Data Recorder Has 160-kHz Bandwidth, Variable-Speed Read Back Capabilty

June 26, 2000

Using advanced intelligent-tape (AIT) technology, the SIR-1000W features multichannel recording and playback of analog and digital data. It also can process digital video signals at 160 kHz. Playback and recording is possible from two to 32 hours with tape speeds that can be set in one of five ranges. Long recordings can be played back at 16 times the recording speed to shorten data reading or reproduction. Conversely, playbacks can be slowed down to a sixteenth of the recording speed to expand the data timebase.

Besides its regular analog channels, the instrument also is equipped with auxiliary channels that permit the simultaneous recording and playback of other types of data. These include an auxiliary digital channel for serial signals for tachometer pulses, another auxiliary analog channel for IRIG-B time-code pulses, a voice channel for verbal animations, and a subcode channel for recording set-up, time/data, and other information. Additionally, the system offers up to four channels of discrete data, bit-stream data, and GPS timing signals. A large-capacity buffer memory provides pretrigger capability.

The AIT can hold up to 25 Gbytes of storage. The SIR-1000W itself measures 13.5 by 4.5 by 10.2 in. and weighs just 17 lbs. An SVB-10 digital video interface card is available to allow simultaneous recording and reproduction of analog measurement data and video images. This creates a new dimension that lets users view the the measured object.

Available from stock, the SIR-1000W costs $35,000.

Sony Precision Technology America Inc., 20381 Hermana Circle, Lake Forest, CA 92630; (949) 770-8400; Internet: www.sonypt.com.

About the Author

Roger Allan

Roger Allan is an electronics journalism veteran, and served as Electronic Design's Executive Editor for 15 of those years. He has covered just about every technology beat from semiconductors, components, packaging and power devices, to communications, test and measurement, automotive electronics, robotics, medical electronics, military electronics, robotics, and industrial electronics. His specialties include MEMS and nanoelectronics technologies. He is a contributor to the McGraw Hill Annual Encyclopedia of Science and Technology. He is also a Life Senior Member of the IEEE and holds a BSEE from New York University's School of Engineering and Science. Roger has worked for major electronics magazines besides Electronic Design, including the IEEE Spectrum, Electronics, EDN, Electronic Products, and the British New Scientist. He also has working experience in the electronics industry as a design engineer in filters, power supplies and control systems.

After his retirement from Electronic Design Magazine, He has been extensively contributing articles for Penton’s Electronic Design, Power Electronics Technology, Energy Efficiency and Technology (EE&T) and Microwaves RF Magazine, covering all of the aforementioned electronics segments as well as energy efficiency, harvesting and related technologies. He has also contributed articles to other electronics technology magazines worldwide.

He is a “jack of all trades and a master in leading-edge technologies” like MEMS, nanolectronics, autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, military electronics, biometrics, implantable medical devices, and energy harvesting and related technologies.