Agilent / Central Engineering CENC-TAC8 8-Channel Tachometer Conditioner Module

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