Virtual instrumentation application for vibration analysis in electrical equipments testing

An important aspect in improvement of the reliability for electric and electronic assemblies (PCBs, electrical panels, electrical motors) is represented by the accurate prediction of the response of these equipments in environments characterized by mechanical vibration. In this paper is presented a system capable to monitor, analyze and test the electrical equipments in vibrations conditions. The system is realized with NI USB-6259 high speed data acquisition board connected through USB interface to a personal computer. The vibration sensor is ADXL250 and the analysis and control software was implemented in LabVIEW graphical programming environment. The data acquisition board has a 16-bit resolution and is capable to realize a 1.25 MS/s single-channel speed using National Instrument's signal streaming for sustained high-speed data streams over USB. This board is designed for compatibility with LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, and Measurement Studio for Visual Studio. NET. For tests was used an experimental module comprising an d.c. motor who's speed is PWM controlled. The motor is used as vibrations source for testing the electronic ensembles. Also the information acquired and analyzed by PC application was used to evaluate the wear degree and balance of the electrical motor. The designed system is flexible, has a friendly graphical interface, is not expensive and can be installed quickly. Also the proposed system is easy extendable to work with more sensors.