DAPAS, a computerised workplace for Digital Acquisition and Processing of Analog Signals, with up to two gigabytes data per registration

Abstract

A comprehensive and flexible arrangement for Digital long-term Acquisition and Processing of Analog Signals (DAPAS) has been developed. It is especially designed for neurophysiological laboratories and mainly based on IBM-compatible PC components. A/D converters are used, which allow sampling rates of up to 100 kHz (up to 16 bits, 1–16 channels). Signals are stored continuously on DOS devices and on a fast tape streamer, which uses standard video-8 tapes, and which is 2.8 times faster than DAT-based systems. As the recording speed is adapted to the sampling rate, one tape allows recording times of (uncompressed) data acquired at a sampling rate of 100 or 10 kHz of 6.8 and 68 h, respectively. Using a coprocessor-video device, recordings may be scrolled on- or off-line on the screen. In addition, up to eight multi-channel oscilloscopes are displayed simultaneously. DAPAS allows the use of a conventional matrix printer which can act as an inertia-free multi-pen recorder. Defined stored signals are recalled by means of a time code or textual markers. All sections of recordings lasting milliseconds to hours may be displayed within seconds. DAPAS supports export filters for further processing. Thus, this system replaces analog devices (multi-pen recorder, oscilloscope, data recorder), and enables quick, complete digital processing and analysis of neurophysiological data.