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Defining Data Acquisition and How Is It Used?
Home » Enterprise Software » Data Acquisition and Data Logging » Defining Data Acquisition and How Is It Used?Before going into data logging, take a look at data acquisition and see how that works. Once you know this, you’ll understand better data logging, since in many cases they go hand-in-hand. The first thing to know about data acquisition is the fact it is a process where any event that has to be recorded is recorded by taking a sample and translating that information into readable signals. The user acquires the information usually by using some kind of data collector (a data acquisition system that is constructed for the sole purpose of collecting data). This machine uses sensors, transmitters, and other equipment to obtain and record the data or event.
Today’s technology is designed in such a way to make data collecting easier than ever. The problem is which type of equipment to buy since so many exist. There are certain things that make data acquisition systems work. These include:
• Connecting to the local Internet or intranet: Nowadays practically everything can be retrieved from the Internet, or an intranet, if installed there. The equipment being used in this case is referred to as a network computer. This type of computer has no disk inside that can store data. Instead, it just downloads the software on an as-needed basis. This way the data the computer collects is viewable by anyone who needs to see it.
• PC Interface: PCs are being used for anything and everything. PCs are great to use because they can gather data quickly and process that data in real-time. The only problem with PCs is the architecture used in the PC. Not all architecture is usable. Make sure the one you use can handle data acquisition cards and accessories.
• Adapter cards: Data acquisition systems include cards you install in a PCI slot in your computer. These cards are made in such a way to make collecting data easier and more efficient. For example, a typical card will have 16 analog input channels and can cost in the range of $1,000 to $2,000 dollars. These cards can fit into any computer that runs on at least 300-MHz Pentium II processors, at least a Gig of memory, fast hard drives, and high-speed networking ability. This card, once set up, can handle samples at the rate of 330,000 to 20 million samples a second.
Related Data Acquisition and Data Logging Articles
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- Buying Data Acquisition and Data Logging Equipment