Description
The W4 optical sensing instrument is an economic commercial grade interrogator, featuring 160nm scanning range on each of its 4 monitoring channels. The instrument is optimized for both static and dynamic measurements can be operated in full spectrum mode at 10Hz and in sensor peak detection mode at 100Hz. Faster options available. The W4 (W for Wide Scanning), supports up to 44 Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG) based sensors on each of its 4 channels, for a total of 176 sensors per instrument. Also available with 8 and 16 channels for higher sensor capacity (see W8 and W16 datasheets for these). Enclosed in a 1U rack mountable enclosure.
The W Series of rugged interrogators represents a significant new entry in the optical sensing instruments marketplace. Our W4 technology leverages the experience we derived from our engineering know-how through the years, and from customers feedback from our FAZT Series, M Series, and S Series Interrogators, which are used extensively in civil engineering, aerospace, marine, railways, roads, energy, geotechnical, industrial, security, medical, and many other commercial applications. The W4 interrogator is also useful for R&D. The industrial grade design scales well for volume production.
Benefits
Repeatability, accuracy, and dynamic range: Using state-of-the-art laser calibration technology and spectral analysis firmware, the W4 interrogator features +/- 2pm repeatability, +/-10pm accuracy, and 25dB dynamic range with automatic gain and threshold control adjustments for measurements across its 160nm scan range. Manual settings option is also included.
Top reliability: The W4 Interrogator is based on a solid state laser technology platform that has been deployed in volume in various field applications. The interrogator has no movable parts and no tunable filters, which enables top reliability over its operating temperature range of -15C to +55C.
High sensors capacity and adaptive to more types of sensors: Monitors up to 44 sensors per channel. Compatible with most FBG sensors in the market: The W4 advanced internal high-speed hardware and firmware algorithms enable reliable tracking of FBGs with bandwidths from 250pm (as those used in temperature, strain, and pressure sensors) to 3.0nm (as those used in bio-sensing).
Systems and network ready: Fast internal processor, TCP/IP Ethernet, and PicoSense software. Optional second internal processor (Raspberry PI) for customer developed applications software.
Lowest Cost and High Quality: The W4 Interrogator is based on the company’s solid state instruments platform and it has been optimized to address applications demanding the lowest cost while maintaining the quality and reliability of a high quality instrument. Also available with 8 and 16 channels.