power supply instrument to be controlled through Windows PC

[digiboy]

I need ideas on how to interface/control a bipolar constant current supply instrument (BCS150) with a windows PC, preferably over USB. The instrument has a -5VDC to +5VDC analog input to control its output current (from -ve full scale to +ve full scale respectively.). I've written a MATLAB program that calculates the required control voltage. Now i need to send it to the instrument as analog voltage. I'd like suggestions on the hardware and software required.

 

[D.A.(Tony)Stewart]

Tiny ARM based controllers with Analog I/O exist for $20 with lots of serial interfaces like SPI USB.

But your software requirements are not defined for signal profile, processing, bandwidth, User interface.
The +/-5V to full scale output requires a card with bipolar supplies or a negative -5V pump regulator.

 

[digiboy]

i thought of using an MSP430F449 with a TI DAC8832. **broken link removed**
what's your opinion on this, and what software would i need in this case? as for the signal, it has to be a DC voltage in the range +5 to -5 V and it wouldn't be varying continuously. resolution on the computer side needs to be atleast 10 bits.

about the controller boards, a bit more specificity would help.