Description
The si425 Optical Sensing Interrogator is installed today monitoring hundreds of active structures. Users rely on the si425's ability to make fast, simultaneous, measurements of hundreds of fiber-optic strain and temperature sensors that indicate the health of their bridges, dams, tunnels and buildings.

The rugged si425 combines an industrial PC with Micron Optics' robust, high-power, low-noise swept laser source. The Micron Optics si425 is a complete standalone multi-FBG-sensor system that provides high optical power, and rapid measurement of up to 512 sensors on four fibers. It is expandable to 8 or 16 channels, and its modular design allows customization volume applications.

Micron Optics instruments are installed in hundreds of challenging applications all over the world, from large-span bridges in China to earthquake monitors in California to aircraft tests in Europe.

Applications

• Measurements using FBG strain gages, temperature probes, and pressure sensors
  

• Dynamic, simultaneous measurements of hundreds of sensors on multiple fibers
  

• Continuous structural health monitoring of ships, aircraft and other complex structures
  

• Permanent installations for tracking the condition and performance in smart structures like bridges, dams, and tunnels

Benefits

No Calibration - The si425 never needs calibration. Wavelength is calibrated automatically on every scan.

Robust Operation - The si425 survives harsh environments. Tests at professional facilities, meticulous customer evaluations, and tests at Micron Optics headquarters prove how well Micron Optics products are designed and built.

Huge FBG Sensor Capacity - The si425 can monitor a huge number of multiplexed fiber Bragg grating sensors. With 80nm of wavelength range per channel and up to 16 optical channels, users of the system have great flexibility in designing their sensing system to maximize the number of sensors per interrogator, and to minimize total solution cost.

Fast Peak Detection - The si425's onboard peak detection circuitry is fast and efficient. That's why so many simultaneous measurements can be made at 250 Hz.

Rack Mountable - The si425 is designed for use in a convention instrument rack, in a protective enclosure at the measurement site, or on a lab bench. It is shown to withstand shock, vibration, and wide temperature extremes while performing to spec.

Verifiable Performance - The performance we quote is the performance you’ll get. Some manufacturers boast fantastic numbers for accuracy, resolution, and repeatability, but how will they perform in your application? Our specs apply over the entire operating range of temperature, humidity and vibration.

Modular Design - The si425 is offered in three standard models. Custom configurations allow optimization of unit costs and feature sets for volume customers. Some si425 instruments have a built-in display and front panel controls. All use Ethernet to network to external PCs for additional data analysis.

Channel Expansion Modules

sm040-416 (16-channel Switch Extension): 1U box converting four optical channel I/O from si425-500 to 16 optical channel I/O for sensor arrays. Product pricing includes all necessary jumpers, standard 100V/220V operation, control software and Ethernet command set providing access through LabVIEW™.

sm040-408 (8-channel Switch Extension): 1U box converting four optical channel I/O from si425-500 to 8 optical channel I/O for sensor arrays. Product pricing includes all necessary jumpers, standard 100V/220V operation, control software and Ethernet command set providing access through LabVIEW™.

sm040-016 (16-channel Coupler Extension): This 1U chassis contains four 1x4 couplers to accommodate connection of up to four fibers per channel. All fibers are scanned simultaneously. This provides no net gain of wavelength range or sensor capacity; it is solely intended to provide more fiber connection options.

sm040-008 (8-channel Coupler Extension): This 1U chassis contains four 1x2 couplers to accommodate connection of up to two fibers per channel. All fibers are scanned simultaneously. This provides no net gain of wavelength range or sensor capacity; it is solely intended to provide more fiber connection options.