GeoSIG Ltd

Ahornweg 5A
5504 Othmarsingen
Switzerland

Tel :
+41 44 810 2150
Fax : +41 44 810 2350
Email : info@geosig.com
www.geosig.com

ISO 9001 certified

GRALP CMG-DM24
Broadband Seismometer Data Acquisition Unit
Features

4 Primary 24-bit ADCs (4th used for

external
monitoring
&
during
a
calibration cycle)
Expandable from 4 up to 12 channels
24-bit low noise high resolution ADC
with low power 32-bit processor & 32-bit
DSP
UTC time stamped data blocks from low
power GPS unit
8
Environmental
channels,
20bit
resolution, 3 for mass position, 1
temperature and 4 external
Optional
further
8
environmental
channels
Full control of Broadband Seismometers,

these being Lock, Unlock, Centre and

Calibration
Comprehensive time and frequency
domain calibration functionality
FLASH
downloadable
firmware
(including
bootloader
and
filter
coefficients)
64 MB FLASH memory as standard
FLASH memory upto 8 GByte available
(IEEE 1394 firewire port option)
3 serial ports (data, GPS, terminal) RS232, RS-422 and Ethernet TCP/IP output
options
Available as surface, module or borehole
package

- 2 CMG-DM24 DIGITISER MODULE

The CMG-DM24 digitiser module fits on top of any of
Gralp Systems Broadband Seismometers and gives
the sensor a digital output lid. There are many
advantages in using an integrated digitiser with a
broadband seismometer, these being;
- clean, isolated, pressure and temperature stable
sensor environment for wide dynamic range
digitizer
- sensor analogue outputs cannot be contaminated
with external analogue noise as the output is in
digital form
- wiring between the sensor and the digitizer is
minimised
- sensor outputs transfer function and system
responsivity cannot be confused by misconnection
of analogue cables
- truly portable, self-contained seismic sensor
system which can be transported with ease due to
the reduced number of components and cabling
- ease of installation in temporary or permanent
sites
CMG-DM24 SURFACE DIGITISER
CMG-DM24 Surface Digitiser is organised to be
either a 4, 8, or 12 channel acquisition system.
Three of the four channels are organised to
connect directly to a broadband sensor, the forth
channel is available as an auxiliary 24-bit
channels for external sensor monitoring. The 4th
channel is used to digitise calibration signals
injected into any sensor connected to the primary
three channels for accurate calibration. It is
housed inside a specially designed IP67
(waterproof) enclosure manufactured from a hard
rigid polyurethane material. All PCBs are shock
mounted and connectors wired in such a way as
to give complete field robustness.
All CMG-DM24 variants have low sample rate
data which are primarily used for 'state of health'
monitoring of the broadband sensor, e.g. sensor
mass position outputs, temperature, pressure,
input supply voltage. The slow data channels can
be switched on or off remotely and this data is
packaged and processed in exactly the same
method as the primary digitizer channels. 8
additional user auxiliary slow sample rate
channels are available as an option. 8 * 20/24bit
low speed mux channels, 3 * mass position,
1temperature, 4 external user channels.

- 3 CMG-DM24 SLIMLINE BOREHOLE DIGITISER

The CMG-DM24 is available in a slimline borehole
package.
The downhole slimline package acts as the cable
strain relief for the sensor package adding to ease
of installation.
By having a downhole digitiser analogue cabling is
kept to a minimum reducing cross talk, and induced
noise into the system. Longer cable lengths can be
driven from the digital outputs (RS-232, RS-422 and
Ethernet options). Digital cabling is smaller, lighter
and cheaper than expensive bulky analogue cables
adding again to ease of installation and reduced
system cost.
Borehole digitiser packages can have from 4 to 8
channels allowing combined Weak and Strong
motion sensor packages to be digitised downhole
with one unit.
Borehole
digitiser
can
have
CMG-AM
(authentication modules) integrated into their
packages to give a completely downhole
authenticated digitiser package outputting CD1.0
and CD1.1 data formats.

FLASH FILE STORAGE (option)

-

64 Mb FLASH memory standard. (UP to 8Gb optional).

Larger capacities will be available as technology allows.
Firewire IEEE1394 data download port with larger than 64Mb memory capacities.
External storage exploits technical advances.
Download achieved by attaching standard IEEE1394 disk unit via integral IEEE 1394 (firewire) port
Less than 5 minutes for 2Gbyte.
Multiple storage modes, direct, filing, FIFO, adaptive and dual for different applications

ULTRA LOW POWER GPS MODULE

All the GPS electronics are packaged into a separate module to
allow easy updating as technology improves. The unit draws less
than 300mW in continuous operation. Duty cycling options can be
implemented and for a typical 25% duty cycle the unit draws less
than 75 mW average.
The unit can be placed up to 50m from the digitiser unit.
Options are available to extend the GPS distance and cable
lengths.
Weight 260 grams.

