13.5
13.5
13.6
14.1
14.1
Contents
13.2 Make New Transducer
13.3 Erase Transducer
13.4 Save Setup
13.5 Print Config
13.6 Manufacturer/Model Number
13.8 Measured Parameter
13.9 Interface
13.10 Input Gain
13.11 Nominal Sensitivity
13.11.1 Nominal Sensitivity (Frequency)
13.11.2 Nominal Sensitivity (Amplitude)
13.12 Current Output Transducers
13.12.1 Current to Voltage
13.13 Operational Range
13.14 Mass
13.15 Frequency Range
13.16 Warm Up
13.17 Temperature Range
13.18 Cal Period
14. PROFILES MENU
14.1 List Known Profiles
14.2 Make New Profile
14.3 Erase Profile
14.4 Save Setup
14.5 Print Config
14.6 Profile Type
14.6.1 Frequency Step
14.6.2 Amplitude Step
14.6.3 Frequency Sweep
14.7 Control Parameter
14.8 Amplitude
14.9 Frequency
14.10 Table Editing
14.10.1 Insert Entry
14.10.2 Delete Entry
14.10.3 Re-Sort Entries
14.12 Amplitude Range
14.13 Sweep Increment
15. THE REFERENCES MENU
15.1
List Known References
Issue: 1.1.0
April 2001
14.1
14.1
14.1
14.1
14.2
14.2
14.2
14.2
14.3
14.3
14.3
14.3
14.3
14.3
14.4
14.4
14.4
14.4
14.4
14.4
15.1
15.1
15.1
15.1
15.1
15.1
15.1
15.2
15.2
15.2
15.2
15.2
15.2
15.3
15.3
15.3
15.3
15.3
15.3
15.3
16.1
16.1
Contents
15.2 Make New Reference
15.3 Erase Reference
15.4 Save Setup
15.5 Print Config
15.6 Model Number
15.7 Serial Number
15.9 Interface
15.10 Current Output Reference Transducers
15.12 Reference Table Editing
15.12.1 Frequency
15.12.2 Amplitude
15.12.3 Sensitivity
15.12.4 Phase
15.14 Payload
15.17 Last Calibrated / Cal Period
16. THE UTILITIES MENU
16.1 Configure Exciter
16.1.1 Exciter
16.1.2 List Known Exciters
16.1.3 Make New Exciter
16.1.4 Erase Exciter
16.1.5 Save Setup
16.1.6 Print Config
16.1.7 Exciter Description
16.1.8 Test Due
16.1.9 Frequency Range
16.1.10 Max. Acceleration
16.1.11 Max. Velocity
16.1.12 Max. Displacement
16.1.13 Soft Ramping
16.2 Configure Hardware
16.2.1 Last Cal
16.2.2 Cal Period
16.2.3 Conditioning
16.2.4 Test Due
Issue: 1.1.0
April 2001
16.1
16.1
16.1
16.1
16.2
16.2
16.2
16.2
16.2
16.2
16.2
16.3
16.3
16.3
16.3
16.3
16.4
16.4
16.4
16.4
16.5
16.5
16.5
16.5
17.1
17.1
17.1
17.1
17.1
17.1
17.1
17.1
17.2
17.2
17.2
17.2
17.2
17.2
17.3
17.3
17.3
17.3
17.3
17.4
Contents
16.2.5 Input Gain
16.2.7 Other Equipment
16.2.8 Test Due
16.3 Configure System
16.3.1 Settling Time or Cycles
16.3.2 Measurement Time or Cycles
16.3.3 Reference
16.3.4 Transducer
16.3.7 Graph Y Axis
16.3.9 Text Output
16.3.10 Device
16.3.11 Graph Output
16.3.12 Device
16.3.13 Disk Storage
16.3.14 Hardcopy Timeout
16.3.15 Prompt For Hardcopy
16.3.16 Sensitivity Displayed to n Decimal Places
16.3.17 Disk Free Space
16.3.18 Date and Time
16.4 Save Set-Up
16.5 Additional Utilities
16.5.1 Access Codes
16.5.1.1 Operational Mode 1
16.5.1.3 Configuration
16.5.1.4 Password Modification
16.5.2 Format Data Disk
16.5.3 Format Config Disk
16.5.4 Config Disk Copy
16.5.5 Copying
16.6 IEEE Slave Address
17. IEEE-488 REMOTE CONTROL
17.1
17.2
17.3
17.4
17.5
17.6
17.7
17.8
IEEE Address
IEEE Command Format
Parameter Formats
Generator Commands
Analyser Commands
Measurement Control Commands
Sweep Control Commands
Interface Control
Issue: 1.1.0
April 2001
17.4
17.4
17.4
17.4
17.5
17.5
17.5
17.5
17.6
17.6
17.6
17.6
17.6
17.7
17.7
17.7
17.7
17.8
17.8
17.8
17.8
17.9
17.9
17.9
17.9
17.9
17.9
17.10
17.10
17.10
17.10
17.10
17.10
17.11
17.11
18.1
18.1
18.1
18.1
18.2
18.2
18.3
18.3
18.4
Contents
17.9 Miscellaneous Commands
17.10 Enquiry Commands
17.11 Obtaining Results
17.11.1 Condensed Results Format
17.11.1.1 Output from the ?ODC command
17.11.1.2 Output from the ?ODP command
17.12 Obtaining Status Information
17.13 Serial and Parallel Polls
17.13.1 Serial Poll
17.13.2 Service Request
17.13.3 Parallel Poll
17.14 IEEE Command Errors
17.15 Example IEEE Control Program
18. REDUCING MEASUREMENT ERRORS
18.1 Test transducer Mounting
18.1.1 Mechanical Coupling
18.1.2 Triboelectric Effects
19. CALIBRATION
19.1 Measurement Circuits Calibration
19.1.1 Calibration Mode
19.1.1.1 Calibrate
19.1.1.2 Verify
19.1.1.3 Un-Calibrate
19.1.2 Automatic Calibration
19.1.2.1 Equipment Required
19.1.2.2 Automatic Calibration Method
19.1.3 Manual Calibration
19.1.3.2 Manual Calibration Method
19.1.4 Result Hardcopy
19.1.4.1 Result Storage To PC Disk
19.2 Input Amplifier Calibration
19.2.1.2 Calibration Method
20. INTERFACE CONNECTIONS
20.1
20.2
20.3
20.4
Serial Interface
Parallel Interface
Keyboard
Shaker
Issue: 1.1.0
April 2001
18.4
18.4
18.5
18.5
18.5
18.5
18.5
18.6
18.6
18.6
18.7
18.7
18.7
19.1
19.1
19.1
19.1
20.3
20.3
20.4
20.4
20.4
20.4
20.4
20.4
20.5
20.5
20.5
20.6
20.6
20.6
20.7
20.7
20.7
21.1
21.1
21.1
21.1
21.2
Contents
21. 455 SYSTEM SPECIFICATION
21.1
21.2
21.3
21.4
21.5
21.6
21.7
21.8
21.9
Generator
Shaker Output (Where different from generator)
Results
Measurement Channels
Transducer Test Profiles
Reference Transducer
Test Transducer
Interfaces
General
22. BERAN 455 TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE
Issue: 1.1.0
April 2001
22.1
22.1
22.1
22.1
22.2
22.4
22.4
22.4
22.5
22.5
23.1
Section 1 - 455 Introduction And General Description
1. About This Manual

This manual is intended as a guide to introduce the new user to the Beran 455Vibration
Transducer Calibration system and as a reference for the more advanced controls of the
instrument.
This manual is splint into two parts;
Part 1 includes sections 2 8 which give a basic overview of the instrument itself as
well as a first-introduction guide to the operation of each of the primary configuration
menus, through the use of worked examples. These examples are accompanied by the
Beran 455 Getting Started Disk, which has been supplied.
Part 2 includes sections 9 22 and covers the entire operation of the instrument.
Information contained within this part includes details of the systems operation,
examples of how to configure the system for a number of calibration set-ups and a full
function by function guide to each of the 455s control parameters. Additional
information such as advice on how to reduce measurement errors and the calibration
procedure is also included.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 1.1
2. Introduction And General Description

The Beran 455 Vibration Transducer Calibrator is used in conjunction with a calibration
shaker and reference transducer to form an automated calibration system.
The 455 Vibration Transducer Calibrator is a dedicated, high performance instrument, for the
fully automatic calibration of vibration transducers. The sine correlation measurement
technique is used in the 455 to ensure accurate, repeatable measurements are provided over a
wide frequency range and differing test conditions. The single 455, replaces the Power
Amplifier, Signal Conditioning, Signal Generator, Digital Voltmeter(s), Phase Meter,
Oscilloscope and Controlling Computer used in traditional vibration transducer calibration
systems.
The 455 system firmware is integral to the instrument with transducer and test configurations
stored to floppy disk. The instrument allows complete Test Profiles to be generated and
performed, ensuring that a fully automatic calibration can take place with no operator
intervention.
The 455 instrument is fitted with integral precision signal conditioning amplifiers that allow
the automatic testing of Piezo Electric, Current Excitation, Voltage, and Current Output
Transducers. The amplifiers may be used to condition either a voltage, ICP or charge type
input and apply a gain of either x1, x10 or x100. An optional 5Hz HP filter may also be
applied if necessary. The configuration of the internal amplifiers may be set independently for
each test or reference transducer type and will be automatically applied upon the selection of
that transducer.
2.1 Results Handling
Transducer calibration results are displayed graphically at each test point of the active profile.
On completion of a profile, or sequence of profiles, the results may be viewed in either text or
graphical formats.
Via the 455s standard RS232 and parallel interfaces, graphical and/or test results may be
directly output to hardcopy devices or colour pen plotters. Alternatively the results may be
stored to a PC format disk or sent via a serial link to a PC to allow exporting into
spreadsheets, word processors, calibration databases etc. HP-GL, PCL-5 and ASCII protocols
are supported to ensure a wide choice of hardcopy devices and PC software packages are
accessible to the 455.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 1.2
2.2 Test Profile Generation

Generation of a new Frequency Step, Amplitude Step or Frequency Sweep test profile can be
achieved simply and quickly. A test profile name is entered along with the profile type, test
amplitude or frequency. If a frequency step or amplitude step test profile is selected, the
specific test frequencies and amplitudes are then entered. Amplitude information may be
entered in metric or imperial units with automatic conversion between. Further steps may be
added at a later date with a re-sort facility arranging the complete test in ascending frequency
/ amplitude order.
A Frequency Sweep test is simply defined with test program name, test amplitude, start and
stop frequency and a linear or logarithmic sweep increment.
2.3 Measurement Traceability
System measurement traceability is achieved by the use of a reference grade transducer
calibrated to the relevant national standards. The traceability is optimised by entering the
actual amplitude and phase deviations of the reference transducer at each calibration
frequency. This process is typically carried out annually and traceability is assured provided
the same frequencies are then selected during the calibration of each test transducer. An
automatic warning occurs if the user attempts to run a calibration test containing nontraceable steps.
2.4 Password Protection
Two main levels of access are controlled by a password system to ensure shaker table safety,
calibration integrity and test profile repeatability.
Operational Access: Allows the user to select the transducer for test, run test profiles and
request certificate hardcopy and/or result storage to disk or PC. Prevents editing of test
profiles, reference transducer calibration values, shaker table safety parameters or the
measurement configuration.
Configuration Access: In addition to the above, the system manager is able to define test
profiles, enter reference transducer details, configure the system components and change the
access passwords.
2.5 Calibrating The 455
Full details of the instrument calibration procedure are given in the optional manual, 455
Vibration Transducer Calibrator Calibration Procedure
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 1.3
2.6 Accessories
The instrument is supplied with the following accessories:
Description
Part No
Power Cable
Set of Two Calibration Keys
User Manual
Getting Started 1.44MByte Floppy Disk
Beran 455 Keyboard
(Dependant Upon Country)

319-770
UM455100
FD-2577-01
PL-2518-62
In addition the following accessories are available for use with the 455 instrument:
Description
Part No
Rack Mounting Kit

Shaker Output Mating Half Connector
Shaker Output to LDS V406 Lead
LDS Type V406 Shaker
PL-2518-95
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
PL-2577-90
LDS V406
Page: 1.4
Section 2 - Safety
3. SAFETY
This User Manual contains information and warnings / cautions which must be followed by
the user to ensure safe operation and to retain the equipment in a safe condition.
3.1 Safety Terms and Symbols
The following symbols are found on the instrument and in this Manual.
Functional Earth
(T)
Slow Blow Fuse
(TT)
Anti-Surge Fuse
CATII
Insulation Category
The following user instructions are found in this Manual:

WARNING :
Hazard that could cause personal injury or death.
CAUTION :
Hazard that could cause damage to equipment
3.2 Safety Precautions

The following safety precautions should be observed using the 455 unit and any associated
instruments.
This instrument is intended for use by qualified personnel who recognise shock hazards and
are familiar with the safety precautions required to avoid possible injury. Read this manual
carefully before using the instrument.
Exercise extreme caution when a shock hazard is present at the test circuit. The American
National Standards Institute (ANSI) states that a shock hazard exists when voltage levels
greater than 30V RMS or 42.4V peak are present. A good safety practice is to expect that
hazardous voltage is present in any unknown circuit before measuring.
Inspect the connecting cables and test leads for possible wear, cracks, or breaks before each
use.
For maximum safety, do not touch the test cables or any instruments while power is applied
to the circuit under test. Turn off power and discharge any capacitors before connecting or
disconnecting cables from the instrument.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 3.1
Section 2 - Safety
Do not touch any object which could provide current path to the common side of the circuit
under test or power line (earth) ground. Always make measurements with dry hands while
standing on a dry, insulated surface capable of withstanding the voltage being measured.
Instrumentation and accessories should not be connected to humans.
WARNING : The instrument should not be opened by anyone other than the manufacturer,
their agent or a competent person, as this may compromise the performance of the instrument
and user safety.
WARNING : If this instrument is used in a manner not specified in this manual, the safety
of the instrument may be compromised.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 3.2
Section 3 - Introducing The 455 System
4. Introducing The 455 System

4.1 Introduction
This section is intended to enable the new user to quickly and easily learn how to use the
Beran 455 Transducer Calibration System using a simple test method. The tests to be
performed do not require anything more than the Beran 455 system, Getting Started Disk, two
BNC leads and a BNC T piece.
4.2 Setting Up The Beran 455 System
Connect the 455 keyboard to the Keyboard socket on the rear panel.
Using 2 BNC leads and a BNC T connect the generator output and the measurement
channels A V HIGH and B V HIGH inputs together with the Differential/Single switch set
to Single Sided. Other test devices and test equipment are not required for this test
simulation.
Insert the Getting Started Disk supplied into the floppy disk drive. The disk contains preprogrammed configurations allowing the user to quickly learn the basics of the Beran 455
system.
Power the system ensuring the green POWER light is illuminated on the front panel above
the TESTING ident.
The machine will perform a self test verifying installed components.
The software will load automatically displaying the Transducer Calibration System front page
menu.
4.3 Learning To Test
Using either the front panel keys or the 455 keyboard select the Test menu.
The Testing Configuration menu will be displayed.
The highlight box displayed can be moved up and down the screen using the [] [] cursor
keys.
4.3.1 Loading Transducer Configuration
To load a pre-configured Transducer configuration, position the cursor at the top of the
screen alongside the Transducer title field.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 4.1
Select the List Known Transducers softkey. A list of pre-configured transducers will be
displayed. Move the highlight box to select the System Test, Transducer configuration.
Press Select softkey loading the configuration from disk into the Testing Configuration
page.
4.3.2 Entering Transducer Serial Number
In the field below the Transducer is the Serial Number field. Move the highlight box to
this field and enter the serial number Getting Started.
4.3.3 Loading Reference Transducer
The reference transducer configuration is required to be loaded from disk into the Testing
Configuration.
Position the cursor bar alongside Reference and select List Known References softkey. A
list of pre-configured references will be displayed. Move the highlight box to select the
System Test, Reference configuration. Press the Select softkey, loading the configuration
from disk into the Testing Configuration page.
4.3.4 Loading Exciter Information
The Exciter configuration is required to be loaded from disk into the Testing Configuration.
Position the highlighter next to the Exciter field and select the List Known Exciter softkey.
A list of pre-configured exciters will be displayed. Move the highlight box to select the
System Test, Exciter configuration. Press Select softkey loading the configuration from
disk into the Testing Configuration page.
4.3.5 Loading Test Profiles
Before any testing can commence a test profile must be loaded from the floppy disk.
To load a profile highlight the First Profile field. Use the List Known Profiles key to
display an index of all available profiles.
The first test to be performed is a frequency step. To load the required profile move the
highlight box to select Frequency Step 20Hz to 1kHz @ 1g RMS profile. Press the Select
softkey loading the profile into the Testing Configuration page.
The second test is a frequency sweep from 10Hz to 1kHz at 1g RMS. To load the profile in
to the Testing Configuration move the highlight box to the Second Profile field and again
using the List Known Profiles key select the profile Frequency Sweep 10Hz to 1kHz @ 1g
RMS. Press the Select softkey loading the profile into the Testing Configuration page.
The third test to be performed is an amplitude step from 0.1g RMS to 10g RMS at 80Hz.
Move the highlight box to the Third Profile field and select the test titled Amplitude Step
0.1g to 10g RMS @ 80Hz using the same method as selecting the two previous profiles.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 4.2
4.3.6 Starting The Tests

