The Agilent / Central Engineering CENC-TAC8 is an 8-channel tachometer conditioner module that conditions and counts pulses from magnetic pickups and tachometer generators. Configured as a C-size, register-based module for VXIbus and VMEbus systems, it delivers simultaneous measurements across all eight channels at up to 50 measurements per second per channel. The module accurately resolves both low-tooth and high-tooth encoded 1/rev tachometer signals down to a 2:1 ratio for low teeth, making it suitable for rotor speed monitoring in industrial automation, engine testing, and process control environments.
Beyond tachometer applications, the CENC-TAC8 functions as a general-purpose frequency counter, accepting signals with wide amplitude and waveform variation. Output formats include frequency in hertz, raw timer counts, and engineering units spanning RPM, rad/sec, period, and fuel flow. A 2 kHz low-pass filter option is available for individual channels. Configurable sensitivity accommodates input levels of 294 mV p-p, 345 mV p-p, and 656 mV p-p. Maximum counting frequency ranges from 1800 to 2200 Hz per channel.
Technical Specifications
• Channels: 8 independent, simultaneous measurement
• Measurement Rate: Up to 50 measurements per channel per second
• Tachometer Signal Support: Magnetic pickups, tachometer generators, encoded 1/rev tachometers
• Low-Tooth Resolution: Down to 2:1 ratio
• Maximum Channel Frequency: 1800 to 2200 Hz
• Sensitivity Options: 294 mV p-p, 345 mV p-p, 656 mV p-p
• Filter: 2 kHz low-pass filter (selectable per channel)
• Output Formats: Frequency (Hz), raw timer counts, RPM, rad/sec, period, fuel flow
• Form Factor: C-size, register-based module
• Safety Classification: Class I with protective earth terminal
– Key Features
• Simultaneous multi-channel pulse counting from tachometer generators and magnetic pickups
• General-purpose frequency counter functionality with signal amplitude and waveform flexibility
• Configurable output scaling to engineering units for direct speed and flow monitoring
• Channel-selectable low-pass filtering at 2 kHz
– Typical Applications
• Industrial automation rotor speed monitoring
• Engine testing and dynamometer measurement
• Process control speed verification
• Multi-channel frequency analysis
– Compatibility & Integration
• VXIbus and VMEbus register-based architecture
• C-size module form factor
