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Acquire
Data Acquisition Software
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Version 4.1 Now
Available
- Free upgrade for existing users! |
"Acquire" is the name of our dedicated data acquisition
software, recently again updated to add support for the models 7124
and 7270 lock-in amplifiers as well as being
thoroughly tested to run on PC's using either Windows XP or Vista
operating systems.
It uses the technology behind our SRInstComms
ActiveX control to allow you to operate up to ten of our instruments
simultaneously. Hence, for example, if you are making impedance
measurements you cause one lock-in amplifier to record the sample current
signal while a second logs the sample voltage. In experiments using our 5113
preamplifier you can adjust the settings, while in boxcar setups you can
record the output of a 4121B Boxcar Averager
via a 4161A Dual Channel ADC. And if you don't
have a 4161A, you can even use the auxiliary inputs and outputs on a
lock-it to run a boxcar experiment.
The software includes a powerful plotting engine that lets you show
data just as you want it using a variety of line styles, allows data
export to both text and CSV files, offers comprehensive clipboard support,
and includes a context-sensitive help system.
| The software also makes connecting up
hardware as easy as possible. There is no need to adjust
communications settings on the instrument - simply connect it up via
Ethernet, USB, GPIB, or RS232 serial (depending on the ports
available on the instrument and on the PC) and let the software find
it.
Each time you start the application it checks that the required
instruments are connected and warns you if they are not. |
Control multiple instruments at the same time
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The program offers two main operating modes, Virtual Front Panel and
Experiment Recording Mode, as follows:
Virtual Front Panel
In this mode virtually all of the functions of the connected
instrument(s) can be controlled from the computer via series of property
pages on a "remote front panel" property sheet. Each sheet
reflects the features available in the controlled instrument. Two data
outputs from the instrument can be selected from the range available and
these are clearly shown on-screen. If several instruments are connected
then separate panels can be opened for each one. Once correctly set up, a
button allows the panels to be shrunk to conserve screen space so that
only the outputs are displayed.
Experiment Recording Mode
In this mode an experiment is defined in which the instrument output(s)
are recorded as a function of some X-axis variable. The range of
possibilities for the X-axis variable depends on the capabilities of the
connected instruments, but include such parameters as time, frequency,
oscillator amplitude, auxiliary DAC voltage, digital delay and trigger
events.
Data is plotted to screen either as it is acquired or after acquisition
on user-defined axes. You can then adjust the display to the required form
prior to generating hard-copy output on any Windows compatible printer or
plotter. Data may also be exported to ASCII or CSV (comma separated
value) text files for further analysis with third party software.
The program includes the ability to save defined experiments as
"test" files allowing easy replication of previous runs.
Experiment definitions are also stored within saved data files, and can be
extracted and reloaded from them. If you need to run the same experiment
repeatedly then settings can be saved on program exit and reloaded on
startup for greater convenience.
Support for Curve Buffer and Fast Buffer/Transient Recorder Modes
The models 7225, 7265 and 7280 include 32,768 point curve buffers,
while those in the models 7124 and 7270 have 100,000 points. Acquire fully
supports these, including the use of binary curve dumps to speed data
transfer. Use of the buffer allows much faster data acquisition than is
possible when data is displayed to screen as it is being taken, while the
program now also allows frequency sweeps using the buffered mode.
Transient recorder mode will digitize any ±10V analog waveform to 16 bits
at 40kSa/s (25 µs per point) in the 7225, 7265 and 7280, while in
the 7124 and 7270 it can operate at rates up to 250kSa/s (4 µs per
point), giving a useful extra feature at no extra cost.
Specifications
Acquire is suitable for use with virtually all our computer-controlled
instruments and operates via either the RS232, GPIB (IEEE-488), Ethernet,
Direct USB, or USB (via models CE0115S or CE0116S)
interfaces. Up to ten instruments from the following list can be operated
simultaneously: 5105, 5106, 5110(A), 5209, 5210, 7124, 7220, 7220BFP,
7225, 7225BFP, 7260, 7265, 7270, 7280, 7280BFP, 7310, 4161A, 9650A
(with 9650A/97 GPIB option) and 5113. It requires a Pentium class computer
running at 600 MHz or faster with hard disk, CD, 2 MByte of free disk
space, suitable communications ports (either Ethernet, RS232, USB or a
free internal PCI bus slot), and Microsoft Windows XP/Vista or later for
full installation and operation. It includes a comprehensive
context-sensitive help system and free support is available to registered
users. If ordered through our normal distribution channels it is supplied
on a CD complete with 83-page printed instruction manual.
Connecting up...
When ordering this software, don't forget to make sure that you have a
suitable Ethernet, USB, RS232 or GPIB cable and GPIB interface card. Click
on the links below to reach these items.
What's new in Version 4.1?
The latest version of the software includes the following significant
changes from version 4.0:
- Version 4.1 adds support for the models 7124 and 7270 lock-in
amplifiers. Since these instruments have Ethernet, USB and RS232
computer interfaces, the program has also been updated to support
operation via Ethernet and USB, as well as RS232 and GPIB.
