Digital wireless electromagnetic interference (EMI) data acquisition system

This paper describes a new digital wireless data acquisition system that cam be used to measure electro-magnetic interference (EMI) in power stations or other similar harsh environments. It comprises of a remote acquisition unit (RAU), a wireless data communication network (WDCN) and a PC-based control platform. Using digital technology, the system transmits a signal (transient or steady state) of short duration & wide band through a narrowband channel over a longer duration. The RAU captures and stores the EMI signals and sends the information to the control platform at a convenient time, using the wireless data communication network. The wireless data communication network acts as a bi-directional data communication link between the RAU & the control platform. It is based on Bluetooth technology and has a point-to-multipoint topology. The RAU serves as the acquisition function of a digital storage oscilloscope (DSO) while the control platform carries out the display & control function of a DSO. The whole system, as such, may be regarded as a 'computerised wireless oscilloscope'.