- 4 PERFORMANCE
The CMG-DM24 uses the very latest in 24-bit ADC design, giving true 24-bit performance and ultra
low power consumption. The unit is available in two different variants, Low Power as standard or a
Low Noise unit with increased power consumption. The results for the Low Power unit are shown
below.
Multiple concurrent sample rate outputs are available to the user from 1000 sps through to 1 sps
using any one or combination of available decimation filters, (decimate by factors of 10, 8, 5, 4, 3,
2). Below is a terminated input test result from a 4 channel CMG-DM24 running at 40sps, it can be
seen that the result shows the unit has better than 22.5 bits resolution at 40sps.
The units performance at 200 sps is better than 21.5 bits and at 1sps is over 24 bits in resolution.
This performance is achieved using Gralp Systems knowledge and implementation of signal
processing via the DSP chipset implemented on the digitiser design.

The above plot shows the results of Input terminated noise for the CMG-DM24 Low Power variant.
It can be seen that the noise floor is better than 22.5 bits for the ITN test.
The above test was conducted with the output from the CMG-DM24 configured to be a 24bit word
This gives the unit a maximum potential dynamic range of over 137dB at 40sps.

- 5 Low Noise Variant

A new variant is the Low Noise variant, it has all the same features as the CMG-DM24 Low Power
version with the exception that the power consumption is increase and the noise performance is
enhanced.
By using enhanced signal processing techniques the performance is increased from the digitiser. At
40sps the performance of the unit increases for ITN (Input Terminated Noise) to be better than 23
bits, and at slower sample rates from 10 sps and lower performance exceeds 24 bits (requires
output word rate to be increased from 24 bit output word to 32 bit output word).

The above plot shows the results of Input terminated noise for the CMG-DM24 Low Noise variant.
It can be seen that the noise floor is better than 23 bits for the ITN test.
The above test was conducted with the output from the CMG-DM24 configured to be a 24bit word
This gives the unit a maximum potential dynamic range of over 141dB at 40sps.

- 6 POWER CONSUMPTION
The ARM RISC processor in the CMG-DM24 gives an extremely powerful processor with power
saving features for us with the CMG-DM24s real-time multitasking operating system. This combined
with the latest in low power logic gives the CMG-DM24 an ultra low power consumption of less than
0.65 Watts, this is in the configuration of 4 channels sampling at 100 sps and storing to FLASH
memory.
CALIBRATION

The CMG-DM24 calibration signals are generated using a 20-bit DAC.

Different types of synthesised signals can be injected into an individual or to all components of a
Seismometer.
As well as the standard step and sinusoidal calibration signals the synthesiser can generate swept
sinusoidal signals and PRBS noise sources to calibrate a Seismometer in both the time domain and
in the frequency domain.
The CMG-DM24 calibration signal is also digitised with a fourth 24-bit channel on the digitiser during
a calibration process to give the required facility to identify the mathematical response of the sensor.
DM24 FEATURES:
- Built-in digital signal processors provide simultaneous multiple sample rate data streams at user
selectable rates. Up to four streams of data for each component are available at sample rates
from 1000 sps down to 1 sps.
- All data is produced in a unified compressed data format, each block of data containing the
unique source id and accurate UTC (GPS) time stamp.
- Precision microprocessor controlled time base synchronises analogue to digital converters and
DSP and time stamps data blocks.
- Time synchronisation to external GPS
- Standard 64 Mb FLASH memory for data storage e.g. (triggered event operation, or continuous
data) (expandable up to 8 GByte).
- Continuous or triggered data output is available concurrently.
- Serial data outputs are optically isolated with user selectable baud rates.
- Digital data output options are RS232, RS422, fibre-optic or TCP/IP.
- Built-in microprocessor system configuration and broadband sensor control via interactive
command mode.
- Extensive and sophisticated multi-tasking software (SCREAM! for both PC and Linux
environments) allows full digitizer and sensor control.
- Block format supports system status reports in plain text.
- Very low power consumption, less than 0.65 W (4 channels @100sps storing to flash).
- PDA software available for configuration and quality checking of parameters within the CMGDM24 (SHOUT).

