ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the basics of data acquisition systems. It intends to define the terminology, introduce the essential components and give several real-life examples of personal computers (PCs) in data acquisition and process control applications. The chapter encourages the novice engineer to explore personal computer-based data acquisition further. The concept of a data acquisition system, as far as it is applied to industrial systems, means acquiring data from the outside world by means of sensors and turning it into useful information for the purpose of controlling a process or a system. A low-speed wind tunnel has been developed for aerodynamic research on a variety of models including high lift airfoil propellers, vehicles, and racing cars. Pulmonary function testing for pediatric and infant care is being performed by a PC-based system. A PC based data acquisition system is used to monitor the drill head of an oil rig. Typical parameters monitored include head pressure, fluid slurry flow and thumper frequency.
