Software Feature 2: Low Level Asylum Code for Wave I/O

The next responsibility of the software module after a digital wave is defined is the output of the waveform to the desired AFM component. After scouring the Asylum framework, it is clear that the functions which work directly with the AFM controller and thus machine components are the “td_” functions. These functions are used in various purposes by the software, but generally speaking it is the driving force behind all AFM controller control.

For wave input and output, there is a “td” function which handles input and output of waveforms to various components of the AFM. “td_Xsetoutwave” and “td_xSetInWave” are the functions which handle input and output of waveforms built in to the low level operation of the AFM. They serve as the perfect vehicles for the needs of this project.

Their parameters specify which component will be manipulated, the sampling rate and interpolation desired, as well as a wave data structure (the definition and creation of which was outlined in the previous post). Together, these functions will provide the means to send input and record output signals from the machine. The output will be the impulse to the cantilever and tip, and the input from the machine is the system response.