Three features to look for in your next data acquisition system

To ensure the most efficient production process, today’s manufacturers must acquire accurate measurement data from their production systems. A data acquisition (DAQ) and control system that provides detailed, meaningful information related to force, torque, vibration, pressure, strain, temperature, voltage and current is a valuable tool for those looking to gain efficiencies. 

But what features should you look for in a DAQ system? It should provide accurate information in real-time, and be scalable. 

1. Precision 

High accuracy when acquiring measurement data gives manufacturers considerable efficiency advantages in their production processes. Take the PMX Modular Amplifier System from HBM, and available through Durham Instruments, for example. This data acquisition and control system, ideal for press and printing processes, the monitoring of machines, industrial test benches and end-of-line test stands, enables professional and precise acquisition of force, torque, vibration, pressure, strain, temperature, voltage, current and many other quantities today’s manufacturers want to measure. All channels are rated with 19,200 samples per second. With 16 measuring channels and 32 calculating channels, PMX as a whole is rated up to 400,000 values per second.

2. Real-time information

Data acquisition and control systems should support current Industrial Ethernet technology so they integrate seamlessly into modern production plants. PMX, for example, supports EtherCAT and Profinet, as well as Profibus, enabling the measurement, calculation and automation of data in real-time. It can also process the signal internally and transfer this in real-time to the automation system.

3. Scalability

Manufacturers should look for DAQ systems that can grow with their requirements. For each PMX, users can have up to five plug-in cards for different measurement quantities and communication interfaces. In addition, users can increase the number of channels, integrating up to 300 measurement channels and up to 600 mathematical calculation channels.

The importance of data acquisition cannot be exaggerated. It plays a pivotal role in research, analysis and development. Fast, accurate and reliable DAQ equipment is vital to the success of industrial processes.

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