DAS8  Data Acquisition System

Features: User programmable data collecting and monitoring from extensive configuration menus Light rugged package, ideal for airborne and mobile applications Multiprocessor, multi-tasking architecture Multiple scans with variable rates Movable display keyboard allows remote control PC compatible data when used with the SCSI interface Up to 96 Analog Inputs (16 bit resolution) Modular approach with a wide selection of interface module: Analog, Serial, Hard Disk (SCSI), Video, ARINC, BCD, Spectrometer, IEEE-488, and many more Directly interfaces with the RMS Instruments’: HDS Hard Disk and Streamer Tape Drive RHD40 Removable Hard Disk Cartridge Drive (data format MS-DOS compatible) GR33A and GR34A Graphic Recorders

Description

The DAS8 is a user programmable, multiprocessor based data acquisition and recording system which is capable of receiving data from a variety of sources, and recording all or selected portions of this data on various media.  A movable keyboard/display is included for operating, programming and monitoring the instruments.  The DAS8 is designed to operate in moderately harsh environments, making it ideally suited for airborne and mobile applications.  The modular approach allows the flexibility of selecting a cost effective system for an immediate specific data acquisition requirement, yet provides for future alteration and expansion as requirements grow.

Data Acquisition

The system software allows the user to easily program a routine(s) to acquire data from a number of different sources, analog or digital, and to output to various recording media such as hard disk drives, and tapes etc., as well as the RMS Instruments' GR33A graphic recorder.  When interface modules are added or removed, the software automatically provides access to the related menus for easy programming.  There is no need to return the system to the factory for application specific software.  A current program that is stored in the system's nonvolatile memory is ready for immediate use at power on.  Other programs can be stored on disk or tape and loaded when required.  Three separate scans are provided allowing different data to be sampled or functions to be performed at different rates.
 
 

DAS8 and HDS Data Acquisition and Recording System

Complete Data Acquisition System When the DAS8  is combined with any of the RMS Instruments’ magnetic recording media, such as the HDS Hard Disk and Streamer Tape Drive and the RHD40 removable Hard Disk Cartridge Drive,  and the model GR33A graphic recorder, a very compact system is realized.  These systems combine a programmable data acquisition system with a hard copy multi-channel chart recorder, and also the ability to store data on an easily transportable medium for processing and analysis in the field or at a data center.

Easy Operation

Upon power-up, the operator can quickly begin to collect and monitor data using the program stored in the nonvolatile memory.  In addition, provisions are made for manual entries such as project numbers etc.  Monitoring of the systems’ performance is conveniently and clearly presented on the GR33A graphic recorder, as well as on the keyboard/display which can be relocated up to 5 meters away for remote operation.

Easy Programming

The built-in system software allows the user to configure a data collecting routine to suit their own requirement even when modules are added or deleted from the system.  The system software provides this flexibility through an extensive array of menus that allows the user to select the data, the rate of sampling, as well as the organization of how the data is to be recorded on both the chart recorder and the magnetic media.  Data and function routines are referred to by system ‘names’ and ‘letters’, and when these symbolic names are included in a list, they are executed automatically when the scanning sequence encounters them - NO SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING EXPERIENCE  IS NECESSARY!

Easy Data Verification

With the use of the resident utility programs, a user may confirm or verify data by reading back the contents of the tape, disk or a data buffer, and display it on the keyboard/display, the GR33A graphic recorder, or a terminal.  Other routines are provided to copy from disk to tape/tape to disk, up-load programs or to produce traces from recorded data onto the recorder, and many more.

Extended Data Buffering

The  SCSI Interface module, provides 60 Kbytes (15 pages x 4K) of buffering which greatly minimizes any data loss that could occur when another acquisition period begins and the recording device reports “busy”.  Without buffering, this can be a serious problem in real time data acquisition and recording.

Easy Interfacing

The modular approach of the DAS8 makes expanding a basic system a simple matter of installing an interface module and using the built-in configuration menus to program a new data collecting routine.  A wide selection of interface modules is available to meet most applications.
 

Basic DAS8 Data Acquisition System

RMS4183A  Microcomputer Module with system software

The RMS4183A Microcomputer Module (MCM) is a multiprocessor controlled module which contains in EPROM, the built-in system software.  The data system is in a multiprocessor configuration with the MCM in a supervisory role controlling data transfer functions and timing between the keyboard, other interface modules, and the Chart Recorder.  The nonvolatile memory for the storing of a program is also located on this module, as well as the CMOS real-time calendar clock with battery backup.  The MCM also has an interface controlled by a separate processor to communicate directly with a GR33A Chart Recorder.  Menus are provided for the configuring of the recorder where the user has the choice of fully or partially controlling the recorder - detailed specifications.

