Definition of data acquisition systems

PI Physik Instrumente - Microscope Stages LB ROS 11/24

Photonics Dictionary

data acquisition systems: A data acquisition (DAQ) system is a combination of hardware and software used to collect, process, and analyze data from physical phenomena or processes.

data acquisition system suppliers →

A DAQ system typically involves the following components:

Sensors and transducers: Devices that convert physical measurements (such as temperature, pressure, or light) into electrical signals that can be processed by the DAQ system.

Signal conditioning: The process of modifying the signal from the sensors to make it suitable for digitization. This may include amplification, filtering, and conversion of analog signals to digital.

Data acquisition hardware: Includes data acquisition boards, modules, or devices that interface with sensors and perform analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) to convert the conditioned signals into digital form.

Data storage: Systems or components used to store the acquired data for further analysis, which may include local storage devices or cloud-based solutions.

Software: Programs and applications that control the data acquisition process, perform data analysis, and visualize results. This may include specialized DAQ software, programming environments, or data analysis tools.

Communication interfaces: Methods for transmitting data between the DAQ hardware and software, which could include USB, Ethernet, or wireless communication.

Function:

Data collection: Acquiring data from various sources, including sensors and measurement instruments.

Signal processing: Conditioning and converting raw data into a format suitable for analysis.

Data analysis: Interpreting and analyzing the collected data to extract meaningful information.

Components:

Sensors/transducers: Devices that measure physical quantities and convert them into electrical signals.

DAQ hardware: Includes ADCs, multiplexers, and other components that handle data acquisition and processing.

Signal conditioning equipment: Amplifiers, filters, and other devices that prepare signals for digitization.

Software: Used for configuring the DAQ system, controlling data acquisition, and analyzing results.

Applications:

Industrial automation: Monitoring and controlling manufacturing processes and equipment.

Environmental monitoring: Measuring and analyzing environmental parameters like air quality, temperature, and humidity.

Scientific research: Collecting and analyzing data in experimental research, such as physics or chemistry experiments.

Medical diagnostics: Acquiring data from medical sensors and devices for patient monitoring and diagnostic purposes.

Automotive testing: Monitoring and analyzing vehicle performance and component behavior during testing.

Advantages:

Accuracy: Provides precise measurements and reliable data for analysis and control.

Real-time monitoring: Enables real-time data collection and analysis for immediate feedback and decision-making.

Flexibility: Can be customized and scaled to fit different applications and measurement needs.

Automation: Facilitates automated data collection and analysis, reducing the need for manual intervention.

Considerations:

Sampling rate: The frequency at which data is collected, which affects the resolution and accuracy of the measurements.

Data storage capacity: The ability to store large amounts of data, which is important for long-term monitoring and analysis.

Accuracy and precision: The quality of measurements and how closely they match the true values.

Integration: The ability to integrate with other systems and technologies for comprehensive analysis and control.

Data acquisition systems are integral to a wide range of fields, providing essential capabilities for measuring, analyzing, and interpreting data from various sources to support decision-making, process control, and research.

Products & Suppliers

Related Categories

49 companies
Data Acquisition Systems

Zurich Instruments AG - Challenge Us 10/24 MR

Meadowlark Optics - Wave Plates 6/24 MR 2024