TP3

Updated: 9-14-2001

17 Mandeville Court
Monterey CA 93940 USA
(831) 655-6600

WWW.LANSMONT.COM
TP3 Test Partner page I

INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................................................................................1

TP3 FEATURES AND BENEFITS: ..........................................................................................................................................2

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

OTHER REQUIRED EQUIPMENT ................................................................................................................................................. 3
COMPLETE LANSMONT-FURNISHED SYSTEM ............................................................................................................................ 3
TP3 “KIT” - CUSTOMER - FURNISHED COMPUTER .................................................................................................................... 4
Hardware Installation - USB Based Hardware.................................................................................................................. 4
Hardware Installation - ISA Based Hardware.................................................................................................................... 4
Software Installation............................................................................................................................................................ 4
BRIEF OVERVIEW ....................................................................................................................................................................5

GENERAL PROGRAM OPERATION......................................................................................................................................6

COMMAND STRUCTURE........................................................................................................................................................ 7

RECORD .................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
ACQUIRE DATA .........................................................................................................................................................................9
RapidFire Acquire ............................................................................................................................................................... 9
RECORDING SETUP ................................................................................................................................................................10
Record Time: ....................................................................................................................................................................10
Trigger Level: ....................................................................................................................................................................11
Trigger Polarity:.................................................................................................................................................................11
Trigger Channel: ...............................................................................................................................................................11
Channels to Sample: ........................................................................................................................................................11
Channel Table...................................................................................................................................................................11
DEFAULT ANALYSIS ................................................................................................................................................................13
Basic Analysis to Perform when Data is Recorded ........................................................................................................13
Automatically Perform Extended Analysis when Data is Recorded...............................................................................13
Automatically Copy Test Sequence To Test ID ..............................................................................................................13
ADVANCED SETUP ..................................................................................................................................................................14
Signal PreTrigger%...........................................................................................................................................................14
Default Filter Properties:...................................................................................................................................................14
Auto Zero Pre-Trigger Offsets..........................................................................................................................................14
Acquire Safety...................................................................................................................................................................14
TEST SEQUENCE ....................................................................................................................................................................15
Next Event to Record .......................................................................................................................................................15
Automatically Copy Test Sequence To Test ID ..............................................................................................................15
DISPLAY...................................................................................................................................................................................16
SYSTEM PROPERTIES .............................................................................................................................................................17
System ..............................................................................................................................................................................17
Units ..................................................................................................................................................................................18
Traces ...............................................................................................................................................................................19
Graphs...............................................................................................................................................................................20
SCALE GRAPH........................................................................................................................................................................21
AutoScale Display.............................................................................................................................................................21
Fixed Scale Display ..........................................................................................................................................................21
Gridlines ............................................................................................................................................................................21
Log Axis.............................................................................................................................................................................21
INVERT TRACES ......................................................................................................................................................................22
No Invert............................................................................................................................................................................22
Auto Invert.........................................................................................................................................................................22
TP3 Test Partner page II

Manual Invert ....................................................................................................................................................................22

OFFSET TRACES.....................................................................................................................................................................23
No Offset ...........................................................................................................................................................................23
Auto Offset ........................................................................................................................................................................23
Manual Offset....................................................................................................................................................................23
TRACE PROPERTIES ...............................................................................................................................................................24
ANALYSIS................................................................................................................................................................................25
FILTER ....................................................................................................................................................................................26
Filter Frequency................................................................................................................................................................26
Filter Type .........................................................................................................................................................................26
Auto Filter ..........................................................................................................................................................................26
Auto Filter with PreFilter ...................................................................................................................................................27
Edit.....................................................................................................................................................................................27
Edit All................................................................................................................................................................................27
Copy ..................................................................................................................................................................................27
Paste .................................................................................................................................................................................27
Delete ................................................................................................................................................................................27
TRIAXIAL RESULTANT..............................................................................................................................................................28
DEFLECTION ...........................................................................................................................................................................29
Impact Velocity..................................................................................................................................................................29
Drop Height.......................................................................................................................................................................29
Test Item Mass .................................................................................................................................................................29
Edit.....................................................................................................................................................................................30
Edit All................................................................................................................................................................................30
Copy ..................................................................................................................................................................................30
Paste .................................................................................................................................................................................30
Delete ................................................................................................................................................................................30
AUTO ANALYZE .......................................................................................................................................................................31
Half Sine analysis .............................................................................................................................................................31
SquareWave analysis.......................................................................................................................................................31
DOCUMENT RESULTS .............................................................................................................................................................32
Test ID...............................................................................................................................................................................32
Notes .................................................................................................................................................................................32
ETC ...........................................................................................................................................................................................33
SRS .......................................................................................................................................................................................34
Damping Ratio ..................................................................................................................................................................34
SRS Type..........................................................................................................................................................................34
Edit.....................................................................................................................................................................................35
Edit All................................................................................................................................................................................35
Copy ..................................................................................................................................................................................35
Paste .................................................................................................................................................................................35
Delete ................................................................................................................................................................................35
SHOCK RESPONSE .................................................................................................................................................................36
Spring Mass Model Fn......................................................................................................................................................36
Damping Ratio ..................................................................................................................................................................36
Edit.....................................................................................................................................................................................37
Edit All................................................................................................................................................................................37
Copy ..................................................................................................................................................................................37
Paste .................................................................................................................................................................................37
Delete ................................................................................................................................................................................37
SR VISUALIZER.......................................................................................................................................................................38
Play....................................................................................................................................................................................38
Channel.............................................................................................................................................................................38
Damping Ratio ..................................................................................................................................................................38
Animation Mode................................................................................................................................................................38
IDEAL W AVEFORM / SRS........................................................................................................................................................40
TP3 Test Partner page III

Channel.............................................................................................................................................................................40
Target Input.......................................................................................................................................................................40
Waveform..........................................................................................................................................................................40
Damping Ratio ..................................................................................................................................................................40
SRS Type..........................................................................................................................................................................40
FFT ........................................................................................................................................................................................42
FORCE / DEFLECTION .............................................................................................................................................................43
Impact Velocity..................................................................................................................................................................43
Drop Height.......................................................................................................................................................................43
Test Item Mass .................................................................................................................................................................43
Edit.....................................................................................................................................................................................45
Edit All................................................................................................................................................................................45
Copy ..................................................................................................................................................................................45
Paste .................................................................................................................................................................................45
Delete ................................................................................................................................................................................45
TOLERANCE BANDS ................................................................................................................................................................46
Channel.............................................................................................................................................................................46
Specification......................................................................................................................................................................46
Target Input.......................................................................................................................................................................46
Waveform..........................................................................................................................................................................46
FIT .....................................................................................................................................................................................46
ROTATIONAL SHOCK ...............................................................................................................................................................48
Radius ...............................................................................................................................................................................48
FILE...........................................................................................................................................................................................50
PRINT .....................................................................................................................................................................................51
Printer… ............................................................................................................................................................................51
.Lite version.......................................................................................................................................................................51
.etc version........................................................................................................................................................................51
FILE OPEN ..............................................................................................................................................................................53
FILE SAVE...............................................................................................................................................................................53
FILE AUTOSAVE......................................................................................................................................................................53
SEND TO: MAIL RECIPIENT .....................................................................................................................................................54
PUBLISH TO THE W EB ............................................................................................................................................................55
File - Base Name ..............................................................................................................................................................55
FTP Server........................................................................................................................................................................55
FTP Directory....................................................................................................................................................................55
User Name........................................................................................................................................................................55
Password ..........................................................................................................................................................................55
EXIT ........................................................................................................................................................................................55
ANALYSIS WINDOW - ACCELERATION VS. TIME............................................................................................................56
ANALYSIS TOOLBAR................................................................................................................................................................56
ANALYSIS WINDOW - SRS ...................................................................................................................................................57
ANALYSIS TOOLBAR................................................................................................................................................................57
ANALYSIS WINDOW - SR VISUALIZER ..............................................................................................................................58
ANALYSIS TOOLBAR................................................................................................................................................................59
ANALYSIS WINDOW - IDEAL WAVEFORM / SRS .............................................................................................................60
ANALYSIS TOOLBAR................................................................................................................................................................60
ANALYSIS WINDOW - FFT....................................................................................................................................................61
ANALYSIS TOOLBAR................................................................................................................................................................61
ANALYSIS WINDOW - FORCE VS. DEFLECTION .............................................................................................................62
TP3 Test Partner page IV

ANALYSIS TOOLBAR................................................................................................................................................................62
ANALYSIS WINDOW - TOLERANCE BANDS.....................................................................................................................63
ANALYSIS TOOLBAR................................................................................................................................................................63
ANALYSIS WINDOW - ROTATIONAL SHOCK ...................................................................................................................64
ANALYSIS TOOLBAR................................................................................................................................................................64
LICENSE AGREEMENT .........................................................................................................................................................65
TP3 Test Partner page 1

Introduction
Test Partner 3 is a powerful combination of computer software and hardware specifically tailored to the
capture and analysis of transient shock events. It can acquire up to sixteen channels of acceleration
data simultaneously from shock, drop, or other kinds of impact events.

