Showing papers on "Data acquisition published in 1969"

Solid-state digital pressure transducer

Abstract: The solid-state digital transducer represents a new standard in precision pressure transduction for the next generation of airborne sensors. The pressure transducer produces pulse train outputs as a measure of pressure by developing strains in a silicon diaphragm which incorporates piezoresistive sensing elements. These elements are distributed resistance-capacitance (RC) networks which are diffused into a diaphragm surface as the control elements of phase shift oscillators. By this approach, a digital (frequency) signal generated at the source can be transmitted without noise and distance limitations and the need for precision analog to digital conversion is eliminated. The device exhibits advantages in the areas of reliability, accuracy, size and cost over present day analog devices. The solid-state digital pressure transducer is being developed to meet the requirements of supersonic and subsonic air data applications when coupled with a high-performance air data computer. This application requires low hysteresis with repeatability and stability which are the main features of the solid-state pressure transducer. Other possible applications are FM data acquisition systems and industrial robots.

Data acquisition and evaluating systems for a low resolution mass spectrometer

Abstract: Data from a combined gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer have been obtained and recorded on-line to an IBM 1800 computer, and also on an off-line digital magnetic tape recorder for later processing of the data by the computer. Incremental and continuous modes of recording were used and in all cases a fast electronic mass marker established the mass scale. Several hundreds of mass spectra were consecutively recorded. Computer programs have been developed to evaluate the mass spectrometric data.

Picosecond Beam Monitors and Data-Acquisition System

Abstract: The 30-A, 50-ps electron pulse generated by the EG&G/AEC linear accelerator permits the measurement of scintillator response functions and the study of other subnanosecond phenomena. To take advantage of this capability, a system for fast pulse monitoring has been developed. Faraday cups and nonintercepting monitors have been designed to measure the electron beam current, and are used in conjunction with a unique data-acquisition system for fast pulse measurements. This system uses the fastest available sampling oscilloscopes, modified for remote operation of the sampling elements, thus eliminating the signal distortion of the coaxial cable between the experimental measurement point and the data-recording area. The digitized output of the sampling oscilloscope is stored in a magnetic memory and repeatedly averaged to increase the signal-to-noise ratio, allowing the measurement of signals that are approximately 100 ps in duration and a few millivolts in amplitude. The digital information, recorded on either magnetic or paper tape, is compatible with computerized data-reduction techniques. This data-acquisition system may be used on any recurring fast pulse and offers a sensitivity-bandwidth improvement of about 105 over the best traveling-wave oscilloscopes.

Automation of data acquisition in patient testing

Abstract: Computer processing of medical signals for patient testing has emphasized the role of the data acquisition system. Highly standardized medical data acquisition systems are now required for use with computer processing. This paper discusses analog, digital, and hybrid acquisition systems for use with various computer systems and acquisition site environments. The tradeoffs for on-line and off-line processing and signal transmission are reviewed. Modular construction is required to meet the reliability requirements of clinicians and community health programs. Maintainability by personnel available to the user, that is, equipment operators and not necessarily highly skilled electronic technicians, is also discussed.

Computerized performance mapping of a thermionic converter with oriented tungsten electrodes

Abstract: Thermionic converter with oriented W electrodes, describing test method and computerized data acquisition for performance mapping

Automatic high-resolution mass measurement

Abstract: A hybrid analogue-digital analyzer for the online digitization of electrically recorded mass spectra. The device, which does not incorporate a digital computer, accurately selects peak maxima to provide triggering pulses for timing circuitry, and uses directly controlled buffer storage to reduce the effective rate of data acquisition to that of the average speed of the associated output channel. The analyzer is primarily intended to provide records of complete high resolution mass spectra suitable for off-line computer processing. For real time production of reduced and annotated spectra the analyzer may be used as an active interface directly coupled to a computer.

