Objective: The objective of this lab is to introduce fundamentals of data acquisition and integrate a sensor into a data acquisition

system. Theory: Data acquisition involves converting analog signals into digital information which can be stored and used by a computer or controller. Digitizing the data is important because it allows for easy storage and use of the data, computer manipulation of the data, and computer control of dynamic systems. Analog signals are continuous in time and amplitude while digital signals are only taken at specified times. Converting analog to digital data is done by an analog to digital converter (ADC). The ADC takes the analog signal at specified times which have a constant difference in between each signal called sampling period (Ts). These discrete signals are converted to binary to be stored on a computer where they can then be utilized. Investigation 1 To set up the DAQ system one must first understand the importance of setting the sampling rate. An ideal sampling rate is the lowest possible sampling rate that still represents the analog signal accurately. By keeping the sampling rate low one saves money and computer power. An appropriate sampling rate is at least two times the maximum signal frequency. Investigation 2 Another part of setting up the DAQ system is resolution. The goal here is to choose the resolution that represents the most accurate digital representation of the analog signal. The quantization size, Q, is important because it is a function of the input voltage and the number of bits used to store the data. The equation for Q is:

The smallest quantization size is most appropriate for accurate results and can be achieved with a high number of bits or a small voltage range. Investigation 3 The last section of the lab involves inputing parameters into the DAQ system to control a robot. The sonar sensor on the robot will determine how far the robot moves forwards and backwards. The voltage supply range is between 2.5V to 5.5V. Using this information along with the robot frequency of 20 Hz one can program the DAQ for proper operation.

Tables & Graphs Investigation 2 (figure 1)

Voltage Variations for 100 Hz

0.004 0.003 0.002 0.001 Voltage (Volts) 0 0 -0.001 -0.002 -0.003 -0.004 -0.005 0.05 0.1 0.15 0.2 0.25 2V 4V 5V 10V

Time (seconds)

Investigation 3 (figure 2)

Voltage vs Time
0.3

0.25

0.2 Voltage (Volts)

0.15 Sonar Sensor 10V 200HZ 0.1

0.05

0 0 1 2 3 Time (seconds) 4 5 6

Discussion of Results: Investigation 2 The plot of the voltage variations for a frequency of 100 Hz (figure 1) shows the resolution of varying voltage differentials. A smaller range of measured values displays smaller variations of noise within the system. It would be ideal for one to use the smallest possible range of voltage differential to capture the data. Another factor shown is that there are discrete levels of voltages shown in figure 1. This happens because of the analog to digital conversion which converts the signal to binary. Binary data only has a specific number of possible variables. Higher voltage differentials result in more levels and which has more noise in the system. Because of the multitude of levels and noise in the higher differential system it would be ideal to use a lower differential input. Investigation 3 Figure 2 shows a graph of the sonar sensor voltage vs. time. The triangle wave shows the cars movement backwards and forwards with respect to the wall in front of it. The parameters chosen for setting the DAQ acquisition were a 10V differential and a frequency of 200 Hz.