Information about Data Acquisition

Data acquisition is the processing of multiple electrical or electronic inputs from devices such as sensors, timers, relays, and solid-state circuits for the purpose of monitoring, analyzing and/or controlling systems and processes. Data acquisition instrument types include computer boards, instruments or systems, dataloggers or recorders, chart recorders, input modules, output modules, and I/O modules. Computer boards are self-contained printed circuit board with full data acquisition functionality; typically plugs into a backplane or motherboard, or otherwise interfaces directly with a computer bus. Instruments or systems are fully packaged with input and output, user interface, communications capability, etc. They may include integral sensors. Data loggers and data recorders are data acquisition units with instrument functionality with specific capability for data storage. May be for general purpose or application-specific data acquisition. Chart recorders generate real-time plots, graphs or other visualizations of data. Input modules are devices (module or card) configured to accept input of sensors, timers, switches, amplifiers, transistors, etc. for use in the data acquisition system. Output modules are devices with specific functionality for output of amplified, conditioned, or digitized signal. I/O modules have both input and output functionality. Digital or discrete I/O includes on-off signals used in communication, user interface, or control.

Products & Services Related to Data Acquisition

Current Loop Converters

Current loop converters convert an analog or digital signal to a current loop output such as 4-20 mA or 0-20 mA.

Current-to-Voltage Converters

Current-to-voltage converters scale and convert current signal input to the desired output voltage range.

Data Acquisition I/O Modules

Data acquisition I/O modules or cards have both input and output functionality. Digital or discrete I/O modules include on-off signals used in communication, user interface, or control.

Data Acquisition Input Modules

Data acquisition input modules accept sensor and other signal output for data acquisition systems. They may include signal conditioning prior to the analog-to-digital conversion stage.

LVDT and RVDT Signal Conditioners

Linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) and rotary variable differential transformer (RVDT) signal conditioners are devices that translate the linear or rotary movement of a ferromagnetic armature into an AC voltage that is proportional to the armature position.

Sensor Transmitters

Sensor transmitters are measurement or signal conditioning packages that provide a standard, calibrated output from a sensor or transducer in the form of a current loop output (e.g., 4-20 mA).

Voltage Converters and Voltage Inverters

Voltage converters and voltage inverters accept voltage input and provide a scaled voltage output. Conversion types include scaling up a low-level signal, voltage doubling, and inversion (converting a positive voltage to negative and vice versa).