A Compact Data Acquisition and Control Terminal for Particle Accelerators

Abstract: The present trend towards automation of information-processing in particle accelerators dictates the need for a thorough evaluation of the method used in collection and dissemination of this information. A compact, remote terminal for use in automatic data acquisition and control of particle accelerators will be described. The terminal may be controlled by either special-purpose digital logic or by a central control computer. Interfacing to the various accelerator equipment is provided through analog and on-off control and monitoring modules. The detailed design of the logical portion of the remote terminal, in regard to data format, instruction, and command decoding, will be discussed. The method of selection of the appropriate module interface for completion of the desired function will also be treated. In addition, the equipment-interfacing design criteria resulting from actual implementation on accelerator devices will be discussed.

Real-time reduction of nuclear physics data

Abstract: Small scientific computers have been widely used in research laboratories for on-line data acquisition to improve the efficiency of data collection and to perform sophisticated data manipulation before storage. An equally productive use of such computers is for the subsequent reduction of these data in real time, permitting interaction between investigatar and computer and providing immediate interpretation of masses of data. This report describes the philosophy and techniques developed for the SCANS (Stanford Computers for the Analysis of Nuclear Structure) system for the reduction in real time of multichannel pulse-height spectra, which comprise the bulk of data in Nuclear Physics. The programming language for users is FORTRAN, to provide flexibility and ease in introducing and modifying sophisticated concepts such as nonlinear least-squares fitting. Software interface to specific real-time hardware devices such as oscilloscope display and light pen is accomplished via library subroutines which perform a variety of general purpose services. Several different applications of this approach to various types of data spectra are discussed to illustrate the degree of mutual interaction achieved between investigator and computer and the resultant optimization of reduction techniques to suit particular types of data.

High-speed store separation - Correlation between wind-tunnel and flight-test data.

Abstract: The problems associated with separation of stores from high-speed aircraft can be studied by the use of several wind-tunnel test techniques. Attention is given to the three most useful of these techniques: 1) dynamically scaled drop-model testing, 2) flowfield survey testing, and 3) captive trajectory testing. A description of each method is given, and data obtained are shown to approximate full-scale flight-test data within acceptable limits.

The Data Collection Interface Used by the BNL Data Acquisition and Analysis Complex

Abstract: The Data Collection Interface used by the BNL Data Acquisition and Analysis Complex provides a convenient generalized means of interconnecting a series of unrelated devices into as many as eight logically independent arrays. For each array data are read from the devices, packed together to form convenient descriptor addresses and then transmitted to the computer to be stored in an independent spectrum of arbitrary size and number of dimensions.

Computer facilities for the laboratory

Abstract: Digital computers have become indispensible aids for many laboratory disciplines, allowing the performance of experiments which would be infeasible without the aid of a computer. Until recently, these computations have usually been carried out off-line, i.e., experimental data has been acquired in real time and subsequently processed on a large central computer. Small, relatively inexpensive digital computers first entered the laboratory as a substantial aid in real-time acquisition of data and control of experiments. Such computers, however, suffer severe limitations with regard to ultimate processing of the data. Hence the data processing must still generally be done on a large computer. To realize the full potential of computer-instrument interaction, one should use the computer to: acquire data while performing requisite control of an experiment; calibrate, reduce, and compare the data with files of known physical parameteorsr theoretical calculations; and finally, produce desired reports and documentations of the experiment. In order to obtain results soon enough to effect the next experiment, i.e., in minutes, or at most, tens of minutes, all of the foregoing steps should preferably be carried out in single computer. Fulfilling all of these needs requires a computer too large and expensive to be dedicated to most single experiments. Therefore, a computer shared among several instruments is required. A computer system which simulates the independence of small dedicated computers, but which is also capable of performing medium- to large-scale computations when they are required, is most desirable. Of course, many of these statements are controversial, and in order to investigate the validity of this approach an experimental computer system has been designed and implemented specifically for automation of multiple laboratory instruments in a timeshared mode. Experience gained from the simultaneous operation of a mass spectrometer, a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, and two gas chromatographs is presented. The application programs and some proposed augmentation of these programs are also discussed.

