Multiply channels streaming - system setup hint needed

[Chumak]

Dear Experts,

I need an advice on possible system setup for flawless data recording from 512  channels 12-14bits res. at at least 20MS/s.

Internal board memory recording should be avoided - consider hours of recording timeframe.

I have really big doubts on data bandwidth issue..

Can it be done on one controller system ? Is there any better option than NI5105 as a building block ? Unfortunately, there is no middle bandwidth, good resolution and high number of channels option from NI.

Thank you in advance.

Best Regards,

Chumak.

[Ana P]

Hi Chumak

I understand it won’t be possible to accomplish your proposed system using only one controller. Analyzing the requirements, you need 512 channels and 12-14 bits resolution, so that is 2 bytes per sample. The sample rate should be at least 20 MS/s, so each channel will generate 40 MB/s. If you decide to use the NI 5105, you will have to use a PXI chassis, which has a PCI bus for communication between the chassis and the controller. The maximum data rate in this bus is 132 MB/s, so it translates into approximately 3 channels with your specifications.

Chumak, I see that this is a big system you are asking for and the 5105 is the best option in terms of number of channels, but the bottleneck in this case will be the bus between modules and controller. In terms of data rates I would suggest to look at the PXIe-5122, you will have low density but better data stream rates. However in this solution you won’t be able to use one controller either. The details of the PXI Express systems will depend on the combination of chassis and controller, and you will also have the option to use some PXI modules along with the PXI Express ones. I hope this is helpful,