After loading each profile the system returns to the Testing Configuration. Position the
highlight box at the Transducer field at the top of the page.
To start testing select the Start All Tests soft key.
A warning box will be displayed informing the user that the reference is not calibrated for at
least one measurement point and the user is required to press the <Enter> key to continue the
test. This warning message is displayed because the frequency sweep to be performed is not
making measurements at the specific frequencies that the reference transducer was calibrated
at.
Upon pressing <Enter> a message will be displayed stating that the Transducer Calibrator
System is measuring the nominal sensitivity of the test transducer.
The first profile test will begin. The status line displays the current testing frequency of the
instrument in the field Gen Freq: . The Analyser State changes from Idle to Measuring
at each measuring point.
The display changes showing a bode plot with the x-axis displaying the frequency range for
the test profile. For the first profile the x-axis will display 20Hz to 1kHz, for the second
profile the range will be displayed as 10Hz to 1kHz. The x-axis displays the measured
sensitivity of the transducer. For the tests performed the measured sensitivity will be
500pC/g.
When the first profile has been completed the second profile will immediately start, again
displaying a bode plot of the frequency range against the nominal frequency
The third profile will automatically start. For the amplitude step the X-axis will be scaled into
the amplitude range of the profile, in this case 0g to 10g.
4.3.7 Displaying Test Results
On completion of the tests the display will return to the Testing Configuration page. To
draw or tabulate the results of the first test, position the highlighter box on the First Profile
and select Draw Results or Tabulate Results. Similarly, to draw the second and third
profile results position the cursor on the corresponding field.
4.4 Printing Results
From the results page the user has the option to output the results to a PC format disk
allowing individual test results to be inserted into a word processor or immediate printing to a
PCL5 compatible printer.
Alternatively the results may be printed using the softkey Output All Results from the
transducer field. For storing the results to a PC format disk, refer to section 8.5.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 4.3
Section 4 - Introducing The Transducers Under Test Menu
5. Introducing The Transducer Under Test Menu

5.1 Introduction
This section introduces the new user to the Transducer Under Test menu. By following
this section the user should be able to configure a simple fictional transducer.
5.2 A Fictional Transducer
The following fictional transducer specification sheet is based upon a real transducer.
The Fictional Transducer Company
Standard Charge Accelerometer Type 57321
Used for measuring low level vibrations with higher sensitivity
Charge Sensitivity : 31.6pC/ms-2 2% (310pC/g)
Mounted resonance frequency : 13kHz
Frequency Range : 0.1Hz to 4kHz (10%)
Mounting Thread : 10-32UNF
Weight : 175gram (6.16oz)
Temperature Range : -40 to +250C (-40 to +482F)
Max. Operational Shock : 500g PK
Max. Operational Continuous Sinusoidal Acceleration : 500g PK
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 5.1
Section 4 - Introducing The Transducers Under Test Menu
5.3 Configuring The Transducer

5.3.1 Entering the Transducers Menu
From the Beran 455 Main Menu select the Transducers function key. The Transducer
Under Test menu will be displayed.
5.3.2 Data To Enter
The user is now required to enter the transducer information.
Set the Manufacturer type to Fictional Transducer Co..
Set the Model Number to 57321.
Set the Measured Parameter to Acceleration and the Interface type to Charge.
Set the Input Gain to 1.000mV/pC.
Enter 310pC/g for the Nominal Sensitivity , at 80Hz 1.0g RMS.
For Operational Range the maximum is 500g PK. Set the Mass of the transducer to
175 grammes.
Set the Frequency Range of the transducer to 0.1Hz to 4000Hz. The Warm Up time
for the transducer to 0 Mins.
Set the Temperature Range to -40 to +250C.
Set the Cal Period to the required calibration period of the transducer, i.e. 12 months.
5.4 Storing/Printing Transducer Configuration
Move the highlight box to the Manufacturer field and select the Save Set-up key to store
the configuration to disk. The Print Config will print the configuration to a PC format disk
or printer, whichever the user has selected (refer to section 8.5).
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 5.2
Section 5 - Introducing The Setting Profiles Menu
6. Introducing The Setting Profiles Menu

6.1 Introduction
The Beran 455 system allows the user to make three types of test profile.
Frequency Step, Amplitude Step and Frequency Sweep.
They are
6.2 Programming A Frequency Step

In this example, a profile is required making measurements of the test transducer between
20Hz and 1kHz at the same frequencies that the reference transducer has been calibrated at.
The amplitude of vibration is to be a constant 1g RMS. The control parameter is to be
acceleration.
The method used is as follows:
1. Select the Profiles softkey from the 455 main menu.
2. Enter a profile Name, for example Frequency Step 20Hz to 1kHz at 1g RMS.
3. Move the highlight box to the Profile Type field, use the function keys to select
Frequency Step.
4. Select the Control Parameter to be Acceleration using the function key.
5. Enter the Amplitude value to be 1g RMS selecting Imperial Units and RMS
using the relevant function keys.
6. The Frequencies are entered using the Edit Table function key. Refer to the
calibration frequencies of the reference transducer and enter these frequencies. For this
example the reference transducer has been calibrated at 20, 25,31.5, 40, 63, 80, 125, 160,
200, 315, 400, 500, 630, 800 and 1000Hz.
7. In the amplitude columns enter the value 1g RMS and on completion return to previous
screen using the Exit softkey.
8. For the Frequency Range enter 20Hz to 1000Hz.
6.3 Programming An Amplitude Step
An amplitude step profile is required from 0.1g RMS to 10g RMS at 80Hz, again using
acceleration as the control parameter.
The method is as follows:
1. Select the Profile softkey from the 455 main menu.
2. Enter a profile Name, for example Amplitude Step 0.1g RMS to 10g RMS at 80Hz.
3. Move the highlight box to the Profile Type field and use the function keys to select
Amplitude Step.
4. Select the Control Parameter to be Acceleration using the function key.
5. The Amplitude profile points are entered via the Edit Table softkey. For this test the
amplitudes to be used are 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0 and
10g RMS, all at 80Hz.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 6.1
Section 5 - Introducing The Setting Profiles Menu
6. The Frequency values are to be set to 80Hz and on completion return to the previous
screen using the Exit softkey.
7. Enter the Amplitude Range values to be 0.1g RMS to 10g RMS.
6.4 Frequency Sweep Profile
To program a frequency sweep profile use the same initial methods as above but setting the
Profile Type to Frequency Sweep.
Set the Control Parameter as Acceleration with an Amplitude of 1g RMS.
The measurement frequency points are calculated from the frequency range and sweep
increment settings. For this example set the frequency range as 10Hz to 1000Hz with a
Sweep Increment of 20 Steps Per Decade.
The user can check their settings against the Frequency Sweep 10Hz to 1000Hz @ 1g RMS
profile stored on the Getting Started disk.
6.5 Saving/Printing Profile Configurations
After a new profile has been created or modified it requires storing to disk. To do this the
highlight box is to be placed on the Name field of the Profile Configuration menu.
Insert the configuration disk (see 17.5.3) into the floppy disk drive and use the function key
Save Setup to store the profile to disk. To print the profile use the Print Config key.
The profile will be either printed to a disk file or printed direct to a printer depending on the
user settings.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 6.2
Section 6 - Introducing The Reference Menu
7. Introducing The Reference Menu

7.1 Introduction
This section introduces the user to the information required to enter the reference transducer
parameters. Although the example reference transducer is fictional, it has been based upon an
actual reference transducer.
7.2 Information Required
The manufacturers data sheet for the type of reference transducer used and the specific
calibration results at each frequency are required.
Figure 1 shows the Fictional Manufacturers Data Sheet.
The Fictional Transducer Company
Reference Accelerometer Model No: 9871
Industrial standard reference transducer used for calibration of accelerometers
and velocity transducers.
Specification
Charge Sensitivity : 10pC-pk/g-pk (nominal)
Resonant Frequency : Greater than 25kHz
Frequency Response : 10pC/g 5% 10Hz to 10kHz
Dynamic Range : 0.01g to 100g
Amplitude Linearity : 2%
Shock Limit : 7000g (10ms)
Temperature Range : -75C to +250C
Acoustic Response : 50Hz to 50kHz less than 0.1g RMS
Magnetic Field Response : Less than 0.001g RMS/100 gauss 50-60Hz
Humidity Effects : 100%RH 20-100 (non-condensing) No effect
Insulation Resistance : -75C to 75C Greater than 10,000M
Maximum Mass Of Test Transducers: 400 grams
Weight : 450 grams
Material : Titanium
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 7.1
Figure 1 Fictional Reference Transducer Specification

The fictional reference transducer calibration results are shown in figure 2.
The reference transducer Serial Number B1234 was calibrated to NAMAS

standards using a computer system, two NAMAS calibrated digital voltmeters,
frequency counter and a reference transducer meeting the PhysikalischTechnische Bundesanstalt, Braunschweig specification. The computer system
recorded the results from the transducers at each of the discrete measurement
frequencies.
The calibrations were carried out with an ambient temperature of 20C 2C with a
relative humidity <60%. The nominal acceleration was in the range of 15 to 55ms -2
peak depending on frequency.
To compare these results and the results given in pC/g it should be noted that
1g=9.80665ms-2.
Accelerometer capacitance 986pF 0.5%
Date of calibration 18th December 1997.
Nominal Sensitivity
Frequenc
y
Hz
20
25
31.5
40
63
80
125
160
200
315
400
500
630
800
Sensitivit
y
pC/ms-2
0.892
0.892
0.890
0.889
0.885
0.884
0.881
0.880
0.878
0.874
0.872
0.871
0.869
0.867
Accelerometer capacitance 986pF 0.5%
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Leakage resistance > 100 M 5%
Frequency
Hz
Sensitivity
pC/ms-2
1,000
1,250
1,600
2,000
2,500
3,150
0.866
0.864
0.862
0.859
0.858
0.857
Leakage resistance > 100 M 5%
Page: 7.2
Figure 2 Fictional Reference Transducer Calibration Results

7.3 Data To Be Loaded
Select the Reference softkey from the Beran 455 main menu.
Enter the manufacturers name, transducer model number and transducer serial number in the
relevant fields. In this case the manufacturer is Fictional Transducer Co, the model
number is 9871 and the serial number from the calibration results sheet is B1234.
The Measured Parameter is set using the softkeys to Acceleration and the Interface
type set to Charge.
The Input Gain field requires to be set to 1mV/pC.
The Nominal Sensitivity value to be entered is measured at 80Hz. From the calibration
results the value to be entered is 0.884pC/m/s/s at a vibration level of 15m/s/s pk.
With the highlight bar set on the Nominal Sensitivity field the user has the option to enter
all calibration frequency points of the reference transducer. This reference table is accessed
via the Edit Table soft key. In the reference table the user enters the specific calibration
frequencies, the amplitude range of calibration (15-55m/s/s as per the calibration results), the
sensitivity in pC/m/s/s and the phase. In this example the phase has not been calibrated by
the calibration laboratory, therefore the phase value has been set to 0.0.
The Operational Range of the transducer is the dynamic acceleration range of the
transducer.
In this example the maximum value of the dynamic range is 100g RMS
(980m/s/s RMS). The mass range the reference transducer results are valid over is entered in
the Payload field. In this case 400 grams.
The Frequency Range values are 10Hz to 10000Hz read directly from the manufacturers
specification.
The Temperature Range for the 9871 is stated as -75C to +250C and is entered directly
into the these fields.
The Last Calibrated is the date the reference was last calibrated, indicated on the
calibration results as the 18th December 1997 which should be as 18-12-97. Finally the
Cal Period is the time span to the next calibration of the reference transducer, typically set
to 12 months.
7.4 How The Settings Should Look
Figure 3 shows the reference data entered for this fictional reference transducer.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 7.3
Beran Instruments 455 Transducer Calibration System 14 Jan 1998

Manufacturer
Fictional Transducer Co
Model Number
9871
Serial Number B1234
Transducer Info
Measured Parameter Acceleration
Interface
Charge
Sensitivity
0.884 pC/m/s/s at 80.000 Hz 15.000 m/s/s RMS
Operational Range 980.665 m/s/s RMS
Payload
0.000 gm to 400.000 gm
Frequency Range 10.000 Hz to 10000.000 Hz
Temp Range
-75.000 Deg C to 250.000 Deg C
Calibration Period 12 Months
Last Calibrated 18 Dec 2000
Number Of Calibration Points 20
Frequency Amplitude Sensitivity Phase
Hz
m/s/s RMS pC/m/s/s Degrees
20.000
25.000
31.500
40.000
63.000
80.000
125.000
160.000
200.000
315.000
400.000
500.000
630.000
800.000
1000.000
1250.000
1600.000
2000.000
2500.000
3150.000
15.00-55.00
15.00-55.00
15.00-55.00
15.00-55.00
15.00-55.00
15.00-55.00
15.00-55.00
15.00-55.00
15.00-55.00
15.00-55.00
15.00-55.00
15.00-55.00
15.00-55.00
15.00-55.00
15.00-55.00
15.00-55.00
15.00-55.00
15.00-55.00
15.00-55.00
15.00-55.00
0.892
0.892
0.890
0.889
0.885
0.884
0.881
0.880
0.878
0.874
0.872
0.871
0.869
0.867
0.866
0.864
0.862
0.859
0.858
0.857
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
0.000
Figure 3 The Reference Parameters Entered

7.5 Saving/Printing Reference Transducer Information
Insert the Configuration Disk into the floppy disk drive.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 7.4
Page 1
Move the highlight bar to the Manufacturer field. Use the function key Save Setup.
The Print Setup key produces a hardcopy of the reference transducer settings (refer to
section 8.5).
The reference information may now be used in the test configuration page.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 7.5
Section 7 - Introducing The Utilities Menu
8. Introducing The Utilities Menu

This section introduces the new user to the contents of the Utilities menu.
8.1 Entering The Utilities Menu
Select the Utilities soft key from the 455 main menu. A further utilities sub-menu is
displayed giving access to Config Exciter, Config Hardware, Config System, Save
Setup and Additional Utilities menus. Selecting any of the soft keys will select the
appropriate sub-menu.
8.2 Configure Exciter Sub-Menu
The exciter (shaker) operational parameters are entered on this page. When running test
profiles the exciter configuration is checked to ensure that damage will not occur.
Under Exciter enter the manufacturers name and model number in this field.
Under Frequency Range enter the operational frequency of the exciter.
The Maximum Acceleration, Maximum Velocity and Maximum Displacement values
are directly read from the manufacturers data sheet.
Enabling Soft Ramping protects the shaker from producing a large displacement at lower
frequencies by increasing the amplitude at a lower rate.
8.3 Example Shaker
The following example is a fictional shaker.
The Fictional Shaker Manufacturer

