imc C-SERIES (PDF) - imc Meßsysteme GmbH

imc C-SERIES 

complete • versatile • portable 

Handy all-in-one data acquisition system for electromechanical testing 

imc – productive testing

www.imc-berlin.com/c-series 

imc C-SERIES at a glance 

• Cost effective, ready-to-go system 

• Portable data acquisition system 

• Simultaneous recording of analog, digital, 

and CAN/vehicle bus data 

• Up to 400 kS/s per system and up to 

100 kS/s per channel 

• Universal signal conditioner 

• Sophisticated and intuitive triggering system 

• Versatile storage options including onboard 

removable flash media 

• Networkable with other imc systems for synchronous 

acquisition of thousands of channels 

• Integrated real-time analysis and data reduction 

• Stand-alone, remote or interactive operation 

(via Ethernet TCP/IP connection) 

• Configuration and operation software included 

imc C-SERIES 

Bring your test system wherever you need it 

Sized to be easily portable, yet surprisingly versatile, 

the imc C-SERIES is also a powerhouse of capability: 

from the analog inputs with integrated signal conditioning, 

to the digital I/O, counter inputs, analog outputs, 

CAN I/O, and included real-time imc Online FAMOS 

data processing and control system – everything you 

need to set up a quick test is, literally, in the palm of 

your hand! 

Regardless of where your testing takes you – from 

the field to the lab – the all-in-one concept of the 

imc C-SERIES systems means that you will always 

have everything you need at your fingertips. And 

since onboard flash storage gives you the freedom to 

run interactively or stand-alone, you can easily setup 

an overnight test and won‘t have to worry about leaving 

your laptop behind. Furthermore, the UPS battery 

backup ensures safe operations, even if the power is 

less than reliable at your testing site. 

Voltage & 

high voltage 

U i ƒ 

CS version: up to 8 analog measurement inputs depending on model 

In-vehicle testing is also an area where the feature 

packed imc C -SERIES can really offer a boost to your 

testing productivity. Incorporating a synchronous, 

dual-node CAN I/O interface in the standard design, the 

CAN capabilities may be extended to include direct ECU 

communication, utilizing a variety of standardized ECU 

protocols, such as KWP 2000, CCP, OBD-2, etc. 

When operated interactively, the imc C-SERIES 

systems utilize the imc STUDIO operating and configuration 

software, included with every system. This 

not only gives you live measurement displays, but 

optionally provides full test stand automation capabilities, 

while ensuring compatibility with all other imc 

data acquisition systems. 

While it may be small, don’t let the size mislead you: 

the imc C-SERIES is packed with capability. Think of it 

as your multi-tool for the test and measurement world. 

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Current Temperature Strain gauge Frequency Digital IEPE/ICP Analog 

speed/angle input/output acceleration output 

out dB vid 

CL version: up to 32 analog measurement inputs depending on model 

Advantages // 03 

Advantages 

In Practice 

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Facts & Features

i 


When size is a key factor 

What do you do when you aren’t sure what you will 

be measuring tomorrow? Every day, test engineers 

are called on to measure, monitor, record and process 

data. Sometimes the testing is well planned out 

in advance; and other times it has to be figured out 

along the way. 

This is why many test engineers around the world 

turn to the imc C-SERIES universal data acquisition 

system. Its compact design and all-in-one approach, 

combined with the included configuration and operation 

environment imc STUDIO, are benefical for a wide 

range of applications, such as vehicle testing, civil 

engineering or in aerospace and aviation. 

Most common sensors available for mechanical and 

electromechanical measurements may be directly 

connected to the imc C-SERIES system, with universal 

support for simultaneous use of voltage, acceleration, 

temperature, and strain gauge sensors, plus incremental 

encoders, digital I/O and CAN signals. 

ƒ 

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out dB vid 

Giving you control 

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But the imc C-SERIES is more than 011010 just 8 – 32 analog 

inputs: with 4 built-in inputs for 011001 pulse counter/encoder 

signals, including quadrature encoders, plus 

8 digital level inputs, and 2 independent, synchronous 

CAN interfaces, the imc C-SERIES easily replaces 

several discrete external devices. 

The design also gives you test control capability, 

without needing an extra control system. Extensive 

triggering and real-time process control including 

closed-loop PID controllers, plus 4 analog outputs, 

standard within the system, are integrated. User level 

control is provided through the included imc STUDIO 

software for interactive display, test sequencing and 

even complete automation. 

