User`s manual
X5-GSPS XMC Module
Since alert packets contain status words such as temperature for each packet, a software alert can essentially be used to read
temperature of the module and so that it can be recorded.
Software Support for Alerts
Applications
have
different
needs
for
alert
processing.
Aside
from
the
bulk
movement
of
data,
most applications
require some
means
of
handling
special
conditions
such
as
post-processing
upon
receipt
of a
stop
trigger
or
closing
a
driver
when
an
acquisition
is
completed.
When
the
alert
system
is
enabled,
the
module
logic
continuously
monitors
the
status
of
the
peripheral (usually
analog)
hardware
present
on
the
baseboard
and
generates an
alert
whenever
an
alert
condition
is
detected.
It's
also
possible
for
application
software
to
generate
custom
alert
messages
to tag the data stream with system information.
The Malibu software provides support for alert configuration and alert packet processing. See the software manual for usage.
Tagging the Data Stream
The Alert Log can be used to tag the data stream with system information by using software alerts. This helps to provide system-
level correlation of events by creating alert packets in the data stream created by the host software. Alert packets are then created by
the X5 module and are in the stream of data packets from the module. For example it is often interesting when something happens
to the unit under test, such as a change in engine speed or completion of test stimulus.
Calibration
Each X5-GSPS is calibrated as part of the production tests performed. The calibration results are provided on the production
test report with each module. The results of the calibration are stored in the on-board EEPROM memory. These calibration
values are used by the logic to correct the analog errors and are loaded into the A/D as part of the initialization by the
software.
The calibration technique used determines the A/D errors by first measuring the output with ground connected, then a 0.9V
source, and a -0.9V source. The measurements are the average of 64K samples at each test voltage. From these three points
across the input range, the gain and offset errors are calculated.
All test voltages are measured as part of the procedure with NIST traceable equipment. Production calibration is performed at
room temperature (~24C) with the module operating temperature at about 65C.
Under normal circumstances, calibration is accurate for one year. For recalibration, the module can be sent to Innovative or
re-calibrated using a similar test procedure.
Updating the Calibration Coefficients
A software applet for writing the calibration coefficients to the EEPROM is provided (EEPROM.exe). New coefficients are
simply typed into the offset and gain field for each channel.
X5-GSPS User's Manual 87