Test Partner 3 (TP3) comes in two variations: TP3.Lite and TP3.etc. The .Lite version includes 4
channel acquisition, basic shock analysis and reporting.

The .etc designation stands for “extended transient computations”. The .etc version includes all of the
.Lite version functionality plus 16 channel acquisition and the ability to compute Shock Response (SR)
time domain, Shock Response Spectra (SRS), Force vs. Deflection analysis, and Tolerance Bands for
mil-spec compliance.

Test Partner works by digitizing analog signals from dynamic tests, then uses this digital data to perform
analysis and create displays.
TP3 Test Partner page 2

TP3 Features and Benefits:

• Multiple Hi Resolution Display Windows

• Windows Printer Driver Support
• User Defined “Customer Logo” via BMP file
• Email Output - Send the results directly from TP3
• Multiple ways to interact with the system
• Windows Menus
• TouchTest Menu Panel
• Customizable Toolbar

• Fast/ Flexible - Analysis & Display

• Process multiple channels at the same time
• Multiple Analysis windows open at the same time
• Filtering
• Customizable Half Sine & Squarewave Autofilter ratios
• User selectable Single Pole & Double Pole RC
• Independent setting for Filter Freq. and Filter Type on each channel
• Triaxial Resultant
• Deflection Estimate - Position vs. Time
• .etc version
• Shock Response
• Independent setting for Fn and Damping on each channel
• Shock Response Animation
• Shock Response Surface Animation
• Shock Response Spectra
• Independent setting for Damping on each channel
• Force / Deflection
• Tolerance Bands

• Reduced User Interaction to accomplish task

• Automatically perform basic Analysis upon acquisition
• Filter
• Peak / Min / Faired Accelerations
• Event Duration
• Event Velocity Change
• Automatically perform extended user selected Analysis upon acquisition
• Deflection Estimate
• SR
• SRS
• Tolerance Bands
• Analysis / Computation Operations involving multiple channels can be completed
simultaneously
• Predefine Test sequence for test operator
• Instant - Results at a Glance

See Also

Computer System Requirements

Other Required Equipment
TP3 Test Partner page 3

System Requirements
TP3 is offered in two configurations: As a complete system including the computer and related
components, and as a “kit” for use with a customer-supplied computer. When Lansmont furnishes the
entire system, all required hardware, operating software, and the TP3 program is assembled and tested
before shipment. With the “kit”, however, Lansmont furnishes only the analog-to-digital converter
(ADC) plug-in board, an input connector box, and the TP3 program; the customer-supplied computer
must be of the correct type and configuration for proper operation.

The minimum system requirements are as follows:

• Windows 95
• Pentium 100 MHz or greater
• 32 Meg RAM minimum (128 Meg RAM or higher recommended)
• 1 Gig free hard disk space
• CD-ROM (for installation) capable or reading a CDR type CD
• 800 x 600 Color SVGA video minimum (higher resolution recommended)

For External - USB Based Hardware

• 1 USB port

For Internal - ISA Based Hardware

• 1 Full length 8 bit ISA expansion bus slot for ISA based Hardware Version
• All ISA Bus voltages must be present on the ISA Bus
• No I/O conflicts h0300 through h031F

Further available options:

• Touchscreen touch-input subsystem

Test Partner hardware and software has been successfully used with a wide variety of different
computer makes, models, and systems. However, it is not possible for Lansmont to verify its operation
in every conceivable situation. If difficulty is experienced, we will provide telephone support and do our
best to solve the problem. Factory installation and troubleshooting service is optionally available. If
satisfactory results cannot be achieved, we will refund the full purchase price upon return of the hard-
ware and software in “like new” condition.

Other Required Equipment

Test Partner needs input signals from the shock or drop tests being monitored. Typically the
instrumentation consists of accelerometers and appropriate voltage-output signal conditioners
(couplers, charge amplifiers, etc.). Test Partner accommodates a wide range of input voltages, but it is
important to choose proper instrumentation to fit the requirements of anticipated tests. Lansmont can
furnish accelerometers, charge amplifiers, cables, etc. as well as applications support.

The USB Based Hardware includes ICP signal conditioning that may be software enabled. This allows
an ICP type accelerometer to be directly connected to the unit. When this conditioning is not enabled,
the unit accepts standard voltage signals from external signal conditioners.

Complete Lansmont-Furnished System

When Lansmont has furnished the entire system, the ADC board will have been installed into the
computer, the software copied to the hard drive, and other accessories (mouse, touchscreen, etc.)
configured and working properly. You must make the following connections upon receipt and
installation:

• Video cable from monitor to computer

• Keyboard plugs into computer
• Printer cable from computer to printer
TP3 Test Partner page 4

• Input BNC connector box plugs into computer

• Charge Amplifier or signal conditioner outputs plug into BNC connector box
• All components connected to AC power
• Mouse plugs into computer (mouse optional)
• Touchscreen data cable from monitor to computer (touchscreen optional)

Connectors are labeled if there is any ambiguity as to where the cables plug in.

TP3 “Kit” - Customer - Furnished Computer

It is assumed that the purchaser of a TP3 “kit” knows how to install computer hardware and software, is
knowledgeable about computer operation, Windows functions, etc. It is also assumed that the
customer’s computer has the proper software to support TP3 (operating system, mouse and/or
touchscreen driver if required, etc.), that the system has TP3 compatibility as outlined in the “Computer
System Requirements” section, and that all customer-furnished components are connected properly
and in good working order.

Installation service is available from Lansmont, for those who would like to furnish their own computer
but do not want to be responsible for the assembly, connection, and proper operation of the system.

Hardware Installation - USB Based Hardware

The TP-USB hardware is a plug & play USB device.

To install this hardware:

• Connect the device power cord and turn the unit on
• Connect the device to the computer with the USB cable
• Windows will open the Add New Hardware Wizard and indicate that a new device has been
found, click "Next"
• Choose "Search for the best driver…" then click "Next"
• Choose to search for drivers on "CD-ROM " and insert the Test Partner CD in to the CD-ROM
Drive, then click "Next"
• Windows will find the drivers, then click "Next" and the drivers will be installed.

Hardware Installation - ISA Based Hardware

The ADC card can be installed in any open 8-bit ISA full-length expansion slot. Connect the BNC
connector box to the card with its supplied plug and ribbon connector, and then connect the charge
amplifier or signal conditioner outputs to the BNC box.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
The TP3 A/D system uses I/O range from h0300 through h031F to communicate with the computer.
No other device in the computer should be setup to operate in this I/O range

Software Installation
The TP3 software is supplied on CD-ROM. To Install, select the appropriate directory on the CD-ROM
and run the "Setup" EXE. The setup program will prompt for any further required Information.
To remove TP3 from your system, use the Windows Control Panel Add/Remove Programs feature.

To install the TP-USB calibration file, copy the files located on the calibration disk to the directory in
which you installed Test Partner.
TP3 Test Partner page 5

Brief Overview
When TP3 is started, the system is returned to the Setup and Data conditions that were in effect the
last time the system was exited. The analysis windows will cascade with the Acceleration vs. Time
display on top. From this point, you may continue to analyze the currently displayed data, recall data
from disk, or acquire new data.

When data is acquired, the system will automatically perform basic analysis and can optionally perform
extended analysis. You may alter this analysis, perform additional analyses, Document test results, and
then Print and/or Save the data.
TP3 Test Partner page 6

General Program Operation

TP3 allows interaction with 3 main user interface components, These include a standard windows
menu system, a customizable set of application toolbars, and the Lansmont Touch Panel. You may
select any combination of interface components to operate the system. Each component provides a
unique way to access to the underlying functionality of TP3.