For a quarter century, imc has been on the leading 

edge of advances in mechanical test and measurement, 

persistently adapting and updating to the changing 

demands of test engineers. As our most portable 

universal product, the imc C-SERIES represents the 

ideal system for quick tests, field or diagnostic work, 

and simply goes where larger systems cannot go. 

Productive testing with imc C-SERIES 

$ $ 

Portable design goes wherever you go 

• All-in-one design ensures the essential I/O is always ready for your testing 

• Integrated signal conditioning means the convenience of a one-box solution 

• Supports all electromechanical sensors in multi-channel, mixed-signal measurements 

• Software based configurations are easily stored, loaded, and modified to meet test demands 

Maximize your test efficiency 

• Real-time data processing while the test is running; so results are immediately available 

• Intuitive trigger system stores only the important data for easier post-processing 

• Easily switch between interactive, remote, or stand-alone operation as tests require 

• Standardized hardware addresses all your testing needs 

Saving your money 

• Universal amplifiers incorporate signal conditioning for most sensors types, from static to 

highly dynamic measurements 

• Synchronous recording of analog, digital and CAN-based signals in one system 

• imc’s unique breakout connectors provide quick connections for any existing sensor 

• Supports sensor-based automatic sensor recognition, and add-on TEDS from imc 

• Expandable via distributed synchronous CAN I/O modules 

Gaining your independence 

• Measurement and real-time control in one unit 

• Portable design goes from field to test bench as your testing requires 

• Stand-alone operation with the flip of a software switch when the PC cannot be used 

• Includes power-up self-start and internal storage 

Securing your investment 

• Robust power supply with backup power for uninterrupted operation 

• Reliable operation assures data integrity 

• Redundant data storage to local drive in parallel with network storage 

Advantages // 05 

Advantages 

In Practice 

Facts & Features 

Facts & Features

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ƒ 

Handy all-in-one test system 

imc C-SERIES CS front side: signal 

imc C-SERIES CS back side: system 

1 2 3 4 

1 

2 

Analog 

output 

ƒ 

Frequency 

speed/angle 

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out dB vid 

Digital 

input/output 

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CAN I/O for expansion and integration 

Directly synchronize multiple imc systems of any type, 

for virtually unlimited expansion 

3 External handheld display connection (CS only) 

7 

4 Onboard removable CF flash storage (covered) 

8 

8 

7 

6 

5 

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out dB vid 

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011010 

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out dB vid 

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011010 

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External CAN I/O, e.g. 

imc CANSAS modules 

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GPS 

Time/Position 

5 

6 

CAN 

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Troubleshooting even in the field 

You never know quite what you’re going to face when 

going into the field to diagnose a customer’s concern. 

Troubleshooting is tough enough without also having 

to fight the limitations of your tools. That is why the 

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U i 

imc C-SERIES systems are so ideally suited to tackling 

the unknown. “With a pocketful of sensors, I know 

my imc C-SERIES can connect quickly and easily to 

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whatever ƒ I need to measure.” The handy out imc screw dB vid 

Voltage & 

high voltage 

Current 

terminal connectors ensure that any connector is 

compatible. This is especially important when you are 

I 0 travelling away from home base for the troubleshoo- 

U i ƒ 

ting work. out dB vid 

Ethernet / WLAN (optional) connectivity 

Smart power supply for 9 - 32 VDC, 

with integrated backup power (UPS) 

User configurable status LEDs 

Direct input for GPS position / time sync 

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| 

O 

EtherNET – TCP/IP 

RJ45 – CAT5 – WLAN 

Temperature Strain gauge 

imc STUDIO 

Data Acquisition 

Software 

In Practice 

Goes places other systems cannot 

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011010 

High voltage vehicle testing can present its own unique 011001 

challenges. “When testing the prototype of an electric 

train, we unexpectedly had to investigate vibrations 

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on the 15 kV pantograph.” But equipment isolated 

011010 

to this level isn’t necessary. “By 011001 strapping the small 

imc C-SERIES and car battery directly to the pantograph, 

it could safely ride on this high potential and 

monitor a couple of strain gauges and accelerometers.” 

After configuring the system via its integrated WLAN 

network link from a safe distance, it could perform the 

test run measurement autonomously, saving data to 

onboard flash memory. 

