Press Release for SigBook

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Portable DSP/Acq Packs a Punch

DALLAS, TX (December 1, 1997)— SigBook is a super-small, super-portable DSP-based data acquisition unit for intelligent data acquisition and measurement tasks. SigBook’s powerful DSP provides advanced data acquisition and signal processing features, yet at the same time packs this capability into a small space: 5.5" x 3.5" x 1.5" external unit, which connects to a laptop or notebook PC via enhanced parallel port (EPP) or optional high-speed ISA interface card.

SigBook intelligent data acquisition functions include smart monitoring, advanced triggering features, digital filtering, spectrum analyzer, data logging, sampling rate conversion, simultaneous record and playback, stimulus & response measurement, acoustic measurement functions, continuous signal generation (including arbitrary waveforms), and more.

SigBook contains two (2) 16-bit sigma-delta analog I/O channels with 90 dB SNR typical, powerful 66 or 100 MHz Motorola DSP56303 processor, 32k x 24 fast SRAM, and RS-232 and high-speed parallel digital I/O options. All analog I/O is sampled simultaneously; sampling rates range from 4 to 48 kHz. A DSP “decimation” function can be used to achieve lower sampling rates, down to 10Hz. Analog inputs are line-level dc- or ac-coupled, with software-selectable input gain from 0 to 22.5 dB. An acoustic amplifier option is available, which provides dual XLR microphone input, phantom power, and gain control. For stand-alone and low-power operation, SigBook contains FLASH EEPROM; also the DSP56303 processor has an onchip PLL register which allows software- control of clock frequency. SigBook is contained in an EMI-resistant .06" anodized aluminum enclosure.

SigBook is supported by Real-Time Composer™ and Hypersignal software. DirectDSP software provides C/C++, MATLAB, Visual Basic, and LabVIEW programming interfaces and source code and project file examples. Real-Time Composer™ software provides a visual design environment and user-interface for simulation, analysis, display/instrument, measurement, and real-time code generation. Hypersignal-Macro  software can be augmented by the Real- Time Code Generator software to provide user-defined DSP code and real-time code modification and addition.

SigBook’s small size, low power consumption and fast parallel port interface make it perfect for use in the field with laptop- and notebook-based data acquisition systems. Primary applications include smart monitoring, portable test systems, acoustic measurement and structure analysis, sound and vibration measurement, seismic signal measurement, audio and telecomm system measurement, and medical systems. SigBook is ideal for any field application where conventional data acquisition is not enough, and real-time signal processing is required.