(LaserLinc Inc.: Fairborn, OH) — LaserLinc has introduced two sophisticated new software options: fast fourier transform (FFT) and structural return loss (SRL).
Fast fourier transform allows users to analyze periodic deviations in a measurement, such as the diameter of a wire or cable. By combining the FFT information with specifications for line speed, the software can identify likely causes of the measurement deviation, such as a faulty pulley.
Structural return loss is an option of the FFT package that is of particular interest to the wire and cable industry.
Periodic fluctuations in wire and cable dimensions can cause significant signal loss, especially in high-frequency products such as network patch cables. By analyzing the periodic deviation, the software can compute the signal loss that will occur at various frequencies throughout a length of cable. Computing signal loss during a production run gives producers the opportunity to correct the problem before having to scrap material.
The SRL spectrograph (see bottom graph of figure 1) shows a graphical representation of the signal loss that occurs at various transmission frequencies over the length of a product. An operator can quickly assess whether any portion of the cable is expected to show significant signal loss at one or more frequencies. Because the spectrograph display is cumulative, it provides an excellent historical record of the SRL information acquired during the entire run of a product.
LaserLinc manufactures noncontact, laser and ultrasonic measurement systems, which operate via a standard Windows PC running Total Vu software, a proprietary system that provides in-process tolerance checking, trending, SPC, feedback control, data logging, and other features. The Total Vu software package includes FFT and SRL as options.
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| FFT chart showing periodic deviations at 49.92 Hz and harmonic frequencies |
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| SRL chart showing peak signal loss at 12.5 GHz and harmonic frequencies |
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| Spectrograph showing consistent signal loss of about –40 dB at 12.5 GHz |
For more information, call LaserLinc at (888) 707-4852 or visit http://laserlinc.com.
LaserLinc Inc. manufactures noncontact laser and ultrasonic systems for measuring inside and outside diameter and wall thickness for wire, cable, fiber, hose, tube, pipe, centerless grinding, and many other industries. The hardware pairs with LaserLinc’s sophisticated, yet operator-friendly measurement/data processing package, Total Vu software, which runs on any Windows-based PC. LaserLinc systems give you the picture you need of the products you make—in real time, with real-time charts, graphical cross-section display, and measurements in configurable, easy-to-read panels.
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