Data Acquisition (DAS) Devices

Whenever you have physical data or property to be measured, captured and then converted in some sort of uniform form that can be electronically analyzed, a data acquisition system will be involved. USB data acquisition equipment is designed to convert the physical world signals into some language of computers which then can perform various mathematical calculations.

Data Acquisition Systems

Data acquisition and data acquisition systems (known as DAS) take analog waveforms, collected by specific sensors that generate electrical signals into digital data for processing.
 
 We are talking about measuring physical properties of such things as: gas pressure, (which could be determined by the pressure of the air in a given area) fluid flow, the intensity of light, and sometimes temperature. The ability of the DAS to discern the difference between qualities and quantities of the various mediums that are to be measured is what makes a DAS an extremely important piece of equipment (hardware). Information from space can be sent back to earth regarding all manner of physical properties with the use of a DAS.

 Data acquisition hardware is generally the interface between the signal and a PC. Much like a USB oscilloscope, this equipment can connect with a USB interface plug. This connection with a PC or laptop, allows for increased speed in recording both data collection and the actual debugging of data. Sometimes when collecting data, noise (bad data) can be generated by a poorly fitted sensor or the impedance in a lead wire due to a break or a weakened section of wire. Debugging programs can generally detect and ‘fix’ the data by filling in the missing signal with the most logical step generated by advanced mathematical formulas.

Data acquisition and data acquisition systems are a definite part of most research, from the atmospheric conditions on Mars to the air flow over a wing on a new airplane design or the wind resistance of the curve design of a new vehicle.