Model Number F239B
Sinusodial Force Peak
Newtons (pounds) 100 (22.5)
Maximum Acceleration Peak
m/sec-2 (g)
588 (60)
Max. Velocity Peak
m/sec (in/sec)
1.52 (60)
Moving Mass
Kg (lbs)
0.17 (0.35)
Max. Displacement pk-pk mm (in)
10.0 (0.4)
Displacement to stops
mm (in)
10.8 (0.425)
1st Major resonance nom Hz
12000
Frequency Range
Hz
1-14000
Suspension Stiffness axial
Kgf/mm (lbf/in)
1.14 (64)
Cooling
Natural
Magnetic Field
Permanent Magnet
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 8.1
The above data has been loaded into the exciter configuration page producing the
configuration below:
Beran Instruments 455 Transducer Calibration System 15 Jan 1998
Exciter
Fictional Shakers Manu, F293B
Test Due
Not Req'd
Frequency Range 1.000 Hz to 14000.000 Hz
Max. Acceleration 588.000 m/s/s Peak
Max. Velocity
1520.000 mm/s Peak
Max. Displacement 10000.000 um pk/pk
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 8.2
Page 1
Note that the velocity is specified as 1.52m/sec and is entered as 1520 mm/s in the Beran 455.
Displacement is entered as micro-meters and therefore the user is required to convert the
specified mm to m, in this case 10000m. The engineering units are also very important as
pk-pk is approximately 2.8 times larger than RMS values and therefore could result in serious
damage to the shaker.
8.4 External Test Hardware
The user is able to enter details of any external signal conditioning instrumentation used as
part of the Automatic Calibration System. For example, if external signal conditioning
amplifiers form part of the calibration system, information such as their serial numbers and
calibration dates may be entered. This information will then be outputted when a hard copy of
calibration results is made.
The configure system menu enables the user to configure system settings.
commonly used sections of the configure menu are discussed in this section.
The most
Settling Time is the time taken for the system to stabilise prior to making a measurement.
Entered as Seconds and Cycles.
Measurement Time is the integration time taken for each measurement and is entered as
secondsor cycles.
Text Output allows the selection between serial, parallel and PC format disk output types
for the output of text result information. The format is selectable between either PCL-5,
ASCII for Spreadsheet and ASCII types.
Graph Output allows the selection between serial, parallel and PC format disk outputs
types for the output of graphical result information. The format is selectable between PCL-5
and HPGL protocols.
For hardcopies of system configurations the user can select between printer output or an
output to a PC format disk. This enables the user to export the configurations to a word
processor.
8.6 Save Setup
The user is given the option to store the current system configuration setup either internally or
to the configuration disk. The system will automatically recall the setup upon power up, this
recall will be from disk if the configuration disk is present in the drive, or from memory if the
disk is not present.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 8.3
The access codes are entered in this section by the configuration manager. Other options
available are to Format Data Disk, Format Config Disk and make a Master Disk
Copy storing all profiles and configurations to disk. The IEEE address of the system is also
entered on this page.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 8.4
Section 8 - Installation And Operating Controls
9. Installation And Operating Controls

This section contains information and instructions for unpacking and installing the Beran 455
Vibration Transducer Calibrator. It also introduces the layout of controls on the instrument.
9.1 Unpacking and Inspection
Every care is taken in the choice of packaging material to ensure that your equipment will
reach you in perfect condition.
If the equipment has been subjected to excessive handling during transit, evidence of this is
likely to be visible on the shipping material.
In the event of damage, the shipping container and cushioning material should be kept for the
carriers inspection.
Unpack the equipment and inspect for external damage to the case, sockets, keys etc. If
damage is found, please notify the carrier and your sales representative immediately.
Standard accessories supplied with the instrument are listed in Section 2.6.
9.2 Introducing The Front Panel
The 455 front panel contains an integral electro-luminescent display, which allows the
responses of the transducer under test to be viewed and forms the main user interface.
The front panel incorporates soft touch keys allowing the user to move between menus and
enter information into the system. The Abort key is an emergency stop button removing
the signal generator and shaker outputs immediately. The Step, Run and Pause keys
can be used during a test profile whilst it is running allowing the user to interrupt the test.
The numeric keypad allows information to be entered whilst the cursor keys move the
highlight box through the menu structure.
The front panel also incorporates integral secret till lit display LEDs which show when
power is present at the unit, when the generator output is switched on and when the inputs to
the internal signal conditioning amplifiers are at an over-range condition.
The over-range indicators will become illuminated when the output from the internal signal
conditioning amplifiers, into the measurement circuitry exceeds 10V pk. This takes into
account the currently selected input type and input gain setting for the specified measurement
channel. For example, an over-range condition will occur when a charge input type is selected
with an input gain of x10 if the input level exceeds 1000pC pk (assuming the 1mV/pC
transfer function).
9.3 QWERTY Keyboard
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 9.1
A PC compatible QWERTY Keyboard is supplied with the 455 system which plugs into the
KEYBOARD port on the rear of the instrument.
The function keys F1 - F6 on the QWERTY keyboard duplicate those on the instrument front
panel allowing the 455 to be controlled from either.
9.4 Undo Function
When entering text information into the system, the function key F1 has the identifier
Undo. Pressing this key replaces the made with the previous text.
9.5 Help Function
By pressing the HELP key on the QWERTY Keyboard or the HELP key on the instrument
front panel the operator may request information regarding the current configuration
parameter. The current parameter is the field where the highlight cursor is currently
positioned.
9.6 Status Line
Regardless of the current display, a status line is always displayed at the top of the instrument
screen. This informs the operator as to the current generator frequency and the state of the
analysers (Idle or Measuring).
9.7 Principle of Operation
The signal generator of the 455 drives the calibration shaker via the internal power amplifier.
The reference and test transducer, mounted back-to-back on the calibration shaker generate
signals proportional to the vibration amplitude being received from the shaker. These signals
are scaled and amplified by the internal precision amplifiers, which convert the input signals
from the transducers to a scaled voltage output. This output is fed both to the system analyser
channels and to the monitor output connectors on the rear of the unit, which allow external
measurements to be made in parallel with the 455 analyser channels if required. The
maximum output level allowed form the input amplifiers is 10V pk, after the application of
any input gain and selection of the required conversion type. For example, an over-range
condition will occur when a charge input type is selected with an input gain of x10 if the
input level exceeds 1000pC pk (assuming the 1mV/pC transfer function). A high level
schematic of the system may be seen in figure 4.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 9.2
A constant input drive amplitude to the calibration shaker is maintained by the signal
generator, power amplifier, calibration shaker, reference transducer and reference analyser
channel operating in a closed loop mode. This means that the measured value on the
reference analyser channel is used to control the amplitude level of the 455 signal generator.
The 455 analyser channels use the Single Sine Correlation measurement technique. The
analysers operate effectively as very narrow digital band-pass filters with the centre frequency
always being that of the current generator frequency. The incoming signals from the
transducers (via the precision amplifiers) contain the generator fundamental frequency,
harmonics generated by the calibration shaker and a degree of wide-band noise introduced by
the surrounding environment.
The Single Sine Correlation technique rejects the harmonics and wide-band noise from the
signal, only measuring the fundamental component of the complex signal. The instruments
inherent ability to do this may be enhanced by increasing the Measurement Time over which
individual measurements are made. See section 16.3.2.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 9.3
9.8 System Configurations

Example system configurations are detailed in figure 5.
Figure 5a, Single Sided Voltage Output Reference and Test Transducer
Figure 5b, Single Sided Charge Output Reference Transducer and Differential Voltage Test Transducer
Figure 5c, Charge Output Reference Transducer and Single Sided Voltage Output Test Transducer.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 9.4
Figure 5d, Charge output Reference Transducer and ICP Type Test Transducer
Figure 5e, Charge output Reference Transducer and Current Output Test Transducer
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 9.5
Section 9 - Hardware And Connection Details
10. Hardware And Connection Details

10.1 Mains Power Supply
10.1.1 Supply Voltage
The instrument can be operated over the voltage range 90 - 225 VAC at a frequency of 4763Hz and is automatically selected. The instrument is rated at 3 Amp.
10.1.2 Supply Power Cord
The instrument is supplied with a 3 wire power cord which includes a protective earth
conductor.
WARNING: When using the instrument, the protective earth conductor must be connected
to a safe earth ground at all times.
10.1.3 Inlet Fuse
The inlet fuse is an integral part of the mains power inlet.
To replace the fuse, disconnect the power cord, remove the lid from fuse compartment with a
small screwdriver, remove blown fuse and replace with a 3 Amp, 20mm (T) fuse.
WARNING : Disconnect power cord before opening fuse compartment.
CAUTION : Only use correct rating of fuse or the instrument could become damaged.
10.2 Cleaning
The instrument can be cleaned using a soft cloth.
If this fails to clean the instrument, a damp cloth with a mild detergent may be used or a nonabrasive foam cleaner.
WARNING : Disconnect power cord before cleaning unit.
10.3 Cooling
The instrument is cooled by two exhaust fans on the rear panel.
CAUTION : Should the either of the exhaust fans become blocked or fail, the performance
of the instrument could be affected, in this case the instrument should be returned to the
vendor servicing.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 10.1
10.4 455 Rear Panel Connectors

The following connectors are available at the rear of the instrument:
Mains Inlet:
Allows a power supply connection to the unit to be made.
Generator Output:
Output from the internal signal generator, allowing the use of an external power
amplifier to drive the calibration shaker if necessary.
Shaker Power Output:
Output from the internal power amplifier for connection to the calibration exciter.
Inputs (Q):
Allows direct connection of charge output type transducers to either the Channel A or
Channel B input analyser channels. Full input range is 10,000pC pk (with an input gain
of x1).
Input (I):
Allows direct connection of ICP type current transducers to either the Channel A or
Channel B input analyser channels. ICP compliance is 30V @ 4.7mA.Full input range
is 10,000mV pk (with an input gain of x1).
Voltage (V):
Allows direct connection of either single ended or differential voltage output type
transducers to either the Channel A or Channel B input analyser channels.
Differential/Single Ended operation is achievable via a switch on the rear panel. Full
input range is 10,000mV pk (with an input gain of x1).
Serial (RS232):
Allows connection of pen plotters for graphical output or a connection to a PC system
for either direct results output or for operation with the Beran 485 Transcal application.
Parallel:
Allows connection of PCL-5 or HPGL compatible output devices for creation of
hardcopy results.
IEEE-488:
Allows operation of the instrument to take place over a GPIB interface.
Keyboard:
Allows connection of a PC compatible PS2 style keyboard.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 10.2
10.5 Optional Rack Mounting

Optional Rack Mounting flanges can be provided, to enable the instrument to be fitted into a
standard 19 rack. To replace the factory fitted handles remove the top and bottom securing
screws. Fit rack mount flanges and refit the securing screws.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 10.3
Section 10 Powering On And Powering Off
11. Powering On And Powering Off The 455 Instrument

See paragraphs 10.1 to 10.1.3 for relevant connection details for the 455 units power supply.
11.1 Powering On
Before turning on the instrument, ensure that no external equipment is connected which could
be damaged.
The power switch for the instrument is on the rear panel of the unit, integral with the power
inlet connector. When the unit is turned on, a sequence of internal self tests are performed.
These take a short time to complete, during which the internal components stabilise to their
nominal operating tolerances.
At the completion of the self test procedure, the main system menu will appear on the screen.
From here, complete system functionality may be controlled.
11.2 Status Line
Across the top of the screen a status line is displayed. This gives information about the
current state of the instrument, and is visible at all times. The information given here is as
follows:
Current Generator Frequency
State of Instrument (Idle, Measuring)
Sweep Status (Up/Off)
11.3 Powering Off The 455 Instrument
To power down the Transducer Calibration System the user is advised to follow the
procedure below:
1. If required store the entire system configuration, either to internal memory or floppy
disk refer to section 17.4.
2. Switch off the power to the instrument using the rear panel mounted mains switch.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 11.1
Section 11 - Using The Menus
12. Using The Menus

The 455 analyser is based around a comprehensive menu system, to allow the user to quickly
become familiar with its operation. There are five main menu groups, together with several
sub-menus.
12.1 Finding the Correct Menu
The menus are arranged in a layered format, with the main menu, at the top. From the main
menu, the five most commonly used menu screens are available. To enter one of these five
menus, simply press the appropriate softkey from the main menu:Leave
System
Test
Transducers
Profiles
References
Utilities
To leave a menu, press the extreme left hand softkey labelled Exit, which will return you to
the previous menu.
The main functions of the five basic menus are explained in the next few pages.
12.1.1 Testing Menu
This menu allows the user to select the transducer under test, reference transducer, exciter and
test profiles from pre-configured lists. Additionally, supplementary information such as the
operators name and current operating conditions (temperature, humidity etc..) may be entered.
12.1.2 Transducers Menu
This menu allows the user to configure each new test transducer type.
12.1.3 Profiles Menu
This menu allows the user to configure each test profile, setting frequency and amplitude
steps as well as frequency sweeps.
12.1.4 Reference Menu
This menu allows the user to configure each reference transducer.
12.1.5 Utilities
Allows the user to configure optional system parameters, detailing the external test
equipment, exciter safety limits and password access levels. The user is able to set the results
output device as either a parallel or serial interface printer for a hardcopy result or as an
output to disk.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 12.0
12.2 Selecting Menu Options

Once the required menu screen has been reached, the up, down, left and right cursor keys may
be used to position the highlighted block over the option that is to be changed or set. Once
the block is in the correct position, the new value may be entered, using either the numeric
keypad, softkeys or QWERTY keyboard.
12.2.1 Entering Numeric Information
Numeric information may be entered using either the front panel or the QWERTY keyboard.
As the keys are pressed, the value displayed inside the highlighted block will update, to show
the new setting.
The delete key may be used to rub out the last character entered. The Undo key (F1) may be
used in order to regain the previous entry.
12.3 Connecting the 455 Controller
The 455 Controller is connected to the other system components as follows:
Input Channel A:
This would usually be connected directly to the Reference Transducer. The reference
transducer configuration within the 455 application will then be used to automatically set the
input type and any input gain when the reference transducer is selected for use.
CAUTION: It is important that test programs are not run if the connection from the
Reference transducer to the 455 Input Channel is not complete. This is due to
the closed loop being broken that will cause the generator output to
progressively increase, which may damage the shaker mechanism.
Input Channel B:
This would usually be connected directly to the Transducer Under Test. The transducer
configuration within the 455 application will then be used to automatically set the input type
and any input gain when the transducer type is selected for calibration.
It is recommended that the manufacturers handbook for any other devices which are to be
connected to the Beran 455 system are read and understood before connection to the system is
made.
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Shaker:
The calibration shaker is connected directly to the system via this connection. The internal
power amplifier is rated at 150Watts and is suitable for the connection of any small shaker
system. An internal cut-out circuit is employed to provide protection should the output of the
power amplifier rise above 5.5A. If this occurs, the power supply to the power amplifier will
be isolated and will not be re-instated until the manual RESET button on the rear of the unit
is depressed. If the power to the amplifier is cut off in this way, the red TRIP LED on the
rear of the unit will also become illuminated. Additional protection is also offered through the
use of a 5A quick blow fuse, wired in series with the shaker output.
If the power amplifier trip continues to operate during a test, the test profile should be
modified in order to reduce the output loading effect of the shaker. This may normally be
achieved by either increasing the test frequency or by reducing the displacement of the test
profile. If this is not possible, an external power amplifier may be employed, driven by the
signal output available at the Generator connection point of the rear of the unit.
12.4 Restarting the Transducer Application
Note: This menu option will not power down the instrument. To power down the instrument
refer to section 11.3.
The Leave System function key enables the user to reboot the instrument and load a
different system configuration from either the systems internal configuration memory or an
alternate configuration disk. The loaded configuration will contain another set of stored test
transducers, reference transducers and profiles settings. The user is required to insert the
appropriate configuration disk into the disk drive before the system is re-booted.
If the user has stored a system configuration to the disk then this will be recalled into the
instruments operating memory.
Prior to rebooting the system the user is given the option to store the current system
configuration to internal memory or to the currently inserted configuration disk, using the
softkeys Save Internally or Save To Disk respectively.
The user is advised to follow the procedure given below to load a different configuration from
a configuration disk into the system operating memory:1. Press the Leave System softkey.
2. The user is given the option to store the configuration to either the internal memory
or to a configuration disk, using the appropriate softkeys. To skip storage of the
system configuration press ENTER.
3. The leave calibration system message is displayed, the user is again given the option
to skip re-booting the system by pressing ENTER or to reboot the system by
pressing the Confirm softkey.
4. Insert the appropriate configuration disk into the floppy disk drive press the
Confirm softkey.
5. The system will reboot and perform the power-up self-tests prior to redisplaying the
transducer calibration system main menu.
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The user is advised to follow the procedure given below to load the configuration from
internal memory:1. Press the Leave System softkey.
2. The user is given the option to store the configuration to either the internal memory
or to a configuration disk, using the appropriate softkeys. To skip storage of the
system configuration press ENTER.
3. The leave calibration system message is displayed, the user is again given the option
to skip re-booting the system by pressing ENTER or to reboot the system by
pressing the Confirm softkey.
4. Remove any floppy disks from the disk drive and press the Confirm softkey.
5. The system will reboot and perform the power-up self-tests prior to redisplaying the
transducer calibration system main menu.
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Section 12 - Test Menu
13. Test Menu

