This book describes the fundamentals of data acquisition systems, how they enable users to sample signals that measure real physical conditions and convert the resulting samples into digital, numeric values that can be analyzed by a computer. The author takes a problem-solving approach to data acquisition, providing the tools engineers need to use the concepts introduced. Coverage includes sensors that convert physical parameters to electrical signals, signal conditioning circuitry to convert sensor signals into a form that can be converted to digital values and analog-to-digital converters, which convert conditioned sensor signals to digital values. Readers will benefit from the hands-on approach, culminating with data acquisition projects, including hardware and software needed to build data acquisition systems.

General information; Operational amplifiers; Voltage comparators; special functions; Product previews; Mechanical data.

Introduction to Data Acquisition & Control; Analog and Digital Signals; Signal Conditioning; The Personal Computer for Real Time Work; Plug-in Data Acquisition Boards; Serial Data Communications; Distributed & Standalone Loggers/Controllers; IEEE 488 Standard; Ethernet & LAN Systems; The Universal Serial Bus (USB); Specific Techniques; The PCMCIA Card; Appendix A: Glossary; Appendix B: IBM PC Bus Specifications; Appendix C: Review of the Intel 8255 PPI Chip; Appendix D: Review of the Intel 8254 Timer-Counter Chip; Appendix E: Thermocouple Tables; Appendix F: Numbers Systems; Appendix G: GPIB (IEEE-488) Mnemonics & their Definition; Appendix H: Practical Laboratories & Demonstrations; Appendix I: Command Structure & Programming.

This digital electronics text focuses on "how to" design, build, operate and adapt data acquisition systems. The material begins with basic logic gates and ends with a 40 KHz voltage measurer. The approach aims to cover a minimal number of topics in detail. The data acquisition circuits described communicate with a host computer through parallel I/O ports. The fundamental idea of the book is that parallel I/O ports (available for all popular computers) offer a superior balance of simplicity, low cost, speed, flexibility and adaptability. All circuits and software are thoroughly tested. Construction details and troubleshooting guidelines are included. This book is intended to serve people who teach or study one of the following: digital electronics, circuit design, software that interacts outside hardware, the process of computer based acquisition, and the design, adaptation, construction and testing of measurement systems.