Use the System Properties, System tab to select the desired user interface components and screen
layout.

The application toolbars can be docked to any edge of the main application window, allowed to float in
an always on top tool window, or removed from the display. To customize the toolbars when displayed,
right click in any toolbar area. A pop-up menu will appear indicating all defined toolbars and which
toolbars are displayed. In addition, the pop-up menu has a customize selection that allows new
toolbars to be created and the contents of current tool bands to be edited. When customize is selected,
a properties form appears with a Toolbars tab and a Commands tab. Use the Toolbars tab to manage
and create toolbar groups. Use the Commands tab to add and remove tools in a given tool bar. To
add a tool, select the Commands tab, select tool category of the command you wish to add, select the
command button and drag it to the desired location on the toolbar and drop it. To remove a command
from a toolbar, select the Commands tab then drag the command from the toolbar and drop it in any
non toolbar area.

In addition to the application level user interface, each analysis window provides a context relevant
toolbar to access frequently used analysis functions.

System Shortcuts
Location Shortcut Result
Analysis Windows Right Click Copy Data and / or Trace Properties
Status Bar - Test ID Double Click Open Document Results window
Document Results Right Click popup Edit Menu
Application Window Right Click Open System Properties
Properties Channel row Right Click Edit Properties
Properties Channel row Double Click Edit Properties

See Also
System Properties
TP3 Test Partner page 7

Command Structure
The command structure allows you to access the main areas of activity including: setting up the system,
acquiring data, recalling data, performing analysis, and setting system options:

Record
• Acquire Data Record new Data
• Recording Setup Setup Recording Time / Trigger Conditions / Sensitivity
• Default Analysis Specify Basic / Extended Analysis to perform on Acquire
• Advanced Setup Setup PreTrigger / Default Filter Properties / Auto Zero
• Test Sequence Specify Test Sequence prompts used on Acquire (Test ID)

Display
• System Properties Specify User Interface Appearance / Properties
• Scale Graph Set Acceleration Scale used for all Graphs
• Invert Traces No / Auto / Manually invert trace polarity
• Offset Traces Vertically offset Acceleration vs. Time trace
• Trace Properties Specify Trace Color / Linewidth / Markers for Display & Print

Analysis
• Filter Set Filter Frequency / Filter Type for each channel
• Triaxial Resultant Compute Triaxial Vector Resultant Magnitude
• Deflection Compute Position vs. Time trace
• Auto Analyze Perform Automatic analysis for selected channels
• Document Results Edit Test ID / Test Results

ETC
• SRS Compute Shock Response Spectra display
• Shock Response Compute Shock Response time domain display
• SR Visualizer Visualize SRS as animation or 3D surface
• Ideal Waveform Compute Ideal Waveform and Target SRS
• FFT Compute Fast Fourier Transform
• Force / Deflection Compute Force / Deflection display
• Tolerance Bands Compute Tolerance Bands display
• Rotational Shock Transforms Axial measurement of Rotating body to Rotational

File
• Print Print Hardcopy of Test Analysis
• File Open Open Setup / Event / import TP2 files
• File Save Save Setup / Event files
• Send To: Mail Recipient Send current Event as EMail
• Exit Quit TP3

Window
• Tile Horizontal Arrange windows to fill application workspace
• Tile Vertical Arrange windows to fill application workspace
• Cascade Overlap windows
• Arrange Icons Arrange minimized analysis window icons
• Open Windows List Select open window to get focus

Help
• Search for Help Search for a topic in the help file
• About Program version / contact information
TP3 Test Partner page 8

Record

Record
• Acquire Data Record new Data
• Recording Setup Setup Recording Time / Trigger Conditions / Sensitivity
• Default Analysis Specify Basic / Extended Analysis to perform on Acquire
• Advanced Setup Setup PreTrigger / Default Filter Properties / Auto Zero
• Test Sequence Specify Test Sequence prompts used on Acquire (Test ID)
TP3 Test Partner page 9

Acquire Data

This command arms the system to record data. Once armed, the Test Sequence entries will be
displayed to prompt the operator. The operator may step back or forward through the Test Sequence
by scrolling up/down the list, or add a new entry to the test sequence by simply typing it in.

To exit without recording data, select Cancel.

Once a trigger condition has been detected, the following steps are taken:

• Save Copy of Data in LastEvent.PL3 file

• The default filter conditions are applied to the data
• The filtered data is Zero corrected if defined in Advanced Setup
• The filtered data is Auto Analyzed as either Half Sine or SquareWave as defined in the Default Analysis
properties.:
• Half Sine
• Peak / Minimum Accelerations
• Duration at 10% of Peak Acceleration
• Velocity Change about the baseline
• SquareWave
• Faired Acceleration
• Peak / Minimum Accelerations
• Duration at 10% of Peak Acceleration
• Velocity Change about the baseline
• All previously active Extended Analysis computations are recomputed if defined in Default Analysis
• SRS
• SR
• SR Visualizer
• Deflection
• Force / Deflection
• Tolerance Bands
• The filtered data is displayed along with the analysis results.
• The “Results at a Glance” display is updated

RapidFire Acquire
When selected, the system automatically saves acquired data to a file and then rearms itself to be
ready to capture again. The user can select a RapidFire Folder that will be used for saving data. The
TP3 Test Partner page 10

filename is constructed from a combination of the words RapidFire Acquire and the Date and Time of
acquisition, for example:

RapidFire Acquire - 2000-09-01 14-54-05.PL3

Recording Setup
This command allows you to enter/edit the recording parameters that will be used during the next
acquisition cycle. Setup information may be saved to or recalled from disk by using the File Open
command and selecting the TP3 Setup File type.

Once all desired changes have been completed select OK to make them active, or Cancel to escape
back to the previous setup.

Record Time:
Establishes the total amount of time which will be recorded when an event is captured. The recording
time window can range from 1 msec to 1000 msec of total time. The same recording time window is
applied to all active channels.

When an event is captured and displayed, the time window is broken into 10 horizontal divisions similar
to that of a traditional oscilloscope. The trigger point can vary horizontally base upon the PreTrigger
setting defined in the Advanced Setup, but defaults to the second time division.

Due to sampling rate considerations, the following relationship exists between Record Time and the
maximum number of channels which can be sampled.
• 1 msec 1 channels
• 2 msec 2 channels
• 5 msec 4 channels
• 10 msec 8 channels
TP3 Test Partner page 11

• 20 msec 16 channels
• 50 msec 16 channels
• 100 msec 16 channels
• 200 msec 16 channels
• 500 msec 16 channels
• 1000 msec 16 channels

Trigger Level:
Establishes the acceleration level which must be exceeded on the trigger channel to generate a trigger
condition. The trigger level choices are presented in G’s, but correspond to a given percentage of the
trigger channel’s full scale recording ability. Changing the trigger channel’s sensitivity will cause the
trigger level to maintain the previously chosen percentage, while automatically adjusting the trigger
acceleration level.

Trigger Polarity:
Establishes the polarity of the event which will generate a trigger condition when the trigger level is
exceeded. For a positive trigger polarity, only events which exceed a positive trigger level will generate
a trigger condition. For a negative trigger polarity, only events which go below a negative trigger level
will generate a trigger condition. For bi-polar triggering, any event which exceeds either a positive or
negative trigger threshold will generate a trigger condition.

Bi-polar trigger is useful when the polarity of the event is not known prior to the test. For example, when
an accelerometer has been mounted to a product which has in turn been placed in a package for a
drop test, bi-polar trigger makes it possible to trigger along a specific axis without having to remember
the absolute orientation of the accelerometer.

Trigger Channel:
Establishes the active recording channel to be used as the trigger input. The trigger channel is
monitored for an event which exceeds the trigger level and matches the trigger polarity.

Channels to Sample:
Establishes the number of active recording channels. The maximum number of possible recording
channels is dependent upon the selected record time window. All active channels are consecutive. For
example, selecting 1 thru 3 as the Channels to Sample sets up a 3 channel system in which channels
1, 2, and 3 are active.

Channel Table
To Edit Channel properties, use the Channel to Edit selector and then press the Edit button, or directly
hilite the desired row in the table and double click or right click the row. A channel properties dialog will
appear to allow the channel properties to be edited. Complete Channel Table row entries may also be
copied and pasted between channel rows in the table.

Active
Indicates Channels to be sampled during the next Acquisition cycle.

