Selecting a multifunction data acquisition board for a computer-based measurement system

Totally automated measurement systems are the norm for manufacturing test, research and any other areas where measurements are made. Measurement automation leads to extensive data sharing, inter-instrument communication, and remote measurement control. Multifunction data acquisition (DAQ) devices meet these measurement needs. Designed to meet the needs of a general-purpose measurement system leveraged with a computer, DAQ devices provide features such as analogue input, analogue output, digital input, digital output, and counter-timer functionality. This paper introduces the basics of a DAQ board and provides the reader with information on how to evaluate a DAQ product for use in a computer-based measurement system.