Versatile microprocessor data logging and processing system for laser Doppler anemometry

A description is given of the design and performance of a versatile microprocessor data‐acquisition system used for the logging and processing of counter‐type laser Doppler anemometry data. The system with a 32‐K of RAM can handle up to 10 000 data points. The statistical analysis carried out involved the determination of Vmin, Vmax, V¯, and σ together with the complete probability density distribution function. In order to allow for the repeated analysis of the same data file using different numbers of data points and velocity limits, care was taken not to destroy the original data files during the analysis. The use of an arithmetic processor unit reduced the processing time of the data by almost one order of magnitude. Under typical operating conditions, the system performed a complete statistical analysis of 10 000 data in about 28 s.