- 7 SCREAM! SOFTWARE
The SCREAM! data acquisition software package allows the user, within Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP
and Linux environment, advanced data access from the acquisition system, data storage and
digitiser/sensor setup and configuration. The details of SCREAM! are given on a separate data
sheet.
DATA OUTPUT
The digitised data is transmitted from the digitiser via the optically isolated serial port. The same port
is also used to configure and set up the digitizer system. All the data, including the state of health
channels and triggered data, is transmitted with an efficient transmission protocol through the same
port. This port can be connected directly to the storage and acquisition module, PC serial port,
modems and any kind of serial data transmission medium.
DATA COMPRESSION
All the data produced by the Digitizer Modules and handled by the Storage Acquisition Modules and
Combiner Repeater Modules are in the same block format, which greatly simplifies the processing
software. The block format has also been designed to require minimal programming effort to handle
and decompress, while still achieving efficient compression of real-world seismic data.
TELEPHONE DIAL-UP DATA ACCESS
DM24 unit can be accessed through a modem without any special equipment. The internal buffered
data or triggered event data can be accessed over a dial up modem. SCREAM! can be used to
download the buffered data.
DIGITIZER SET UP
The digitizer parameters can be set up using set of conversational English language or SCREAM!
can be used to set up the digitizer, sample rates, digitizer data output rate or trigger parameters.
BROADBAND SENSOR REMOTE CONTROL
One of the main requirements from a broadband sensor digitizer system is the capability of remotely
centring and calibrating the sensor system. In cases where the sensor system is installed in
postholes or boreholes the sensor system's inertial mass would require to be unlocked and locked.
DM24 provides all the requirements of a broadband system whether it is connected to the sensor as
an add-on module or as a separate digitising box.
EVENT DETECTION
In its standard configuration the DM24 outputs continuous data at a user-selectable sample rate. An
additional powerful feature of the DM24 is the ability to simultaneously run a STA/LTA event
triggering algorithm in parallel with the continuous acquisition. This permit the system to record
continuously at a relatively low sample rate, and record at a much higher sample rate during short
periods when triggered. Parameters controlling the triggering algorithm, and controlling the data
output once the system is triggered, are all selectable by the user, permitting the maximum flexibility
of operation and the most efficient use of available storage space. Absolute level trigger functionality
and start from time are supported. Unit has facility to respond to an external trigger and generate
logic signal on internal trigger for connection to an external switch or relay.
CMG-DCM
The Data Communications module gives the CMG-DM24 complete full TCP/IP functionality. Abilities
to seamlessly integrate with VSAT, or WI-FI network topologies, with extremely low power module.
Please see the CMG-DCM datasheet for more information.
CMG-AM
The CMG-AM module is a full data authentication module, giving the user CD1.0 and/or CD1.1
authenticated data output formats. Unit can be fitted to new or existing CMG-DM24 units. For more
information please refer to CMG-AM datasheet.
- 7 -

Specifications CMG-DM24
Seismic Channels
Number of Channels:
Inputs (Surface Model):
Inputs (Module / Borehole):
Input Impedance (Surface Model):
Input Impedance (Module & Borehole):
Common Mode Rejection:
Environmental Channels
Number of Channels:
Inputs:
GPS:
GPS Power:
GPS Time Format:

4 @ 24 bits (expandable up to 12)

Differential with transient protection
10 V input range (20 V option available)
Single Ended
(matched to sensor output)
1 M, 10 nanoFarad capacitance
(matched to sensor output)
120 dB at 10 Hz
8 (optional 16) @ 20 bits
Single ended, 10 Volts input range
External Autonomous GPS Module
GPS can be connected with up to 50 meters of cable
Supplied via the GPS connector from the digitizer
NMEA

Sensor Control Functions

Lock Sensor (active low CMOS$, active high option available)
Unlock Sensor (active low CMOS$, active high option available)
Centre Sensor (active low CMOS$, active high option available)
Calibration Enable - Vertical, North/South, East/West
(can be enabled individually)
Optional Digital I/O
8 bit digital input or output port
Sensor Calibration Signal
Amplitude and frequency adjustable sine or square wave, PRBS
and swept sinusoid
Digital Signal Processor
Type and Speed:
Hardware Sampling Rate
Selectable Sample Output Rates

Anti-alias Filters:
Low Pass Filters:
Out of Band Rejection:
In band ripple:
Trigger Modes:
Digitiser Performance
Standard Output Format:
Dynamic Range:
Absolute Accuracy:
Converter Type:
Clock
Oscillator:
Interface for External Receiver:
Ram Storage
Optional RAM, megabytes:
SMART Sensor Interface Option:
Specifications subject to change
Copyright GeoSIG Ltd, 25.08.2009 / L_CMG-DM24.doc

TMS320
32 kHz
Up to four separate rates are available. User selects each in serial,
beginning with 2000 sps and dividing the prior rate by 2, 4, 5, 8 or
10. Examples: 1000, 500, 400, 250, 200, 125, 100, 80, 50, 40, 20,
10, 5, 4, 2, 1 sps
3 pole
FIR (other options available)
140dB
-140dB
STA/LTA, absolute level, external pulse. Output signal on trigger.
24 bit (32 bit option for low noise unit)
>137 dB @ 40 sps for low power unit
>141 dB @ 40 sps for low noise unit
Standard -0.5%, Optional -0.1%
5th order single bit low pass Delta Sigma
Standard -8 x 10-7, Optional GSL precision RTC -1.7 x 10-8 with only
30 mW extra power consumption
GPS
64 MB standard, increments up to 8 GByte,
Optional IEEE1394 data download port
I2C interface and 1 Wire supported for Smart Sensor Initiative