Sandia's Arbitrary Waveform MEMO Actuator

Software · Thu Aug 07 04:00:00 EDT 2003

OSTI ID:1230680

Brian Sosnowchik, Mark Jenkins

SAMA is a multichannel, arbitrary waveform generator program for driving microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). It allows the user to piece together twelve available wave parts, thereby permitting the user to create practically any waveform, or upload a previously constructed signal. The waveforms (bundled together as a signal) may simultaneously be output through four different channels to actuate MEMS devices, and the number of output channels may be increased depending on the DAQ card or instrument utilized. Additionally, real-time changes may be made to the frequency and amplitude. The signal may be paused temporarily. The waveform may be saved to file for future uploading. Recent work for this version has focused on modifications that will allow loading previously generated arbitrary waveforms, independent channel waveform amplification, adding a pause function, separating the "modify waveform: and "end program" functions, and simplifying the user interface by adding test blocks with statements to help the user program and output the desired signals. The program was developed in an effort to alleviate some of the limitations of Micro Driver. For example, Micro Driver will not allow the user to select a segment of a sine wave, but rather the user is limited to choosing either a whole or half sine wave pattern. It therefore becomes quite difficult ot construct partial sine wave patterns out of a "ramp" waveparts for several reasons. First, one must determine on paper how many data points each ramp will cover, and what the slopes of these ramps will be. Second, from what was observed, Micro Driver has difficulty processing more than six distinct waveparts during sequencing. The program will allow the user to input the various waves into the desired sequence; however, it will not allow the user to compile them (by clicking "ok" and returning to the main screen). Third, should the user decide that they want to increase the amplitute of the output signal, they must go through each wavepart individually, recalculate slopes, and modify the ramps accordingly. This is certainly not a problem for single wavepart signals (i.e., the half-sine TRA signal), but for a ramp-created partial sine wave pattern, quick changes to the amplitude require quite a bit of thought and modification time. Finally, the five-ramp molded partial sine wave pattern is not a peace-wise smooth curve, which may or may not be a problem. Given the recent modifications that have been added to SAMS in this second version, Micro Driver may be replaced by this program.

• Short Name / Acronym: SAMAV2.0; 001557IBMPC01
• Version: 01
• Programming Language(s): Medium: X; OS: Any MS Window version capable of running LabVIEW 7
• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 1230680
• Country of Origin: United States