Chapter 4

Data Acquisition Systems

Dr. Ing. Wondwossen Bogale

EiT-M Ethiopian Institute of Technology- Mekelle

 Introduction
• Data acquisition involves gathering signals from
measurement sources and digitizing the signals
for storage, analysis, and presentation on a PC.
• Data acquisition is the process of sampling
signals that measure real world physical
conditions and converting the resulting samples
into digital numeric values that can be
manipulated by a computer.
• Data acquisition systems, abbreviated by
the acronyms DAS or DAQ, typically convert
analog waveforms into digital values for
processing.
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 Introduction
• The components of data acquisition systems include:
• Sensors, to convert physical parameters to electrical
signals.
• Signal conditioning circuitry, to convert sensor
signals into a form that can be converted to digital
values.
• Analog-to-digital converters, to convert conditioned
sensor signals to digital values.

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 Introduction
• As in other aspects of technology, computers have
had a major impact on the field of data acquisition.
• Since the late 1950s, computers have been used to
monitor, and in many cases to control, the
performance of large process plants such as
refineries and chemical plants and to acquire data in
major testing programs such as the space program.
• These systems were extremely expensive and
required highly skilled personnel to set them up.
• In the late 1960s, lower-cost computer data-
acquisition systems became available for smaller
tests, but since they were still difficult to set up
and program, their use was limited.
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 Introduction
• The appearance in the late 1970s of the simple and
reliable Apple II personal computer led to inexpensive
and simple data-acquisition systems that could readily
be used for small experiments.
• Personal computer systems (mostly using the Windows®
operating system) are now so capable that they can be
used for a significant fraction of all engineering testing.
• Computers significantly enhance the process of data
acquisition, largely because of their versatility and
speed.
• Computers manage the acquisition of data from multiple
sensors (at high sampling rates if desired), save the
data, manipulate and display the data, and, if required,
make use of the results to perform control functions.
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 Introduction
• Figure 4.1 shows a block diagram of a typical
computerized data-acquisition system (DAS or DAQ)
with eight channels for the input signals.
• Although most transducers produce an analog
voltage (at least after signal conditioning), some
transducers produce digital output.
• These signals do not pass through the analog
multiplexer and analog-to-digital converter but take a
more direct path to the computer (possibly through a
digital multiplexer).
• The computer may be used to control the process,
either directly with digital signals or with analog
signals from digital-to-analog converters.

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 Introduction

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 4.2 COM PUTER SYSTEMS

4.2.1 Computer Systems for Data Acquisition

• The computer systems most commonly used for
data acquisition in experiments are personal
computers using the Windows® operating
system. Sampling rates of over 10 million
samples per second are possible, and more than
3000 separate sensors can be sampled (although
not in the same system at the same time)
• Several major companies supply software and
hardware to make a personal computer into a
data acquisition system, and some of the
hardware is available in low-cost generic form.
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 4.3 Data Acquisition components
• To make a computer into a data-acquisition
system, several additional components are
required, as shown in Figure 4.1.
• Multiplexers and analog-to-digital converters
are almost always present and other
components are added as required.
• If it is necessary to take readings of several
measurands at precisely the same time,
simultaneous sample and-hold devices (or
related systems) are required.

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 4.3 Data Acquisition components
• If it is necessary to control the experiment (or
process), the computer must supply outputs in
digital or analog form.
• If the required control signal is analog (to
control such components as valves and heaters),
the computer-system digital output must be
processed through a digital-to analog converter.

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 4.3.1.1. Multiplexers
• In electronics, a multiplexer (or mux) is a device that selects
one of several analog or digital input signals and forwards the
selected input into a single line.
• Also called data selectors.
• Basic function: select one of its 2𝑛 data input lines and place
the corresponding information onto a single output line.
• 𝑛 input bits needed to specify which input line is to be
selected.
– Place binary code for a desired data input line onto its 𝑛
select input lines.
• Example :
• Has two inputs: x1 and x2 s
• Also has another input line s
x1 0
• If s=0, then the output is equal to x1 f
• If s=1, then the output is equal to x2 x2 1

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 4.3.1.1. Multiplexers

Symbol

Logic Diagram

Truth Table

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4.3.1.2. Basics of Analogue to Digital Convertor
• An Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) is a very useful feature
that converts an analog voltage on a pin to a digital number.
• Analog output is typical of most transducers and sensors.
• Need to convert these analog signals into a digital
representation so the microcontroller can use it.
• Analog signals – directly measurable quantities in terms of
some other quantity
Examples:
– Thermometer – mercury height rises as temperature rises
– Car Speedometer – Needle moves farther right as you accelerate
– Stereo – Volume increases as you turn the knob.
• Digital Signals – have only two states. For digital
computers, we refer to binary states, 0 and 1. “1” can be
on, “0” can be off. Examples: Light switch can be either on
or off and Door to a room is either open or closed
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4.3.1.2. Basics of Analogue to Digital Convertor
• Analog signals are continuous, with infinite
values in a given range.
• Digital signals have discrete values such as
on/off or 0/1.
• Limitations of analog signals
– Analog signals pick up noise as they are being
amplified.
– Analog signals are difficult to store.
– Analog systems are more expensive in relation to
digital systems.

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4.3.1.2. Basics of Analogue to Digital Convertor

• Advantages of digital systems (signals)

– Noise can be reduced by converting analog signals in 0s and 1s.

– Binary signals of 0s/1s can be easily stored in memory.

– Technology for fabricating digital systems has become so

advanced that they can be produced at low cost.

