Measurement Computing Corporation Introduces New DAQFlex Temperature Device

By DE Editors

Measurement Computing Corporation has added a new thermocouple device to its line of OS-independent DAQFlex products designed for OEM applications.

The USB-2001-TC is a single-channel, 20-bit, thermocouple data acquisition device for measuring temperatures over the ranges defined by NIST J, K, R, S, T, N, E, and B thermocouple types. It has a 250 ms conversion time, and features integrated cold junction compensation. Under the new DAQFlex framework, the USB-2001-TC is supported under both Windows and Linux operating systems, and provides open thermocouple detection.

The USB-2001-TC unit itself is 0.8 in. high by 1.5 in. wide by 2.5 in. long, with a captive 2 meter-long USB cable attached to one end, and a socket on the other end for receiving thermocouple miniplugs. The USB-2001-TC gets power from the host PC via the USB cable, and requires no external supply.

DAQFlex products use a new OS-independent protocol that allows DAQ devices to be programmed with text-based messages. The DAQFlex protocol simplifies driver and application development because all DAQ operations are programmed through a common command interface comprising a consistent,  extensible firmware interface and an open-source, cross-platform API.

Firmware parses text-based messages transmitted through a device driver, and converts these messages into DAQ-specific commands that control the device. This interface allows driver development for multiple operating systems, and also supports OS-independent embedded systems that need to communicate only over a USB root port.

The USB-2001-TC sells for $99, and includes a CD containing example programs and installation software for both Windows and Linux operating systems. Compatible thermocouples are available starting at $29.

For more information, visit Measurement Computing.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.