To carry out the calibration of a transducer the Test menu must be entered. This is achieved
by selecting the Test softkey on either the instrument front panel or F2 on the keyboard.
The Testing Configuration menu page is then presented which allows the details of the test
and reference transducers to be entered as well as the selection of the required test profiles.
13.1 Transducer
The transducer type under test is selected from the list of available of pre-configured
transducers on the configuration disk. This is achieved by selecting the List Known
Transducers softkey. To select the required transducer, position the highlight box over the
transducer and press the Select key.
The available test transducer details are then recalled from the configuration disk. If a new
transducer configuration is required, refer to section 13 of this manual.
The Transducer field also allows the option of starting all tests or outputting the results of all
previous tests using the appropriate softkey.
13.2 Serial Number
After selection of the test transducer type, the device serial number is to be entered. The
default title Serial Number may be modified via the softkey labelled Change Identifier.
This allows an alternative field name such as asset number to be used.
All information including the identifier string will appear on all hardcopy results.
If test results are stored to a PC format disk (see 17.3.13) this unique number is also used to
identify the filename. It is advisable that the entered information consists of eight characters
or less when storing results in this format.
A single line of information is displayed to direct the operator to note or perform a certain
task. For example, See test spec 4238 Issue 3 or Use Isolating Mounting Plate.
The actual text displayed is entered (via password access) from the Transducer menu option
(see 14.7).
13.4 Reference
The reference transducer is selected from the list of available pre-configured references on the
configuration disk. This is achieved by depressing the List Known Reference softkey. A
list of configured reference transducers is displayed with the relevant type being selected by
positioning the screen cursor on the relevant transducer and depressing the Select softkey.
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The reference transducer details are then recalled from the configuration disk. If the required
reference transducer details have not already been entered into the system, this is achieved
(via password access) with the References option from the main menu (refer to section 15).
13.5 Exciter
The exciter (shaker) to be used for calibration is selected from the list of available preconfigured exciters on the configuration disk. This is achieved by depressing the List
Known Exciters softkey. A list of exciters known to the system is displayed with the
relevant type being selected by positioning the screen cursor using the up and down cursor
keys and depressing the Select softkey.
The exciter details are then recalled from the configuration disk. If the required exciter
details have not already been entered into the system, this is achieved (via password access)
with the Exciter option from within the Utility menu (refer to section 16).
13.6 Operator
The operator is able to enter their name and the ambient conditions of temperature, pressure
and humidity. These details are output to the hardcopy lead sheet with the test results.
Modification of these field titles is carried out by depressing the Change Settings softkey
when the Current Operating Conditions menu page is displayed.
13.6.1 Operator Name
Up to 40 characters may be entered via the QWERTY keyboard.
13.6.2 Temperature
Up to 15 characters may be used allowing a nominal value and a tolerance to be entered. In
addition the System Manager may choose to change the Temperature identifier to an
alternative if required, by depressing the Change Identifier softkey.
Entered information will be printed with all results when a hardcopy is produced.
13.6.3 Humidity
addition the System Manager may choose to change the Humidity identifier to an alternative
if required, by depressing the Change Identifier softkey.
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13.6.4 Air Pressure

addition the System Manager may choose to change the Air Pressure identifier to an
alternative if required, by depressing the Change Identifier softkey.
The phase difference between the reference and test transducer is measured by the 455 system
and by using the softkeys, phase information may be displayed in either 180 or 0-360
degree conventions. Alternatively the Off softkey suppresses all phase information from
the display screens and hardcopy results.
Phase information is not available during the real-time display of results. Once a test profile
has run, amplitude and phase (if enabled) information may be simultaneously displayed using
the Draw Results or Tabulate Results softkey.
The Minimum and Maximum values for the phase axis, displayed when drawing result plots
may be specified when highlighting this option. The Default softkey allows the full range
to be reset, (i.e. -180 to +180, or 0 to 360 degrees).
13.6.7 Graph y-axis
Two types of parameter may be selected for the test results graph y-axis. These are the
percentage or dB deviation ranges, the limits of which can be specified by the user. The
measured or stated nominal sensitivity of the transducer (see 13.6.8) is the centre of the yaxis, i.e. at 0% or 0dB.
If dB output is selected and the phase output disabled, the deviation from either the
measured or manufacturers stated sensitivity (see 12.6.8)is also displayed on the tabular
output results.
The percentage deviation ranges may either be displayed on the left or right hand axis of the
graph by selecting the appropriate softkey, e.g. % on Right Axis or % or Left Axis.
The zero sensitivity position on test result graphs may be defined as either the transducers
stated nominal sensitivity, or the actual measured sensitivity during dynamic testing. This
option is set by selecting the appropriate softkey, e.g. Nominal Sensitivity or Measured
Sensitivity.
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13.6.9 Input Gain

The 455 system incorporates internal signal conditioning amplifiers that may automatically
apply a gain of either x1, x10, or x100 for different types of reference and test transducer. If
this is the case, the gain setting to be used will be set in the Transducers and References
configuration pages and further configuration here is not allowed. However, if these
transducer specific gain settings are set to Manual, the gain entered here will be used
throughout the test.
It is however possible to enter any value of gain in order to compensate for additional external
signal conditioning amplifiers (e.g. enter a gain of 2.0). If this is the case, the gain on the
internal signal conditioning amplifiers will be set to x1, effectively being turned off.
This setting is duplicated in the External Hardware page from the Utilities menu.
The internal signal conditioning amplifiers within the 455 system allow the application of a
5Hz HP filter for either the reference or transducer channels. If this option is required the two
Enable and Disable softkeys may be used to achieve this.
This setting is duplicated in the External Hardware page from the Utilities menu.
13.6.11 Access Mode
Three password controlled access modes are provided to ensure system security. The access
modes and level of facilities provided for each are:
Operational Mode 1 - Allows testing and hardcopy to be carried out.
transducers, references, profiles or hardware configurations are allowed.
No changes to
Operational Mode 2 - Allows access to the External Gain setting (see 13.6.9) in addition to
the items accessible from Operational Mode 1.
Configurations - All facilities are accessible including the setting of the passwords.
To change from one access level to another requires the relevant password to be entered in the
Current Operating Conditions menu page. The password is entered (appearing on the
screen as a series of dashes) with Enter depressed on completion. If the password is
correct, the new access level is displayed.
NOTE : that the password is case and space sensitive, i.e. if a password is set to Level1
then level1 will not be accepted.
Passwords may be modified from the Additional Utilities page is the Utilities section. (see
section 16.5.1)
13.7 Test Profiles
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Individual Test Profiles are selected by positioning the cursor bar on the first, second,
third and fourth profile fields. The List Known Profiles softkey will then display the
pre-configured test profiles on the current configuration disk.
Any test profile may be selected by positioning the cursor bar using the up and down cursor
keys. Depressing the Select softkey will retrieve the test profile from the disk.
13.8 Running A Test Profile
Having retrieved a test profile from the configuration disk it may be run by positioning the
highlight box over it and depressing the Start Test softkey. Alternatively, all selected test
profiles may be run by positioning the cursor bar over the Transducer field and depressing
the Start All Tests softkey.
The test may now be started by depressing the Run or the Step key on the front panel. In
the latter case the test will pause after each completed measurement. Testing may be resumed
by depressing either the Step or Run key on the front panel or the Continue Testing
softkey.
During the execution of a test profile the nominal sensitivity is measured first, followed by
the individual measurements specified in the selected test profiles. The amplitude results are
presented in real-time in a graphic format. Testing may be aborted at any time during a test
by depressing the Abort Testing softkey or Abort on the 455 front panel.
13.9 Completion of Testing
On completion of a test profile, the results may be viewed on-screen in either a text or graphic
format by depressing the Tabulate Results or Draw Results softkeys that become
available when the individual tests are highlighted.
On completion of a set of results, the system can optionally prompt the user to produce a
hardcopy (see section 17.3.15).
If phase information is selected for display (see 6.3.5) the test transducer phase response
relative to the reference transducer is graphically displayed simultaneously with the amplitude
information.
13.10 Hardcopy
Hardcopys of test results in either text or graphic format may be obtained upon completion
of testing. First, display on-screen the results by depressing the Draw Results or Tabulate
Results softkeys.
Hardcopys of text results are then obtained by depressing the Print Results softkey and
graphic hardcopy by depressing the Plot Results softkey.
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Alternatively, hardcopys of all results from a sequence of tests may be obtained by
positioning the highlight bar over the Transducer field and depressing the Output All
Results softkey. The Output All Results softkey also provides a lead sheet detailing
information such as the equipment used, ambient calibration conditions etc.
13.11 Error Messages
A comprehensive range of safety interlocks is provided within the application software to
ensure that no system component is subjected to excess amplitude or frequency levels.
This operates by comparing the maximum and minimum frequency and amplitude levels
specified in a selected test profile with those defined for the reference and test transducers and
calibration shaker. If a test profile selected which contains levels that would exceed the
specified limits for these system components the user is prevented from running the test
profile. An error message is displayed, indicating the system component and parameter that
would have been exceeded had the test profile run. An example error message is:
* * * Error * * *
Profile: Frequency Step 5Hz - 500Hz
Frequency Outside Allowable Range for Transducer
10Hz
Press Enter To Continue
Depressing Enter returns the user to the Testing Configuration page to allow the
selection of a different test profile.
An alternative error message is displayed if the selected test profile contains
amplitude/frequency test points where calibration values do not exist for the selected
reference transducer. Normally, to ensure traceability it is recommended that tests on the
transducer under test are only at the specified amplitude and frequency combinations that the
reference transducer was tested at. This then ensures a traceability path from the reference
device. A typical message is:
* * * Warning * * *
The Reference is not Calibrated For At Least
One Measurement Point
30.000Hz 1.000g
Press ENTER to Continue With Calibration, Abort to Stop
The user may elect to continue and run the test profile by depressing the Enter key. The
test profile will run with the text screen and hardcopy results being annotated:
* Results which are Not Traceable - Reference Not Calibrated at These Points
An asterisk will appear alongside the individual results where traceability is not guaranteed.
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Section 13 - The Transducers Menu
14. Transducers Menu

The Transducers Menu is used to enter details of each transducer type to be tested. This
information is used to define the conditions under which the nominal sensitivity measurement
for this transducer should be made. Access to this menu is only permitted when in
Configurations password mode (see 13.6.11).
The Transducers Menu is entered by depressing the Transducers softkey from the main
menu. With the cursor bar positioned on the Manufacturer line, five softkey choices are
presented.
14.1 List Known Transducers
By depressing this softkey, a directory of the transducers whose details have been previously
entered are recalled from the 455 configuration disk. These are displayed in alphabetical
order and may be recalled by positioning the cursor bar over the required transducer and
depressing the Select softkey.
The recalled transducer details may be edited if required and re-saved by depressing the
Exit softkey where a screen prompt will request the user to choose between saving the new
details or leaving the previous details unchanged.
14.2 Make New Transducer
By depressing this softkey the transducer details entries are cleared. Completely new
transducer details may then be entered with saving to disk performed in a similar manner to
that in 14.1.
14.3 Erase Transducer
When a transducer has been selected using the method described in 14.1 the details may be
deleted using the softkey. A confirmation is requested by the software prior to the deletion
taking place.
14.4 Save Setup
A selected Transducer configuration may be saved to disk by depressing this softkey.
14.5 Print Config
A text hardcopy of the selected transducer details may be obtained, with the output being sent
to the text device selected (see 17.3.9).
In the event of selecting Make New Transducer or to change an existing manufacturer
name, up to 40 alpha-numeric characters may be entered with the cursor bar positioned at the
Manufacturer line.
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14.6 Manufacturer/Model Number

With the cursor bar positioned at the Manufacturer/Model Number line the specific device
details may be entered. For example, Endevco and 2222C.
Up to 40 characters may be entered which appears as a screen instruction to the operator
when this specific type of transducer is selected for test. Examples of use are See Test Spec
4322 Issue 3 or Use Isolating Mounting Plate.
The parameter to which the transducer is sensitive is entered by depressing the
Acceleration, Velocity or Displacement softkey. This selection ensures units are in
the correct format i.e. g for acceleration or mm/s for velocity.
The parameter entered here will also determine which of the input types is selected on the
internal conditioning amplifiers. E.g. If Charge is selected and Channel B is set to the
transducer channel, the Channel B input will be set to accept a charge input.
14.9 Interface
The electrical interface to the transducer is selected from Charge, Voltage, Current
Excitation and Current Output. This information is normally stated on the transducer
manufacturers data sheet. This information appears on the hardcopy results to ensure a
complete description of the device is available.
Interface Type
Charge
Voltage
Current Excitation
Current Output
Typical Transducers
Piezoelectric Accelerometers
Accelerometers with built in Charge Amplifiers, Velocity and
Displacement transducers
Accelerometers operating on a two-wire constant current principle
(ICP)
Accelerometers which operate by providing an output proportional
to current.
In addition to the above interface types, the user may optionally specify the name for the
interface i.e. ICP. If a user specified name is entered, this will be printed on the results
output.
NOTE : that this entry is for the electrical interface from the transducer as opposed to that
provided from a precision amplifier to the 455 input analysers which is always a Voltage
signal.
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14.10 Input Gain

The Input gain setting of the analyser channels may automatically be set whenever a
transducer configuration is loaded.
If Manual Setting is selected, the gain is manually set from either the Configure
Hardware menu, or the Current Operating Conditions menu.
When selecting the input gain level, consideration should be given to the sensitivity of the
input device and the amplitude of the test profile(s) being executed.
The maximum output scale of the internal conditioning amplifiers is 10V pk, therefore the
gain should be selected such that as much of the FSD of the amplifiers is utilised as possible,
without causing an over-range condition.
For example, if a transducer has a nominal sensitivity of 100mV/g and the selected test
profile is being run from 1g 10g pk @ 80Hz, a gain of 10 may be applied as at the final test
point of 10g pk the output FSD of the input amplifiers will be met.
The manufacturers stated nominal sensitivity for the transducer is entered here. It may be
used by the 455 which uses the measured sensitivity or the manufacturers stated value for the
0% or 0dB point (see 13.6.8). By depressing the Metric Units or Imperial Units
softkeys, sensitivity values may be entered in either convention with automatic conversion
between. For example, with charge interface selected a sensitivity of 10.000pC/g may be
entered. Depressing the Metric Units softkey this is converted to 1.020pC/m/s/s.
14.11.1 Nominal Sensitivity (Frequency)
This defines the specific frequency that the system will stimulate the test transducer at in
order to measure the device nominal sensitivity.
14.11.2 Nominal Sensitivity (Amplitude)
This defines the specific amplitude that the system will stimulate the test transducer at in
order to measure the device nominal sensitivity.
14.12 Current Output Transducers
Testing of Current Output Transducers also requires the following information:
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When a Current Output Transducer is used, an additional external device will be required
to convert the current output into a voltage, which will be inputted into the voltage input of
the system. The current to voltage conversion setting allows the gain associated with this
conversion to be set.
This defines the maximum amplitude that the device may be subjected to during testing. This
value is normally detailed in the transducer manufacturers data sheet. Before testing
commences, the selected test profile is automatically checked to ensure it does not contain
any test values which would exceed this amplitude. The test profile is prevented from
running if this amplitude value would be exceeded (refer to section 13.11).
The value may be entered in either Metric Units or Imperial Units with automatic
conversion between.
14.14 Mass
The mass of the transducer is entered in Grammes or Ounces. Prior to testing, this
value is checked to ensure it is within the specified payload of the reference transducer (see
16.14). This value is also present on the hardcopy results.
The Maximum and Minimum Frequency values that the transducer is to be subjected to
is entered. Before testing commences, the selected test profile is automatically checked to
ensure it does not contain any test frequencies outside of these limits. The test profile is
prevented from running if either of these limits would be exceeded (refer to section 13.11).
14.16 Warm Up
A delay may be specified for each transducer type to allow stabilisation prior to testing.
Specifying zero prevents this delay.
The manufacturers operational temperature range of the transducer may be entered here. It is
not required by the Transducer Calibration System and is entered for reference purposes only.
14.18 Cal Period
The length of time before the transducer will require re-calibrating is entered here. This
entered time will appear on the lead sheet of the hardcopy results. The transducer calibration
period may be optionally set to Not Required using the Cal Not Required softkey.
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Section 14 - The Profiles Menu
15. Profiles Menu