Channel Description
User definable text which allows a description of the location monitored by each channel. Appears in
the results table to help decode channel information.
For example, XXXABC 30289 HDA - Top to Bottom
TP3 Test Partner page 12

Sensitivity
Establishes the conversion factors that TP3 uses to scale the recorded voltages to acceleration. TP3
must know the number of millivolts per G that the accelerometer signal conditioner or charge amplifier
outputs.

NOTE: It is very important that the appropriate sensitivities be set for each active channel so that TP3
may correctly scale the incoming data.

Full Scale
The current Sensitivity for each channel is used to calculate the maximum acceleration which may be
recorded under the current settings. The maximum acceleration is calculated based upon a full scale
output of 10 volts from the accelerometer signal conditioner. If your particular signal conditioner or
charge amplifier has a full scale output of less than 10 volts, the maximum acceleration that may be
recorded will be correspondingly lower than the value indicated in the setup window.

Default Filter
Establishes the default filter frequency which will be applied when new data is acquired. The resulting
output of the filters will be the first condition in which the data is displayed. You may allow the computer
to Auto Filter, enter any arbitrary frequency, or leave the data un-filtered. Each channel may have a
unique default filter condition.

When Auto Filter is selected, the computer will automatically determine an appropriate filter frequency
based upon the primary event duration, the basic analysis type chosen in under Default Analysis, and
the appropriate Auto Filter Ratio defined in Advanced Setup. The default filter type is also defined
under Advanced Setup.

Remember that this is the default filter condition which is applied when new data is acquired, and does
not limit post-acquisition analysis. You can still refilter with any condition at any time after the data has
been displayed.

ICP
For the USB based hardware platform, the ICP selection allows the unit to provide the necessary
current source to directly power an ICP type accelerometer. When turned off, the USB hardware
accepts standard voltage inputs from charge amplifiers, couplers, or other signal conditioners.

Hardware Filter
For the USB based hardware platform, enables or disables a high frequency hardware based filter.
TP3 Test Partner page 13

Default Analysis
This command allows you to enter analysis parameters that will be used during the next acquisition
cycle. Once all desired changes have been completed select OK to make them active, or Cancel to
escape back to the previous settings.

Basic Analysis to Perform when Data is Recorded

Two options are provided:

Half Sine
• Use Half Sine Filter Ratio when Auto Filtering
• Peak Acceleration
• Minimum Acceleration
• Duration at 10% of Peak Acceleration
• Velocity Change about the baseline

SquareWave
• Use SquareWave Filter Ratio when Auto Filtering
• Faired Acceleration
• Peak Acceleration
• Minimum Acceleration
• Duration at 10% of Peak Acceleration
• Velocity Change about the baseline

Automatically Perform Extended Analysis when Data is Recorded

This function determines what analysis windows are updated during an acquisition cycle.

Inactive
After a trigger condition is detected, the selected basic analysis is performed and the Acceleration vs.
Time window is displayed. All extended analysis windows (SR, SRS, SR visualizer, Force / Deflection,
Tolerance Bands) are closed.

Active
After a trigger condition is detected, the selected basic analysis is performed and the Acceleration vs.
Time window is displayed. All extended analysis windows are updated with the newly acquired data.

Automatically Copy Test Sequence To Test ID

If enabled, the Test Sequence prompt presented during the acquisition cycle will automatically be
copied to the Document Results Test ID field when data is acquired.
TP3 Test Partner page 14

Advanced Setup
This command allows you to enter advanced setup parameters that will be used during the next
acquisition cycle. These parameters change the fundamental nature of the acquisition cycle and
automatic analysis. Great care should be take when selecting these values as undesired results may
occur if you are unaware of the ramifications your changes may present. Once all desired changes
have been completed select OK to make them active, or Cancel to escape back to the previous
settings.

Signal PreTrigger%
Percentage of the Record Time window that represents data before the trigger event occurred. The
default value is 20% or 2 time divisions.

Default Filter Properties:

Filter type that will be used during the acquisition cycle, default is a Single Pole RC filter.

When an Auto Filter is applied, the filter frequency is determined automatically. To accomplish this, the
equivalent pulse frequency of the primary event in the unfiltered data is multiplied by the appropriate
Filter Ratio based upon the Basic Analysis type.

Half Sine Auto Filter Ratio

Default: 5X the equivalent pulse frequency

SquareWave Auto Filter Ratio

Default: 20X the equivalent pulse frequency

Auto Zero Pre-Trigger Offsets

If enabled, removes analog offsets from filtered data.
Acquire Safety
If enabled, warns user when unsaved data may be lost while attempting to Acquire Data.
TP3 Test Partner page 15

Test Sequence
This command allows a predefined series of Test Sequence prompts to be created that will guide the
operator during a testing project. The sequence is defined as free form text, and each line is presented
as a separate step in the Test Sequence. The Test Sequence may be entered directly in the this
window, or created with a simple text editor such as NotePad.EXE. Test Sequences files have TXT
extension and may be Saved or Opened on the disk.

Next Event to Record

Allows the operator to adjust the location within the Test Sequence that will be presented during the
next Acquisition Cycle.

Once TP3 is armed to Acquire Data, the Test Sequence entries will be displayed to prompt the
operator. The operator may step back or forward through the Test Sequence by scrolling up/down the
list, or add a new entry to the test sequence by simply typing it in.

EXAMPLE Test Sequence:

XXAKKL Package - 24 Inch drop - Top
XXAKKL Package - 24 Inch drop - Left Bottom Edge
XXAKKL Package - 24 Inch drop - Front Bottom Edge
XXAKKL Package - 24 Inch drop - Bottom Front Left Corner
XXAKKL Package - 24 Inch drop - Bottom Back Right Corner
XXAKKL Package - 24 Inch drop - Bottom
XXAKKL Package - 24 Inch drop - Left
XXAKKL Package - 24 Inch drop - Right
XXAKKL Package - 24 Inch drop - Front
XXAKKL Package - 24 Inch drop - Back
XXAKKL Package - 24 Inch drop - Top Back Left Corner
XXAKKL Package - 48 Inch drop - Bottom

Automatically Copy Test Sequence To Test ID

If enabled, the Test Sequence prompt presented during the acquisition cycle will automatically be
copied to the Document Results Test ID field when data is acquired.
TP3 Test Partner page 16

Display

Display
• System Properties Specify User Interface Appearance / Properties
• Scale Graph Set Acceleration Scale used for all Graphs
• Invert Traces No / Auto / Manually invert trace polarity
• Offset Traces Vertically offset Acceleration vs. Time trace
• Trace Properties Specify Trace Color / Linewidth / Markers for Display & Print
TP3 Test Partner page 17

System Properties
This command allows you to enter parameters that will customize the system properties, display units,
trace properties, and graph properties. Once all desired changes have been completed select OK to
make them active, or Cancel to escape back to the previous settings. Apply may be used to update
the current setting without closing the window.

System
This tab allows user interface to be customized.

Menu and Logo Panel Positions

Determines the position of the Touch Panel and Logo, if displayed. If enabled, the Touch panel may
be displayed at either the left or right edge of the main application window. If enabled, the Logo Panel
may be displayed at either the top or bottom edge of the main application window.

Display Menu
Enables or disables the Standard Windows menu system.

Display Touch Panel

Enables or disables the Touch Panel menu system.

Display Tool Bar

Enables or Disables the Application Toolbars

When displayed the application toolbars can be docked to any edge of the main application window or
allowed to float in an always-on-top tool window. To customize the toolbars when displayed, right click in
any toolbar area. A pop-up menu will appear indicating all defined toolbars and which toolbars are
displayed. In addition, the pop-up menu has a customize selection that allows new toolbars to be
created and the contents of current tool bands to be edited. When customize is selected, a properties
form appears with a Toolbars tab and a Commands tab. Use the Toolbars tab to manage and create
toolbar groups. Use the Commands tab to add and remove tools in a given tool bar. To add a tool,
select the Commands tab, select tool category of the command you wish to add, select the command
button and drag it to the desire location on the toolbar and drop it. To remove a command from a
TP3 Test Partner page 18

toolbar, select the Commands tab then drag the command from the toolbar and drop it in any non
toolbar area.

Reset Toolbars
Restores the toolbar configuration to a known default condition.

Display Logo Panel

Enables or disables the Logo Panel display.

Results at a Glance
Enables or disables the Results at a Glance display in the Logo Panel.

