Engineering H192 - Computer Programming
Data Acquisition System Fundamentals
Lab 1
Winter Quarter
The Ohio State University
Gateway Engineering Education Coalition
Lab 1
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Engineering H192 - Computer Programming
Data Acquisition System Introduction I
A data acquisition system consists of many
components that are integrated to:
• Sense physical variables (use of transducers)
• Condition the electrical signal to make it readable
by an A/D board
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Engineering H192 - Computer Programming
Data Acquisition System Introduction II
• Convert the signal into a digital format acceptable
by a computer
• Process, analyze, store, and display the acquired
data with the help of software
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Engineering H192 - Computer Programming
Data Acquisition System
Block Diagram
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Engineering H192 - Computer Programming
Transducers
Sense physical phenomena
and translate it into electric
signals.
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•
•
•
Displacement
Level
Electric signals
ON/OFF switch
Examples:
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•
•
•
Temperature
Pressure
Light
Force
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Engineering H192 - Computer Programming
Signal Conditioning
Electrical signals are conditioned so they can be
used by an analog input board. The following
features may be available:
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–
–
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Amplification
Isolation
Filtering
Linearization
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Engineering H192 - Computer Programming
Analog to Digital (A/D) Converter
• Input signal
• Sampling rate
• Throughput
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• Resolution
• Range
• Gain
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Engineering H192 - Computer Programming
A/D Converter: Input Signal
• Analog
– Signal is continuous
– Example: strain gage. Most transducers
produce analog signals
• Digital
– Signal is either ON or OFF
– Example: light switch.
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Engineering H192 - Computer Programming
A/D Converter: Sampling Rate
• Determines how often conversions take place.
• The higher the sampling rate, the better.
Analog
Input
4 Samples/cycle
16 Samples/cycle
8 Samples/cycle
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Engineering H192 - Computer Programming
A/D Converter: Sampling Rate
• Aliasing
– Acquired signal gets distorted if sampling rate
is too small.
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Engineering H192 - Computer Programming
A/D Converter: Throughput
• Effective rate of each individual channel is
inversely proportional to the number of channels
sampled.
• Example:
– 100 KHz maximum.
– 16 channels.
100 KHz/16 = 6.25 KHz per channel.
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Engineering H192 - Computer Programming
A/D Converter: Range
• Minimum and maximum voltage levels that the
A/D converter can quantize
– Ranges are selectable (either hardware or
software) to accurately measure the signal
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Engineering H192 - Computer Programming
A/D Converter: Resolution
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Engineering H192 - Computer Programming
Data Acquisition Software
•
It can be the most critical factor in obtaining
reliable, high performance operation.
• Transforms the PC and DAQ hardware into a
complete DAQ, analysis, and display system.
• Different alternatives:
– Programmable software.
– Data acquisition software packages.
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Engineering H192 - Computer Programming
Programmable Software
• Involves the use of a programming language,
such as:
– C++, Visual C++
– BASIC, Visual Basic + Add-on tools (such as
VisuaLab with VTX)
– Fortran
– C#
• Advantage: flexibility
• Disadvantages: complexity and steep learning
curve
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Gateway Engineering Education Coalition
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Engineering H192 - Computer Programming
Data Acquisition Software
• Does not require programming.
• Enables developers to design the custom
instrument best suited to their application.
• Examples: TestPoint, SnapMaster, LabView,
DADISP, DASYLAB, etc.
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Engineering H192 - Computer Programming
Designing a DAS: Factors to Consider
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•
•
•
•
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Is it a fixed or a mobile application?
Type of input/output signal: digital or analog?
Frequency of input signal ?
Resolution, range, and gain?
Continuous operation?
Compatibility between hardware and software.
Are the drivers available?
• Overall price.
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Engineering H192 - Computer Programming
Hands-On Lab
• Part 1: LabView
– Follow tutorial to implement a random number
generator.
– Have TA check the results at end of both
sections.
• Part 2: Virtual Oscilloscope
– Follow lab procedure to measure shutter
speed and flash duration of a disposable
camera.
– Print graphs for use in lab report.
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