Real-Time Central Data Acquisition and Analysis System for High-Voltage Transients

A system has been developed for ultra-high-speed digital recording and analysis of transient phenomena. It enables one to look back in time, recording signals that occur prior to single events which have statistical uncertainties of occurrence, such as lightning or breakdown phenomena. The system as installed is playing an essential role in studying " cause-effect" relationships through the acquisition and analysis of data. Data are received in an asynchronous fashion in real time and stored in a cartridge disk through Transient Recorders (Biomation Model 8100) and minicomputer (Melcom-70, Japan). The system is time-shared and digital-controlled by multiple users from remote consoles located at nine test stations. The stored data are retrieved and analyzed with highest "time availability" priority to get processed information through correlation, statistical analysis or various computer-aided simulations. Special precautions have been taken against high energy electromagnetic noise fields, such as grounding, shielding, etc., in order to attain noise-proof operation. Principles of operation, major components, and examples of the application of the system are presented.