CSADigital Signal Processing (Configurable Signal Analysis)

Crystal Instruments has developed a comprehensive set of digital signal processing (DSP) tools whose core is its proprietary Configurable Signal Analysis (CSA) technology. These algorithms run in two ways: implemented in hardware during real-time processing, or executed in EDM-PA (Post Analyzer software) for post-analysis of previously recorded time-stream data, including data conditioning, Fourier transform operations and specialized analyses such as order tracking and octave analysis.

Typical algorithm templates include data conditioning only (add/subtract/multiply/divide, scaling or real-time digital filters on time streams); transient capture (conditioning followed by block conversion using various acquisition modes); linear spectrum (data window plus FFT); auto-power spectrum; frequency response (auto and cross spectra, FRF and coherence); octave analysis (1/1, 1/3, 1/6 or 1/12 octave filters conforming to ANSI S1.11:2004 and IEC 61260-1995); sound level meter readings with time and frequency weighting per IEC 61672-2002; order tracking (digital re-sampling with FFT/DFT for normalized order spectra and order tracks in run-up/run-down tests); swept sine measurement; and shock response spectrum analysis.

What sets CSA apart is configurability. In real-time hardware processing, algorithms are defined as a project, letting users enable or disable parameter sets, functions, display signals and recording signals. The same auto-power-spectrum test can expose only Free-Run acquisition for one user and only Manual Arm trigger for another, all on the same firmware without changing the installed program. Where traditional dynamic measurement instruments shipped fixed analysis functions and ever-more-crowded interfaces, CSA lets users combine and cascade math operations, from basic arithmetic to cross-channel FRF, keeping the interface clean while enabling effectively unlimited application functionality. CSA is unique to Crystal Instruments and is recommended with the CoCo-80X/90X analyzer.