The data acquisition system is currently based on a desktop computer running a Linux operating system. The system has many A/D input channels available (and is readily expandable) with signal conditioning for thermocouples, RTD's, pressure transmitters, strain gauges, etc., suitable for both steady-state and transient measurements, with scanning speeds typically 10 Hz/channel. There are various analog and relay output, and digital I/O channels for process control. The main computer scans the data channels, converts the signals to engineering units and provides the data to other computers in a high speed network.

Data Acquisition Control Room

Specialized software tools have been developed for on-line data acquisition, process control, graphical and text output displays, post-test data analyses, and communications. Our expertise is strong in writing and implementing custom software for gathering and processing of a wide variety of signals and converting them into useful engineering information to suit our customer's needs. The process controls and data displays are shared amongst several Windows/Linux computers connected via Ethernet. Data are provided to the customer in electronic form on standard CD or DVD media.

We also have 24 high speed DAC channels (Microstar cards) which are interfaced to the data acquisition system and can record at up to 770 kHz per channel for at least 1 second duration. A Zonic Workstation 7000 Signal Analyzer system with a VAXStation 3100 work station is capable of recording and processing up to 48 analog input channels at frequencies up to 5 kHz per channel.