Data Acquisition

Introduction and Reference Documentaion for Computerised Data Acquisition in Python

Introduction

In the APL many experiments have computer-based data acquisition systems and some also require the experiment to be controlled by a computer. The main work horse is the National Instruments multi-function USB-6008 module, but a few other systems are also in use. This page is to provide a basic introduction to data acquisition techniques and to provide information on how to communicate with the data acquisition hardware through Python.

Topics

• Data Acquistion Hints and Tips

  A quick overview of how to structure your DACQ code and some other things to look out for.

• DACQ General Concepts

  Get up-to-speed on general data acquisition concepts.

• NI USB-6008/6009

  Learn how to control the National Instruments multi-function USB-6008 module from Python.

• IEEE-488

  Learn how to use the IEEE-488 interface to communicate with compatible devices.

• RBD 9103 Picoammeter

  Learn how to communicate with the RBD 9103 USB Picoammter using serial communications.

• Fresnel Diffraction using Ultrasound

  Documentation for the control and data acquisition for the Fresnel Diffraction with Ultrasound experiment.