Is there any USB device for simulating

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USB devices can generate analog signals, with options like USB data acquisition (DAQ) systems being recommended for this purpose. While National Instruments offers high-quality DAQs, there are more affordable alternatives available. Users discussed the limitations of current outputs from DACs and the need for additional components like transistors for higher current applications. Suggestions included using microcontrollers and sound cards, though the latter requires data conversion into audio formats. Overall, a mid-range DAQ with specific features could fill a market gap for generating analog signals effectively.
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Is there any USB device for simulating...

hi

Is it posiible to generate analog signal from a USB device. The data to be generated as analog signal is stored in usb or PC to which it is connected ?

thanks
 
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Try this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-I-O-Data-Acquisition-DAQ-12bit-ADC-PWM-DAC-SPI-UART-TIMERS-Virtual-Com-Port-/200770095613
 


are you trying to control something with the output signal, if so, then you'll need a micro-controller. For pure analog or digital data-acquisition, the other posters are on the right track, I've used this $20 piece before. dataq d-155.
 
You can write applications that replace the microcontroller with this DAQ.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-I-O-Data-Acquisition-DAQ-12bit-ADC-PWM-DAC-SPI-UART-TIMERS-Virtual-Com-Port-/200770095613
 
sru2 said:
You can write applications that replace the microcontroller with this DAQ.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-I-O-Data-Acquisition-DAQ-12bit-ADC-PWM-DAC-SPI-UART-TIMERS-Virtual-Com-Port-/200770095613


Yea but only up to like 2 amps or something like that right? I think you would need something like this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Arduino-Starter-Kit-/220637290400?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item335f01dfa0
 
Yea but only up to like 2 amps or something like that right? I think you would need something like this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Arduino-Star...item335f01dfa0

As far as I know, most DACs are current limited to 20mA per output anyway. If you needed more current, you would push it to a transistor or relay controlling a larger current. Also, he needs to generate analogue signals and I don't see that mentioned on the Arduino.

I really think a good mid-range DAQ is required, there seems to be a gap in the market.

8 Channels - 4-in/4-out
16/24 bit ADC
2 Msps per channel
USB

Something like this for $100, or so, I think would sell really well.
 


yes for for analog, you are correct, I'm thinking of building a controller myself but i'll dig deeper into it later.
 
  • #10
thanks all.
actually the idea came because of https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=3949407#post3949407
So I thought I could pre-generate a fixed length data either in Scilab or Matlab, and
produce the analog signal accordingly.
I also saw ideas using PC/laptop sound card, but that needs conversion of data (csv, xls, txt etc) into mp3, wav format , which I feel is very tough.

any more suggestions appreciated.
 
  • #11
You described this as "fluctuating DC", but its actually an AC signal according to the Y axis:

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/riz68

If that's voltage on the left, then this image can be done in DC:

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/w3jlv

Anyway, it does not matter. Try the box I recommended, it will work with Matlab and Labview:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-I-O-Data-Acquisition-DAQ-12bit-ADC-PWM-DAC-SPI-UART-TIMERS-Virtual-Com-Port-/200771556453
 
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