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Hackaday · MeasurementCurated

A PlayStation 3 becomes a Linux lab instrument

Summary

Hackaday describes a spectrum analyser and function generator on a PlayStation 3 with Yellow Dog Linux and an external USB sound card. The project uses Yellow Dog Linux. The measurement bandwidth remains limited to audio frequencies.

Ideas

  • The USB sound card handles analogue input and output.
  • Linux processes audio data on the Cell processor.
  • A TV shows the measurement interface.
  • Custom drivers transfer samples between hardware and application.

Insights

  • General-purpose hardware can replace specialised lab equipment through software.
  • Audio hardware is suitable for measurements within its frequency range.
  • Computing power only becomes practically usable through accessible inputs and outputs.

Facts

  • IBM published the guide in two parts.

Recommendations

  • Calibrate input and output against known reference signals.
  • Protect sound card inputs against excessive voltage.

References

Read the original article

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