Integrated test bench automation 

The small size of the imc C-SERIES hides the fact that 

this system is fully equipped for even the big jobs of 

test stand automation, thanks to its included real-time 

data processing and control capabilities. Structural 

and fatigue testing are common in a variety of fields, 

including the development of advanced downhill skis. 

“In this dynamic stress test, we could easily create 

a closed-loop simulation of a variety of extreme 

conditions, simultaneously collecting data from both 

the test actuators, load cells and a variety of strain 

gauges located across the ski’s surface.” 

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In Practice // 07 

In Practice 

Facts & Features


Powerful capabilities you take everywhere 

The imc C-SERIES is far more than just portable; it is 

simply the most capable integrated system you can 

buy in a portable form factor. 

With up to 100 kSamples/s per channel at your disposal, 

universal signal conditioners, and a system total 

400 kSamples/s capture capability, even the most 

dynamic of mechanical and electromechanical signals 

can be easily captured by your imc C-SERIES system. 

In-vehicle solutions 

With its modest size, integrated conditioners, GPS 

time/position and wide-range DC power inputs, the 

imc C-SERIES systems are ideal for in-vehicle testing. 

In addition, the integrated CAN with optional ECU 

I/O provides a seamless way to synchronously record 

everything within a vehicle. 

From automobiles to motorcycles, trucks to airliners 

– any testing program where size and simplicity of installation 

matter will benefit from the imc C-SERIES. 

Plus, imc C-SERIES systems are easily expandable 

with distributed imc CANSAS modules. This provides 

a great way of integrating huge numbers of analog 

inputs into even the tightest spaces. 

Field diagnostics 

The toughest challenge for test engineers is testing 

in the field, especially diagnostic and troubleshooting 

work. However, the imc C-SERIES with universal amplifiers 

is perfectly suited for such tasks. Supporting virtually 

any type of sensor on each of its 8 or 16 analog 

inputs, there‘s no need to bring along extra conditioners. 

Furthermore, with extensive real-time processing, 

triggering, and equipped for interactive or stand-alone 

operations, even stubborn intermittent problems can 

be easily solved. 

imc STUDIO software environment 

The imc C-SERIES is operated by imc STUDIO — 

the same intuitive software users know from all 

other imc data acquisition systems. 

Whether preparing a system for stand-alone 

“black box” in-vehicle operation; monitoring live 

analog and CAN signals for a prototype evaluation; 

or providing a complete operator panel 

interface for test stand control, imc STUDIO is 

the versatile, scalable solution that allows you to 

design, control, manage and automate your entire 

test and measurement workflow. 

imc STUDIO offers a number of different user levels, 

adapting the user experience to varying skills 

and working situations. In addition, imc STUDIO 

integrates with other imc software environments, 

including imc FAMOS for analysis and imc LINK for 

remote data management. 

For more information on imc STUDIO, refer to 

www.imc-studio.com 

Design Concept 

imc C-SERIES architecture 

The core of the imc C-SERIES systems is designed 

around the singular concept of putting everything you 

need into one place: 

• TCP/IP Ethernet interface for system configuration 

and interactive data collection 

• Onboard flash storage and optional hard drive 

data storage 

• Real-time signal processing and test control with 

imc Online FAMOS 

• GPS (for time and/or position information) and 

external display connectivity 

• Stand-alone startup and power-failure control logic 

Platform capability 

imc C-SERIES is capable of a 400 kSample/s data 

collection rate. This acquisition rate is shared by the 

active channels in measurement, and is configurable 

on a per channel basis for up to two independent 

sample rates per system. 

In addition, all imc C-SERIES systems are equipped 

with both a dual-node CAN interface and imc’s com- 

prehensive multi-I/O, providing digital inputs, encoder/ 

counter inputs, and both analog and digital outputs. 

Models designed for effectiveness 

With up to 100 kSample/s per channel, and integrated 

signal conditioning and sensor power supplies, the 

imc C-SERIES systems are up to the toughest data 

acquisition challenges. In addition to the universal 

CS-7008 and CL-7016 models, there is an imc C-SERIES 

derivative model compatible with virtually every 

physical sensor and signal type. All systems not only 

integrate sensor signal conditioning, but also filtering 

and synchronous digitizing for up to 32 channels. 

Real-time functionality at your fingertips 

One of the core concepts of all imc data acquisition 

systems is integrated synchronous control: an extensive 

array of real-time functionalities, including both signal 

processing and control (feedback) loop management. 