Custom Logo File

Defines a BMP file to be displayed in the Logo Panel and printed on reports. To return to the default
Logo, double click on the currently displayed Logo path.

Trigger Sound
Defines a WAV file to be played when a trigger condition is detected during an acquisition cycle. To
return to the default Trigger Sound, double click on the currently displayed Trigger Sound path.

Acquire Safety
If enabled, warns user when unsaved data may be lost while attempting to Acquire Data.

Units
This tab allows you to select the engineering units that will be used for displaying various quantities such
as acceleration, velocity, and displacement.
TP3 Test Partner page 19

Traces
This Tab allows you to edit various properties related to the graphical display of channel information.

Display
Enables or disables the selected channel trace in all displays.

Markers
Enables or disables analysis markers for the selected channel in all displays. Analysis markers include
Duration Limits, Velocity Change Limits, and the Faired Acceleration levels.

Display Color
Indicates / Sets the color that will be used when drawing the selected trace on the screen.

Display Line Width

Indicates / Sets the line with that will be used when drawing the selected trace on the screen.

Printer Color
Indicates / Sets the color that will be used when drawing the selected trace on the printer.

Printer Line Width

Indicates / Sets the line with that will be used when drawing the selected trace on the printer.

All Traces
Enables all active channels for display with a single click.

No Traces
Removes all channels from the display with a single click.

All Analysis Markers

Enables analysis markers for display on all active channels with a single click.
TP3 Test Partner page 20

No Analysis Markers
Removes analysis markers for all channels from the display with a single click.

Gridlines
Allows the gridlines to be toggled on and off all displays. If the gridlines are off, tick marks are used for
indicating the horizontal and vertical division marks.

Graphs
This Tab allows you to edit various properties related to the overall character of the graphical display.

Display Color
Indicates / Sets the color that will be used when drawing this object on the screen.

Display Line Width

Indicates / Sets the line with that will be used when drawing this object on the screen, if appropriate.

Printer Color
Indicates / Sets the color that will be used when drawing this object on the printer.

Printer Line Width

Indicates / Sets the line with that will be used when drawing this object on the printer, if appropriate.

Gridlines
Allows the gridlines to be toggled on and off all displays. If the gridlines are off, tick marks are used for
indicating the horizontal and vertical division marks.

SRS - Log Y axis

Allows the Y axis of the SRS analysis window to toggle between Log and Linear format.
TP3 Test Partner page 21

Scale Graph
This command allows you to choose the vertical scale values which will be used to display acceleration
data. Once all desired changes have been completed select OK to make them active, or Cancel to
escape back to the previous settings.

AutoScale Display
TP3 can AutoScale the display so that the computer determines the smallest scale values which can
completely display the current information. In the Auto Scale mode TP3 tries to display positive going
traces in with an 8 division window made up of 6 positive and 2 negative divisions, and negative going
traces in 2 positive and 6 negative divisions. Occasionally the recorded data will extend beyond the
opposite 2 division limit. In this case TP3 automatically shifts to a window made of 12 divisions with 6
positive and 6 negative.

Fixed Scale Display

Manually specify the Acceleration per Division and the number and type of vertical divisions to be used.
The fixed scales are useful for graphical clarity when a series of tests are to be performed and it is
desired that all data be presented with the same scaling. If a fixed scale is selected, it will remain in
effect until either another fixed scale setting is selected or Auto Scale is re-selected.

Gridlines
Allows the gridlines to be toggled on and off all displays. If the gridlines are off, tick marks are used for
indicating the horizontal and vertical division marks.

Log Axis
Allows the SRS and FFT displays to scale the gridlines with Log or Linear spacing.
TP3 Test Partner page 22

Invert Traces
This command allows you to flip the acceleration traces about the vertical axis, making the positive
values negative and the negative values positive. Once all desired changes have been completed
select OK to make them active, or Cancel to escape back to the previous settings.

No Invert
All acceleration traces are displayed with the polarity as recorded.

Auto Invert
Each active acceleration trace is evaluated to determine if it is positive or negative-going, negative-
going traces are automatically inverted.

Manual Invert
Enable or disable the invert property on any combination of active acceleration channels.
TP3 Test Partner page 23

Offset Traces
This command allows you to shift the acceleration vs. time traces up and down along the acceleration
scale. Some people find it desirable when multiple channels of data have been acquired to shift the
baselines apart to make a multi trace display more readable. Once all desired changes have been
completed select OK to make them active, or Cancel to escape back to the previous settings.

No Offset
All acceleration traces are displayed without offsets.

Auto Offset
Each active acceleration trace is offset from the base line by the following formula:
(Channel Number -1) x 10 Acceleration engineering units

Manual Offset
Enter an offset for any combination of active acceleration channels.
TP3 Test Partner page 24

Trace Properties
This command opens the System Properties directly to the Traces tab.

See Also
System Properties
TP3 Test Partner page 25

Analysis

Analysis
• Filter Set Filter Frequency / Filter Type for each channel
• Triaxial Resultant Compute Triaxial Vector Resultant Magnitude
• Deflection Compute Position vs. Time trace
• Auto Analyze Perform Automatic analysis for selected channels
• Document Results Edit Test ID / Test Results
TP3 Test Partner page 26

Filter
This command allows the recorded data to be filtered at any desired frequency.

Filter Frequency
Several standard frequency choices are available as single click selections, or you may enter any
arbitrary frequency by selecting the Manual option. Auto Filter allows the computer to determine the filter
frequency automatically. The None selection will display the data in original un-filtered format.

Filter Type
The filter routines employed by TP3 are a digital representation of an analog low pass RC filter. Two
types are provided, a single pole and a double pole RC filter. The filter frequency indicates the cutoff
frequency at 3db down.

Auto Filter
When an Auto Filter is applied, the filter frequency is determined automatically. To accomplish this, the
duration of the primary event in the unfiltered data is determined. From the event duration, the
equivalent pulse frequency is determined. The pulse frequency is multiplied by a Filter Ratio specified
in Advanced Setup to obtain the filter frequency. The Filter Ratio used is based upon the Basic
Analysis type defined in the Default Analysis.
TP3 Test Partner page 27

Auto Filter with PreFilter

When an Auto Filter with PreFilter is applied, the filter frequency is determined automatically. To
accomplish this, a copy of the unfiltered data is temporarily filtered at frequency related to the sampling
rate. The duration of the primary event in this prefiltered data is determined. From the event duration,
the equivalent pulse frequency is determined and multiplied by a Filter Ratio specified in Advanced
Setup to obtain the filter frequency. The Filter Ratio is based upon the Basic Analysis type defined in
the Default Analysis. The system then performs the actual filter operation at the selected frequency on
a fresh copy of the original data. This option can be useful when there is excessive noise or ringing in
the signal that could otherwise make it difficult to determine the fundamental event.

TP3 always keeps two copies of the captured data, one as an original copy, and one as a working copy.
The filter routines always filter from original data and put the results into the working data area. What
this means is that you can always re-filter data or un-filter data without losing the original copy. Further,
TP3 by design cannot filter data which has already been filtered to produce misleading results. As a
side note, the original copy of data is never altered after it is captured so that it maintains all original
states.

To Edit properties, hilite the desired row in the table then press the Edit button, double click the row, or
right click the row. A dialog will appear to allow the channel properties to be edited.

Edit
Presents a dialog box that allows the properties for the selected channel to be edited.

Edit All
Presents a dialog box that allows the properties for all active channels to be edited in a single operation.

Copy
Copies the properties for the selected channel to the clipboard.

Paste
Pastes the channel properties from the clipboard to the currently selected channel.

Delete
Deletes the properties for the selected channel, has the effect of un-filtering the data.

See also
Default Analysis
Advanced Setup
TP3 Test Partner page 28

Triaxial Resultant
This command computes the magnitude of the vector resultant from three channels mounted in triaxial
configuration during the event. Once all desired changes have been completed select OK to make
them active, or Cancel to escape back to the previous settings.

Because this is magnitude-only information, all direction information is lost in this trace. This trace will
always contain values greater than or equal to zero. In addition, while it does represent the level of
acceleration present at each point in time, it does not indicate the direction in which it was focused.

NOTE: The resultant calculation is only valid if the accelerometers attached to the channels used in
computation are actually mounted in triaxial configuration.
TP3 Test Partner page 29

Deflection
This command allows you to compute the position change (deflection) relative to the accelerometer
mounting location which occurred during the event. The waveform used as the input to the
computation should contain positive-going data, if it is negative-going simply invert it.

