Currently available for Windows 9x, this software package is based around a graphical display front end with software module support for various acquisition and analysis functions. The Acquisition Engine front end itself is an open-source project distributed under the GNU General Public Licence licence with the module interface it implements incorporated into the licence. The modules that make the software specific to a Cairn system are sold separately and support for all purchased modules is extended to, and fully covers, the Acquisition Engine front end.
Acquisition Engine Screen Shot
The packages modular design makes it easy to tailor to specific needs and easy to upgrade and keep at the cutting edge of computing technology. Currently available Cairn modules include....
Optoscan - This module provides software control of the Cairn Optoscan monochromator from within the software. It includes...
- Full dumb terminal, which emulates the Optoscan front panel.
- Settings backup and restore functions.
- The ability to program the optoscan wavelength information.
- The ability to run programs under sotware control at the start of acquisition session.
DT301 - This module provides support for the Data Translation DT301 Analogue to Digital PCI Acquisition Card. This provides up to 16 unipolar or bipolar analogue inputs that can be sampled with 12-bit resolution. The card has a maximum overall sampling rate of 225KS/sec which can be divided between the active channels.
Calculations - This module provides the software with the ability to calculate sum and ratio data from incoming acquired data. The Calculations can be viewed as they are made in acquisition mode and be viewed and edited after acquisition in analysis mode.
Analysis - This module implements a smoothing by fives averaging filter algorithm which can be applied to the recorded data and viewed in analysis mode. More data processing functions are currently under development.
