A Data Acquisition and Processing System for High Frequency Repetitive Waveforms

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is two-fold: to develop a computerized data acquisition system to replace a system using an oscilloscope-mounted Polaroid camera for recording waveforms, and secondly, to develop the processing software to supplement and ultimately replace the manual interpretations of the recorded signals. The impetus for upgrading the original acquisition system is provided by two main factors. The first is the volume and cost of the film required to record an entire waveform using the Polaroid camera and second, the time consuming method of recording and splicing the individual pictures together to form a complete waveform. The current system requires 10 minutes to record and 10 minutes to splice a single waveform. This excessive time precludes continuous profiling and immediate interpretation. Further time could be saved by changing from the manual interpretation technique to one performed by software. Greater consistency in interpretation results could also be achieved. To meet and exceed the resolution of the Polaroid-recorded waveform, the data acquisition system would require a sampling rate of 1 GHz. Sampling in real time at 1 GHz is possible. Systems are available that meet and exceed this sampling rate. However, the cost of these systems is prohibitive. This thesis covers the development of a low cost acquisition system that fills the 1 GHz sampling rate requirement. The analysis of the data is ad hoc hence the development of specialized software is also necessary. The development of the critical processing software will be covered.