The imc C-SERIES, like the members of the 

imc CRONOS family, is well-suited to interact with the 

test environment, including discrete digital input and 

outputs (compatible with both TTL/5V and 24V logic), 

as well as analog outputs, and CAN I/O. 

Control signals and simple logic are often handled without 

the need for any programming, directly through 

imc‘s powerful trigger engine. The trigger logic capabilities 

are a standard part of all imc data acquisition 

systems, including the imc C-SERIES, and are easily 

accessed through the included imc STUDIO configuration 

and operation software. 

For advanced real-time analysis and control, imc Online 

FAMOS is included. Optional on other imc systems, this 

standard feature of the imc C-SERIES systems provides 

the capability of handling tasks ranging from basic 

statistical operations, such as min./max., average, and 

RMS, to more demanding calculations, such as FFT 

spectral analysis, signal classification (fatigue analysis), 

and order tracking. These virtual channels provide 

computed information on the fly, in real-time. 

In addition, imc Online FAMOS extends the capability of 

your system to easily create PLC-like control functionality 

with minimal specialized knowledge and without 

requiring any skills of programming languages. This includes 

everything from basic digital I/O and open-loop 

control, to closed-loop PID control with analog, digital 

or CAN I/O satisfying hard real-time requirements. 

Facts & Features // 09 

Facts & Features


imc C-SERIES Details 

imc C-SERIES housing types imc C-SERIES device models analog channels 

General 

Aggregate sampling rate 400 kSps 

Housing type alu profile portable plastic 

Weight 

Operating conditions 

Standard operating temp. range 

Extended temp. range (incl. condensation) 

1.8 kg 3.5 kg 

Shock and vibration rating 

Connectivity 

Ethernet 

W-LAN (WiFi) internal 

GPS connection port 

Display connection port 

Display integrated 

Remote controlled main switch 

MIL 810F (40g) 

Synchronization signal 

Isolated SYNC signal 

Programmable status feedback (LEDs) 

Data storage 

CF card slot (Compact Flash) 

Storage on PC / network drive 

Hard disk (internal) 

Stand-alone capabilities 

PC independent complex trigger functionality 

Onboard real-time data analysis (imc Online FAMOS) 

Autarkic PC-less operation, self start (timer, absolute time) 

Synchronization & clock 

Master-slave between different imc systems 

NTP network based synchronization 

Via external GPS signal 

Via external IRIG-B & DCF-77 signal 

Field bus extensions 

CAN (2 nodes) 

Pulse counter and process control (digital I/O, analog out) 

8 bit digital in, 8 bit digital out 

4 pulse counter (2 chan quadrature mode) 

4 channel analog out (DAC) 

Power supply 

DC input 10V to 32V 

AC/DC adaptor (110 to 230VAC) 

Data integrity upon power fail 

UPS 

BNC BNC 

Automatic shutdown after power failure 

Isolated power supply input 

Software 

imc STUDIO Standard included 

imc REMOTE WebServer 

1 s 30 s 

CS 

CL 

CS housing 

CL housing 

CS housing 

CL housing 

device name 

housing 

Key: Default, Optional, ( ) Restricted, ( ) In preparation 

size connector speed voltage mode current temp ICP, charge, supply bridge mode 

channels 

connectors 

max. sampling rate 

(per channel) 

signal bandwidth 

(-3dB) 

Voltage measurement (Cx-1xxx) 

CS-1016 S 16 DSUB-15 20 kHz 6.6 kHz 250 

CL-1032 L 32 DSUB-15 20 kHz 6.6 kHz 250 

CS-1208 S 8 DSUB-15 100 kHz 48 kHz 5 ( ) 

CL-1224 L 24 DSUB-15 100 kHz 48 kHz 5 ( ) 

Voltage & temperature measurement (Cx-41xx) 

CS-4108 S 8 DSUB-15 100 kHz 11 kHz 50 ( ) 

CL-4124 L 24 DSUB-15 100 kHz 11 kHz 50 ( ) 

Power measurement (600V CAT III ) (Cx-21xx) 

CL-2108 L 

4 

4 

Banana 

Terminal blocks 

100 kHz 14 kHz 

2,500 

250 ( ) 

Audio & vibration measurements (Cx-30xx) 