The Profiles Menu is used to define a specific test profile of amplitude and frequency
points. The menu is entered by depressing the Profiles softkey from the main menu page.
This menu may only be accessed when in Configurations password mode (refer to
13.6.11).
With the cursor bar positioned on the Name line, five softkey choices are available:
15.1 List Known Profiles
By depressing this softkey, a list of the currently available profiles residing on the 455
configuration disk is presented. These are displayed in alphabetical order and may be
individually recalled by positioning the cursor bar over the required profile and depressing the
Select softkey.
The recalled profile may be edited if required and re-named by depressing the Exit softkey
where a screen message will request the user to choose between saving the new details or
leaving the previous profile details unchanged.
15.2 Make New Profile
By depressing this softkey, the profile details are cleared to default values. A completely new
profile may then be entered with saving to disk performed in a similar manner to that in 15.1.
15.3 Erase Profile
When a profile has been selected using the method described in 15.1 the profile may be
deleted using this softkey. A confirmation is requested from the user by the software prior to
the actual deletion taking place.
15.4 Save Setup
A selected profile configuration may be saved to disk by depressing this softkey.
15.5 Print Config
A text hardcopy of the selected profile may be obtained, with the output being sent to the text
device selected (see 17.3.9).
In the event of selecting Make New Profile or to change an existing profile name, up to 40
alpha-numeric characters may be entered with the cursor bar positioned at the Name line.
15.6 Profile Type
Four different types of automatic test profiles may be run by the 455 system, as follows:
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15.6.1 Frequency Step

Individually specified frequencies, normally at a constant amplitude. The frequencies chosen
are normally those at which calibration values exist for the reference transducer in order to
ensure traceability.
15.6.2 Amplitude Step
Individually specified amplitudes at a constant frequency. The amplitudes chosen are
normally those at which calibration values exist for the reference transducer in order to ensure
traceability.
15.6.3 Frequency Sweep
The frequency is swept between a defined start and stop frequency at a defined linear or
logarithmic increment at a constant amplitude. The actual test frequencies are therefore
calculated by the system and will not necessarily be those at which calibration values exist for
the reference transducer.
15.7 Control Parameter
The profile may be defined as controlling Acceleration, Velocity or Displacement.
Dependant on the selection, the amplitude values are then entered in the relevant units.
Via a digital integration process within the 455 it is possible to run a velocity profile using an
accelerometer as the reference transducer. The 455 will convert between acceleration,
velocity and displacement units automatically.
15.8 Amplitude
When either a Frequency Step or Frequency Sweep profile is selected for generation the
test amplitude is entered here. This test amplitude will then apply to all frequency steps
unless individually edited in the frequency table.
When an Amplitude Step profile is selected for generation, the individual amplitude steps
are entered from a table (see 14.10)
The edit facility allows for example, a lower acceleration amplitude to apply at low
frequencies where the maximum displacement of the exciter might otherwise be exceeded.
The amplitude may be entered in either Metric Units or Imperial Units with automatic
conversion between.
15.9 Frequency
When an Amplitude Step profile is selected for generation, the test frequency is entered
here. This test frequency will then apply to all amplitude steps unless edited in the amplitude
table (see 15.10).
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15.10 Table Editing

Individual amplitude and frequency values are entered by editing a table of test points. The
table is displayed by positioning the cursor bar at the Amplitude line for the Amplitude
Step Profile or at the Frequency line for Frequency Step Profiles and selecting the
Edit Table softkey.
The table of frequency and amplitude values is then displayed. The default frequency value
for the Amplitude Step Profile or amplitude value for the Frequency Step Profile is
automatically displayed for each test point entered.
Up to 80 individual frequency/amplitude combinations may be entered.
The following additional facilities are available when editing the table:
Via the Insert Entry softkey, an existing table may have a new frequency/amplitude
combination inserted.
Via the Delete Entry softkey, an existing table may have a frequency/amplitude
combination deleted.
Via the Re-Sort Entries softkey, new arbitrarily entered frequency values may be re-sorted
into ascending order.
This parameter defines the limits of the frequency (x-axis) when the results of a Frequency
Sweep or Frequency Step profile are displayed or plotted graphically. Additionally, if a
Frequency Sweep profile is selected, the sweep range is defined by these values.
15.12 Amplitude Range
This parameter defines the limits of the amplitude (x-axis) when the results of an Amplitude
Step profile are displayed or plotted graphically.
15.13 Sweep Increment
This parameter is only defined when a Frequency Sweep profile is being generated. The
sweep increment is defined as being Linear or logarithmic via the Steps Per Decade or
Steps Per Octave softkeys.
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This parameter is interrelated with the Frequency Range (see 15.11) values. Each test
frequency point is calculated based on the entered minimum and maximum frequency and
sweep increment.
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Section 15 - The References Menu
16. The References Menu

The References Menu is used to enter details of the reference transducers used by the 455
system.
The References Menu is entered by depressing the References softkey from the main
menu. Access to this menu is only permitted from the Configurations password level (see
13.6.11). With the cursor bar then positioned on the Manufacturer line, five softkey
choices are presented:
16.1 List Known References
By depressing this softkey, a directory of references previously entered are recalled from the
configuration disk. These are displayed in alphabetical order and may be individually
recalled by positioning the cursor bar over the required reference and depressing the Select
softkey.
The recalled reference details may be edited if required and re-saved by depressing the Exit
softkey where a screen prompt will request the user to choose between saving the new details
or leaving the previous details unchanged.
16.2 Make New Reference
By depressing this softkey, the reference details are cleared (text) or set to 0.000 (numeric).
Completely new reference details may then be entered with saving to disk performed in a
similar manner to that in 16.1.
16.3 Erase Reference
When a reference has been selected using the method in 16.1 the complete details may be
deleted using the softkey. A confirmation is requested prior to the deletion taking place.
16.4 Save Setup
A selected reference configuration may be saved onto disk by depressing this softkey.
16.5 Print Config
A text hardcopy of the selected reference details may be obtained, with the output being sent
to the currently selected text hardcopy device (see 17.3.9).
In the event of selecting Make New Transducer or to change an existing manufacturers
name, up to 40 alpha-numeric characters may be entered with the cursor bar positioned at the
Manufacturers line.
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16.6 Model Number

With the cursor bar positioned at the Model Number line the specific reference transducer
model number may be entered.
16.7 Serial Number
With the cursor bar positioned at the Serial Number line the specific reference transducer
serial number may be entered.
The parameter to which the reference is sensitive is entered by depressing the Acceleration,
Velocity or Displacement softkey. This ensures units are in the correct format i.e. g or
m/s/s for acceleration.
The parameter entered here will also determine which of the input types is selected on the
internal conditioning amplifiers. E.g. If Charge is selected and Channel B is set to the
transducer channel, the Channel B input will be set to accept a charge input.
16.9 Interface
The electrical interface to the reference is selected from either Charge, Voltage,
Current Excitation or Current Output.
In addition to the above interface types, the user may optionally specifically name the
interface i.e. ICP. If a user specified name is entered this alone will be printed on the
results output.
16.10 Current Output Reference Transducers
The use of a Current Output Reference Transducer also requires the following information:
When a Current Output Transducer is used, an additional external device will be required
to convert the current output into a voltage, which will be inputted into the voltage input of
the system. The current to voltage conversion setting allows the gain associated with this
conversion to be set.
The single Nominal Sensitivity entry of sensitivity, frequency, test amplitude value for the
reference transducer is only used by the Transducer Calibration System if no specific
individual calibration results are entered in the reference sensitivity table. The specific
calibration points are entered by depressing the Edit Table softkey.
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January 2001
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The nominal sensitivity values may be entered in Metric Units or Imperial Units by
depressing the relevant softkey.
16.12 Reference Table Editing
The table of calibration points for a reference transducer may be edited by depressing the
Edit Table softkey with the cursor bar positioned at the Nominal Sensitivity line.
The table of entered calibration values are then displayed for the selected reference transducer
or just the column headings if a totally new reference device details are being entered.
For each specific calibration test point of the reference transducer, the user may enter the
following information:
16.12.1 Frequency
The specific frequency of each calibration point. The same frequency value may be entered
more than once in order to allow different amplitude values or bands to be used.
16.12.2 Amplitude
The specific test amplitude of the calibration point or a range of valid amplitudes may be
entered. For example
4.2 (4.2 eng units)
0.1 - 3.0 (0.1 to 3.0 eng units)
Additionally the amplitude may be defined as ALL in which case all amplitudes at that
specific frequency are considered traceable.
16.12.3 Sensitivity
The specific measured sensitivity of the reference transducer at each calibration point.
16.12.4 Phase
The specific measured phase response of the reference transducer at the calibration point.
Up to 80 individual frequency/amplitude/sensitivity/phase point combinations may be entered
with the amplitude and sensitivity values entered in either Metric Units or Imperial
Units with automatic conversion between. The amplitude units for the reference are
globally set as either RMS, pk or pk-pk at the nominal sensitivity amplitude.
These individual values allow the 455 software to compensate for the reference transducer
values. For example, whilst a reference transducer nominal output may be defined as
3.334pC/g at 80Hz, the actual output is likely to differ slightly as the frequency changes.
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January 2001
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By entering the specific test frequencies and the actual output at each frequency (obtained
from the reference transducer calibration values) the 455 is able to apply a correction value to
ensure this source of error is eliminated.
During testing, if a test profile is selected to run that contains test points where specific
reference transducer calibration values do not exist then a screen message is displayed
indicating:
* * * Warning * * *
The Reference is not Calibrated For At Least
One Measurement Point:
Press ENTER to Continue With Calibration, Abort to Stop
The operator may elect to continue with the test where the individual text results will be
annotated with an asterisk at values where reference transducer calibration values do not
exist.
The following additional facilities are available when editing the table:
Via the Insert Entry softkey, an existing table may have a new frequency/ amplitude/
sensitivity/ phase calibration point inserted.
Via the Delete Entry softkey, an existing table may have a frequency / amplitude /
sensitivity / phase calibration point deleted.
Via the Re-Sort Entries softkey, new arbitrarily entered calibration values may be re-sorted
into ascending frequency order.
This defines the maximum amplitude the reference transducer is to be subjected to during
testing. This value is normally detailed in the reference transducer manufacturers data sheet.
Before testing commences, the selected test profile is automatically checked to ensure it
contains no test values which would exceed this amplitude. The test profile is prevented from
running if this amplitude value would be exceeded.
The value may be entered in either Metric Units or Imperial Units with automatic
conversion between.
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January 2001
Page: 16.4
16.14 Payload
Reference Transducers usually state a minimum and maximum payload mass for the
reference calibration values to be valid. Testing a transducer where the mass value is outside
of the reference payload values can result in the tests not being traceable. The maximum and
minimum payload values are normally detailed in the reference transducer manufacturers data
sheet. Prior to any Test Profile running the test transducer mass (see 3.13) is checked against
these entered reference payload values. The operator is warned via a screen message if the
test transducer mass is outside these values.
The minimum and maximum values may be entered as Grammes or Ounces with
automatic conversion between. If both values are set to zero, the checking function will be
inhibited.
The Maximum and Minimum Frequency values that the reference transducer is to be
subjected to is entered. Before testing commences, the selected test profile is automatically
checked to ensure it does not contain any test frequencies outside of these limits. The test
profile is prevented from running if either of these limits would be exceeded.
The manufacturers operational temperature range may be entered here. It is not required by
the Transducer Calibration System.
16.17 Last Calibrated / Cal Period
The date the reference transducer was Last Calibrated and the Calibration Period is entered
here. The Cal Period is a numeric number of months i.e. 12 months.
A warning will be given if the reference transducer calibration period has expired before any
testing commences. Additionally, if the calibration period will expire in less than 1 week, a
warning will also be issued.
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January 2001
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Section 16 - The Utilities Menu
17. The Utilities Menu

The Utilities menu is entered from the main menu by depressing the softkey marked
Utilities. On entering the following facilities are available:
17.1 Configure Exciter
This menu allows the operational details of the calibration shaker (exciter) to be entered. The
entered information is used to ensure the shaker is not subjected to excess vibration levels
during testing, and for selected items to appear on the hardcopy information.
Upon entering Configure Exciter, the following information is entered:
17.1.1 Exciter
With the cursor bar positioned on the Name line, three softkey choices are available.
17.1.2 List Known Exciters
By depressing this softkey, a list of the currently available exciters residing on the 455
configuration disk is presented. These are displayed in alphabetical order and may be
individually recalled by positioning the cursor bar over the required exciter and depressing the
Select softkey.
The recalled exciter may be edited if required and re-named by depressing the Exit softkey
where a screen message will request the user to choose between saving the new details or
leaving the previous profile details unchanged.
17.1.3 Make New Exciter
By depressing this softkey, the exciter details are cleared to default values. A completely new
exciter may then be entered and saved to disk.
17.1.4 Erase Exciter
When an exciter has been selected, the exciter may be deleted using this softkey. A
confirmation is requested by the software from the user prior to the actual deletion taking
place.
17.1.5 Save Setup
A selected Exciter configuration can be saved to disk by depressing this softkey.
17.1.6 Print Config
A text hardcopy of the selected Exciter may be obtained.
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17.1.7 Exciter Description

Up to 40 alphanumeric characters may be entered to describe the exciter manufacturer, model
number and serial number. This information will appear on the test result hardcopy.
17.1.8 Test Due
The date at which the exciter is due for re-calibration is entered here. Prior to any test profile
running, this date is compared with the current date. If the calibration period of the shaker
has expired or has less than one week remaining the user is warned via a screen message.
Alternatively, by depressing the Cal Not Required softkey, this facility may be inhibited.
17.1.9 Frequency Range
The operational maximum and minimum frequencies for the exciter are entered here. These
parameters can be obtained from the exciter manufacturers data sheet. Prior to any test
running, the test profile is checked to ensure it does not contain any frequencies outside of the
entered maximum and minimum values.
17.1.10 Max. Acceleration
The exciter manufacturers maximum acceleration limit is entered here. Prior to any test
profile running, the individual tests within the profile are checked to ensure the maximum
acceleration level will not be exceeded.
The maximum acceleration may be entered in either metric or imperial units with conversion
between using the Metric Units or Imperial Units softkey. RMS, pk or pk-pk units may
be selected.
17.1.11 Max. Velocity
The exciter manufacturers maximum velocity limit is entered here. Prior to any test profile
running, the individual tests within the profile are checked to ensure the maximum velocity
level will not be exceeded.
The maximum velocity may be entered in either Metric Units or Imperial Units with
automatic conversion between. RMS, pk or pk-pk units may be selected.
17.1.12 Max. Displacement
The exciter manufacturers maximum displacement limit is entered here. Prior to any test
profile running, the individual tests within the profile are checked to ensure the maximum
displacement level will not be exceeded.
The maximum displacement may be entered in either Metric Units or Imperial Units
with automatic conversion between. RMS, pk or pk-pk units may be selected.
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The 455 software automatically converts between one amplitude parameter to another to
ensure a limit will not be exceeded. For example, if the user enters a maximum acceleration
amplitude, each test profile is checked with the frequencies entered, the maximum
displacement and velocity limits will not be exceeded by the acceleration/frequency
combinations.
17.1.13 Soft Ramping
This enables or disables an additional utility to be implemented to overcome stability
problems experienced with some long-stroke, low frequency shakers. This is at the expense
of test time.
17.2 Configure Hardware
This menu allows details of other external hardware to be entered. The entered information is
used to ensure the system components are within the stated calibration period, and for
selected items to appear on the hardcopy information.
Upon entering Configure Hardware, the following information is entered:
17.2.1 Last Cal
The calibration date of the 455 is stated in this field which is stored in ROM. If the
calibration has expired a warning will be given in the form of a screen message prior to any
test profile being run.
17.2.2 Cal Period
The calibration period of the 455 is entered here. The period is entered in months and is
added to the Last Cal date. If the Last Cal date plus the Cal Period months is greater
than the current date, a warning is given in the form of a screen message stating:
* * * Warning * * *
455 Controller
Calibration Has Expired
Press Quit to Stop, ENTER to Continue With Test
17.2.3 Conditioning
Up to 40 alphanumeric characters may be entered to describe the signal conditioning used in
the overall calibration system. Two conditioning items may be entered allowing external
conditioning amplifiers to be used for the reference and test channels, if required.
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17.2.4 Test Due

