Description
The ADwin-Light-16 Real-Time Data Acquisition System is an intelligent real-time data acquisition and control system with analog and digital inputs and outputs, counters and a microprocessor with local memory. They are ideal, low-priced solutions for fast data acquisition and control in real time under Windows. Different configurations and expansion modules make these boards cost-effective for application-specific use. Based on one common design, the different versions include a PCI plug-in board, a CompactPCI version, a EURO-size plug-in board, and an external system in a robust metal enclosure.
The onboard SHARC DSP processor with its own local memory handles system management, data acquisition, on-line processing and control of outputs. Processing of each measurement can occur immediately after acquisition. The ADbasic control language allows users to program mathematical operations and functions which are executed immediately after each sampling step even at sampling rates as high as 100 kHz.
The ADwin software environment can be used under Windows (XP/Win7/Win8/Win10) and Linux, or as a stand-alone data acquisition system. Also, ADwin has drivers for many of the popular programming environments including Visual Basic, Visual C/C++, LabVIEW/LabWindows, TestPoint and others.
Software
ADwin operation with the PC
Multiple PCs can communicate with one ADwin system concurrently. This may be useful during the program implementation and setup. On the other hand, one PC can also access multiple ADwin systems e.g. in a network for a centralized monitoring of various applications.
While working with ADwin, the first step is always to download the real-time operating system to the ADwin system via the Ethernet or USB interface. Then, the ADbasic real-time processes can be loaded and started or stopped as required. Single values or whole data sets (arrays), e.g. measured or set-point values can be exchanged bi-directionally. The deterministic (exact and predictable in time) execution of the real-time processes is not affected by the communcation between ADwin and the PC.
Real-time development with ADbasic and ADtools
With ADbasic, you define the processing sequences that are executed on the ADwin hardware. ADbasic optimizes and compiles the program code on a mouse-click. After being loaded on the ADwin system by ADbasic or a graphical PC user interface, the real-time processes execute independently. ADbasic contains the functions to access all inputs and outputs as well as functions for floating-point operations, process control and communication with the PC. A library is provided which contains standard functions e.g. for filtering, various examples for counter use, closed-loop controllers, function generators etc. which leads to a faster program implementation.
With the easily configurable ADtools you are able to display your real-time data graphically or numerically, to visualize process sequencing or to set input values via potentiometers, sliders or push buttons. Additionally, ADtools always provide you with the current status of your ADwin system resources.