Automatic Precision Positioning and Data Acquisition System

With the support of the Swiss National Science Foundation through the project “A Stronger Europe with MIcro-and NAnotechnologies (SEMINA)” within the founding scheme for scientific co-operation of the Swiss Confederation with Central and Eastern European countries (SCOPES 2005 – 2008), a National Instrumentssystem for automated precision positioning using DC, stepper or voice-coil motors and data acquisition based on optical encoders and LVDTs was purchased. The main characteristic are the following:
LabVIEW 8.6.1 software for graphical programming (8.5 and 8.6 versions also):	LabVIEW FPGA Module 8.6: field programmable gate arrays for virtual instruments programming.
PXI 1050: 8 PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation) slots with integrated 4 SCXI (Signal Conditioning Extension for Instrumentation) subsystem slots. SCXI system connected via a bus to the PXI slot enabling the control of SCXI system in multiplex mode. Ideal for applications that require high precision measurement and adjustment of signals.
	PXI 8196: Embedded control computer for PXI and Compact PCI systems. Tests and measurements in real-time. ExpressCard with 34 slots and 4 USB 2.0 ports. RS232 serial port and a parallel port.
PXI 6221: Multifunctional data acquisition card. Two 16-bit analog outputs (833 kS/s). Analog output range ±10 V. 16 16-bit analog inputs. 24 digital I/O; 32-bit counters; digital actuators. Contains PCI, PXI and USB buses. Using the card it is possible to acquire various signals, move actuators and simultaneously execute multiple control loops.
	PXI 7833R (2 pieces): Equipped with reconfigurable I/O (RIO) hardware which allows processing of data onto the card. 8 16-bit analog inputs (200 kS/s). 8 16-bit analog outputs (200 kS/s).- 96 digital I/O. The core of the device is a Virtex-II FPGA 3M programmed using the LabVIEW FPGA Module. The card can be configured to perform a variety of applications that require precise control and accurate timing.
SCXI 1540: 8 channel analogue LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer) module that is used to adjust the signals received from the LVDTs and RVDTs. Each of the 8-channels (333 kS/s) is also a source of AC sensors’ excitation voltage. Low-pass output filter at a cut-off frequency of 250 Hz.
	SCXI 1315: 8-channel terminal block for the NI SCXI 1540 with 6 ports for each channel. Allows easy connecting of LVDTs and RVDTs.
SCB 68 (6 pieces): Protected I/O terminal block that reduces noise and is used to connect the I/O signals to the DAQ device via up to 68 pins.