The date at which the conditioning amplifier(s) is due for re-calibration is entered here. Prior
to any test profile running, this date is compared with the current date from the 455's real-time
clock. If the calibration period of the conditioning amplifier(s) has expired or has less than
one week remaining the user is warned via a screen message.
17.2.5 Input Gain
The 455 system incorporates internal signal conditioning amplifiers that may automatically
apply a gain of either x1, x10, or x100 for different types of reference and test transducer. If
this is the case, the gain setting to be used will be set in the Transducers and References
configuration pages. However, if these transducer specific gain settings are set to Manual,
the gain entered here will be used throughout the test. Again, the settings of x1, x10 and x100
are available for the configuration of the internal signal conditioning amplifiers.
It is however, also possible to enter any value of gain in order to compensate for additional
external signal conditioning amplifiers (e.g. enter a gain of 2.0). If this is the case, the gain on
the internal signal conditioning amplifiers will be turned off.
This setting is duplicated in the Operator page from the Testing Configuration menu.
The internal signal conditioning amplifiers within the 455 system also allow the application
of a 5Hz HP filter for either the reference or transducer channels. If this is the case the two
Enable and Disable softkeys may be used to achieve this.
This setting is duplicated in the Operator page from the Testing Configuration menu.
17.2.7 Other Equipment
Up to 4 further items of equipment used in the overall calibration system may be entered with
up to 40 alphanumeric characters in the description. This allows the manufacturers model
number and serial number to be included. The entered information will appear on the test
result hardcopy.
17.2.8 Test Due
The date at which the additional items are due for re-calibration is entered here. Prior to any
test profile running, this date is compared with the current date from the 455's real-time clock.
If the calibration period of the any item of equipment has expired or has less than 1 week
remaining the user is warned via a screen message.
Alternatively, by depressing the Cal Not Required softkey, this facility may be inhibited.
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January 2001
Page: 17.4

This menu allows the measurement and hardcopy conditions of the 455 system to be entered.
Upon entering Configure System from the Utilities menu, the following conditions may be
programmed:
17.3.1 Settling Time or Cycles
The settling time or cycles is the time period the complete calibration system will be allowed
to settle after a frequency or amplitude drive signal change. This time is to ensure that only a
steady state response is measured as opposed to a transient condition which may result in
errors if a measurement is triggered immediately.
The maximum of the Settling Time and the Settling Cycles will be used. For example, if
1.000 Seconds or 5 Cycles is entered, at frequencies below 5Hz, the time taken for 5
Cycles of the generator drive signal will be used for the Settling Time. At frequencies
above 5Hz, 1.000 Second will always be used for the Settling Time.
17.3.2 Measurement Time or Cycles
The measurement time or cycles is the time period each measurement will occur over. The
average value of the signal over the specified measurement time or cycles will be the value
used by the 455 in the calibration equation. The longer the system is allowed to measure, the
greater the systems noise rejection will become, due to the single sine correlation
measurement technique employed.
The maximum of the Measurement Time or Measurement Cycles will be used. For
example, if 1.000 Seconds or 5 Cycles is entered, at frequencies below 5Hz, the time taken
for 5 Cycles of the generator drive signal will be used for the Measurement Time. At
frequencies above 5Hz, 1.000 Seconds will always be used for the Settling Time.
Longer measurement times provide better rejection of noise and harmonics. Note that to meet
the stated measurement accuracy, the Measurement Time or Cycles must be equal to or
greater than 200mS or 20 cycles, see specification section 21.
17.3.3 Reference
Using the Swop Inputs softkey the channels used for the reference and test transducer may
be reversed, i.e. Channel A (Transducer), Channel B (Reference). This allows any error
between the two channels to be established and compensated for if required.
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17.3.4 Transducer
Using the Swop Inputs softkey the channels used for the Reference and Transducer may be
reversed, i.e. Channel B (Transducer), Channel A (Reference). This allows any error between
the two channels to be established and compensated for, if required.
The phase difference between the reference and test transducer may be established by the 455.
Via the softkeys, phase information may be displayed in either 180 or 0-360 degree
convention. Alternatively the Off softkey suppresses all phase information from the
display screens and hardcopy results.
Phase information is not available during the real-time display of results. Once a test profile
has run, amplitude and phase (if enabled) information may be simultaneously displayed using
the Draw Results softkey.
The Minimum and Maximum values for the phase axis, displayed when drawing results
may be specified when highlighting this option. The Default softkey allows the full range
to be reset, (i.e. -180 to +180, or 0 to 360 degrees).
17.3.7 Graph Y Axis
Two types of parameter may be selected for the test results graph y-axis. These are the
percentage or dB deviation ranges, the limits of which can be specified by the user. The
measured or stated nominal sensitivity of the transducer is the centre of the Y axis, i.e. at 0%
or 0dB (see 17.3.8).
If the dB output is selected and the phase output is not selected, the deviation is also
displayed on the tabular output results.
The percentage deviation ranges may either be displayed on the left or right hand axis of the
graph by selecting the appropriate softkey, e.g. % on Right Axis or % on Left Axis.
The zero sensitivity position on test result graphs may be defined as either the transducers
stated nominal sensitivity, or the actual measured sensitivity during dynamic testing. This
option is set by selecting the appropriate softkey, e.g. Nominal Sensitivity or Measured
Sensitivity.
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17.3.9 Text Output

Text hardcopy may be output via the 455's RS232 Serial Port or Parallel port.
Alternatively results may be stored to a Disk (PC Format) for archive or loading into a PC
for incorporation into a custom certificate format. In addition Serial PC Interface may be
selected which enables direct data importing into a Personal Computer, when using the Beran
465 File Capture software for Windows.
The Disable softkey may be used to provide only graphical output.
17.3.10 Device
After selection of the Text Output port, the device protocol must be entered. Via the softkeys,
the following protocols may be selected:
PCL5
ASCII
ASCII For Spreadsheet
Allows a laser printer to be used i.e. HP LaserJet 4L

Standard ASCII format for most common parallel and serial
printers
Is available (for importing data into common spreadsheet
programs using comma delimiters). Graph output should be
disabled for this option.
17.3.11 Graph Output

Graphical hard copies may be output via the 455's RS232 Serial port or Parallel port.
Alternatively, results may be stored to a Disk (PC Format) for archive or loading into a PC
for incorporation into a custom certificate format. In addition Serial PC Interface may be
selected which enables direct data importing into a Personal Computer, when using the Beran
455 File Capture software for Windows.
The Disable softkey may be used to provide only text output.
17.3.12 Device
After a selection of the Graph Output port, the device protocol must be entered. Via the
softkeys, the following protocols may be selected.
PCL-5
Allows a laser printer to be used, i.e. HP LaserJet 4L
HP-GL
Allows a 6 pen plotter to be used, i.e. HP7455A
Note: the user must verify that the selected printer supports either the PCL-5 or HPGL printer
languages. PCL-3 type printers will not print the graphical results.
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17.3.13 Disk Storage

Should the user elect to store the calibration results of a test transducer to a PC format 3
floppy disk (either a 720K or 1.44M format), each set of results is identified as follows:
XXXXXXXX.XXX
The eight characters to the left of the full stop are automatically assigned to the test transducer
unique serial number. If less than eight characters are used, the rest of the string is truncated.
The three characters to the right of the full stop are automatically assigned to the numeric
version of calibration results for the unique test transducer. This three digit number
increments each time the unique transducer is calibrated and the results stored to the same PC
results disk.
For example, if test transducer serial number A6347 is calibrated for the second time and the
results stored to the same PC results disk the PC file name for the second results are stored as:
A6347.002
with the previous results file name being A6347.001
NOTE : that the automatic increment of the results number will only occur if the calibration
results for the test transducer are stored to the same PC disk.
17.3.14 Hardcopy Timeout
If a hardcopy device (plotter or printer) is either not connected or is not On-Line the 455
will be unable to output the hardcopy. The hardcopy device will also be unable to receive
output from the system at certain time if its output speed is slower than the transmission from
the 455. This is particularly noticeable with Pen Plotters and Printers with Sheet Feeders.
The Hardcopy Timeout value indicates how long the system should wait before assuming
that the device is no longer likely to be ready for data again. This may occur if the user turns
the hardcopy device Off Line.
17.3.15 Prompt For Hardcopy
On completion of a set of tests, the system can optionally prompt the user to produce a
hardcopy. When this setting is disabled, no prompt is issued.
17.3.16 Sensitivity Displayed to n Decimal Places
The number of decimal places displayed whenever a sensitivity measurement is taken may be
defined by the System Manager. A choice of 0 to 5 decimal places is available, depending on
the resolution required.
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January 2001
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17.3.17 Disk Free Space

Viewing the 455 Configure System page displays the amount of free space left on the
system disk.
17.3.18 Date and Time
The Date and Time are maintained internally via a battery-backed clock. The information is
used for output to hardcopy, and to compare with the entered calibration dates/periods of the
overall calibration system components.
The date is entered using the numeric keypad [-] key to separate the day/month/year, and the
time is entered using [.] to separate the hours/minutes/seconds.
The 455 is fully millennium compliant. Dates may be entered in the range 1/1/1980 to
31/12/2079. Years are entered as two digits, entries in the range 0 to 79 are assumed to
represent the years 2000 to 2079.
Prior to any test profile running, the current date is compared with the entered calibration due
dates of the system components. If the calibration period of a system component has expired
or has less than 1 week remaining the user is warned via a screen message.
17.4 Save Set-Up
This function is used to update a 455 configuration disk to reflect changes made to the
operating conditions. For example, if a new Settling Time value or hardcopy device is
modified this function allows the changes to be stored.
When the updates are complete, use the Save Setup softkey. A screen message will be
displayed asking the user to select either Save Internally or Save To Disk depress the
Confirm softkey to proceed with saving the updates or depress Enter to abort the update.
These may be reached by depressing the Additional Utilities softkey from the Utilities
menu.
17.5.1 Access Codes
Three levels of access to the 455 system functions are provided as follows:
Allows access to all Test menu functions with the exception of altering the External
Gain settings. Within the Utilities menu, access to the Phase Measurement, Graph Y
(%) Tolerance Range and all Hardcopy functions is permitted.
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January 2001
Page: 17.9
No access to the Transducers menu, Profiles menu or References menu permitted or

access to the Configure Exciter, Configure Hardware, Save Setup or Additional
Utilities menus within the Utilities menu permitted.
As Operational Mode 1 with the exception that the External Gain settings (see 17.2.5)
within the Current Operating Conditions menu page may be altered.
17.5.1.3 Configuration
Full access to all facilities allowed. The three passwords defining the Access Modes may be
entered or modified.
17.5.1.4 Password Modification
The three individual passwords are modified by positioning the cursor bars at the relevant
access mode and entering the alphanumeric password which may be up to 9 characters in
length.
NOTE : That the passwords are case and space sensitive, i.e. if a password entered as
Level1, then level1 will not be accepted as the password when changing access level as
described in 13.6.11.
17.5.2 Format Data Disk
Transducer results may be stored to either a 720KByte or 1.44MByte PC format 3 disk.
These may either be formatted by a PC or by the 455 by selecting the appropriate disk format
size.
17.5.3 Format Config Disk
The 455 system configuration disk is not the same format type as PC disks. The user can
format configuration disks using the appropriate disk size softkey with the highlighter cursor
bar at this location. The config disk may be either 720KByte or 1.44MByte.
17.5.4 Config Disk Copy
A copy of the configuration disk may be made using this utility. Before a disk copy is made
the user must format the destination disk, using the Format Configuration Disk in the
Additional Utilities menu.
NOTE : In all cases the target disk (working disk) will automatically be reformatted before
copying. To avoid fatal errors, ensure master disk is write protected before copying.
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17.5.5 Copying
Insert the configuration disk into the floppy disk drive and depress the Config Disk Copy
softkey. Follow the screen instructions which guide the user into inserting the source and
target disk (working disk).
When copying a 455 configuration disk the target disk (working disk) will be automatically
reformatted before copying.
17.6 IEEE Slave Address
The 455 can be operated in an IEEE Slave Mode, at the address specified by the user. This
mode can be enabled by using the IEEE Remote softkey. When in this mode the front panel
is disabled. IEEE mode can be terminated by sending the Go To Local IEEE command,
refer to section 18.9.
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Section 17 - IEEE-488 Remote Control
18. IEEE-488 Remote Control

If required, the 455 system may be utilised as an IEEE slave device. During operation in this
mode the front panel is disabled and the basic measuring functions of the instrument are
initiated over the IEEE interface.
18.1 IEEE Address
The IEEE address of the instrument is set in the Additional Utilities menu (refer to section
17.6) and is stored internally when the unit is turned off. The same address will be reset when
the unit is turned on again, unless the system configuration is loaded from and a different
address has been stored (see Section 17.4).
18.2 IEEE Command Format
All commands used by the instrument are simple ASCII strings, which are generally
mnemonics of their function. For example, to turn the generator on, use the command
GON. Strings may be terminated either by EOI, or by a line feed character.
The general format of IEEE commands is as follows :CCC P1,P2,P3;CCC P1,P2...
Where:
CCC is the command mnemonic
P1 is the first optional parameter, separated by a space from the mnemonic
P2 and P3 are further optional parameters, separated from each other by
commas
; Separates commands on the same line from each other
The current setting of any parameter may be requested, by preceding the mnemonic with a '?'.
The system will respond with the appropriate command, just as would be sent to set the
parameter.
18.3 Parameter Formats
In the description of the commands, the argument(s) are specified as follows
F
Floating Point (including exponential)

(e.g. 1.0 or 1.56E-3)
I
Integer (e.g. 5 or 145)
C Channel Letter (A or B)
UI Units type 1 (V or E) (Volts/EU)
S String of Characters
U2 Units type 2 (S or C) (Seconds or Cycles)
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Page: 18.1
18.4 Generator Commands

Parameter
Code
Argument
Frequency
Amplitude
Bias
Waveform
GFR
GAM
GBI
GWF
F
F
F
I
Generator On
Generator Off
Closed Loop Channel
Closed Loop Target
Maximum Generator Output
Closed Loop On/Off
GON
GOF
CCH
CTA
CMG
CLP
C
F,U1
F
I
Closed Loop Error
CER
Soft Start
GSN
(0 = On)
(1 = Off)
Soft Stop
GSF
(0 = On)
(1 = Off)
Hold
GHO
(0 = Off)
(1 = at 0 Deg)
(2 = at 90 Deg)
(3 = at 180 Deg)
(4 = at 270 Deg)
(5 = Instantaneous)
Parameter
Code
Argument
Integration Time
Measurement Delay
Auto Integration
AIT
AMD
AAI
F,U2
F,U2
I
Auto Integrate Channels
AIC
C,I
(Hz)
(V RMS)
(V)
(0 = Sine)
(1 = Square)
(2 = Triangle)
(A or B)
(V)
(0 = On)
(1 = Off)
18.5 Analyser Commands
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Page: 18.2
(0 = Off)
(1 = Short)
(2 = Long)
(0 = On)
(1 = Off)
Channel Range
ACR
C,I
Channel Coupling
ACC
C,I
Channel Selection
ARE
C,I
Channel Input Type
ACT
C,I
Harmonics
HAR
(0 = Auto)
(1 = 30mV)
....
(4 = 30V)
(0 = AC)
(1 = DC)
(0 = On)
(1 = Off)
(0 = Single Sided)
(1 = Differential)
(1 = Off)
....
(16 = 16th)
NOTE : When requesting the current setting of one of the channels parameters, it is
necessary to specify which channel is required. For example, to check the channels input type
on channel B, send the following string
?ACT B
18.6 Measurement Control Commands
Parameter
Code
Argument
Stop Measuring
Single Measurement
Repeat Measurement
MST
MSI
MRE
18.7 Sweep Control Commands

Parameter
Code
Lowest Frequency
Highest Frequency
Sweep Increment
Sweep Status
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January 2001
SFL
Argument
F
SFH
SIN
F
F, I
SST
Page: 18.3
(0 = Hz)
(1 = Step/Oct)
(0 = Up)
(1 = Down)
(2 = Hold)
(3 = Off)
(4 = Step)
18.8 Interface Control

