High-Accuracy Strain Gage Measurements for Mission-Critical Test Stands
Modern aerospace and propulsion test facilities depend on highly accurate, noise-free strain measurements to validate structural performance during cryogenic, high-load, or vibration-intensive tests. The ProDAQ 6172 Isolated Precision Strain Gage LXI Instrument delivers the robustness and precision required for these environments—making it ideal for rocket engine development, load-cell monitoring, structural testing, and dynamic component analysis.
Introducing the ProDAQ 6172
Precision Strain, IEPE & Bridge-Based Measurements — Fully Isolated and Built for Harsh Test Conditions
The ProDAQ 6172 is an 8-channel, galvanically isolated LXI instrument designed for demanding strain gage and bridge-based measurements. With programmable excitation up to ±10 V, wide input ranges from ±10 mV to ±10 V, and high-speed simultaneous sampling up to 5 kS/s, it ensures uncompromising performance in applications where accuracy, synchronization, and noise immunity are non-negotiable.
Multiple ProDAQ 6172 units can be network-synchronized using IEEE-1588 precision timing, enabling system scalability for large multi-sensor installations.
Key Features & Technical Advantages
High-Fidelity Analog Measurement Path
- 8 isolated strain-gage input channels (300 VDC isolation)
- 16-bit SAR ADC per channel for excellent measurement accuracy
- Input ranges: ±10 mV to ±10 V (11 steps)
- Auto-balancing per channel maintains full ADC resolution at higher gains
- EMI filtering per channel for noise immunity
Programmable Excitation – Per Channel
- Independent, programmable 0 to ±10 V excitation
- 0.1 V excitation adjustment steps
- Up to 40 mA current per channel
- Automatic lead compensation via remote sense lines
- Built-in current limit detection
Flexible Strain Gage Support
- ¼, ½, and full-bridge completion
- Standard 120 Ω and 350 Ω completion resistors
- Internal shunt calibration (499 kΩ, 0.1% tolerance)
Advanced Filtering & Anti-Aliasing
- Per-channel 6-pole Bessel anti-aliasing filter
- Selectable cutoffs: 10 Hz, 50 Hz, 100 Hz, 200 Hz, 500 Hz, 1 kHz, Bypass
Simultaneous High-Speed Sampling
- Dedicated ADC per channel
- 1 S/s to 5 kS/s, 1 S/s resolution
- Ideal for dynamic strain, transient loads, vibration and shock monitoring
Safety, Monitoring & Outputs
- ±30 V input protection, transient-safe
- Two analog outputs per channel (±10 V) for monitoring or external routing
- Short-circuit protected
LXI Integration & Control
- Dual redundant Ethernet ports (10/100/1000 Base-TX)
- SCPI over VXI-11, TCP/IP, and full web-interface control
- External calibration supported
Mechanical & Environmental
- 1U, 19” rack form factor
- 5 °C to +50 °C operational
- Dual redundant AC power inputs (85 – 264 VAC)
Why It Matters in High-Demand Test Environments
In test stands where rocket engines, turbomachinery or cryogenic systems generate significant vibration, thermal gradients, and high dynamic loading, trustworthy strain data is critical for structural integrity and safety. The ProDAQ 6172’s galvanic isolation, high excitation accuracy, and low-noise analog design eliminate common-mode interference and ground-loop problems that compromise measurement quality.
Because each channel is fully independent—with dedicated ADC, filtering, excitation, and protection—the 6172 excels in environments where channel-to-channel crosstalk or synchronization drift cannot be tolerated. Its network-native LXI architecture makes it ideal for distributed test systems where multiple measurement modules must operate in perfect timing alignment.
To learn how the ProDAQ 6172 can enhance accuracy, reliability, and scalability in your structural or propulsion test environment, contact our engineering team:
👉 www.bustec.com/contact
