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Abstract : |
LabVIEW* is a generalized graphical programming environment based on the concept of virtual instrumentation for the development of scientific and engineering applications. This paper considers the use of LabVIEW for the simulation and analysis of typical signal processing and data acquisition, analysis, and management techniques commonly used in nuclear physics experiments, with view for use in computer-assisted education and training and in instrument design and evaluation. Virtual instruments for pulse generation, shaping, delay, analog-to-digital conversion, and event sorting are described together with techniques for data dumping and retrieval. Complete data acquisition set-ups constructed with such building blocks have been implemented. Results on the timing performance of simulated instruments and systems are given for various hardware and software configurations. Simulation and performance comparison of various pick-off methods used in time spectroscopy is presented as an example of the type of quantitative analyses that can be carried out. Advantages and limitations of the technique are considered and recommendations made for future improvements., |
