Cost-effective synchronization method for triggering multiple measurement devices via a programmable microcontroller
Translated title
Kostengünstige Methode zur Synchronisierung multipler Messgeräte mithilfe eines programmierbaren Mikrocontrollers
Publication date
2025
Document type
Konferenzbeitrag
Organisational unit
Conference
32. Gala-Fachtagung Experimentelle Strömungsmechanik ; Darmstadt, Deutschland ; September 9–11, 2025
Publisher
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Laser-Anemometrie - German Association for Laser Anemometry GALA e.V.
Book title
Experimentelle Strömungsmechanik
First page
7-1
Last page
7-8
Part of the university bibliography
✅
Language
English
DDC Class
004 Informatik
500 Naturwissenschaften und Mathematik
600 Technik, Technologie
Keyword
Synchronized measurements
Wind tunnel experiments
Unsteady flow phenomena
FSI
Abstract
The simultaneous measurement of multi-physical processes presents a fundamental challenge in experimental fluid mechanics. A classic example is fluid-structure interaction (FSI), where the flow around a flexible structure leads to deformations of the structure, which affect the flow field itself. Typically, the flow and structure measurements are carried out using different measurement techniques for each discipline, for example particle-image velocimetry (PIV) for the flow field measurement and digital-image correlation (DIC) for the measurements of the structural deformations. Especially time-resolved processes require a synchronization of both measurement devices to achieve temporally matching data sets. In more complex setups consisting of multiple measurement devices, the synchronization and triggering is a main challenge. Often, each device has its own specific trigger input requirements. For this reason, using a single master signal to synchronize all devices in the experimental setup is often not possible. For this purpose, customized and independent signals must be routed to each measurement tool. This paper presents a solution for accurately controlling multiple devices of arbitrary complexity. A key aspect of the approach is the utilization of a cost-effective microcontroller, which is programmed via open-source software. The microcontroller offers multiple digital and analog I/O channel options making it capable to send pre-programmed signals. In this study, the signal quality is analyzed in detail. Furthermore, the ability of the microcontroller to trigger different measurement devices is demonstrated by synchronizing a wind gust generator with a dynamic pressure transducer. Both systems are triggered by the microcontroller, which provides individual input signals for each device.
Cite as
Wood, J.N., Breuer, M.: Cost-effective Synchronization Method for Triggering Multiple Measurement Devices via a Programmable Microcontroller}, Proc. der 32. Gala-Fachtagung "Experimentelle Strömungsmechanik"', Sept. 9-11, 2025, Darmstadt, pp. 7-1 – 7-8, ISBN 978-3-9827594-0-1, (2025)
Version
Published version
Access right on openHSU
Metadata only access