Data acquisition systems for non periodic signal with real-time data compression

This paper presents two data acquisition systems. They acquire non-periodic signals and execute a real-time compression of data, based on variable sampling frequency versus absolute value of signal derivative. The proposed systems adopt a method including a timing information directly in the data stream, using a compact coding format. They are realized with one using an analog architecture and one using a digital architecture, based on field-programmable-gate-array technology. A brief description of the methodology developed for the data compression for the systems is reported. Subsequently the proposed systems architecture is described. The adopted software and hardware solutions are discussed and some examples of applications are also given. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.