Impact Velocity
Supply either the impact velocity or the drop height which caused the event.

Drop Height
Supply either the impact velocity or the drop height which caused the event.

Test Item Mass

Used to scale Acceleration to Force; not used for position vs. time display.

To determine deflection, the acceleration vs. time data is integrated to determine the velocity vs. time
relationship. This integration is performed between the previously set integration limits. It is very
important to be sure that these limits have been properly set to ensure that a meaningful analysis can
be performed. The left integration limit should be set at the point in time where the event begins (i.e. the
impact occurs). The right integration limit should be set at the point in time where the event ends. The
velocity vs. time data is then offset adjusted such that the impact velocity at the left integration limit is
TP3 Test Partner page 30

equal to the impact velocity supplied by the user. The adjusted velocity vs. time data is then integrated
to determine the position vs. time function.

The Position vs. Time trace allows the position of the accelerometer to be visually tracked as the event
proceeded in relation to the accelerations which were occurring. This can be helpful when measuring
the deflection of a cushioning system in a package design to determine if and when bottoming out
occurs or the amount of the cushion thickness is being used.

The ability of TP3 to calculate displacement information is directly dependent upon the impact velocity
or drop height supplied by the user. This information must be accurate and valid for the computed
position function to correspond to the actual event.

To Edit properties, hilite the desired row in the table then press the Edit button, double click the row, or
right click the row. A dialog will appear to allow the channel properties to be edited.

Edit
Presents a dialog box that allows the properties for the selected channel to be edited.

Edit All
Presents a dialog box that allows the properties for all active channels to be edited in a single operation.

Copy
Copies to the properties for the selected channel to the clipboard.

Paste
Pastes the channel properties from the clipboard to the currently selected channel.

Delete
Deletes the properties for the selected channel, and has the effect of deleting the deflection trace for the
selected channel.
TP3 Test Partner page 31

Auto Analyze
This command allows TP3 to re-evaluate the selected waveform data and update the reported results.
The auto analysis may be performed using one of two options.

Half Sine analysis

Includes the following:
• Peak Acceleration
• Min Acceleration
• Duration at 10% of Peak
• Velocity change about the baseline

SquareWave analysis
Includes the following:
• Faired Acceleration
• Peak Acceleration
• Min Acceleration
• Duration at 10% of Peak
• Velocity change about the baseline

The Square option extends the Sine analysis one step to include a Faired Acceleration Level. The
Faired Acceleration Level is determined by searching right from the left integration limit to find a LAM
(local area max), and searching left from the right integration limit to find another LAM. The average
level of the data between the two LAMs is then determined and set equal to the Faired Acceleration
Level. This is primarily intended for evaluating square wave data generated with a shock machine. It
can also be useful when trying to evaluate response waveforms which contain ringing on top of the
primary response.

The Peak and Min acceleration values are determined from the entire recorded time window. Further
evaluation of the data with the Manual Analysis or Auto Square Analysis options only modify the Faired
Acceleration, Duration, and Delta V. The 10% points and zero crossings are determined by searching
left and right from the largest acceleration (positive or negative).
TP3 Test Partner page 32

Document Results
This command allows you to enter a Test ID and notes which will appear on the hard copy of the
data.

Test ID
The Test ID consists of a single line of text which will appear in the status bar at the bottom of the
application window and on the top of the hard copy. It may be used to identify the Product, package
System, Test Configuration or any pertinent information. If the Test Sequence prompts are used, the
Test Sequence prompt is automatically copied to the Test ID field when a trigger condition is detected.

Notes
This is a free-form text editor which allows you to define the information you wish to track. It is
commonly used to track test series information such as Unit Serial Number, Test Number, Plot
Number, Impact Orientation, Drop Height, Inspection Results, Observations, etc.
TP3 Test Partner page 33

ETC
NOTE: the ETC functions are only available in the ETC version of Test Partner. If you purchased the
Lite version of Test Partner, the functions in this section are not be available.

ETC
• SRS Compute Shock Response Spectra display
• Shock Response Compute Shock Response time domain display
• SR Visualizer Visualize SRS as animation or 3D surface
• Ideal Waveform Compute Ideal Waveform and Target SRS
• FFT Compute Fast Fourier Transform
• Force / Deflection Compute Force / Deflection display
• Tolerance Bands Compute Tolerance Bands display
• Rotational Shock Transforms Axial measurement of Rotating body to Rotational
TP3 Test Partner page 34

SRS
This command computes the theoretical Shock Response Spectrum (SRS) for the selected channel.
The Shock Response Spectrum is a graph of Spring Mass Model Response Acceleration Level vs.
Spring Mass Model Natural Frequency. It is computed by subjecting a digital single degree of freedom
spring mass system to the selected input waveform. The process is repeated while tuning the spring
system natural frequency over a range of frequencies. For each natural frequency, a response from
the model is computed and then summarized by finding the Maximum, Minimum and Absolute
acceleration levels over the time region of interest. The SRS can be thought of as a summary plot
from a series of SR calculations in which the three acceleration values are plotted at the spring mass
model natural frequency on the graph.

Damping Ratio
Select the fraction of critical damping for the spring mass model, the selected damping value is held
constant for all calculations. In other words, the supplied damping value applies to the SRS view as a
whole.

SRS Type
Three types of SRS views may be computed. A Primary SRS evaluates data only during the
application of the event (i.e. from time zero until the right integration limit). A Residual SRS evaluates
data only after completion of the event (i.e. from the right integration limit until time max). A Composite
SRS evaluates the data throughout the entire record time window.

The frequency range over which the SRS is computed is determined by the Record Time window in
effect upon data capture and includes approximately 8 octaves.
TP3 Test Partner page 35

The Y axis (acceleration) of the SRS graph may be displayed in either log or linear format. To select
this option, use the System Properties, Graphs tab.

To Edit properties, hilite the desired row in the table then press the Edit button, double click the row, or
right click the row. A dialog will appear to allow the channel properties to be edited.

Edit
Presents a dialog box that allows the properties for the selected channel to be edited.

Edit All
Presents a dialog box that allows the properties for all active channels to be edited in a single operation.

Copy
Copies to the properties for the selected channel to the clipboard.

Paste
Pastes the channel properties from the clipboard to the currently selected channel.

Delete
Deletes the properties for the selected channel, has the effect of deleting the SRS trace for the selected
channel.

See Also
Analysis Window - SRS
Shock Response
SR Visualizer
System Properties
TP3 Test Partner page 36

Shock Response
This command computes the theoretical Shock Response of a spring mass system to the waveform on
the selected channel. The spring mass system is a digital representation of a single degree of freedom
mechanical system.

Spring Mass Model Fn

Select the natural frequency for the spring mass model.

Damping Ratio
Select the fraction of critical damping for the spring mass model.

It is important to remember that this is a theoretical calculation and that the output from this calculation
has not in fact occurred on a real mechanical system. It is rather what might occur on a real
mechanical system if the constraints of that system match those of the model.

This is a very powerful feature because it allows you to perform “what if” analysis with real data. For
example, an engineer can see what effects structural changes may have in the time domain response
of an item to a given shock input. If the engineer were to stiffen the structure and raise its natural
frequency, how would the new item respond to a known situation or an event actually recorded in the
field? This is accomplished by simply raising the natural frequency and supplying the model with the
recorded event. Another approach involves calibrating the model response to produce a close
approximation of an actual measured response to the same input data. Once the model has been
calibrated, then the model can be used to forecast how the actual item may respond in the time domain
to other recorded events.
TP3 Test Partner page 37

It is important to remember that the digital model is a simple single degree of freedom system and that
most real products, packages, and structures contain multiple complex degrees of freedom. This may
sound like a limitation, but it does in fact greatly simplify the model definition for the user and generally
provides the overall trends of what will happen in the actual response of a true complex system.

To Edit properties, hilite the desired row in the table then press the Edit button, double click the row, or
right click the row. A dialog will appear to allow the channel properties to be edited.

Edit
Presents a dialog box that allows the properties for the selected channel to be edited.

Edit All
Presents a dialog box that allows the properties for all active channels to be edited in a single operation.

Copy
Copies to the properties for the selected channel to the clipboard.

Paste
Paste the channel properties from the clipboard to the currently selected channel.