- The 7124 and 7270 include a fast data curve buffer, capable of
storing instrument outputs at sampling rates down to 1 µs per
point. This feature is similar to the "transient recorder"
mode found in other SIGNAL RECOVERY DSP lock-in
amplifiers, but stores up to eight outputs rather than just ADC1 and
ADC2. This mode and the normal buffered mode include extended trigger
capabilities and the software fully supports these.
- The 7124 and 7270 can generate amplitude and/or frequency modulated
internal oscillator signals, and so a new menu has been added to their
remote front panel controls to access this feature.
- The software has been fully tested to run under Windows Vista as
well as XP. Support for earlier versions of Windows is no longer
assured.
What's new in Version 4.0?
The latest version of the software includes the following significant
changes from version 3.x:
- New support for the model 7310 Noise Rejecting Voltmeter. Its
digital filter frequency can be used as a dependent X-axis variable,
allowing the software to use it to measure signal amplitude as a
function of frequency.
- Added logarithmic frequency sweep to X-axis excitation curves in
both buffered and normal modes. The software has always allowed
logarithmic display of X-axis values, but if the underlying data is
linear then the resulting plots show an uneven distribution of points.
- Added support for version 4.8 and later of the 7280 firmware, which
includes a better way of running buffered frequency response
experiments.
- It is now possible to display two cursors on curves plotted on the
left Y-axis, and two on curves plotted on the right Y-axis. Cursors
can be positioned anywhere on the plot and the corresponding X and Y
values are displayed. A cursor information box also shows the
differences in X and Y values, allowing direct readout, for example,
of the amplitude of peaks on displayed plots.
- When data is acquired in normal mode, the software now accurately
uses the specified time per point, as long as this is longer than
the time needed to set the values of excitation outputs and read the
required data points. So, for example, if the time per point is
set to 1.000 second, the stored data points will now be accurately at
1.000 second intervals. A new "Check" button allows the user
to determine what the minimum time per point is for the current
experimental set-up.
- The software now supports "daisy chain" operation of
compatible instruments. This makes it possible to use a single RS232
port, or model CE0116S USB-Serial Port Converter, to support more than
one instrument.
- The file export routine has been updated to handle large files,
reducing file conversion time for a 50,000 point file from 30 mins to
8 seconds. A conversion progress bar has also been added.
- Added ability to enter numbers including a multiplier into numeric
fields. For example, entering "1k" into an Oscillator
Frequency control is correctly interpreted and displayed as
"1000".
- Made the Open, Save and Save As... file name entry dialog boxes
remember their views, positions and sizes. When set to detailed
(report) view the dialogs also remember the column widths and sort
order, allowing, for example, the dialog always to open with the most
recent files listed at the top.
- The number representing the output value of the 8-bit digital port
fitted on many of the supported instruments can now be used as a
dependent X-axis output variable. If the bits of this port are used to
operate external relay multiplexers, then this new feature allows the
software to make sequential measurements on up to 256 signals.
- The line style used to display plots can now be set to show lines
with several different types of marker at each plot point, as well as
the traditional plain lines.
- Added support for the original design of line filter found in early
model 7220 and 7260s.
- The drawing routines have been updated to ensure that displayed data
curves are always shown correctly, even at very high magnifications.
- Fixed bug when using more than one readout per point or more than
one sweep to average.
- Fixed bug whereby when an experiment was loaded from file the
instrument(s) settings would not be correctly updated in all cases.
- The Help system has been updated to use the industry-standard
compiled HTML format.
Try before you Buy - Download Acquire Today!
This latest version of Acquire can be downloaded free of charge
by clicking the link below. When installed, it will operate in a
demonstration mode, known as DemoAcquire, for a period of seven days from
first installation. During this time you can evaluate the program to see
if it meets your needs, and if it does, choose to purchase it by
activating a link from within the software. Once you have purchased the
required Activation Code and installed it, the program will be fully
unlocked and operate in the full Acquire mode thereafter.
The download includes the full product manual in Adobe PDF format for
your convenience.
Product Support and Upgrades
Product support and upgrades are automatic and free of charge to
existing users of Acquire 3.00 and later versions. If you have already
purchased the product and installed it then you can simply download and
install any later version by clicking the link below, and the setup
program will update the existing installation. You do not need to
reactivate the updated program, since this is done automatically. This
procedure will ensure that all users of this software have the easiest
possible access to the latest version.
To check if you need to upgrade, see the product version number in the
program's "About" box and verify if this matches the version
given below. If it is a lower number then you should upgrade.
Product Activation
Following installation, the software will
function in the demonstration mode (DemoAcquire) until it is
activated. In order to complete the product activation, you will require a
unique activation code.
- If you have already placed a purchase order with us for the full
software package, then we will supply this code on receipt and
verification of details entered in the form that can be accessed by
clicking the link below.
- If you have not yet ordered the full software package then complete
the form that can be accessed by clicking the link below and we will
contact you to give details of pricing applying in your particular
territory.
Access
Acquire Product Activation Page
Using an earlier version?
If you are using an earlier version (i.e.
version number 2.9 or lower) of the package, and have registered your
purchase by returning the product registration document, then you qualify
for a reduced price upgrade. If you have never registered your purchase
then you may still do so by clicking the link below and completing the
form. We will then contact you with details of the upgrade price.
Access Registration
Document for Acquire Version 2.9 and earlier
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is
a trademark of AMETEK, Inc.