QuantumX 16‑channel Strain Gauge Bridge Amplifier

MX1616B: High‑density Bridge Amplifier for Precise, Reliable Measurements

The MX1616B is a 16‑channel bridge amplifier engineered for high‑precision strain‑gauge‑based measurements. Part of the versatile QuantumX family, it delivers exceptional accuracy, robust signal conditioning, and seamless integration – making it a powerful choice for both laboratory and field applications.

Key features

• Universal sensor support:
  • Full-, half-, and quarter‑bridge strain gauges
  • Strain‑gauge‑based transducers
  • Potentiometers
  • RTDs (Pt100, Pt500, Pt1000)
  • ±10 V inputs
• Integrated 350 Ω or 1000 Ω quarter‑bridge completion
• Selectable bridge excitation voltage: DC or carrier frequency with 1,200/1,250 Hz
• Wide nominal (rated) temperature range from –20 to +65 °C (–4 to +149 °F)
• Exceptional thermal stability throughout the whole range
• Internal 100 kΩ shunt for quick calibration checks
• Digital low‑pass filters (Bessel, Butterworth)
• Individually configurable sampling rates up to 20 kS/s per channel
• Patented 4‑, 5‑, and 6‑wire circuitry
• Cyclic auto‑adjustment
• TEDS‑based automatic sensor
• Synchronization via FireWire, EtherCAT^®, PTPv2 or PROFINET
• Open software concept (Visual Studio^® .NET, LabVIEW™, etc.)
• Factory calibration stored per ISO10012; optional DAkkS (ISO17025)

Large channel count in a compact and durable design

MX1616B’s sixteen channels in a small footprint is ideal where space and channel count matter. Each of the 16 channels provides a fully configurable measurement path designed for precision with a robust EMI/thermal interference suppression to ensure clean, reliable data – even with long cables or in harsh environments.

Typical applications

• Static stress tests and FEM model validation
• Quasi‑static fatigue and durability testing
• Material characterization and residual stress analysis
• Structural health monitoring
• Maintenance and reliability testing (for example, PCB mechanical tests)
• General load‑data acquisition in field environments

Strain gauge measurement results you can rely on

The MX1616B is built for demanding mechanical and structural measurement tasks with a DC or carrier frequency (1200/1250 Hz) for optimal noise immunity and a high bandwidth signal acquisition of up to 20 kS/s per channel. The module provides selectable Bessel or Butterworth digital filters and an internal shunt resistor for instant plausibility checks. This architecture ensures accurate, interference‑free results for both static and dynamic measurements, even in electrically noisy environments.

Ready for any system architecture

With Ethernet with PTP, FireWire and compatibility with the full QuantumX ecosystem, the MX1615B fits perfectly in flexible, distributed measurement setups. In addition, its TEDS‑based automatic sensor identification and push‑in connectors enable fast setup and error‑free configuration.

For example, you can achieve real-time system integration via EtherCAT using QuantumX Gateway module CX27C, connect to CAN using the QuantumX CAN FD bus module MX471C, or provide voltage output using the QuantumX Analog Voltage module MX878B. With the help of catman^® software for data recording and data analysis, measurement data can be immediately visualized, stored or digitally forwarded.

Similar modules

The QuantumX family has two similar 16-channel strain gauge bridge amplifiers:

• MX1615B with a 120 Ω or 350 Ω quarter‑bridge completion
• MX1616B with a 350 Ω or 1000 Ω quarter‑bridge completion

Each can be purchased stand-alone or part of a software/hardware bundle:

• Basic data acquisition and visualization
  • MX1615B + catmanEASY
  • MX1616B + catmanEASY
• Data acquisition, data visualization, analysis and report generation
  • MX1615B + catmanAP
  • MX1616B + catmanAP

Stay connected with the latest firmware and software

All QuantumX modules are delivered with the latest firmware. For existing modules, it is easy to update the firmware by simply downloading the latest firmware package.

HBK also provides both native and third-party software packages and drivers allowing you to fully leverage the QuantumX ‘open’ data acquisition infrastructure for integration with a great number of operating, analysis and automation software. This includes:

• MX Assistant: a modern and free device or system assistant that supports all module functions
• catmanEASY / AP / Enterprise: The standard DAQ software used with the QuantumX platform
• Third-party drivers: For example, LabVIEW™, Visual Studio .NET and CANape^®

Go to our download site for more information and a complete list of options.

Did you know? You can also connect Tescia data acquisition software to your QuantumX module via the MX Assistant utility. Talk to one of our experts to find out more.