What Are the Types of Data Acquisition Systems?

Written by Grant Maloy Smith, the data acquisition expert In this article we will learn about the different types of Digital Data Acquisition (DAQ) Systems, describing them with enough detail that you will: See what the major variants of digital DAQ systems are Learn about how these types differ from each other and why Understand how they can be used and where Introduction There is a wide variety of types of digital data acquisition systems (DAQ) on the market today. They are available in a variety of form factors, speed, sample rate ranges, signal input types, and many other criteria. DAQ systems cover a very broad range of measurement applications or acquiring and sampling electrical signals, from general-purpose to very specific, which further influences their designs. Although the focus of this article is on Digital data acquisition systems, there are other kinds of data recorders to mention: Digital Data Acquisition Data Loggers Data Recorders Signal Conditioners Oscilloscopes Spectrum Analyzers Vibration Analyzers Data Acquisition System Types We can sort digital data acquisition systems types according to several important criteria: Data Acquisition Systems by Form Factor: From small computer-connected modules to stand-alone systems. Data acquisition systems by Distributability: Modularity and interoperability of acquisition nodes. Data acquisition systems by Speed: How fast they can sample data. Data acquisition systems by IP Environmental Protection: The ability to withstand shock, vibration, dust, water, and temperature extremes. Data acquisition systems by Control Capabilities: The ability to integrate with real-time control systems. All data acquisition system types mentioned below offer signal conditioning amplifiers (i.e. signal conditioning circuitry) for sampling and collecting data from all sorts of analog signals and analog sensors such as strain gauge, IEPE, thermocouple, RTD, LVDT, voltage, current, etc.

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