TECHSTAR BLOG

A Guide to Data Acquisition / DAQ Systems

Posted by TechStar on Apr 7, 2022 12:00:00 AM

Data is an essential component of projects, experiments, machines, and countless other processes and entities necessary for complex scientific, medical, and industrial procedures. Data provides important information that describes states of being, functionalities, and performance. Data can also be used to control processes and mechanizations. However, in order to be useful, data must be collected, processed, stored, and applied within a context. This is where data acquisition systems come into play.

 

What is a Data Acquisition System?

 A data acquisition system, also known as a DAQ system, is a hardware and software solution for obtaining real world, physical data and converting it to digital values to be manipulated by a computer. Data acquisition systems have a wide range of applications and are available in a variety of interfaces. The range of measurement capabilities includes qualities such as voltage, current, distance, weight, temperature, strain, velocity, digital signals, vibration, shock, and more. DAQ systems are available as handheld devices or remotely operated instruments.

 

What is Data Acquisition?

 Data acquisition (DAQ) is a process of sampling signals that measure real world physical conditions and converting the resulting samples into digital numeric values so that it can be organized, analyzed, visualized, and manipulated in a computer. Additionally, data acquisition solutions can include software for data analysis and reporting, network connectivity, remote control, and monitoring features.

Components of a DAQ System

 A DAQ system is comprised of a sensor, signal conditioner and an analog-to-digital converter, and a computer equipped with software for signal logging and analysis.

DAQ systems have high-quality sensors that measure such as, voltage, current, power as well as measurements through sensors and transducers including temperature, pressure, flow, level, strain, acceleration, pH, humidity and more. The sensor is sometimes referred to as a transducer, and it directly or indirectly interacts with the measurement subject. The sensor intakes physical values and translates them into electric signals.

 

Hardware Components of DAQ

DAQ systems need hardware to connect the sensor to the computer. The hardware houses the signal conditioner or transmitter and/or the analog-to-digital converter (ADC). To proceed, Signal conditioning is one of the most important components of a data acquisition system because the accuracy of the measurement cannot be relied upon without optimizing real-world signals for the digitizer in use, you cannot rely on the accuracy of the measurement. A transmitter or signal conditioner can also calibrate, linearize, or excite signals, depending on the situation.  The DAQ hardware can connect to the computer using a USB port. 

Software Components of DAQ

 Data acquisition software can organize, analyze, record, control, monitor, audit, and display data. TechStar offers a selection of the highest quality DAQ software solutions. DAQManager is a software program that enables users to manage measured data from paperless recorders on a PC, easily search for specific criteria, and collate disparate channels on singular graphs. DAQWORX allows users to assemble an integrated data acquisition system using recorders, data loggers, temperature controllers, and measuring instruments without the need for programming. GA10 Data Logging Software is a data centralizing solution for monitoring and recording data. Temperature Uniformity Survey (TUS) software meets AMS2750E standards and allows users to perform temperature uniformity surveys and generate audit reports.

 

Types of DAQ Systems

Integrated DAQ Systems

Integrated, or turn-key DAQ systems do not require assembly or programming. They are ready to use solutions that are preprogrammed with specific, and somewhat limited, functionalities. With minimal training, testing engineers can easily use integrated DAQ systems.  

DIY Development DAQ Systems

 Do-it-yourself development platforms offer nearly unlimited possibilities through an object-based, graphical programming approach. These DAQ systems are flexible and capable of nearly anything, but must be built and programmed by the user. 

General Purpose DAQ Systems

 Many market-available DAQ systems can be used for a wide range of applications. Like a multimeter or oscilloscope, general purpose DAQ systems can be used in a multitude of electro-mechanical systems like  factory machines, power plants, and aircraft.

Specific Purpose DAQ Systems

Certain applications require unique features, and specific purpose DAQ systems are solutions that are customized to meet situational requirements. Applications such as aerospace telemetry and biomedical technologies require custom tailored DAQ systems. 

How to Build a DAQ System

 The best way to build a DAQ system is to partner with a manufacturing leader in instrumentation, analytical devices, training, and application solutions. For over 20 years, TechStar has been the one-stop-shop for innovative data acquisition solutions that allow users to collect, monitor, and record process data with easy-to-use, cost-effective data acquisition and data logging software and equipment. TechStar’s comprehensive line of DAQ products includes chart recorders, data acquisition software, data loggers, high speed data acquisition products, panel mount recorders, and portable data acquisition systems. When you are ready to build the best DAQ system, contact TechStar!

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