CS-3008 S 8 BNC 100 kHz 48 kHz 5 

CL-3016 L 16 BNC 100 kHz 48 kHz 5 

CL-3024 L 24 BNC 100 kHz 48 kHz 5 

Noise & vibration (imc WAVE) (Cx-80xx) 

CS-8008 S 8 BNC 50 kHz 22.4 kHz 25 

Bridge & strain gauge measurements (Cx-50xx, Cx-60xx) 

CS-5008 S 8 DSUB-15 100 kHz 5 kHz 5 

CL-5016 L 16 DSUB-15 100 kHz 5 kHz 5 

CX-5032 X 32 DSUB-15 100 kHz 5 kHz 5 

CS-6004 S 4 DSUB-15 20 kHz 8.6 kHz 5 ( ) 

CL-6012 L 12 DSUB-15 20 kHz 8.6 kHz 5 ( ) 

For universal use (Cx-70xx) 

CS-7008 S 8 DSUB-15 100 kHz 48 kHz 5 

CL-7016 L 16 DSUB-15 100 kHz 48 kHz 5 

imc C-SERIES software options 

isolated voltage mode 

min. voltage range (mV) 

voltage up to 10 V 

Features Licensing 

Software product 

Operating software 

Functionality 

License 

model 

imc STUDIO Standard Operating software, integrated test & measurement suite PC 

imc STUDIO Professional / Developer Customized operation, scripting, application development PC 

imc DEVICES Alternative operating software Device 

imc CANSAS In-situ configuration of imc CANSAS modules 

imc SENSORS 

Real-time data analysis 

Sensor data base PC 

imc Online FAMOS Real-time calculations, immediate results Device 

imc Online FAMOS Professional Real-time control extensions, PID control etc. Device 

imc Online FAMOS Kits 

Post processing 

Class counting (fatigue analysis), order tracking Device 

imc FAMOS Reader Data visualisation PC 

imc FAMOS Standard / Professional / Enterprise 

Remote access 

Data visualisation, analysis, reporting, scripting PC 

imc LINK Remote device access, automatic data transfer PC 

imc REMOTE 

CAN 

Web Server, secure https device access Device 

Vector database Vector database interface Device 

ECU protocols 

Noise and vibration analysis 

ECU protocol support (KWP 2000, CCP, OBD-2) for CAN interface Device 

imc WAVE 

Power quality analysis 

Complete noise and vibration workstation (esp. for CS-8008) PC 

imc POLARES 

Development 

Complete power quality package (EN 50160, esp. for CL-2108) PC 

LabView VI's LabView VI components 

imc COM ActiveX programming interface (API) PC 

voltage up to 50 / 60 V 

voltage up to 1000 V 

20 mA internal shunt 

20mA shunt plug 

Thermocouple (TC) 

RTD (PT100) 

ICP mode integrated 

ICP plug 

included 

Charge plug 

sensor supply 

full bridge 

half bridge 

quarter bridge 

DC excitation 

AC excitation (CF) 

single SENSE 

double SENSE 

TEDS support 

(Transducer Electronic Data Sheet) 

imc C-SERIES supports direct read/ 

write of TEDS sensors, including imc‘s 

TEDS Clip. 

Connectors: TEDS interfaces require 

either the ACC/DSUBTEDS-x 

variants of our connectors or 

per-channel connectors such as Lemo. 

“IEPE“ type TEDS is supported in 

audio modules with direct BNC input 

connectors. 

Digital I/O 

galvanically isolated, 

configurable to 24V/5V (TTL/CMOS) 

Level, output: 0.7A sink, high current: 

sink and source 0.7A 

Pulse counter 

full analog input conditioning: 

500 kHz analog bandwidth, differential 

input, analog filter, software 

adjustable threshold levels 

Modes: event counter, time, frequency, 

speed, RPM 

differential and absolute angle and 

displacement 

Facts & Features // 11 

Facts & Features

imc Meßsysteme GmbH 

Voltastraße 5 

13355 Berlin 

Germany 

Tel.: +49 (0)30-46 70 90 26 

Fax: +49 (0)30-463 15 76 

hotline@imc-berlin.de 

www.imc-berlin.com 

www.imc-berlin.com/distributors 

imc C-SERIES 01/13_eng // Printed in Germany 2013 // Errors and changes excepted. All registered trademarks are the property of the respective companies.

imc C-SERIES (PDF) - imc Meßsysteme GmbH

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