P
Peter.Hiscocks@gmail.com
Guest
This is Newsletter # 9 of the Open Instrumentation Project.
The OIP makes open-source software and economical high-technology
instrumentation hardware for students, hobbiests, engineers and
scientists.
Current instruments include oscilloscope (with spectrum analysis),
arbitrary/function waveform generator and Bode Plot network analyser.
CircuitGear
-----------
In September of 2008 we launched CircuitGear, a combination
Oscilloscope,
Waveform Generator and Digital I/O. This new product has been very
popular.
We've since added features such as x1:x10 readout, Bode plot
autoscaling and
digital presistence - and fixed numerous bugs. The software is now at
version 1.11. If you have an earlier version, we recommend upgrading.
http://www.syscompdesign.com/download.htm
As usual for the Open Instrumentation Project, the software is Open
Source,
licenced under the GPL, and runs on the Windows, Linux and Mac
platforms.
Highlighted Feature: Generator Sweep Range
------------------------------------------
Back in the days of analog function generators, one of us spent many
weeks
struggling to make an audio sweep generator for a loudspeaker
manufacturer.
It had to sweep a 1000:1 range in frequency over the audio band and
not
drift like a thermometer.
Using the modern digital techniques of Direct Digital Synthesis , the
Syscomp WGM-101 and CGR-101 can sweep over a range of frequency
1000000:1
(or any subrange of that) with a precision and accuracy of 0.1Hz. At
the
same time the DSO-101 or CGR-101 oscilloscope can plot the swept
frequency
response of a network over the same frequency range. This used to
require a
multi-thousand dollar rack of equipment. CircuitGear costs $180US,
does
arbitrary waveforms and can fit in a pocket. Some things do get
better.
New Application Notes
---------------------
http://www.syscompdesign.com/tech.htm
Current and Power Waveform Measurement Technique,
Useful hints on measuring current and displaying instantaneous power.
Oscilloscope Probes:Theory and Practice,
Understanding the scope probe.
Pulse Circuits for Infrared LEDs and Visible Diode Lasers,
A variety of pulse driver circuits for LEDs.
Pulse Oximeter Project Exercise,
An example of a 'guided design' exercise for senior EE students.
Oscilloscope Development, 1943-1957,
A history of early oscilloscope technology in North America.
--------------------
Details of the Open Instrumentation Project, hardware and software are
at
www.syscompdesign.com
If you have further questions or wish to be removed from this mailing
list,
our contact email is:
syscomp-support@magma.ca
Peter Hiscocks
April 2009
The OIP makes open-source software and economical high-technology
instrumentation hardware for students, hobbiests, engineers and
scientists.
Current instruments include oscilloscope (with spectrum analysis),
arbitrary/function waveform generator and Bode Plot network analyser.
CircuitGear
-----------
In September of 2008 we launched CircuitGear, a combination
Oscilloscope,
Waveform Generator and Digital I/O. This new product has been very
popular.
We've since added features such as x1:x10 readout, Bode plot
autoscaling and
digital presistence - and fixed numerous bugs. The software is now at
version 1.11. If you have an earlier version, we recommend upgrading.
http://www.syscompdesign.com/download.htm
As usual for the Open Instrumentation Project, the software is Open
Source,
licenced under the GPL, and runs on the Windows, Linux and Mac
platforms.
Highlighted Feature: Generator Sweep Range
------------------------------------------
Back in the days of analog function generators, one of us spent many
weeks
struggling to make an audio sweep generator for a loudspeaker
manufacturer.
It had to sweep a 1000:1 range in frequency over the audio band and
not
drift like a thermometer.
Using the modern digital techniques of Direct Digital Synthesis , the
Syscomp WGM-101 and CGR-101 can sweep over a range of frequency
1000000:1
(or any subrange of that) with a precision and accuracy of 0.1Hz. At
the
same time the DSO-101 or CGR-101 oscilloscope can plot the swept
frequency
response of a network over the same frequency range. This used to
require a
multi-thousand dollar rack of equipment. CircuitGear costs $180US,
does
arbitrary waveforms and can fit in a pocket. Some things do get
better.
New Application Notes
---------------------
http://www.syscompdesign.com/tech.htm
Current and Power Waveform Measurement Technique,
Useful hints on measuring current and displaying instantaneous power.
Oscilloscope Probes:Theory and Practice,
Understanding the scope probe.
Pulse Circuits for Infrared LEDs and Visible Diode Lasers,
A variety of pulse driver circuits for LEDs.
Pulse Oximeter Project Exercise,
An example of a 'guided design' exercise for senior EE students.
Oscilloscope Development, 1943-1957,
A history of early oscilloscope technology in North America.
--------------------
Details of the Open Instrumentation Project, hardware and software are
at
www.syscompdesign.com
If you have further questions or wish to be removed from this mailing
list,
our contact email is:
syscomp-support@magma.ca
Peter Hiscocks
April 2009