Parameter
Code
Argument
Parallel Poll Response

Poll Generation Mask
PPR
PGM
I
I
Bit0 End of Measurement
Bit1 End of Sweep
Bit2 End of Output
Output Format Terminator
OFT
(0 = EOI)
(1 = LF/EOI)
(2 = LF)
18.9 Miscellaneous Commands

Parameter
Code
Argument
Go to Local
Full Reset
GTL
INI
The GTL function returns the 455 into front panel mode.
Full reset restores the unit to the power on state.
18.10 Enquiry Commands
Parameter
Code
Argument
Report Instrument Status
?STS
Returns - STS GFR (F),MEA (c1),SWE (c2)

GFR ->
MEA ->
SWE ->
current frequency
measurement status, c1 = (Stop, Single, Repeat)
sweep status, c2= (Up, Down, Hold, Off, Step)
Last Data Set
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
?ODC
?ODP
Page: 18.4
Returns last set of results in

Cartesian format
Returns last set of results in
Polar format
18.11 Obtaining Results

Two commands are available for obtaining results from the unit ?ODC (output last set of
results (Cartesian)) and ?ODP (output last set of results (Polar)).
The output last data command (?ODC) sends only the last set of results, in condensed format,
to the IEEE interface. Results for the two channels are sent, irrespective of any channels
which have been de-selected with the ARE command.
18.11.1 Condensed Results Format
The format in which the results are presented depend on how they were requested. The two
types of condensed format are as follows :18.11.1.1 Output from the ?ODC command
The results are always in Cartesian format, and are in the following format :F, MPX, 1, R, C, 2, R, C
where
F is the frequency
MPX is the multiplexer number
R is the real part of the result
C is the complex part of the result
18.11.1.2 Output from the ?ODP command

The results are always in polar format, and are in the following format :F, MPX, 1, M, P, 2, M, P
where
F is the frequency
MPX is the multiplexer number
M is the magnitude part of the result
P is the phase part of the result
18.12 Obtaining Status Information

Two mechanisms are available for checking the status of the instrument, the ?STS command,
and the Serial Poll mechanism. The status (?STS) command returns basic information
concerning the current state of the unit. The Serial Poll function, described in the next
section, is much more powerful.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 18.5
18.13 Serial and Parallel Polls

The instrument may be configured to generate a service request when a particular operation
completes. The instrument supports both parallel and serial polling, to allow the host to
determine which of the devices on the IEEE requested service.
18.13.1 Serial Poll
The instrument may be serially polled at any time. It will respond by outputting a status byte,
which gives the current state of the instrument. Each bit in the status byte has a specific
meaning when set, as follows :Bit 0 - End of Measurement
Bit 1 - End of Sweep
Bit 2 - Not Currently Used
Bit 3 - IEEE Output Available
Bit 6 - Requesting Service
As an example, the value 5 (Binary 00000101) has the following meaning :Measurement Completed
Sweep In Progress
Hardcopy Completed
No IEEE Output available
18.13.2 Service Request
A service request may be generated on any or all of :End of Measurement
End of Sweep
In order to inform the instrument that a service request is required, the PGM command must
be issued, with the appropriate mask value given as a parameter. A bit must be set for each
event for which a service request is required, as defined for the serial poll response. For
example, to inform the instrument that service request is required on End Of Sweep, send the
following command :PGM 2
An active Service Request is cleared by conducting a serial poll of the instrument.
To disable the service request function, send the PGM command, with a 0 as the parameter.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 18.6
18.13.3 Parallel Poll

The unit can be configured to give a response to a parallel poll, on a particular IEEE line,
when the unit is requesting service. The line that is to be used is set using the PPR command,
for example :PPR 3
will result on a parallel poll response being set on IEEE line 3
The parallel poll response may be disabled by sending the PPR command, with 0 as the
parameter.
18.14 IEEE Command Errors
Unrecognised or incorrect IEEE commands will result in the instrument producing a warning
beep, and an accompanying error message on the status line.
18.15 Example IEEE Control Program
The following program is written in HP Basic, as used on the Hewlett Packard 86 series
micro-computers. The program configures a sweep then executes it in single step
measurements displaying the results after each measurement.
10 REM Reset the 455 to clear current configuration
20 OUTPUT 708 ;INI
30 WAIT 3000
100 REM Set Generator Parameters
110 OUTPUT 708 ;GFR 100;GAM 1;CCH A;CLP 0
120 REM Generator Frequency 100Hz
130 REM Generator Amplitude 1V RMS
140 REM Closed Loop Control Channel A
150 REM Closed Loop Control On
200 OUTPUT 708 ;SFL 100;SFH 1000;SIN 20,2;SST 0
210 REM Set Sweep Parameters
220 REM Start Frequency to 100Hz
230 REM Stop Frequency to 1kHz
240 REM Steps at 20 Steps/Decade
250 REM Set Sweep UP
300 OUTPUT 708 ;GON
310 REM Turn Generator On
350 REM Set 20 Decade Loop
360 LET S=1
370 CLEAR
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 18.7
380 DISP SWEEP IN PROGRESS

400 REM Execute A Single Measurement
410 OUTPUT 708;MSI
500 REM Read Data From Measurement
510 DIM A$[9],B$[2],C$[2],D$[11],E$[11]
520 OUTPUT 708 ;?ODC
530 ENTER 708 : A$,B$,C$,D$,E$
600 REM Display Results From Measurement
610 DISP WHEN FREQUENCY=;A$; REAL PART=;D$; AND IMAGINARY
PART=;E$
620 REM Pause Before Continuing
630 DISP PRESS ENTER BEFORE CONTINUING
640 INPUT M$
650 CLEAR
660 DISP SWEEP IN PROGRESS
700 REM If All The Steps Have Passed Then Do Not Repeat Cycle
710 IF S=21 THEN GOTO 800
720 LET S=S+1
730 GOTO 400
800 DISP SWEEP HAS FINISHED
810 OUTPUT 708 ;GTL
820 END
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 18.8
Section 18 - Errors And Reducing Measurement Errors
19. Reducing Measurement Errors

Errors may occur during the operation of the instrument for a number of reasons. The most
common are due to incorrect data entry, however if a more serious system error is detected,
the unit will sound a long tone, and display an error message at the top of the screen for
around 3 seconds. If the over-range LEDs on the front panel of the instrument become
illuminated, the maximum output scale of the internal conditioning amplifiers will have been
exceeded, potentially creating a measurement error. In order to overcome this, either the input
gain for the channel, or the vibration amplitude level of the test must be reduced.
19.1 Test transducer Mounting
The following points should be considered when mounting test transducers to the reference
shaker table
1.
2.
Mechanical coupling of the transducer under test to the shaker table.

Triboelectric effects of moving cable.
19.1.1 Mechanical Coupling

At higher frequencies (above 1kHz) even relatively high acceleration levels correspond to
very small mechanical displacements (i.e. 10g and 2kHz gives 0.001mm peak to peak
displacement). Most materials at these frequencies tend to behave in an elastic manner and
the shaker table is no exception. Depending upon the mounting method, the amount of
mechanical coupling between reference accelerometer and device under test can be variable.
The ideal method of coupling is to have no interface material between the two devices but
this is usually not practical. The best compromise is to mount the device under test with a
screw stud, immediately over the reference accelerometer in the centre of the shaker table. A
light coating of thin oil on the mating faces further aids coupling. It is also important for
reproducibility to use the recommended mounting torque, specified by the manufacturer of
the transducer under test.
At lower frequencies, it is acceptable to use adhesive mounting for accelerometers.
Where larger accelerometers are to be calibrated or where multiple fixings are used, it is usual
to calibrate over a lower frequency band as the vibration platform is only calibrated on the
reference surface of the reference accelerometer and at higher frequencies, a significantly
different vibration level could be produced at the active element of the device under test,
particularly if an interface plate of less rigid material has been introduced.
19.1.2 Triboelectric Effects
Where piezo-electric accelerometers are being tested, the cable to the charge converter must
be considered. A special cable type is normally used with a graphite material impregnated
within its screen to minimise the changes in capacity exhibited when the cable is moved or
flexed.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 19.1
Particularly at very low frequencies with corresponding high displacements and where low
sensitivity accelerometers are being used, the cable induced noise can introduce a significant
error. Unfortunately, this noise is of the same frequency as the vibration generator and can
either add or subtract to the wanted signal depending upon the phase of the bending mode of
the cable.
This cable effect can be minimised by controlling the cable flexing by supporting it in such a
manner that movement is minimised, bend radii are large as possible and in extreme cases,
ensuring that the accelerometer cable does not change direction after connecting to the
accelerometer. Adhesive tape is useful for support and for reproducibility the support scheme
should be noted and replicated for future tests.
Care should be taken to avoid earth loops in turn affecting the measurement results. The body
of the shaker tables may be connected to earth. If the body of the transducer under test is
connected internally to the screen of its output low noise cable, an earth loop can be formed.
This can be avoided by fitting an insulating plate (not supplied) between the reference
transducer table and the transducer under test.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 19.2
20. Calibration
The 455 Vibration Transducer Calibration System comprises of a precision measurement
system allowing the vibration outputs from the Reference and Transducer under Test to be
measured using the Sine Correlation Technique, as well as two signal conditioning amplifiers
allowing input gain to be applied to the transducer type selected. An overview of the 455
systems internal measurement and amplification circuits is given in figure 6.
Calibration of the instrument allows each of these components to be tested independently,

ensuring that full traceability is gained through the known behaviour of each of the system
components.
20.1 Measurement Circuits Calibration
The measurement circuit within the 455 System employ a calibration technique whereby
correction values are stored in non-volatile memory. During normal operation the correction
values are digitally applied to the acquired data. To enter the calibration mode of the 455
system switch the instrument off, insert the calibration key into the keyswitch, and turn to the
Cal position. When the 455 is switched on, calibration mode is entered.
A fully automatic calibration may be carried out by means of a suitable IEEE Digital
Voltmeter. The 455 is able to control the DVM via the IEEE, and set the correct range, trigger
a reading, receive the DVM reading. The results from the DVM are internally compared with
the selected output from the 455 and if any error is established, a correction value calculated
and stored. When the 455 is returned to normal use from the calibration mode the correction
values are automatically applied to the acquired data.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 19.3
If a suitable non IEEE DVM is available, calibration may be performed manually by entering
the required information using the 455 front panel softkays. The 455 sequences through the
calibration points with the calibration engineer entering the DVM reading at each step. As per
the automatic calibration, if any error is established a correction value internally calculated
and stored.
The calibration results may be printed via either the 455 Centronics parallel port or to a PC
format floppy disk, allowing the calibration engineer to insert the calibration results into a
preferred certificate format.
CAUTION: Calibration of the measurement circuits requires the generator output of the
system to be tested. Due to this, it is important that the calibration shaker is
disconnected from the system to prevent it from being operated in an open loop
mode which may potentially cause damage.
20.1.1 Calibration Mode
When the keyswitch is turned to the Cal position, the engineer is able to select three modes
of operation.
20.1.1.1 Calibrate
In Calibrate mode, the 455 will establish any errors within the measurement circuits and
will internally calculate a correction value. The correction value is subsequently applied and
then each parameter checked i.e. verified to ensure the parameter is adjusted. At the end of
the complete calibration sequence, the calibration engineer is able to permanently store the
correction values by depressing the softkey Calibrate Unit. Alternatively, the 455 may be
left unchanged i.e. the correction values from the previous calibration will apply.
20.1.1.2 Verify
The Verify mode allows all the steps of the Calibrate mode to be carried out but without
correction values being calculated and applied.
20.1.1.3 Un-Calibrate
The Un-Calibrate mode removes all digital correction values stored in the 455 non-volatile
memory. This mode is used when hardware repairs are being carried out or if the Automatic
Calibration functions cannot adjust the unit within specification. Manual calibration will
then be required. If the Un-calibrate softkey is depressed, confirmation is required before
the correction values are erased.
20.1.2 Automatic Calibration
455 Calibration Key
IEEE Interface Lead
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 19.4
BNC to 4mm Terminal Cable (for DVM)

2 off BNC to BNC Cables
2 off BNC T Connectors
Parallel port printer i.e. NEC Pinwriter P20 and cable
IEEE DVM
Drivers for popular calibration DVM's exist in the 455. Models with an integral frequency
counter i.e. Datron 1281/1271 (with A.C. option) are preferred as these allow a fully
automatic calibration of all parameters. Models without an integral frequency counter are
able to automatically perform all calibration steps with the exception of the Generator
Frequency. A non IEEE Frequency Counter with the ability to measure frequencies in the
range 20Hz - 100kHz, 6 digit resolution and frequency error <0.01%.
The user may establish the currently supported IEEE DVM's by entering the calibration
sequence in the 455 (see Section 20.1.2.2). The IEEE DVM's supported will be listed on the
instrument display.
20.1.2.2 Automatic Calibration Method
For automatic calibration the following procedure should be followed:
1.
With the instrument switched off, insert the calibration key into the keyswitch on the
rear of the 455 and turn to the Cal position. Also, ensure that both of the toggle
switches on the rear panel are set into the SINGLE position.
2.
Switch on the 455 and allow the instrument to stabilise for a minimum of 2 hours.
3.
Connect the IEEE lead from the 455 to the calibration DVM. Ensure the DVM IEEE
port is set to TALK and LISTEN modes and establish the DVM IEEE address (see
DVM handbook).
4.
Switch on the DVM (and Counter if required) and ensure the instrument has stabilised
for sufficient time to meet the manufacturers specification (refer to the manufacturers
handbook).
5.
Follow the 455 screen instructions which guide the calibration engineer in connecting
the analogue signals, selecting the IEEE DVM and address, calibration/verify mode and
hardcopy/PC disk result storage.
6.
On completion of automatic calibration, a message is displayed indicating whether the

unit has failed any calibration tests.
7.
After all sequences have been performed the unit may be returned to normal 455
operation by turning the keyswitch to Normal and following screen instructions.
20.1.3 Manual Calibration

Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 19.5
455 Calibration Key

BNC to 4mm Terminals Cable (for DVM)
2 off BNC to BNC Cables
2 off BNC T Connectors
Parallel Port Printer i.e. NEC Pinwriter P20 and Cable
DVM with A.C. performance equivalent to Datron 1271 or 1281 between 40Hz and
100kHz
Frequency Counter (if not internal to DVM) with the ability to measure frequencies in
the range 20Hz - 100kHz, 6 digit resolution, frequency error <0.01%.
20.1.3.2 Manual Calibration Method
For manual calibration the following method should be followed:
1.
With the instrument switched off, insert the calibration key into the keyswitch on the
rear of the 455 and turn to the Cal position.
2.
Switch on the 455 and allow the instrument to stabilise for a minimum of 2 hours.
3.
Switch on the DVM (and Counter if necessary) and ensure the instrument stabilises for
the manufacturers recommended time period (see manufacturers handbook).
4.
Follow the 455 screen instructions which guide the calibration engineer in connecting
the analogue signals, calibration/verify mode (see 20.1.1) and hardcopy/PC result
storage. During calibration the system will display the computed error for 2 seconds
before moving on to the next measurement.
5.
After all sequences have been performed the unit may be returned to normal 455
operation by turning the keyswitch to Normal and following screen instructions.
20.1.4 Result Hardcopy

Calibration/Verification results may be output to hardcopy via the parallel port. Each
function tested is listed with pre-calibration value, absolute error and error percentage. Any
results falling outside of the specification are marked with an asterisk.
20.1.4.1 Result Storage To PC Disk
Calibration/Verification results may be stored onto a 720K or 1.44M PC formatted disk. This
allows results to be merged into a standard result certificate. Each set of results is annotated
with the 455 serial number as follows:
CAxxxxxx with xxxxxx being the instrument serial number.
If more than one set of results for the same instrument is stored on a single disk the file name
is annotated in ascending order i.e. 01, 02 etc.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 19.6
20.2 Input Amplifier Calibration

