Samenvatting

The Wavetek 75 is a programmable function generator that is used at Altran for generating arbitrary analog signals for
various tests. The target for this project is to replace the Wavetek 75 with a device that simplifies defining an arbitrary
signal. The Wavetek is outdated and it is very difficult to program a signal. In addition, there are some knobs on the
Wavetek that do not work properly and the Wavetek does not have a digital screen where the defined signal can be
made visual.
To find a suitable device, research has been conducted to all the devices on the market that can generate an arbitrary
analog output signal. At the end of the research, eleven devices are selected, which are compared in a matrix. They are
compared with 16 requirements that are determined at the start of the project. These requirements consist of both
hardware requirements and functional requirements. For Altran it is very important that the replacement device is
multi-usable and that the device can be used for other purposes.
The result of the research is the module NI 9263 of National Instruments, because the module meets all the
requirements. This module has to be placed in a NI cDAQ chassis that is also made by National Instruments. This NI
cDAQ can easily be connected to a PC.
The module has to be controlled by LabVIEW. LabVIEW is a graphic programming environment, that is also made by
National Instruments. As a result, the communication between the software and hardware is extremely simple.
Apart from meeting all the requirements, the NI 9263 is also chosen for the following reasons:
-Altran is in possession of three cDAQ’s and LabVIEW 2014, eliminating the need to purchase additional hardware and
software.
-Altran is in possession of other modules made by National Instruments which can measure and store measurement
signals.
- A program can be developed in Labview which is specifically made for the current use and to the wishes of the end
user.
The development of the program in LabVIEW is performed in a number of steps:
-To be able to define a signal simply.
-To be able to generate an output signal with the device.
-To be able to control the timing of the signal.
-To be able to start the signal with an external trigger.
-Shaping the user interface.
For the validation of the program, the NI 9263 is connected to an external data acquisition system. The Wavetek is also
connected to this data acquisition system so it can be tested and compared to the NI 9263. The program is also tested
by one of the end users.
Based on the results of the validation, it can be concluded that the NI 9263 can generate the defined signal more
accurately, because of its ability to build the signal in smaller steps.
Additionally, the time in which a signal can be defined and generated is reduced by 97% for a relatively complicated
signal.
The NI 9263 in combination with the program is a good substitute for the Wavetek. This results was predicted upfront as
the specifications of the NI 9263 are better, compared to the Wavetek.
However, the NI 9263 still requires more testing to verify all applications, for example on lifespan tests. Secondly, the
operation of the emergency stop could be improved. Finally, as an end user recommended, an instruction manual
should be included in which the complete usage of the NI 9263 and the program is described. With the inclusion of this
manual it can be guaranteed the device can still be used in the future.