Multistation operation enables synchronous data acquisition across multiple ibaPDA systems and mutual control of data recording. Two modes are supported: synchronized and non-synchronized multistation operation. In a multistation configuration, one ibaPDA system is defined as the multistation master, while the remaining systems operate as synchronized or non-synchronized slaves. In synchronized operation, the master distributes a high-precision synchronization clock via FO connections and coordinates the start and stop of acquisition for synchronized slaves as well as trigger processing throughout the network.

This approach ensures the following:

• All systems acquire data at exactly the same sample time (synchronized operation).

• Trigger events are globally consistent and have a precise time stamp.

• Recorded data files can later be analyzed as if they originated from a single system.

Mixed operation, combining synchronized and non-synchronized slaves within the same multistation network, is also supported.

Note
	Typical configurations implemented to date consist of 3 to 5 ibaPDA systems. Due to technical limitations, a synchronized multistation network currently supports a maximum of 5 systems (1 master + 4 slaves).

The following image shows the participants in the synchronized multistation network, the connections between the systems, and the networks in which the systems are located.

Connections in the multistation network

Two types of connections are used in a multistation configuration:

• Network connection (multistation LAN) for the transmission of control signals (start/stop acquisition, watchdog, trigger, etc.)

  This connection is established between all participants in a multistation network, as there are master, synchronized slaves and non-synchronized slaves, enabling communication between each other. The masters of different multistation networks can also be connected in this way.

• ibaNet fiber optic connection (FO) between ibaFOB-D cards for transmission of the synchronization clock

  This connection is only established between the master and synchronized slaves.

  With multiple slaves, a star topology is used, with the master at the center and connections to the slaves. Non-synchronized slaves are not connected in this topology.

The following image shows the basic connection types with the information transmitted in each case.