General Information

The Model 4990 SystemFlow Recording Software provides a rich set of function libraries and tools for controlling and building Pentek’s RTS real-time recording and data acquisition systems. These libraries ensure a consistent look and feel for developers across all RTS systems. SystemFlow software allows developers to configure and customize the system’s interfaces and behavior. It includes code not only for the real-time data acquisition and playback functionality, but also for the user-control software running on the host PC including the GUI. All source code and an API are provided, allowing developers to either modify the sample code to meet their needs or use it as a reference for custom software development.

Library Components

SystemFlow is comprised of a Windows or Linux host PC and an eCos target application running on a Model 4205 PowerPC processor board contained in the RTS system. The host application recording system communicates with the eCos target application via a standard socket connection, giving the user full control over the RTS system from a remote client.

The target software running on the RTS system consists of an application and a target API written with eCos, a license free, real-time operating system. In addition to scheduling and task management, eCos provides a driver for communications with the JBODs and RAIDs. Complete source code and documentation are provided.

Graphical User Interface

Full control over the recording system is provided through a front end written in Visual Basic for Windows PCs and Java for Linux. Configuration screens allow the setting of global parameters for the hardware included in the specific RTS system. These typically include clock source selection, data routing modes, synchronization control and gate and trigger settings.

Control of optional processing resources is also simplified through configuration screens. A common example would be on-board digital downconverters. Parameters including input sample rates, center frequency, decimation factor, spectrum flipping and offset, as well as multiple data modes are set through a familiar configuration screen.

Control of connected RAIDs and JBODs is also provided through an intuitive control screen where real-time data recording and playback can be initiated; channels can be enabled; files transferred to a host system for processing and archiving; and system status continuously displayed.

Signal Viewer

A graphical Signal Viewer is provided to allow the user to preview data acquired by the RTS system and review previously recorded data. The signal viewer presents data in both time and frequency domains. It displays the signal voltage level, the primary frequency and the levels of the 2nd and 3rd harmonics. It also provides some basic signal analysis functionality with information such as THD and SINAD. Additionally, cursors are provided to mark points of interest in the signal. Source code is provided for the signal viewer, allowing users to expand or modify it as needed.

File Manager

SystemFlow includes a file manager that allows the user to store recording sessions as files. These files contain a data structure of information related to the recording session. This file information includes the number of channels recorded in the session, the length and time of the recording, the number of drives used, the data rate, and other important information. Additionally, a group of userdefined parameters is made available to define and store information about the recording session.

Single-click functionally exists for viewing file properties, deleting files, playing files to the signal viewer and transferring them to the host PC. Full source code is provided for the file manager that allows for customization by the developer.

Products Supporting SystemFlow Software:

• Model 2501 - 105 MHz A/D, Real-Time Signal Processor & Recorder RTS Development Platform
• Model 2502 - High-Speed Transceiver, Processor & Recorder
• Model 2503 - 215 MHz A/D, Real-Time Signal Processor & Recorder RTS Development Platform
• Model 2504 - Multiband Transceiver with FPGA Record/Playback System
• Model 4205 - VIM/PMC Carrier and MPC7457 PowerPC VME Board
• Model 6226 - Front Panel Data Port (FPDP) Adapter VIM-2 Module
• Model 6235 - 2-Ch. Wideband Dig. Receiver + A/D VIM-2 w/FPGA
• Model 6236 - 14-Bit A/D & FPGA VIM-2 w/Opt. Digital Receivers
• Model 6821 - 215 MHz A/D Converter VME Board w/FPDP Output
• Model 6822 - Dual 215 MHz A/D Converter VME Board w/FPDP Output
• Model 7140 - Dual Digital Up/Downconverter PMC/XMC with FPGA