PCA-2000 Combustion Analyser & Logger

PLEX PCA-2000 COMBUSTION ANALYSIS SYSTEM

PLEX PCA-2000®

Versatile Combustion Analysis & Data Logging
ultra-compact | high-accuracy | powerfull

With the PLEX PCA-2000, high-level combustion analysis is easier and more accessible than ever before. Designed for any type of on-board or test-bed application, the PCA-2000® is suitable for automotive, motorcycle, marine, off-road and even UAV projects. The ultra-compact IP67 sealed high-speed data-logger comes with 4 or 8 channels for combustion sensors and has additional I/Os, CAN BUS and internal sensors (50Hz GPS / 100Hz IMU) for End-to-End logging without any compromises. It can log internally on it’s 1GB memory or stream the data in real time via Ethernet. What sets the system apart is in fact the PLEX PCA-WIN® Data Analysis Software, which not only provides unparalleled versatility, speed and customization but also helps one interpret complex data easily and derive inferences that will improve performance or reveal tough problems,not easily detectable by other means.

This product has been replaced by
the new PLEX PCA-2000+.

Key HW Features

High-Speed Analog Inputs

Up to 16x 200kHz analog inputs for combustion, intake, exhaust pressure, accelerometer and vibration sensors

High-Speed Analog Inputs

Up to 16x 200kHz analog inputs for combustion, intake, exhaust pressure, accelerometer and vibration sensors

Real-time Calculation

Max. pressure & position, IMEP, knock intensity, MFB50 calculated for each cylinder and event

Multi-purpose Inputs

8x additional inputs with selectable function: analog, digital and frequency

Rugged Ergonomic Enclosure

High quality CNC Aluminium case with IP67 sealing that protects it against weather/environment conditions

Engine Position Inputs

4x VR/Hall inputs to capture engine position using OEM crank triggers or optical encoders

Gigabit Ethernet

Very fast log memory download, real-time data streaming to PC and isolated operation

Analog Inputs

8x additional low speed analog inputs for temperature, pressure, frequency and other sensors

High-Speed Digital Inputs

8x digital inputs for capturing injection, ignition & other timing information synchronised with the engine position

1GB High-Speed Memory

Ultra-fast internal memory for capturing combustion data at Formula 1 speeds

Connectivity

2x configurable CAN BUS ports, 1x configurable Serial port (RS232) & 1 configurable Lin BUS

Built-in GPS/IMU Module

Integrated 50Hz GPS module with 100Hz IMU for precise position and orientation measurements

RGB LED LIGHTS

Three configurable LEDs to indicate operation status, logging and errors or warnings
PRODUCT HARDWARE DETAILS
PLEX PCA-2000 COMBUSTION ANALYSER AND LOGGER
PCA-WIN® | POWERFUL COMBUSTION ANALYSIS SOFTWARE

The revamped software for the PCA Combustion System helps you interpret complex data easily and derive inferences that improve performance, drivability and quality or resolve hidden problems, not detectable by other means. Designed to be both versatile and quick/ easy to use, the PCA-WIN® comes with zero compromises in terms of advanced customisation options or high-end functionality. Each PCA-2000® purchase gives a PCA-WIN® license with two seats. Click screenshots for larger view.

PCA_WIN_SCREENSHOT_6

Customisable UI

User defined layout of tabs and panels with handy panel docking similar to latest Windows SW suite.

Easy File Comparison

Seamlessly switch between single and comparison view even for completely different file types such as a dyno run with a track lap.

Video File Sync

Sync and review your video data along with the log data to get additional information on driver performance and data context

Fast Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts for the main menu and panel functions speed up the set-up time and real-time analysis considerably.

Live Data Updating

Zoom levels & cursors are linked among all analysis panels/graphs allowing automatic rescaling & cross referencing of data.

CSV Data Import

Take advantage of the PLEX Data Analysis Sw & use it to analyse data, from any logging system (ECUs, dedicated loggers, etc)

Smart Tuning Maps

Optimise your fuel and ignition maps by analysing the log data in tuning maps with the same breakpoints as your ECU.

Built-in Project Database

Create and keep track of events, tracks, drivers, vehicles and engines for easy referencing and historical data tracking.

