6ADwin-Gold Hardware Manual, Version 2.3
ADwin
Distinctive features
Processor
Real-time operating
system
Timing
ADbasic
Interfaces
2. ADwin System Features
2.1 System Concept
ADwin systems guarantee that measurement data acquisition and automation
tasks can be executed very fast and accurately under real-time conditions.
This is an ideal basis for applications such as:
– very fast digital closed-loop controllers
– very fast open-loop controls
– data acquisition with very fast online analysis of the measurement data
– monitoring of complex trigger conditions and many more
The ADwin systems are optimized for processes which need very short
process cycle times of one millisecond up to some microseconds.
The ADwin-Gold system is equipped with analog and digital inputs and outputs,
a fast processor (32 bit floating point signal processor) and a local RAM. The
processor is responsible for the whole real-time processing in the system. The
applications are running independent of the PC and its workload.
The processor of the ADwin system processes each measurement value
instantaneously.In one cycle the status of the inputs can be acquired, the
status can be processed by the help of any mathematical functions, and the
system can react to the results, even at very fast process cycle times of some
microseconds. Here we have a perfect and logical work sharing: On the PC a
program is running for visualizing of data, for input and operation of the
processes, together with access to networks and data bases, while on the
processor of the ADwin system all tasks which require real-time, are executed
at the same time.
The real-time operating system for the DSP of the ADwin system has been
optimized to reach the fastest response times possible. It manages parallel
processes in a multitasking manner. Low priority processes are managed by
time slicing. High priority processes interrupt all low priority processes and are
instantaneously and completely executed. High priority processes are executed
as time-controlled or event-controlled processes (trigger/event input).
For the precise calling of high priority processes the built-in timer is responsible.
It has a resolution of 25 nanoseconds.The ADwin systems are characterized
by an extremely short response time of only 300 nanoseconds during the change
from a low priority to a high priority process. A continuously running communica-
tion process makes it possible to obtain a continuous data exchange between
the ADwin system and the PC even during applications in process. The comm-
unication has no influence on the real-time capability of the ADwin system,
nevertheless, it is possible to exchange data at any time.
With the real-time development tool ADbasic it is possible to create very easily
and quickly time-critical programs für ADwin systems. ADbasic is an integrated
development environment under Windows with possibilities for online
debugging. An habitual, easy-to-learn BASIC instruction syntax has been ex-
tended by many more functions, in order to get direct access to inputs and
outputs as well as by functions for process control and communication with the
PC.
Communication between ADwin system and PC
The ADwin system is connected to the PC via an ISA interface (optional PCI,
PCMCIA, USB, Ethernet). After power-up the ADwin system is booted from
the PC via this interface. Afterwards the ADwin operating system is waiting for
instructions from the PC which it will process.
2. ADwin System Features
