The Various Components Of Data Acquisition Systems

A data acquisition system is simply defined as an instrument that can be used to gather, store and analyze data. In simple terms, a temperature logger, pressure sensor, medical and life science research equipments, etc, are some of the most common and popular data acquisition systems available in the market.

Transducers Or Data Sensors

These are the most basic and essential components of data acquisition. A transducer is essentially a device that can sense the changes in the environment. There are different transducers available for different types of data logging. The components vary by industry. For life science research, the sensitivity of the data sensors are tweaked to a maximum, while the sensitivity is relatively tolerable in other manufacturing processes where the data acquired is only used for reference purposes.

While data sensors used for life science research doesn't require the ability to withstand drastic changes in environment, they can be built with sensitivity in mind. However, in manufacturing and other practical uses, data sensors are required to adapt and survive immense changes in environment, and are even required to withstand wear and tear. Hence, the sensitivity of the device needs to be compromised.

Signal Convertors

Signal convertors are used to record and convert the signals picked up by the transducers or data sensors. This part of data acquisition systems is all about converting the signals that can be decoded and stored in a storage device, which can then be used for the analysis.

The signals are either converted into digital or analog signals, according to the requirements of the data analysis process. These signals are obtained as electric signals of certain wavelengths, so that they can be easily processed and modified, making it easy for storage and analysis.

Signal Amplifiers & Modulators

Signal amplifiers and modulators are used mainly in data acquisition in manufacturing processes. The inability of the transducers in these processes to obtain clear data due to the nature of the environment and stability requirements makes it important to amplify and clear the signals, weeding out unnecessary information. This is done through amplification and modulation/demodulation, as per the strength of the signal received from the transducers.

In life sciences research and biomechanics equipment, the usage of signal modifiers is limited, as usually, the transducers and sensors are sensitive and tuned to offer the best seamless signal throughout the process.

Switch Controllers

These controllers are used to control the process of data gathering. The controllers are used for varying purposes, which includes tweaking the sensitivity, adjusting amplification, varying modulation and demodulation, and switching between different electrical signals that contain the data.

Switch controllers are used as an integral part of the data acquisition systems, and is not necessarily connected to the computer hardware that sorts out the data. However, there are cases where the data loggers or sensors work independently, and data is stored in a remote storage device, which can then be transferred to an actual signal processor.

Data Analysis Computer Hardware & Software

This is the final component of data acquisition systems. This is where all the data gathered is stored and processed to create useful information. The end result is actually streamlined using different software, and is customized to provide essential information to the analyst or the operator. In practical data loggers, the end result is displayed as easily digestible information to offer the data in the most meaningful form.