What is the M3 series?

The M3 series is a modular system for mobile data acquisition in demanding measurement environments. The individual modules acquire various sensor signals: temperature, voltage, current, frequency, as well as highly dynamic pulse and encoder signals. They can be combined into a measurement system via a wireless, magnetic module connection.

This connection ensures power supply and data exchange. Bus termination is set automatically within the system. The entire chain is configured, recorded and analysed using the IPEmotion software. The M3 series is used in vehicle testing, thermal management and e-mobility.

System principle

The magnetic module connection ensures power supply and data exchange between modules; there is no need for connecting cables between the modules. The measured values are digitised directly within the module and output via CAN FD at speeds of up to 5 Mbit/s. The M-GATEWAY3 interface module bundles the buses and makes the data available via XCPonETH, including to third-party measurement applications. The configuration of the entire chain (scaling, filtering, channel settings) is carried out in IPEmotion.

Typical applications

The M3 series is used in vehicle testing, thermal management and e-mobility: in vehicles, on test benches, in climatic chambers and in field tests. The modular design allows for a high degree of flexibility when carrying out a wide variety of measurement tasks. Changes to measurement requirements can be efficiently implemented by simply adapting and expanding the measurement chain.

Advantages of the M3 series

Innovative magnetic connection concept

Fast & secure
CAN FD data transmission

Monitoring channels: Display
of channel & device status

IP67
Protection class

Key specifications of the M3 series

With an IP67 protection rating and an operating temperature range of −40 °C to +125 °C, the M3 series is designed to with stand dust, moisture, vibration and extreme temperature fluctuations. The measurement chain is ready for operation in a short space of time and can be scaled to up to 64 modules per chain using CAN FD at speeds of up to 5 Mbit/s.

Protection class	IP67
Operating temperature	−40 °C to +125 °C (measuring modules); M-GATEWAY3: −40 °C to +85 °C
Module connection	magnetic, wireless; transmits power and data; automatic bus termination
Data bus of the measurement modules	CAN FD, 125 kBit/s tp 5 Mbit/s
Scaling	up to 64 modules per chain
Galvanic isolation	Measurement modules: channel, CAN, power supply, housing
Configuration & Monitoring	Software IPEmotion (PC / RT)
Module size	165 × 33 × 58 mm

Which module for which measurement task?

Module	Measured variable / Signal	Task
M-THERMO3 16	Temperature measured via thermocouples	Temperature measurement module for 16 freely selectable thermocouple channels (types K, B, C, E, J, N, R, S, T) with high-resolution 24-bit acquisition and cold-junction compensation per channel up to +85 °C
M-SENS3 8	Voltage, current, frequency	Measurement module for freely selectable voltage, current and frequency measurement with sensor power supply per channel (up to 75 mA) and 18-bit acquisition; calculation of electrical parameters within the module
M-CNT3 4	Frequency, pulse and encoder signals	Frequency and pulse measurement module, 4 digital channels up to 400 kHz, 32-bit data format, up to 12 signals in parallel
M-GATEWAY3	Aggregating data buses and outputting them to third-party systems	Universal interface module: consolidates CAN FD and Ethernet buses and transmits the signals loss-free to third-party measurement applications via XCPonETH; with logging function

Configuration, data acquisition and analysis with IPEmotion

The M3 series modules are fully integrated into the IPEmotion DAQ software. Configuration is completed in just a few steps; everything from parameterisation through to analysis and visualisation takes place within a single, integrated software environment. The mapping function allows new modules to be integrated into and synchronised with an existing measurement system without altering the configuration of the existing modules. The M-SENS3 8 and M-CNT3 4 automatically recognise TEDS Class 2-compatible sensors. Scaling and filters are configured in IPEmotion with direct feedback.

Time for measurements rather than setting up

In vehicle testing, measurement tasks often change at the last minute before deployment. Additional measurement points, an extension of the measurement application or new data acquisition requirements often necessitate time-consuming adjustments with conventional measurement systems. The M3 series has been developed to implement such changes quickly and flexibly: additional modules are attached magnetically, bus termination is set automatically, and the existing configuration is retained via the mapping function. This leaves more time for the acquisition of valid measurement data.