ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the basic concepts related to a subset of embedded systems termed data acquisition systems. It also discusses digital-to-analog conversion. The chapter includes basic specifications of the D/A converters and an example of interfacing a real device. A mirror parameter for the Digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) settling time is the Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADC) conversion time. The conversion time indicates how long the ADC processes the analog input in order to yield the digital output. Measurement of temperature is a typical case of interfacing in the analog world. It needs to monitor temperature or to control it in applications such as automotive industry, solar energy conversion, food production processes and heating systems. The new block in the architecture is termed analog multiplexer. The multiplexer connects a selected channel to the Sample/Hold (S/H) circuit. The microcontroller selects the channel by means of the multiplexer address inputs.
