Data acquisition wave tracking module
This complements the Time Base Synchronization module previously released, which required time base signals to be digital signals such as IRIG-B or GPS.
Synchronization is about providing a common source for timing and aligning to it. Widely-distributed, network-intensive solutions can do this by embedding signal conditioning, converters, processor, and networked communication interface into every sensor.
The Wave Synchronization Module (WSM) can be used when a centralized station derives an accurate sinusoidal time reference signal. This can be synchronized to an external master time base. The sine wave is then distributed to each of the local data acquisition nodes.
Any data acquisition activity that aligns to this timing wave aligns to the master time base. The Wave Synchronization Module uses sampling of an xDAP system to observe both the sinusoidal time reference signal and the measured signal channels, simultaneously, as data.
The xDAP sampling clock can operate at any arbitrary rate high enough for good signal representation and for satisfactory time resolution. By associating positions within the observed timing signal and measured channels, every point in observed reference time has a unique corresponding point in the measured data.
Alignment to the time standard typically is better than 1/100000 of the timing cycle interval, with zero long-term phase drift.
Once the mathematical relationship between the timing signal and measured signals is known, a classic Shannon’s Theorem reconstruction can evaluate signals at any locations you want, not limited to the sampler hardware restrictions, and not limited to the reference signal restrictions.
The Wave Synchronization Module is available with the DAPtools Standard Version 6.2 software, purchased new with an xDAP data acquisition system from Microstar Laboratories, or as a software upgrade.
Visit Microstar Laboratories at www.mstarlabs.com
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