Data Acquisition systems are also known by the acronym DAS and can best be understood by thinking in terms of the five senses and the way a human being interprets and manages data. We have our sensing organs, our nerves that send the data along to our brains, which interpret it in a way we can understand. These systems for data logging or recording also have sensors, and communication pathways that are usually wires and the processor or computer that makes sense of it all.

Information acquisition software and systems are useful in many respects for a wide range of industries as well as for research purposes. However, every industry or research project has a different set of data that require measurements. Physical phenomenon such as light, temperature, and vibrations can be sensed and logged or sent to a controlling computer for analysis. Automobile designers and engineers, scientists, medical professionals all use DAS in some capacity and each requires a different type of information.

While a sensor designed to detect temperatures can send the information along to a computer unless there is a way to code the information and then decode it at the receiving end, then it is just so much static or garbled information. This is where DAS software appears since it is what helps decode the information in terms that are meaningful to both the receiving computer and the human controller.

There are two common types of DAS the external where the processor that interprets the data is located outside of the computer and there are integrated systems that either are built into the computer or slide into a PCI slot. There are some distinct advantages to both types of DAS systems and they do differ in speed. The integrated system may rely upon the target computer\’s processing power while the external system generally sends the decoded information along to the computer where the analysis is performed.

However, the job of a DAS is not finished just by sending or logging information. There must be software that will help analyze the information sent and discard irrelevant information. The incredible mass of information that sensors can detect is useless unless it is organized and the relevant information is stored, while the irrelevant information is discarded.

While it certainly is possible to build a DAS piecemeal by buying each part separately, they may be more difficult to assemble and may not suit the purpose. DAS were created to simplify data acquisition and attempting to connect sometimes-dissimilar modules may complicate matters. While budgets matter to any enterprise, accurate information measurements and correct interpretations may well matter more to most.

Data loggers are similar however; information is stored in a local drive and later transferred to a computer. A logger is useful where communication with the target computer is not possible or practical and real time information is less important. However, the target computer will still need the appropriate software to understand and then analyze the stored information when it is transferred.

The best system for any purpose depends upon the how quickly information needs to be available and what type of information is being acquired. Data Acquisition systems can be simple to use with very user friendly software or they can be complex and configurable. The right system for the job will be that which delivers accurate information in the most cost effective manner possible and within the periods necessary.

Author Bio: With over 30 years of experience in the instrumentation field, we offer expert solutions for any measuring problem such as accelerometer, linear position sensor, and mass flow sensor to name a few.

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