Distributed Data Acquisition Nodes with Vertical and Horizontal Buses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional data acquisition systems are costly and time-consuming to install, and lack retroactive compatibility with earlier developments, necessitating an improved distributed data acquisition and processing system for high energy physics applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact and programmable data acquisition node system featuring primary boards connected via a vertical bus for intra-node communication and a secondary board with gigabit Ethernet for inter-node communication, along with a master control unit and graphical user interface for high-speed data exchange and storage, enabling distributed computing and handling large data volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional data acquisition systems are used, then data acquisition capability is provided, but installation cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple independent data acquisition nodes that can be deployed and configured separately. Each node contains complete functional units (sensors, signal conditioning, data processing) that operate autonomously, allowing parallel installation and reducing overall system deployment time while maintaining full data acquisition capability
Solution Approach 2:
The data acquisition nodes are designed with universal interfaces and standardized communication protocols that allow the same hardware platform to serve multiple applications and be integrated into existing systems. This multi-functionality reduces installation time by eliminating the need for custom integration work for different applications
2Reliability
If conventional data acquisition systems are used, then data acquisition capability is provided, but installation cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into modular nodes with standardized interfaces, the patent enables independent manufacturing and testing of each node, reducing overall system integration costs and allowing competitive pricing through multiple suppliers while maintaining reliable data acquisition functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses configurable parameters and programmable functionality within each node, allowing the same hardware platform to be adapted to different applications through software configuration rather than hardware redesign, thereby reducing manufacturing and installation costs across diverse applications
3Productivity
If distributed data acquisition nodes are implemented, then data handling capacity increases to gigabits per second, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each data acquisition node implements universal communication interfaces and standardized data formats that simplify the complexity of managing multiple nodes. The consistent architecture across all nodes allows for easier system expansion and maintenance while supporting gigabit data handling capacities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces standardized communication protocols and interface layers that act as intermediaries between the complex internal processing of individual nodes and the external system integration, thereby managing complexity while enabling high-speed data transfer across the distributed network
Data Source
AI summary
A data acquisition and processing system and method includes one or more distributed and expandable data acquisition nodes for processing large amounts of data. Each data acquisition node includes a core group of primary boards electronically connected together via a vertical bus capable of providing intra-node communication between the primary boards. A secondary board horizontally connected in association with the primary board via a horizontal bus provides inter-node communication or instrumentation interfaces to sensors or other application specific instruments. A master control unit associated with a graphical user interface communicates with the data acquisition nodes via a communication protocol to permit high speed exchange of information and to display information reported from the acquisition system. A storage controller associated with a node controller controls storage of data associated with the data acquisition nodes on a database in a remote location.