A Method for Real-time Data Acquisition Using Matlab Software

K. Sieczkowski, T. Sondej (Military Univ. of Techn., Poland)

The article presents the method for real-time data acquisition from external devices using Matlab software. The protocol and the transfer frame, enabling faultless communication of the master system with external measuring sensors have been described. The article includes a description of a measuring station, implementing the proposed protocol, as well as a detailed description of the algorithm of test programs. Three performance tests were performed as part of the experimental studies. They make it possible to assess: (1) the average transmission time, (2) the effective throughput of a full cycle of data exchange, (3), the required working time of Matlab to handle the transmission, and (4) the stability of the program timer used for periodic data transmission calls. The tests were carried out for three commonly used communication interfaces (UART, Bluetooth, WiFi) and for different sizes of packets transmitted.