Transducer multiplexer

Claim 1

A transducer multiplexer device for controlling the testing of a multiplicity of bridge type transducers connected to loading means capable of applying a variety of known loads to the transducers, the device being under the control of a separate operator controlled command unit, the device connected thereto by bus means and providing output signals from the transducers to a separate precision voltmeter means and the command unit, the device comprising: bus interface means which translate bus commands into system commands for the device; device microprocessor means which receive system commands from the bus interface means and provide output commands to channel selection means, bridge leg selection means and calibration resistor selection means, the microprocessor means also communicating with RAM means for temporary storage of system information and with ROM means which hold a system operating program; calibration resistor selection means responsive to commands from the device microprocessor means which select one of a plurality of calibration resistors; bridge leg selection means responsive to commands from the device microprocessor means which select one of the legs of one of the transducers to which the selected calibration resistor is applied in parallel; channel selection means responsive to commands from the device microprocessor means which select one of the transducers for testing in conjunction with the loading means or in conjunction with calibration resistor and bridge leg selection means; and output means providing signals representing the response of the transducers to the loading means testing and to the calibration resistor testing such that all signals are uniquely identified to the particular transducer which produced the respective signals, such signals being supplied to the precision voltmeter means and to the operator controlled command unit.