Analysing waveform data

Advanced utility option allows ScopeCorder to pre-analyse waveform data during acquisition

A new advanced utility option in Yokogawa's Xviewer waveform display and analysis software boosts the hard disk recording capability of the recently introduced DL850 ScopeCorder by allowing an engineer to pre-analyse waveform data while the acquisition is still in progress.

The new DL850 advanced utility option for Xviewer uses a file transfer tool to transfer recorded data files from the DL850 to a PC without stopping actual hard disk recording.

During hard disk recording the DL850 divides measurement files into smaller files which are automatically transferred to a PC through an Ethernet or USB connection during real-time recording. These files can already be analysed using the dedicated Xviewer software while the actual measurement continues. The file utility tool adds file merging, divide and conversion functions that enable smooth file handling of DL850 waveform files using Xviewer.

A typical application might be an electro-mechanical process on a production line on which two signals have to be monitored over a period of 14 days at a sample rate of 10 kS/s. Without hard disk recording, the DL850 with the 2GPoint memory option is able to measure for 20 hours under these conditions. When the hard disk recording option is used it becomes possible to measure for a full 20 days. Now the new advanced file utility tool enables engineers on the production line to pre-analyse measurement data, using Xviewer, on the first day of recording, rather than having to wait another 19 days or stop the measurement. In addition, this analysis can be carried out while the DL850 is still continuously recording in the background.

With the file utility tool, multiple DL850 data files can be merged into a single file, whether divided by time order or recorded across multiple channels or multiple DL850 units. In addition, a long recorded data file can be divided into multiple smaller files. It can be equally divided or any portion can be extracted and resaved.

Binary data files recorded by a DL850 can also be converted into CSV or floating format, which in turn can be imported into programs like MATLAB.