Acquisition solution speeds offshore surveys

Digi International has been chosen by Quality Positioning Systems (QPS), to create a solution that connects a large number of serial devices with very high data flows to a single PC.

Digi International has been chosen by Quality Positioning Systems (QPS), to create a solution that connects a large number of serial devices with very high data flows to a single PC.

QPS has incorporated two of Digi International's products, the Edgeport USB-to-serial convertor and the AccelePort Xem asynchronous system as part of the solution.

QPS required a solution to connect a range of data generating devices in real time with the ability to operate at up to 200 times per second.

It chose the Digi Edgeport USB-to-serial convertor because it offers a simple solution for I/O expansion.

Edgeport convertors use plug-and-play technology, making them exceptionally easy to install.

The "hot swappable" properties of USB connection makes it simple to replace and reconnect peripheral devices quickly, easily, with minimum downtime and without compromising mission critical data integrity - properties which have also made the technology popular with retailers.

In addition, QPS selected Digi's AccelePort Xem asynchronous system for applications with very high port counts, and which do not require "hot swapability" of peripherals.

This expandable, modular and intelligent serial communication solution is designed specifically for small-to-mid sized multi-user installations.

It is especially well suited for systems which are expected to start small and grow over time - to as many as 64 ports.

A typical QPS system collects, controls and presents large volumes of survey data in real time.

The company then uses the real-time data flows to create 3D visualisations of underwater environments.

These 3D images are used by offshore construction vessels, pipe-laying barges, drilling rigs, seismic research vessels and hydrographic survey ships.

"Our systems are of critical importance for time-sensitive multi-million dollar survey and construction projects, so they must be reliable", said Bert Jeeninga, Marketing Director at QPS.

"We have received excellent sales and technical back up from Digi and know we can always rely on them.

Their systems are very easy to install and totally robust in the sometimes-hostile working environments onboard ship".

Devices requiring connection often include, Global Positioning System (GPS), multibeam echosounders, speed and motion sensors, and it is not unusual for up to 64 of these sensors to be connected to a single PC onboard ship.

Digi was selected because it offered a cost effective and robust solution that met QPS's operational requirements.

In addition, Digi was also able to match the company's need for rapid ex-stock delivery and effective technical backup.

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