Multiple Data Graphs & Reports

Line-graphs, navigation graphs, XY graphs, histograms, gauges, track-maps, tuning maps, laps/runs reports, data values at cursor, section analysis and channel statistics.
NEW VALVE MOTION ANALYSIS SOFTWARE MODULE
PLEX_PCA-WIN_SPINTRON_ANALYSIS

With the new Valve Analysis software module the PCA-2000 can be used as for datalogging and processing data from a Spintron machine.
The PCA-2000 interfaces with the Spintron crank position encoder and Laser Valve Tracking system as well as other sensors including temperature and strain gauges to provide real time graphical and numeric analysis of the valve motion. It is easy to detect valve loft, toss and bounce as well as measure spring harmonics using the valve lift, velocity, acceleration graphs and calculated values. The modern software provides advanced customisable data visualisation capabilities and also a database for storing and documents test results.

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INDICATIVE COMBUSTION SPECIFIC CALCULATIONS

Pmax& Pmax CA

Start - End of Combustion

Volumetric Efficiency

Heat Release graph % max value & max value CA

dPmax & dPmax CA

Burn Angles

Pre-ignition & Misfire Detection

MFB graph & CA50, CA90 values

IMEP net, Gross, Pumping

Torque, Power

Knock Intensity, Max Pressure, Energy

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Microsoft Windows

Minimum version 7, 8, 10 (64bit)

Memory

2GB RAM

HD Space

200MB

Visual Performance

Aided by graphics acceleration
EXAMPLE APPLICATIONS & USAGE CASES

MOTORSPORTS

  • Engine Development & Calibration: for each cylinder study power output, fuel burn efficiency, optimum ignition timing, knock/pre-ignition/misfires, cylinder filling, intake & exhaust tuning, etc.
  • On-Vehicle Engine Monitoring: log combustion parameters to analyse with  other engine and vehicle data and compare engine performance between track an dyno.
  • Engine Control: use real-time calculated combustion parameters for closed loop torque and ignition control

EDUCATION SECTOR

  • Academic Research: study and validate combustion processes, optimisation modes and control methods
  • Hands-on Teaching: demonstrate real-time combustion pressure behaviour
  • Competitions: gain advantage by utilising advanced combustion pressure intelligence to improve performance of racing projects (FSAE, etc)

INDUSTRIAL

  • Monitoring: perform real-time monitoring of propulsion engines and generators

AVIATION & UAVs

  • Engine Development & Calibration
  • On-Vehicle Monitoring
  • Engine Control
INDICATIVE SENSOR COMPATIBILITY CHART

Selecting the right type of sensor for each application is perhaps the most challenging area related to reliable combustion analysis as it always involves a give-and-take decision that is based on the budget, the objectives, the framework and the specificities of each project. Our diversified experience with customers ranging from OEMs & high-end engine builders, to racing teams, universities and industrial companies allows us to provide objective advise and guidance that will enable you to make an informed decision. Any type of pressure sensor* whether for in-cylinder drilling or with a modified sparkplug, can be fitted and configured to the PCA-2000.

* AVL & Kistler Sensor require external amplifiers.

PCA-2000 SENSOR COMPATIBILITY CHART
Supported Sensor Vendors
PLEX PCA-2000 COMBUSTION ANALYSER AND LOGGER
50HZ VEHICLE DYNAMICS MODULE

An integrated 50Hz GPS /100Hz IMU module enables very accurate measurements for a variety of applications such as driver analysis, lap timing, vehicle trajectory analysis, track mapping, acceleration-decceleration. It functions also as a full-fledged, always-on Performance Meter. In fact, the SDM-700 includes a complete VMU-900 which you can also buy separately as independent module or add-on for other products.

SOURIAU CONNECTORS

Two high quality motorsport 37pin connectors by Souriau plus one extra 8pin connector, designed for applications where high-performance, small size and lightweight are key factors. Made of rugged IP67 aluminium.

Fast & Intuitive HW Configuration on PC

The PCA-2000 logger uses our renowned PLEX Device Manager® SW for the configuration, which provides unmatched speed and intuitiveness without compromising advanced options. Since the PCA-2000 is an end-t0-end data logger with CAN BUS, additional I/Os and internal sensors (GPS/IMU), our configuration SW ease of use encourages utilising the complete potential our high speed data-logger offers and this way substitutes other external loggers.

CONFIG. OPTIONS
  • # of  Press. Channels: 4 or 8
  • Internal Memory: 2GB
Technical Spec
  • Sealing: IP67
  • Weight: 250g
  • Dimensions: w 100mm x h 100mm x 25/39mm
What’s Included?
  • Logger (HW & FW)
  • Ethernet Cable
  • GPS Antenna
  • SW License (2x seats)
  • Hard Case
INDICATIVE CUSTOMERS

PLEX PCA-2000®

This product has been replaced by
the new PLEX PCA-2000+.

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