Tracking and data acquisition for space exploration

Abstract: The tracking and data acquisition systems provide the key link between the remote spacecraft and the scientific experimenter on the ground. The operation of the space experiment takes place through the links of command, telemetry and tracking. The evolution from the early very simple spacecraft missions toward more complex and sophisticated missions has been paralleled by a similar evolution in the tracking and data acquisition systems. The early Minitrack interferometer tracking system still carries the major tracking workload for space missions; however greater tracking accuracy requirements for more recent missions, such as the Orbiting Geophysical Observatory and the Apollo mission, have brought about the development of unified tracking and data acquisition systems which utilize hybrid pseudo-random code/sidetone ranging techniques. The data acquisition has evolved from analog telemetry systems to the present day heavy use of PCM digital telemetry. Likewise the command systems have evolved from early simple ‘on/off’ command systems into PCM digital command data systems. The trend is toward greater real time control of more complex functions on board the spacecraft. Newer spacecraft are incorporating computer-type systems in the spacecraft which require programming and memory load through the ground command link. The most attractive concept for the next generation network for tracking and data acquisition is a network consisting of synchronous-orbit Tracking and Data Relay Satellites for covering launches and low-orbit earth satellites plus a few selected ground stations for supporting spacecraft in high earth orbit and lunar orbit.

Data acquisition system

Abstract: A LOW POWER REQUIREMENT DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM IS DISCLOSED. THE SYSTEM IS ADAPTED TO CONTINUOUSLY DIGITALLY RECORD A SENSED SCALER MEASUREMENT WHICH MAY REPRESENT, FOR EXAMPLE, AN ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION SUCH AS TOTAL WIND." THE SYSTEM IS FURTHER ADAPTED TO RECORD DIRECTIONAL INDICATION VALUES CORRELATED WITH THE SCALER MEASUREMENTS. DIGITAL REPRESENTATIONS OF THE MAGNITUDE AND DIRECTIONAL VALUES ARE STORED FOR LATER TRANSMISSION TO A REMOTE CENTRAL PROCESSING POINT. THE REPRESENTATIVE DIGITAL DATA MAY READILY BE CONVERTED TO AN ACCURATE VICTORIAL REPRESENTATION TO PROVIDE AN ACCURATE HISTORY OF THE SENSED VECTORIAL EVENTS.

A data-acquisition system for the combination gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer

Abstract: A method for fast digital recording of low-resolution mass spectra has been developed. The method has been used for combination gas chromatography — mass spectrometry and allows, inter alia, on-line inspection of the data being recorded. Since the central unit of the acquisition system consists only of a multi-channel analyser, the system costs less than computer-based alternatives.

Underwater data acquisition device

Abstract: THE INVENTION RELATES TO AN UNDERWATER DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM WHEREIN A SENSING PROBE IS DEPLOYED FROM AN AIRCRAFT INTO A WATER MEDIUM. A SONAR TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER ARE LOCATED IN THE AIRCRAFT AND ARE ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED TO THE PROBE. WHEN THE PROBE HAS REACHED A DEPTH WITHIN THE WATER MEDIUM AT WHICH THE CAVITATION BUBBLE COLLAPSES, THAT IS WHEN ACOUSTICAL TRANSMISSION FROM THE PROBE IS OPTIMAL, THE SONAR TRANSMITTER IS CAUSED TO OPERATE TO TRANSMIT SONAR ENERGY TO THE PROBE.

A Multiprogrammed Operating System for Nuclear Physics Data Acquisition

Abstract: A multiprogrammed operating system for nuclear physics data acquisition has been developed as part of a Yale/IBM Joint Study. The system supports multiple users in a fully protected environment. Features of the system include dynamic storage allocation, a fully reentrant supervisor, language and device independence, dynamic priorities, virtual device utilities, and extensive inter-task communication facilities. An application example is presented.

