Even continuous AE signals can be processed in real time due to the very high arithmetic performance of the new field programmable gate arrays. A hardware platform has been developed which can be adapted to various different requirements of discrete and continuous AE applications for research as well as for industrial use. Due to its flexibility, that hardware package can be produced in higher quantities for a lower price.

The paper provides an overview of the advantages of the new electronic technologies and explains the basics and benefits of the new hardware platform and a few already realized applications.