DEVELOPING AN ALL-IN-ONE, HIGH-SPEED, ANALOG DIGITIZATION PACKAGE FOR THE VAX COMPUTER

Abstract

The Physical Science Laboratory has developed a process for digitizing analog data using state-of-the-art equipment and software techniques. The problems encountered have been resolved using off-the-shelf computer equipment, a PSL interface unit, and systems application software to meet the specific needs of high-speed, analog data collection through digitization. The authors relate the problems encountered in collecting the raw data, processing it through the analog-to-digital converter and host computer, and recording the data on digital medium. The reader is taken through the design of a system to digitize analog data and log it on a high-speed computer disk system. The design is backed by actual test results showing the capabilities and limitations of the system. The paper illustrates the techniques used to collect the analog data through the system and the means used in the recovery process of the data in the post-collection period.