Delete
Deletes the properties for the selected channel, has the effect of deleting the SR trace for the selected
channel.

See Also
Analysis Window - Acceleration vs. Time
SRS
SR Visualizer
TP3 Test Partner page 38

SR Visualizer
You may compute an SR or SRS view directly, or allow the computer to Animate the process. This is an
educational tool for understanding how the SRS is developed and exactly what it means. It is highly
recommended that the Animate option be used whenever possible, because it allows you to develop an
intuitive feel for how the SRS should be applied.

Play
Enable / Disable the animation sequence.

Channel
Select the channel that will be used for the animation.

Damping Ratio
Select the fraction of critical damping for the spring mass model.

Animation Mode
SR Animation
A series of SR computation are performed and displayed in sequence. Acceleration vs. time display of
both input waveform and model response.
TP3 Test Partner page 39

SR Surface
A series of SR computations are performed and displayed as a three dimensional surface. Produces a
three dimensional display in which the X axis represents time, the Y axis represents acceleration, and Z
axis represents model natural frequency. The complete SR time domain response is rendered at the
appropriate Z axis location. The SRS is projected onto the Acceleration vs. model frequency face of
the graph area.

SR Surface Replay
As above, but continually reconstructs the surface.

See Also
Analysis Window - SR Visualizer
SRS
Shock Response
TP3 Test Partner page 40

Ideal Waveform / SRS

Computes an Ideal Waveform of specified duration and acceleration. The Ideal waveform is displayed
along with any desired recorded channel for visual comparison in the time domain. Options are
available for displaying the SRS of the Ideal Waveform as a target or as tolerances on the SRS analysis
window plot. If TP3 finds that the recorded data SRS is within the selected tolerance of the Ideal
Waveform SRS, it is declared IN. If TP3 finds that the data does not fit within the tolerance, the data is
declared OUT.

Channel
The channel to be evaluated.

Target Input
The acceleration level and duration of the Ideal Waveform. The Auto Fit selection copies the
acceleration and duration results from the specifed channel. This allows the system to compute and
Ideal Waveform of exactly the same parameters and can be useful in evaluating the fidelity of the
waveform.

Waveform
The waveform of the ideal target input.

Damping Ratio
Select the fraction of critical damping for the spring mass model, that will be used when the next Target
SRS is computed.

SRS Type
Select the type of SRS type (Primary, Residual, Composite) that will be used when the next Target SRS
is computed.
TP3 Test Partner page 41

See Also
SRS
Shock Response
TP3 Test Partner page 42

FFT
Computes the Fast Fourier Transform of the recorded data. This analysis transforms the recorded Time
Domain into the Frequency Domain and displays the acceleration magnitude spectra for each displayed
channel.
TP3 Test Partner page 43

Force / Deflection
This command allows you to scale the recorded acceleration data to Force and to compute the position
change (deflection) relative to the accelerometer mounting. The resulting information is then displayed
as a Force vs. Deflection graph. The waveform used as the input to the computation should contain
positive-going data. If it is negative-going simply invert it.

Impact Velocity
Supply either the impact velocity or the drop height which caused the event.

Drop Height
Supply either the impact velocity or the drop height which caused the event.

Test Item Mass

Used to scale Acceleration to Force.

To determine deflection, the acceleration vs. time data is integrated to determine the velocity vs. time
relationship. This integration is performed between the previously set integration limits. It is very
important to be sure that these limits have been properly set to ensure that a meaningful analysis can
be performed. The left integration limit should be set at the point in time where the event begins (i.e. the
impact occurs). The right integration limit should be set at the point in time where the event ends. The
velocity vs. time data is then offset adjusted such that the impact velocity at the left integration limit is
TP3 Test Partner page 44

equal to the impact velocity supplied by the user. The adjusted velocity vs. time data is then integrated
to determine the position vs. time function.

The deflection calculation result is inverted to produce a graph extending to the right as the test item
impacts (this violates the sign convention of the data, but produces a graph which extends to the right
and this seems to be preferred by many users). The same care must be taken to properly set the
integration limits, as described under the Deflection sub-heading, so that a meaningful analysis can be
performed.

The ability of TP3 to calculate displacement information is directly dependent upon the impact velocity
or drop height supplied by the user. This information must be accurate and valid for the computed
position function to correspond the actual event.

Several energy calculations are performed which describe how the event took place. Most are carried
out as integrations of the force vs. deflection data. The Ideal Energy can be thought of as the maximum
possible energy which could be involved with the Peak Force and Peak Deflection of the event (i.e. a
perfect squarewave). The Input Energy represents the energy that was actually involved with the
system during the event. Lost Energy, while not exactly lost, indicates the difference between the Ideal
Energy and the Input Energy. The Absorbed Energy represents the amount of energy removed by the
combination of the impact surface and the test item. Rebound Energy is the left over Input Energy that
was not Absorbed, and creates the rebounding effect. The Absorption Efficiency normalizes the
Absorbed Energy to the Ideal Energy as a percentage.

To Edit properties, hilite the desired row in the table then press the Edit button, double click the row, or
right click the row. A dialog will appear to allow the channel properties to be edited.
TP3 Test Partner page 45

Edit
Presents a dialog box that allows the properties for the selected channel to be edited.

Edit All
Presents a dialog box that allows the properties for all active channels to be edited in a single operation.

Copy
Copies to the properties for the selected channel to the clipboard.

Paste
Paste the channel properties from the clipboard to the currently selected channel.

Delete
Deletes the properties for the selected channel, has the effect of deleting the deflection trace for the
selected channel.

See Also
Deflection
Analysis Window - Force vs. Deflection
TP3 Test Partner page 46

Tolerance Bands
This command evaluates a selected channel to determine if the acceleration-time history fits within the
limits of a specified tolerance band. You may build the tolerance band by supplying the target
acceleration level, the target duration, the target waveform, and selecting the specification on which to
base the tolerance rules. For example, 40G 11msec half sine based upon MIL-STD-810-C.

Channel
The channel to be evaluated.

Specification
The specification upon which the tolerance bands will be generated.

Target Input
The acceleration level and duration of the target input.

Waveform
The waveform of the target input.

FIT
Once specified, the defined tolerance limits can be computed and evaluated against the selected
channel. TP3 automatically checks the data against the bands to find the best location to display the
band. If TP3 finds that the data is within tolerance, it is declared IN and the bands are overlaid on the
display at the center of the range in which all points are in. If TP3 finds that the data does not fit within
TP3 Test Partner page 47

the bands, the data is declared OUT and the bands are overlaid on the display at the location where the
most data was within tolerance.

TP3 takes a strict interpretation of the rules governing comparison of data to the tolerance bands. In all
supported specifications the Zero Reference Line, as the name implies, must actually be at zero. This
prevents the band from being slid up and down along the acceleration scale, thus destroying the
relationship of the defined tolerances to the reference. In addition, the bands may not be skewed such
that the reference line and the zero line are not parallel because they are by definition the same line.
Data on the band lines, however, is considered to be in.

See Also
Analysis Window - Tolerance Bands
TP3 Test Partner page 48

Rotational Shock
This analysis aids in determining the rotational acceleration of a body. It will transform axial acceleration
recorded on a rotating body into rotational acceleration.

It is designed for use with a rotational shock machine or other controlled rotational event.

It assumes that the body has a stable center of rotation, the radial distance from the center of rotation to the
accelerometer is known and constant, and that an axial acceleration measurement has been recorded
tangent to the rotation.

This analysis will only be appropriate if all these assumptions are true for your event.

Radius
The radial distance from the center of rotation to the accelerometer location.
TP3 Test Partner page 49
TP3 Test Partner page 50

File

File
• Print Print Hardcopy of Test Analysis
• File Open Open Setup / Event / import TP2 files
• File Save Save Setup / Event files
• Send To: Mail Recipient Send current Event as EMail
• Exit Quit TP3
TP3 Test Partner page 51

Print
This command allows you to produce a hard copy of the test data.

Printer…
Select printer that will process the print job and specify printer properties.

.Lite version

Full page Reports

A single analysis report that has a full page layout when printed.

.etc version

Full page Reports

A single analysis report that has a full page layout when printed.
TP3 Test Partner page 52

Channels Per Page

Allows multichannel full page reports to be split up into multiple copies each containing only the
designated number of displayed channels. This can be useful with a large number of channels to retain
graphical clarity.