The input amplifier circuits within the 455 system are independent to the measurement
circuits and their calibration may be verified and updated if necessary. Both calibration and
verification is possible for the two input channels. The circuit incorporates three switched
front-end amplifiers for interface with Current Output, Voltage and Charge type devices
where the charge amplifier has an independent unity gain adjustment trimmer. Additionally,
two gain stages of x10 are available to enable input amplification of x10 and x100 to be
applied. Each of these gain stages may be calibrated in terms of zero offset adjustment and
gain. Although no adjustment is allowed, the functionality of the 5Hz HP should also be
verified as a part of the calibration procedure.
BNC to 4mm Terminals Cable (for DVM)
BNC to BNC Cables
Calibration DVM
Calibrated 1000pF Capacitor (0.05%)
Section of Low Noise Lead
Calibration Signal Generator
20.2.1.2 Calibration Method
The procedure below may be used in order to verify the calibration of the systems input
amplifiers. The same procedure may be used for both the channel A and channel B input
amplifiers:
WARNING: This procedure should only be executed by a competent person, as removal of
the instruments protective panels is required.
WARNING: The operator is not required to touch any internal part of the 455 at any time
throughout the execution of the calibration procedure as hazardous live
components may be present on a) the rear of the EL front display and b) at the
power connector inputs to the power supply.
When performing calibration of the input amplifier cards, it may be necessary to adjust the
pre-set potentiometers installed on them. When viewed from the front, the input amplifier
cards are positioned on the top right hand side of the 455 system, where the channel A
conditioning card is positioned next to the side panel of the instrument. The position of the
potentiometers on the conditioning card is detailed in figure 7.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 19.7
Initial Set-Up (Procedure to be used prior to all other tests)

1. Remove all sources of mains power from the unit and disconnect all other signal
connections.
2. Remove the lid from the 455 instrument by releasing the two hex head screws from
the feet at the top of the rear panel of the instrument. The earth tag crimp must also
be removed, which grounds the lid of the instrument to the chassis.
3. Power up the instrument. (This step is only required if calibrating the charge input,
or either of the gain stages)
4. Select the Reference channel to be Channel A within the Configure System
menu from the Utilities page. Ensure that the 5Hz Filter for the reference
channel is disabled.
Voltage Input Calibration
1.
2.
3.
4.
From the instruments main menu, enter the References configuration page and
select Voltage as the input interface type and ensure that the input gain setting is
set to x1. This will select a voltage type input with a gain of x1 for channel A.
Using the signal generator, enter a sinusoidal signal of 3V RMS @ 400Hz into the
Channel A Voltage HIGH input, ensuring that the single/differential switch is set
in the single position.
By connecting the Calibration DVM (AC) to the Channel A monitor output, verify
a gain of 1.0 0.25%.
Conduct further tests if necessary using the pass/fail criterion detailed in table 1
below. It is recommended that frequency test points are chosen to match those at
which the reference transducer normally used with the system has been calibrated,
in order to provide traceability throughout the entire measurement system.
ICP or Voltage I/P - Frequency Response (I/P > 10% FSD)
Magnitude
5Hz 5kHz
1Hz 25kHz
0.5Hz 50kHz
:
:
:
0.25%
1%
5%
:
:
:
2o
12.5o
25o
Phase
5Hz 2.5kHz
1Hz 25kHz
0.5Hz 5kHz
Table 1
Current (ICP) Input Calibration

1.
2.
select Current Excitation as the input interface type and ensure that the input gain
setting is set to x1. This will select an ICP type input with a gain of x1 for channel
A.
Using the signal generator, enter a sinusoidal signal of 3V RMS @ 400Hz into the
Channel A I input.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 19.8
3.
4.
By connecting the Calibration DVM (AC) to the Channel A monitor output, verify
a gain of 1.0 0.25%.
Conduct further tests if necessary using the pass/fail criterion detailed in table 1
Charge Input Calibration

1. From the instruments main menu, enter the References configuration page and
select Charge as the input interface type and ensure that the input gain setting is
set to x1. This will select a Charge type input with a gain of x1 for channel A.
2. Using the signal generator, enter a sinusoidal signal of 3V RMS @ 400Hz into the
Channel A Q input, through a 1000pF Capacitor.
3. By connecting the Calibration DVM (AC) to the Channel A monitor output, verify a
gain of 1.0 0.25%.
4. If adjustment is required, use a small flat blade screw-driver to adjust the gain
through VR1. The positioning of VR1 is detailed in figure 7.
5. Conduct further tests if necessary using the pass/fail criterion detailed in table 2
Charge I/P - Frequency Response (I/P > 10% FSD)
Magnitude
5Hz 5kHz
:
0.25%
2.5Hz 25kHz
:
1%
1Hz 50kHz
:
5%
0.5Hz 1Hz
:
0-20%
Phase
50HZ 2.5kHz
:
2o
5Hz 10kHz
:
10o
2.5Hz 25kHz
:
22o
1Hz 50kHz
:
45o
0.5Hz 1Hz
:
90o
Table 2
Zero Offset Calibration (Gain Stages)

1.
2.
3.
4.
Short out the Voltage HIGH input for channel A, ensuring that the
single/differential switch is set to the single position.
By connecting the Calibration DVM (DC) to the Channel A monitor output verify a
zero offset of <1mV, adjust VR2 accordingly. The position of VR2 is detailed in
figure 7.
set to x100. This will select a voltage type input with a gain of x100 for channel
A.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 19.9
5.
Ensuring that the voltage input is still shorted, verify a zero offset of <10mV,
adjust VR3 accordingly. The position of VR3 is detailed in figure 7.
Gain Calibration (x10)

1.
2.
3.
Using the signal generator, enter a sinusoidal signal of 300mV RMS @ 400Hz into
the Channel A Voltage HIGH input, ensuring that the single/differential switch is
set in the single position.
By connecting the Calibration DVM (AC) to the Channel A monitor output verify a
gain of 10.0 0.25%, adjust VR4 accordingly.
Gain Calibration (x100)

1.
2.
3.
set to x100. This will select a voltage type input with a gain of x100 for channel
A.
Using the signal generator, enter a sinusoidal signal of 30mV RMS @ 400Hz into
the Channel A Voltage HIGH input, ensuring that the single/differential switch is
set in the single position.
By connecting the Calibration DVM (AC) to the Channel A monitor output verify a
gain of 100.0 0.25%, adjust VR5 accordingly.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 19.10
Section 20 - 455 Interface Connections
21. Interface Connections

21.1 Serial Interface
Connector - 25 Way D Type Plug
Flow Control - Hardware
Connector Pinning :1
2
3
4
5
7
Ground
Transmitted Data
Received Data
Request To Send
Clear To Send
Signal Ground
21.2 Parallel Interface

Connector - 25 Way D Type Socket
Connector Pinning :1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18-25
STROBE/
D0
D1
D2
D3
D4
D5
D6
D7
ACK/
BUSY
PE
SLCT
AUTOFD/
ERROR/
INIT/
SLCT IN/
GROUND
21.3 Keyboard
Connector - 6 Way Miniature DIN Socket
Supports PS/2 Standard
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 21.1
Section 20 - 455 Interface Connections
Connector Pinning:1
2
3
4
5
6
DATA
N/C
GROUND
+5V
CLK
N/C
21.4 Shaker
The two pin shaker output connector should be used for the connection of an external shaker
system.
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 21.2
Section 21 - 455 Specification
22. 455 System Specification

22.1 Generator
Frequency Range
Resolution
Error
0.1Hz to 100kHz
1 part in 10000
<0.05%
Amplitude Control Parameter

Increment
Units
Acceleration, Velocity or Displacement

User defined
Metric or Imperial
10mV to 10V RMS

Linear
<0.2mV RMS
> 99% 10mV
Sine
50
< 1%
BNC
Range
Increment
Resolution
Accuracy
Waveform
Output Impedance
Distortion (sinewave)
Connection
22.2 Shaker Output (Where different from generator)

Frequency
Range
Amplitude
Range
Output Power
Slew Rate
Maximum Output Voltage
Maximum Output Current
Connection
1Hz to 50kHz (-3dB)

20mV to 20V RMS
120W RMS
30V/s
20V RMS
5.5A RMS
2 Way, Size 14, 62GB series connector
22.3 Results
Test Channel, divided by Reference Channel
Processing
Numeric Integration
Minimum
Maximum
Measurement Delay
Minimum
Maximum
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
1 cycle
30000 cycles
Zero
30000 cycles
Page: 22.1
Results
Text or Graphic
Amplitude or Phase
Resolution Amplitude
Phase
0.001 Units
0.001
22.4 Measurement Channels

Two independent channels operating in parallel
Input Configuration
Input types
Charge, Differential Voltage, Piezotron/ICP
Input Dynamic Range -
10,000mV/10,000pC
Input Gain
x1, x10, x100
Input HP Filter
5Hz (24dB/Octace, Butterworth)
ICP Compliance
+30V @ 4.7mA
Differential Voltage
Input Impedance
-
1Mohm
Common Mode
Rejection
10V
Cross Channel
Isolation
>85dB
Error
Temperature 20C 10C
Integration >200 ms or 20 Cycles
Input >10% FSD
Analysers
Amplitude
Up to 1kHz
1kHz - 5kHz
5kHz - 20kHz
20kHz - 50kHz
>50kHz
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
0.2%
0.3%
0.5%
0.7%
1%
Page: 22.2
Phase
0.25
0.5
1.0
3.0
5.0
Input Amplifiers
Voltage or ICP
5Hz 2.5kHz
5Hz 5kHz
1Hz 25kHz
0.5Hz 50kHz
Amplitude
Phase
--0.25%
1%
5%
2
--12.5
25o
Charge
2
50HZ 2.5kHz
5Hz 5kHz
5Hz 10kHz
2.5Hz 25kHz
1Hz 50kHz
0.5Hz 1Hz
0.25%
5Hz HP Filter
0.625Hz
1.25Hz
2.5Hz
5.0Hz
10.0Hz
20.0Hz
50.0Hz
100.0Hz
1%
5%
0-20%
10
22.5
45
90
-72 12dB
-48 6dB
-24 3Db
-3 1dB
0 0.25dB
0 0.1dB
0 0.1dB
0 0.1dB
------180
---------
Ranges
Q
1mV/pC
1mV/mV
1mV/mV
10mV/pC
10mV/mV
10mV/mV
100mV/pC
100mV/mV
100mV/mV
Connections
Issue: 1.1.0
Differential Voltage -
Differential BNC, Switch Selectable
ICP
BNC
Charge
Microdot
Monitor (O/P)
BNC
January 2001
Page: 22.3
22.5 Transducer Test Profiles

Type
Frequency Step, Frequency Sweep or Amplitude Step
Control
Amplitude
Units
Metric or Imperial
Test Point
Per Profile
Up to 80
Sequential Test
Up to 4
22.6 Reference Transducer

Measured
Parameter -
Interface
Charge, Voltage, Current Excitation, Current Output

(Dependent on External Amplifier)
Units
Metric or Imperial
Entered
Calibration
Data
Calibration
Data Points -
Frequency, Test Amplitude, Measured Sensitivity, Measured Phase

Calibration Date
Up to 80
22.7 Test Transducer

Measured
Parameter -
Interface
Charge, Voltage, Current Excitation or Current

Output. (Dependent on External Amplifiers)
Units
Metric or Imperial
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 22.4
22.8 Interfaces
Serial Port
Type
Flow Control
Speed
RS232
DTR
9600 baud
Parallel Port
Type
Centronics Compatible
Floppy Disk
Type
Capacity
3.5 inch
720K/1.44M
Text Output
Parallel, Serial or PC format disk

Device
PCL-5, ASCII or ASCII Spreadsheet
Format
Graph Output
Parallel, Serial or PC format disk

Device
PCL-5 or HP-GL
IEEE 488 port
Mode Slave
Data Rate - 500 kbytes/sec
Functions Implemented - SH1,AH1,T5,TE5,L3,LE3,SR1,RL1,
PP1,PP2,DC1,DT1,C1-C4,C9
22.9 General
Power Supply
Voltage
Frequency
Consumption
85-265V A.C. Wide Range

45-450Hz
<250VA
Physical
Width
Height
Depth
Profile
Weight
450mm
270mm
470mm
6U. For 19 rack mounting
DIN 41494
22Kg
Operating Temp.
Storage
Specification
Humidity,
Non Condensing
0 to +50C
-30 to +70C
20C 10C
95% @ 40C
Environmental
Issue: 1.1.0
January 2001
Page: 22.5
Section 22 - Troubleshooting
23. Beran 455 Trouble Shooting Guide

Problem
Remedy
During testing the display has the error 1. Increase external power amplifier gain
message
Output
Rising
Above (If fitted).
Maximum.
2. Check profile configurations.
3. Reference/Transducer Input Gains set
to correct settings. If no Input Gain
applied set Input Gain to 1mV/mV.
During testing the display has the error Decrease
message
Output
Falling
Below fitted).
Minimum.
external
amplifier
gain(If
When starting a test the message Calibration of reference transducer has

Reference Out Of Cal displayed.
expired and requires re-calibrating.
Calibration results to be entered into
reference page, calibration points to be
entered into reference table.
Power amplifier protection circuit trips 1. Closed loop not made.
out.
2. Enable soft ramping for testing below
20Hz.
How to import results into a spreadsheet.
In the 455 Utilities, Configure System set

the text output to be ASCII Spreadsheet
format. The file is stored as a comma
delimited file and will require opening
with the delimiter type set as commas.
When attempting to load transducers, Install configuration disk containing

references,
profiles
or
storing transducers, references, profiles and other
configurations to disk The disk is not the system settings.
configuration disk is displayed.
When starting tests the message 1. Check generator output connection is
Response from reference may not be made.
present or exciter may not be connected. 2. Check input is made to reference
channel.
3. External power amplifier gain too low
or not switched on(If fitted).
4.
External
Signal
conditioning
equipment
for
reference
channel
connected and powered on.
Issue 1.1.0
January 2001
Page 23.1
Users Notes

Beran 455 System

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USER MANUAL FOR 455 SYSTEM

Document Number : Um455V100.DOC

DISCARD THIS SHEET PRIOR TO BINDING

Hatchmoor Ind Estate, Torrington, Devon, England, EX38 7HP

455 USER MANUAL CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION

INTRODUCING THE 455 SYSTEM

INTRODUCING THE TRANSDUCER UNDER TEST MENU

INTRODUCING THE SETTING PROFILES MENU

INTRODUCING THE REFERENCE MENU

INTRODUCING THE UTILITIES MENU

Entering The Utilities Menu

INSTALLATION AND OPERATING CONTROLS

Unpacking and Inspection

HARDWARE AND CONNECTION DETAILS

10. POWERING ON AND POWERING OFF THE 455 INSTRUMENT

11. USING THE MENUS

List Known Transducers

List Known References

22. BERAN 455 TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE

Section 1 - 455 Introduction And General Description

1. About This Manual

Section 1 - 455 Introduction And General Description

2. Introduction And General Description

Section 1 - 455 Introduction And General Description

2.2 Test Profile Generation

Section 1 - 455 Introduction And General Description

(Dependant Upon Country)

Rack Mounting Kit

Slow Blow Fuse

The following user instructions are found in this Manual:

Hazard that could cause personal injury or death.

Hazard that could cause damage to equipment

3.2 Safety Precautions

Section 3 - Introducing The 455 System

4. Introducing The 455 System

Section 3 - Introducing The 455 System

Section 3 - Introducing The 455 System

4.3.6 Starting The Tests

Section 4 - Introducing The Transducers Under Test Menu

5. Introducing The Transducer Under Test Menu

Section 4 - Introducing The Transducers Under Test Menu

5.3 Configuring The Transducer

Section 5 - Introducing The Setting Profiles Menu

6. Introducing The Setting Profiles Menu

6.2 Programming A Frequency Step

Section 5 - Introducing The Setting Profiles Menu

Section 6 - Introducing The Reference Menu

7. Introducing The Reference Menu

Section 6 - Introducing The Reference Menu

Figure 1 Fictional Reference Transducer Specification

The reference transducer Serial Number B1234 was calibrated to NAMAS

Accelerometer capacitance 986pF 0.5%

Leakage resistance > 100 M 5%

Leakage resistance > 100 M 5%

Section 6 - Introducing The Reference Menu

Figure 2 Fictional Reference Transducer Calibration Results

Section 6 - Introducing The Reference Menu

Beran Instruments 455 Transducer Calibration System 14 Jan 1998

Figure 3 The Reference Parameters Entered

Section 6 - Introducing The Reference Menu

Section 7 - Introducing The Utilities Menu

8. Introducing The Utilities Menu

The Fictional Shaker Manufacturer