• The major limitation of a digital system is how

accurately it represents the analog signals after
conversion.

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 ADC application
• Scanner : when you scan a picture with a
scanner , what scanner is doing is an analog
to digital conversion : it is taking the analog
information provided by the picture(light)
and converting into digital
• Recording a voice : when you record your
voice or use a VoIP solution on your
computer you are using analog to digital
converter to convert your voice , which is
analog into digital information

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4.3.1.2. Basics of Analogue to Digital Convertor
• A typical system that converts signals from analog to digital and
back to analog includes:
– A transducer that converts non-electrical signals into electrical signals

– An A/D converter that converts analog signals into digital signals

– A digital processor that processes digital data (signals)

– A D/A converter that converts digital signals into equivalent analog

signals

– A transducer that converts electrical signals into real life non-electrical

signals (sound, pressure, and video)

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4.3.1.2. Basics of Analogue to Digital Convertor
• In order to change an analog signal to
digital, the input analog signal is
sampled at a high rate of speed.

• The amplitude at each of those

sampled moments is converted into a
number equivalent – this is called
quantization.

• These numbers are simply the

combinations of the 0s and 1s used in
computer language – this called
encoding.
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4.3.1.2. Basics of Analogue to Digital Convertor

Modulation

Demodulation
PCM Signal

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4.3.1.2. Basics of Analogue to Digital Convertor
• Just what does an A/D converter DO?
• Converts analog signals into binary words

• Analog  Digital Conversion : 2-Step Process:

• Quantizing - breaking down analog value is a set of finite
states
• Encoding - assigning a digital word or number to each
state and matching it to the input signal
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4.3.1.2. Basics of Analogue to Digital Convertor

Step 1: Quantizing

Example:
You have 0-10V
signals. Separate
them into a set of
discrete states with
1.25V increments.
(How did we get
1.25V? See next
slide…)

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4.3.1.2. Basics of Analogue to Digital Convertor
Quantizing

 The number of possible states that the

converter can output is:
N=2n
 where n is the number of bits in the AD
converter

Example: For a 3 bit A/D converter, N=23=8.

Analog quantization size:

Q=(Vmax-Vmin)/N = (10V – 0V)/8 = 1.25V

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4.3.1.2. Basics of Analogue to Digital Convertor
Encoding

 Here we assign
the digital value
(binary number)
to each state for
the computer to
read.

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 Example

• What will be the analog equivalent of 1001 0001?

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4.3.1.4. Digital to Analog Convertor
• A Digital to Analog Converter, or DAC, is an
electronic device that converts a digital code
to an analog signal such as a voltage, current,
or electric charge.
• Signals can easily be stored and transmitted
in digital form; a DAC is used for the signal to
be recognized by human senses or non-
digital systems.
• In music players, digital to analog converters can be used
for generation of audio signals from digital information.
• In TVs and cell phones, digital video signals are converted
into analog in order to display colors and shades

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 4.3.1.4. Digital to Analog Convertor
• Digital to analog converting is a process where digital
signals that have a few (usually two) defined states are
turned into analog signals, which have a theoretically
infinite number of states.
• A Digital to Analog Converter, or DAC, is an electronic
device that converts a digital code to an analog signal
such as a voltage, current, or electric charge.
• Signals can easily be stored and transmitted in digital
form; a DAC is used for the signal to be recognized by
human senses or non-digital systems.
• Converting a signal from digital to analog can degrade
the signal.
• Therefore details are chosen so that errors are
negligible.
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 4.3.1.4. Digital to Analog Convertor

• A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) takes a

digital code as its input and produces an analog
voltage or current as its output.
• This analog output is proportional to the
digital input.

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 4.3.1.4. Digital to Analog Convertor

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4.3.1.5. Simultaneous sample and hold subsystems

• In electronics, a sample and hold circuit is an

analog device that samples (captures, takes)
the voltage of a continuously varying analog
signal and holds (locks, freezes) its value at a
constant level for a specified minimum period
of time.
A simplified sample and hold
circuit diagram. AI is an
analog input, AO — an analog
output, C — a control signal.

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 4.4 Configuration of Data acquisition systems

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 4.5 Software for data acquisition systems
• For a computerized data-acquisition system (with
possible control functions) to perform
satisfactorily, the system must be operated using
suitable software. To take a data sample, for
example, the following instructions must be
executed:
1. Instruct the multiplexer to select a channel.
2. Instruct the AID converter to make a conversion.
3. Retrieve the result and store it in memory.
• In most applications, other instructions are also
required, such as setting amplifier gain or causing a
simultaneous sample-and-hold system to take data.
The software required depends on the application.
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 4.5.1 Commercial Software Packages
• In the process-control industry, sophisticated computer
programs have been available for some time.
• Using selections from various menus, the operator can
configure the program for the particular application.
• These programs can be configured to take data from
transducers at the times requested, display the data on
the screen, and use the data to perform required
control functions. These systems are often configured
by technicians rather than engineers or programmers,
so it is important that the software setup be
straightforward.
• For complicated processing or control functions, it is
possible to include instructions programmed in a
higher-level language such as C.
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 4.5.1 Commercial Software Packages
• There are a number of very sophisticated software
packages now available for personal computer-based
data-acquisition systems.
• These packages are very capable they can take data,
display it in real time, write the data to files for
subsequent processing by another program, and
perform some control functions.
• The programs are configured for a particular
application using menus or icons.
• They may allow for the incorporation of C program
modules.
• These software packages are the best choice for the
majority of experimental situations.
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 End of Chapter 4

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