Master Channel
This allows a single reference channel, such as the table input, to appear on each copy of the full page
report when it is split because of the Channel Per Page criteria.

Multi Graph Summary

Two related analysis reports are combined onto a single printed page.

File Print Queue

Allows several PL3 files to be selected for printing in succession.
TP3 Test Partner page 53

File Open
Retrieves information from the disk.

Files of type

TP3 Event File *.PL3

An event recorded under TP3.

TP3 Setup File *.SE3

The Recording Setup that will be used during the acquisition cycle.

Import TP2 Event File *.PL2

An event recorded under a previous version of Test Partner (TP2).

File Save
Saves information to the disk.

Files of type

TP3 Event File *.PL3

An event recorded under TP3.

TP3 Setup File *.SE3

The Recording Setup that will be used during the acquisition cycle.

File AutoSave
When selected, the system automatically saves acquired data to a file once the initial automatic
analysis is complete. The user can select a RapidFire Folder that will be used for saving data. The
filename is constructed from a combination of the words RapidFire Acquire and the Date and Time of
acquisition, for example:

RapidFire Acquire - 2000-09-01 14-54-05.PL3

To enable / disable the Auto Save feature, check / uncheck this File AutoSave menu item.
TP3 Test Partner page 54

Send To: Mail Recipient

Sends an Email message with the current event as an attachment. The Subject line defaults to the
Test ID and the body of the message includes the notes entered in Document Results.

NOTE: This command requires a mapi compliant mail service, such as Exchange Inbox or Outlook, to
be installed and configured on the computer.
TP3 Test Partner page 55

Publish To The Web

Creates an HTML Report that can be viewed in a standard web browser. The report is automatically
uploaded to the web server of your choice via FTP (File Transfer Protocol).

Great for:

• Sharing data across a wide audience

• Instantly publishing information to geographically disparate locations around the world.

• Setting up corporate / departmental data stores

The publishing process creates a base HTML document that contains the text of the report and links to
the various graphic elements. Once created, the HTML file is uploaded to the FTP server and stored in
the FTP directory location. Next, the associated graphic files are uploaded to an images directory under
the FTP target directory. You may also supply login information for a secure FTP server.

File - Base Name

File name used for the report HTML file

FTP Server
FTP server to which the Report will be published.

FTP Directory
Target directory on the FTP server used to store the report.

User Name
User Name used to login to the FTP server when uploading the report.

Password
Password used to login to the FTP server when uploading the report.

NOTE:
The FTP Directory should end with a "/"
Example: /uploads/

NOTE:
Graphic images will be stored in an images sub directory under the target FTP directory.
Example: /uploads/images/

NOTE:
Both the target directory and the images directory must exist before you attempt to publish to these
locations. Directories will NOT automatically be created if they do not exist.

Exit
Quit TP3.
TP3 Test Partner page 56

Analysis Window - Acceleration vs. Time

Displays the following analyzed results and traces:

• Acceleration vs. Time

• Shock Response (if computed)
• Deflection Position vs. Time (if computed)
• Triaxial Resultant (if computed)

Analysis Toolbar
• Scale Graph Set Acceleration Scale used for all Graphs
• Trace Properties Specify Trace Color / Linewidth / Markers for Display & Print
• Analysis Channel(s) Set analysis channel (any individual or all displayed)
• Auto Analyze - Half Sine
• Auto Analyze - SquareWave
• Set Left Duration Limit
• Set Right Duration Limit
• Set Left Integration Limit
• Set Right Integration Limit
• Set Faired Acceleration
• Zoom Magnify Time scale
• Filter Set Filter Frequency / Filter Type for each channel
• Triaxial Resultant Compute Triaxial Vector Resultant Magnitude
• Deflection Compute Position vs. Time trace
• Shock Response Compute Shock Response time domain display
TP3 Test Partner page 57

Analysis Window - SRS

Displays the following analyzed results and traces:

• Shock Response Spectra

• SRS Overlays

Analysis Toolbar
• Scale Graph Set Acceleration Scale used for all Graphs
• Trace Properties Specify Trace Color / Linewidth / Markers for Display & Print
• Analysis Channel(s) Any individual or all displayed & computed
• Browse Data Use cursor to browse SRS data and set markers
• SRS Compute Shock Response Spectra display
• SRS Overlay Define / Edit SRS Overlay coordinates
TP3 Test Partner page 58

Analysis Window - SR Visualizer

TP3 Test Partner page 59

Display animation of Shock Response as spring mass model natural frequency is varied.

Analysis Toolbar
• Scale Graph Set Acceleration Scale used for all Graphs
• Trace Properties Specify Trace Color / Linewidth / Markers for Display & Print
• Play Enable / Disable the animation sequence
• Channel Channel that will be used for input to the animation
• Damping Ratio Fraction of critical damping for the spring mass model
• Animation Mode The view used to render the animation
TP3 Test Partner page 60

Analysis Window - Ideal Waveform / SRS

Display Ideal Waveform and selected channel time domain.

Analysis Toolbar
• Generate Waveform & Target SRS Generate the Ideal Wave Form and Compute it's SRS
• Scale Graph Set Acceleration Scale used for all Graphs
• Trace Properties Specify Trace Color / Linewidth / Markers for Display & Print
• Print Print the current analysis
• Browse Browse the display with a cursor
• Channel The channel to be evaluated
• Target Input The acceleration level and duration of the target input
• Auto Fit Use analyzed results of channel as values for the target input
• Waveform The waveform of the target input
TP3 Test Partner page 61

Analysis Window - FFT

Display Fast Fourier Transform.

Analysis Toolbar
• Scale Graph Set Acceleration Scale used for all Graphs
• Trace Properties Specify Trace Color / Linewidth / Markers for Display & Print
• Print Print the current analysis
• Browse Browse the display with a cursor
• Zoom Zoom the frequency axis of the display
TP3 Test Partner page 62

Analysis Window - Force vs. Deflection

Displays the Force vs. Deflection analyzed results and traces:

Analysis Toolbar
• Trace Properties Specify Trace Color / Linewidth / Markers for Display & Print
• Analysis Channel(s) Any individual or all displayed & computed
• Browse Data Use cursor to browse Force / Deflection data
• Force / Deflection Compute Force / Deflection display
TP3 Test Partner page 63

Analysis Window - Tolerance Bands

Displays selected acceleration-time history and specified tolerance band.

Analysis Toolbar
• Scale Graph Set Acceleration Scale used for all Graphs
• Trace Properties Specify Trace Color / Linewidth / Markers for Display & Print
• Fit Generate Tolerance Band and Fit to selected Channel
• Channel The channel to be evaluated
• Specification Spec used to generate tolerance bands
• Target Input The acceleration level and duration of the target input
• Waveform The waveform of the target input
TP3 Test Partner page 64

Analysis Window - Rotational Shock

Displays rotational acceleration computed from axial acceleration measurement.

Analysis Toolbar
• Print Print the current analysis
• Browse Browse the display with a cursor
• Channel The channel to be evaluated
• Radius Radial distance from center of rotation to accelerometer location
TP3 Test Partner page 65

License Agreement
Prior to using the Lansmont Test Partner product, the following LANSMONT End User License Agreement
should be reviewed.

The computer program is provided on the condition that the End User agrees to the following at the time of
receiving the program:

1. The LANSMONT Test Partner computer program and any manuals are protected by copyright laws.

2. When the End User receives the Test Partner computer program, the acceptance of the program acts
as a license to use the program. This license may be revoked at any time by LANSMONT if the End
User is found to be in breach of the copyright laws or any part of this Agreement.

3. This license allows the End User to use and display the program on a single computer. You may
physically transfer the program from one computer to another provided that the program is used on only
one computer at a time.

4. End Users may make copies of the program for back-up purposes only. Distribution or sale of back-up
copies is a violation of copyright laws and is forbidden.

5. As the End User, you own the magnetic or other physical media on which the program is recorded but
LANSMONT retains title and ownership of the program recorded on the original disk and all
subsequent back-up copies.

6. The program is licensed only to you, the End User, and may not be transferred to anyone without the
prior written consent of LANSMONT.

7. This license is effective until terminated. This license will terminate automatically without notice from
LANSMONT if you fail to comply with any provision of the license. Upon termination, you shall destroy
the written material and all copies of the program.

8. LANSMONT may create updated versions of the program. At its option, LANSMONT will make such
updates available to the End User. A fee may be charged for such updates.
TP3 Test Partner page B