How to obtain data (voltage) from a Signal Generator connected through USB port and plot voltage vs. time

Hello Everyone, Hope you are all fine. I am facing some problem with my assignment. The assignment is to connect a Signal Generator to pc through* USB* port and read data from it. Then I have to write a program in MATLAB that uses the data to plot a voltage vs. time graph. The program should be real-time. That is if I change the amplitude of signal the plot will change immediately. Your help is much appreciated. Thank You.

Answer 1

[saima]

put some details about the problem. it would be easier to help if you explain your problem

[Adnan Jahangir]

In other word, I have to program an oscilloscope with MATLAB. It will obtain data from a signal generator connected to USB port of computer and plot the voltage vs. time curve (As in an oscilloscope).

Answer 2

[Walter Roberson]

Using USB as your data interface is not compatible with real-time work or changing the plot "immediately". USB inherently works with packets (clumps) of data and MATLAB cannot read from a USB serial interface with less than a 40 millisecond delay after the data is generated, because of the way that USB was designed.

[Adnan Jahangir]

Then I should use serial port. But still I cannot figure how to perform the task. Help please.

[Walter Roberson]

See the documentation for serial()

Also you might find that the Instrument Control Toolbox makes it easier to talk to the signal generator.

[Adnan Jahangir]

Well the problem is I am not allowed to use any kind of tool-boxes. I have to write codes to perform the task.

[Walter Roberson]

http://www.mathworks.com/help/techdoc/ref/serial.html

You will find communicating with the signal generator easier once you have located the referejce documentation for that particular model of signal generator, what-ever it is.

Answer 3

[Sabquat Bahar]

Dude, same problem here! :-(