(Up to 96 channels)  Each microprocessor based Analog Input Module provides 32 differential analog inputs, plus 6 TTL/CMOS compatible event inputs, and one pulse input.  The analog inputs are digitized to 16 bit resolution over the range of ±10V.  The data is available in 2's complement form (2 bytes/channel) or can be converted to ASCII (7 bytes/channel) by programming in one of the built-in routines.  Menus are provided for the application of built-in digital filters, the assignment of signals to the chart recorder, polarity inversion, etc. - detailed specifications.

The SCSI (small computer system interface) provides for the recording of data collected by the DAS8 to be recorded on hard disks, optical disks and tape recorders that are readily available on this bus.  This module is totally compatible with the RMS Instruments' HDS Hard Disk and Tape Streamer Drive, and the RHD40 Removable Disk Cartridge recording systems.  The data format on these hard drives is MS-DOS compatible, making it ideal for those processing data in the PC environment. - detailed specifications.

The microprocessor based Tape Interface Module provides an interface between the data acquisition system and an industry standard 9-track 1/2 inch tape drive with built-in formatter.  Menus are provided to configure block (record) data transfers, control tape movement, as well as utilize the built-in utilities to play back data - detailed specifications.

The microprocessor based Serial Interface Module is a 4-channel synchronous/asynchronous full duplex RS232/RS422 interface with high speed and masking capabilities used to transmit or receive serial data streams - detailed specifications.

The movable keyboard/display in an intelligent unit containing its own microprocessor, communicating via a serial link to the Microcomputer Module in the DAS8 Console.  The backlit LCD display provides 2 lines of 80 characters each for system monitoring and programming with the menu driven items.  The keyboard/display is also equipped with a rotary encoded wheel to facilitate cursor positioning, and for scrolling vertically or horizontally through messages which are greater in size than the LCD window.  During programming, the wheel is also used for scrolling through lists of items for selection.

RMS4190 Video Interface

The Video Interface Module provides for the superimposing of data from the DAS8 onto a video signal for display and recording.  Up to 2 lines of 32 characters each of alphanumeric information can be defined and superimposed on the video signal, e.g. the real-time clock, project I.D., event number, navigation data, etc.  A moving cross hair can be activated by the user and is positioned in the X and Y axis by 2 signals applied to the RMS4185A Input Module - detailed specifications.

The RMS4241A Gamma Ray  Spectrometer Interface Module is a microprocessor based Gamma Ray Spectrometer interface and is compatible with Geometrics' GR-800D, and Exploranium's GR-820 spectrometers (inquire regarding other makes and models).  This module utilizes a parallel interface for the digital data transfer.  Data can be converted to ASCII and monitored on the keyboard/display utilizing the User Defined Display facility - detailed specifications.

This four-channel ARINC microprocessor based interface with masking capabilities  can be individually configured for the following ARINC data transfer standards: 429 (high or low speed), 419, 561, 568, 575 and 579 formats.  The ARINC data can be recorded on tape, transmitted out of the data system via the RMS4272A Serial Interface, or produce a trace or alphanumeric printout on the recorder - detailed specifications.

The IEEE-488 Interface Module permits operation as a talker/listener on an IEEE-488 compatible instrument bus.  The interface provides for the sending or receiving of data, as well as the receiving of control and programming data - detailed specifications.

(2 modules maximum)  Each Digital Interface Module provides 20 parallel BCD digit inputs or 80 general purpose lines.  The data system provides BCD to ASCII conversion as well as access to the raw data - detailed specifications.

For applications where higher accuracy is desired, and/or where implementation of software for data re-arrangement at processing time represents a problem, or where simply it is desired to have all data structuring and time-tagging taken care in real-time, we have implemented a scheme for synchronization of the data systems and AADCII Compensator  to the 1-PPS signal from a GPS receiver, which uses the event input port in a modified version of the Analog Input Module, RMS4185A-PPS - detailed specifications.

Magnetic Recording Systems

HDS Hard Disk & Streamer Drive - specifications
RHD40 Removable Hard Disk Cartridge - specifications
 

Installation
 

Size:	19.0 x 5.25 inches (483 x 133.4) 19 inch rack mount  19.3 inch (490 mm) overall depth, extending 17.5 inches  behind mounting surface  Keyboard size: 16 x 5.35 x 1.75 inches (406 x 136 x 44.4 mm)
Power:	28 VDC, 7 Amps average
Weight:	33 lbs. (15 Kg), including 5 modules and keyboard
Temperature:	Operation:  -10°C to +45°C  Storage:     - 40°C to +70°C  except Keyboard Display
Humidity:	5% - 95% non-condensing

For technical specifications, refer to each module and interface.
 

Specifications subject to change without notice.