SystemFlow - Recording Software

General Information

The 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 RTS system families. SystemFlow software allows developers to configure and customize system interfaces and behavior. It includes API functions not only for the real-time data acquisition and playback functions, but also for the user-control software running on the host PC including the GUI. These API functions allow developers to either modify the sample code to meet their needs or use it as a reference for custom software development.

API Library Components

SystemFlow is based on a flexible client/server architecture. The host client application runs on a Windows or Linux platform and communicates with the server target application via a standard socket connection. In this way, server real-time recording and/or playback operations can be controlled from a local or remote host client.

The RTS 2500 Series servers use a Model 4205 PowerPC running under eCos, while the RTS 2700 Series servers use PC hardware running under Windows. The server application includes scheduling, task management, full control of data from Pentek software radio hardware, and drivers for communication with the hard disk arrays.

Graphical User Interface

Full control over the recording system is provided through a front end written in JAVA for portability across host operating systems including Windows and 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. Parameters including input and output sample rates, center frequencies, decimation factors, spectrum flipping and offset, as well as various data formatting modes are set through well organized configuration screens.

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 can be transferred to and from the host for processing and archiving; and system status can be continuously monitored.

Signal Viewer A graphical Signal Viewer allows 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 second and third harmonics. It also provides some basic signal analysis functions including THD and SINAD. Additionally, annotated cursors 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 Management SystemFlow includes file management capabilities that allow 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 user-defined parameters is made available to define and store information about the recording session.

Products Supporting SystemFlow Software:

• Model 7641 - Dual Digital Up/Downconverter PCI with FPGA
• Model 7140 - Dual Digital Up/Downconverter PMC/XMC with FPGA
• Model 4205 - VIM/PMC Carrier and MPC7457 PowerPC VME Board
• Model 2721 - Portable Multiband Recording & Playback Instrument
• Model 2711 - Dual-channel 500 Megasamples-per-second Real-time Data Recorder Instrument
• Model 2701 - Real-Time PC Signal Processor & Recorder