The microcontroller based Digital Logic Unit (DLU) controls and monitors the system features and safety interlocks of the DSA series Power Amplifier. The logic unit acts as a user friendly interface between the user and the equipment and can be operated both in manual and auto modes. System parameters and trip interlocks are displayed on the alphanumeric display of the feather touch membrane keyboard front panel. Soft start and controlled shut down is offered with an online key on the front panel. Shaker and amplifier safety interlocks are monitored and indicated on the front panel through a microcontroller chip. Interlock signals are routed through isolators and buffer network for proper latching and to prevent false triggering. The signals are latched on to the fault analysis section of the microcontroller. Only after all faults are resolved, the system is allowed to go Online and increase the gain. Major system interlocks associated with DSA series of amplifier are over current, field fail, displacement limit, cooling shaker, over temperature, etc. Major Sub Systems of the Digital Logic Unit are: Internal Oscillator The internal oscillator is a feature provided in the DLU for manual mode of operations wherein the g level is not controlled. The output of the internal oscillator is a pure sine wave. Its gain is controlled via the feather touch membrane keyboard front panel. Output voltage, current and frequency are displayed on the alphanumeric display. The oscillator is capable of producing sine wave from 1Hz to 10kHz. Signal Source Selection As the DLU can generate its own sine signal in addition to the external signal from a Vibration Controller, it features a signal source selection that allows users to seamlessly switch between internal and external signal source using the feather touch membrane keyboard front panel. The selectable signal path offers negligible resistance and ensures signal integrity. Gain Control The highly integrated gain control block of the DLU is designed using a digital potentiometer. All changes in gain are made gradually, one step at a time, to prevent any spike or sudden movement of the armature. Clamp and release operation is done automatically by the microcontroller inside the DLU based upon various inputs from the user and the interlocks. Auto Centring All shakers from Sdyn have dynamic auto centring. Models SEV 125 to SEV 180 feature mechanical auto centring. Models SEV 240 to SEV 760 feature a combination of mechanical and electronic auto centring. The mechanical auto centring is based on rubber bushes and cam bolt assemblies, which exhibit mechanical stiffness when the armature is at its centre. The electronic auto centring is based on optical sensors that centre the armature by filling or releasing air from a cup below the armature structure. For long stroke systems which require displacement of more than 51mm or 2 inch, a highly sophisticated laser based auto centring is provided. The suspension system of a long stroke system is different and offers no stiffness whatsoever. Therefore, this auto centring system controls pneumatics and DC output from the amplifier, in order to ensure the system achieves its centre with varied test loads.