Automatic Measurement of Equilibrium Orbits at the Brookhaven AGS

Abstract: A method of equilibrium orbit measurement in a synchrotron which utilizes a small computer for on‐line data acquisition and analysis is presented. It includes a discussion of a low cost transducer circuit which is capable of processing the high frequency, phase sensitive pulse train signals obtained from pickup electrodes located along the circumference of an alternating gradient accelerator. The analog signal thus obtained is directly suitable for use by a computer's analog/digital converter. The speed with which orbits may be measured combined with the inherent flexibility of a programmable device enables accelerator physicists and machine operators to more readily probe into the behavior of the Brookhaven AGS.

MIDAS: A Multilevel Interactive Data Acquisition System

Abstract: A system is described for using a medium scale computer in real time data acquisition, analysis, and control of high-energy physics experiments utilizing wire spark chambers.

An interactive graphics system for nuclear data acquisition

Abstract: The graphics terminal described was developed for low-energy nuclear-physics data acquisition and control, and is currently in use at the Yale University Wright Nuclear Structure Laboratory as part of an IBM System/360 Model 44-based system. It is comprised of dual cathode ray tube displays, a light pen, and function keyboard, and includes character generation, display simulation, and photographic facilities. It is capable of plotting 200,000 points per second with variable intensity. The display programming structures, which support highly interactive communication between physicist and computer, are discussed in detail, A data acquisition programming system permits the creation and manipulation of self-describing global data and display entities. Examples of the resultant increased experimental sophistication and efficiency are presented.

Automation of a wide-range, general-purpose spectrophotometric system

Abstract: The application of an IBM 1800 computer to the control and data acquisition functions of a wide-range spectrophotometric system is described. The optical part of the system is designed primarily for solid-state spectroscopy in the reflectance mode, the energy range of interest being roughly 1 to 12 eV (104 to 105 cm-1). The operations of the computer include regulation of the wavelength setting, determination of the system gain, analog-to-digital conversioonf the output signal, and positioning of the sample and detector. Two experimental configurations are employed, depending on whether or not the sample and detectot are to remain stationary or to be repositioned during a run. The former holds for electroreflectance, fluorescence, and photoconductivity studies, while the latter pertains to ordinary reflectance and transmittance measurements. The principal advantage to be derived from on-line computer control of such experiments, besides more rapid accumulation and reduction of data, is the improvement in signal-to-noise ratio by averaging many repetitive scans over the same energy range. The emphasis in this paper is on the software used to implement these operations.

An Automated Resilience Apparatus for Polymer Studies from −196 to +180°C

Abstract: A rebound resilience apparatus was developed to study the dynamic mechanical properties of polymeric materials from −196 to +180°C. Resilience data at a frequency of about 3500 Hz are obtained by measuring ball velocity near the sample with a photoelectric device. Frequency of impact is estimated using a microphone pickup. The results are recorded automatically with a data acquisition system designed for the test. The apparatus is virtually automatic in operation and has wide flexibility in sample configuration, temperature range, and temperature control. The results can be related to other dynamic mechanical properties data, and estimates of Young's modulus in the regions of high resilience can be made.

Growth of a laboratory computer system for nuclear physics

Abstract: A computer system may typically be expected to progress through a cycle terminating in overloading. The experience with an early system at the author's nuclear physics laboratory serves as an example. The original computer and a similar machine later installed with it are now overloaded and a new system is undecr onstruction. The success of the interactive data analysis on the original system has made it desirable to enhance the display and light pen facilities while reducing the computer time involved in generating the displays. The use of a data storage/display disc effectively provides off-line displays but requires more manipulation in data acquisition. The solution is found in the large number of processing units economically feasible with third-generation equipment. Two linked computers will perform data acquisition and analysis, the smaller performing data acquisition under the control of the larger, which will run a fairly simple time-sharing system. Together with several I/O processors, this hierarchy of processors will provide ease of program development and a very high degree of computational power and data acquisition capability.

Data Acquisition Computer with Foreground-Background Operating System

Abstract: An on-line data acquisition computer system is described which runs background computational programs while it is acquiring data independently of and asynchronously with the program A combination of hardware and software prevents loss of data and destruction of the system through errors in Fortran background programs