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The XPA-K Remote Diagnostics feature

In the demanding world of vibration testing, shakers play a crucial role in simulating real-world conditions for components ranging from aerospace parts to consumer electronics. As test labs increasingly operate under tight deadlines and high equipment utilisation, the XPA-K Remote Diagnostics feature is a vital tool to ensure the reliability, availability, and performance of LDS V8000shaker systems,   while remaining fully compliant with the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which is set to become law for Europe and the UK in 2027. 


XPA-K Remote Diagnostics involves monitoring and analysing a shaker’s performance data in real time from a remote location. It allows service engineers and maintenance personnel to detect issues, perform root cause analysis, and recommend corrective actions – often without setting foot in the test lab. Fifty per cent of incident occurrences can be solved remotely. We, HBK, can then ensure that the correct parts and service are defined prior to any physical visit. 


This capability is enabled through a combination of on-board sensors , system logs, data acquisition tools, secure connectivity, and analytics platforms that track shaker health parameters such as:

  • Armature displacement
  • Field and armature coil temperatures
  • Field and armature coil current and voltage levels
  • Amplifier current draw
  • System error codes and alarms (interlocks)

Benefits of Remote Diagnostics in Shaker Systems

LDS XPA-K

 

 

  1. Reduced Downtime: Early identification of issues – like overheating or amplifier faults – prevents unplanned outages during critical test cycles.
  2. Faster Troubleshooting: Service engineers can access real-time and historical data remotely, accelerating diagnostics, often identifying issues without on-site intervention – and in some cases resolving the issue directly.
  3. Improved Test Quality: Continuous performance monitoring ensures that test conditions remain within strict tolerances, preserving test integrity and compliance.
  4. Lower Total Cost of Ownership: Fewer emergency service visits and optimised maintenance schedules reduce overall life cycle costs.
  5. Sustainability: Due to reduced call outs and reduced on-site intervention, the carbon footprint is reduced with less road and air travel.
4533-B

Article: Introduction to Vibration Measurement

 

This overview introduces the basics of vibration, key measurement parameters like acceleration, velocity and displacement, and the types of accelerometers used across various applications. Understanding these concepts is crucial for effective vibration analysis and troubleshooting.

Key Features of an Effective Remote Diagnostic System

  • Secure Connectivity: Built-in firewalls, VPN tunnelling, and encryption protocols ensure secure communication, compliant with IEC 62443 (Industrial Cybersecurity standard) and ISO 27001 frameworks. The system offers role-based access control and audit trails for traceability and accountability
  • Proactive Support Calls to Customers: If one of the LDS service technicians detects any anomalies in the system, the team will promptly follow up with a call to the customer contact    
  • Automated Alerts: Warnings for thresholds such as over-temperature, under-voltage, or cooling system faults.   These will include both a local alert for the user and a prompt to the LDS remote service team
  • Remote Access for Technical Support: Authorised LDS technicians can access diagnostic logs and system controls to assist, for example, with setup tuning or firmware updates
  • Integrated Dashboard: Visual representation of shaker health metrics for test engineers and facility managers
  • Automated Downloads: The system performance data and logfiles are automatically downloaded, consolidated and analysed
  • Data Consolidation: The consolidation of the downloaded data allows for easy analysis of data samples and system events
  • Automated Data Analysis: The focus of the automated data analysis is the identification of anomalies. That includes repeated interlock events, system performance at and above threshold levels as well as an automated standard test comparison to identify system component ageing and potential wear out
  • Automated Reports: Monthly system usage reports can be sent to the customer via email
  • Automated VPN Router Software and Firmware Updates: To keep all network components up-to-date and ensure best possible data security

As test environments grow more complex and demand for uptime intensifies, remote diagnostics for shakers is becoming an indispensable capability. It empowers organisations to safeguard equipment investments, optimise uptime, and deliver reliable test results – without sacrificing efficiency, security or response time. 

Embracing this technology positions test labs to stay competitive, responsive, and ready for the future of intelligent testing systems.

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