In today's world, geophysical research, which encompasses a wide range of applications from Earth exploration to natural resource development, heavily relies on digital technologies. Almost all aspects of these studies are conducted in a digital format, significantly enhancing the accuracy, speed, and efficiency of data processing. Analog-to-digital converters (ADC) are one of the key components of any digital data acquisition systems (DDAS). ADC play a crucial role in converting analog signals from sensors and geophysical instruments into digital data that can be effectively processed and analyzed. These devices exist in various forms, ranging from compact chips that can be easily integrated into more complex systems to standalone electronic blocks or boards that offer broader functionality and customization options.
Unfortunately, during field operations, it is common for maintenance personnel to underestimate the importance of monitoring the correct operation of the DDAS and evaluating its performance in a timely manner. This can lead to serious consequences, especially in remote areas where access to expensive and complex service equipment is limited.
Insufficient control over the work of the DDAS can lead to distortion of the data obtained, which, in turn, can negatively affect the research results. For example, in geophysical research, where data accuracy is critically important, errors caused by ADC failures can lead to incorrect conclusions about the state of the environment or available natural resources. In addition, in the absence of an equipment check in the field, situations may arise where problems with the ADC remain unnoticed until the end of work. This may require repeated measurements and additional costs for the resources and time used. Thus, obviously arises the task of developing and implementing simple and easily accessible methods for monitoring the operation of the DDAS in the field. The article [1] suggests simple ways to check the operability of almost any ADC or DDAS. It shows how, using the simplest equipment and tools, anyone with basic knowledge in the field of electronics can quickly and efficiently evaluate and test almost any digital data collection system.
Such testing makes it possible to verify the correctness of the conversion and display of input voltages, to assess the levels of inter-channel interference, as well as the current level of self-noise of the data acquisition system.
Thus, the proposed set of tests allows not only to evaluate the current technical parameters of the system, but also to identify signs of possible malfunctions in time, which is extremely important to ensure high-quality and uninterrupted operation during long-term data collection.
The work was carried out as part of the state assignment of the IPE RAS.