Data acquisition boards, known as DAQ (Data Acquisition), are fundamental devices in test and measurement automation. They allow the conversion of physical signals – such as temperature, pressure, current, voltage, or vibration – into digital data that can be processed, analyzed, and stored by software.
These boards are widely used in industrial environments, laboratories, production lines, and scientific research, facilitating monitoring, traceability, and real-time process control.
🔍 What is a DAQ board used for?
The main function of a DAQ is to interface between the physical world and the digital world. They receive electrical signals from sensors and transducers and convert them into a format that can be interpreted by a computer.
Examples of applications:
- Measurement of temperature with thermocouples or RTDs
- Reading of pressure, flow, or humidity with industrial sensors
- Acquisition of voltages and currents in functional tests
- Capture of speed, acceleration, or deformation signals
- Monitoring of digital events (contacts, buttons, logical states)
⚙️ Types of Channels and Signals in DAQs
| Signal Type | Typical Channel | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| Analog (input) | AI (Analog Input) | Reading temperature sensors |
| Analog (output) | AO (Analog Output) | Simulation of reference signals |
| Digital (input) | DI (Digital Input) | Monitoring logical state |
| Digital (output) | DO (Digital Output) | Control of relays or actuators |
| Counters/timers | CTR | Measurement of frequency or pulses |
🖥️ Integration with Test Software
DAQ boards are compatible with various software and programming languages:
- LabVIEW, TestStand (native integration with National Instruments DAQ)
- C#, Python, MATLAB (via drivers and libraries like NI-DAQmx or VISA)
- Embedded systems with CompactDAQ, PXI, or Arduino as a simplified interface
🏭 How AJOLLY Testing uses DAQ boards
At AJOLLY Testing, we design test benches that integrate DAQ boards for:
- Fast and accurate measurements during functional testing of products
- Synchronous acquisition of multiple channels (voltage, current, sensors)
- Simulation of analog and digital inputs in the DUT
- Traceability of critical parameters with automatic database recording
- Statistical analysis of performance and quality with MES/ERP integration
✅ Advantages of DAQ boards
- High measurement accuracy and resolution
- Low latency for real-time responses
- Ease of system scalability
- Compatibility with various sensors and signals
- Direct integration with automation and control platforms
📊 What are Data Acquisition Boards (DAQ)? Accurate signal capture for test and measurement systemsDAQ boards are the heart of modern measurement and testing systems. With AJOLLY Testing, you ensure smart, reliable, and scalable integration for your production or laboratory.