Data Acquisition (DAQ)

Modern engineering projects require the ability to monitor multiple data points simultaneously without compromising accuracy. Our Data Acquisition (DAQ) selection features high-performance mainframes and modular units designed for high-speed data logging and seamless sensor integration. Whether you are measuring strain, temperature, or voltage across dozens of channels, these systems provide the synchronized timing and high-resolution digitization necessary for long-term reliability. Built for both laboratory R&D and industrial stress testing, our DAQ solutions offer the scalability and hardware-software integration required for complex system monitoring. Explore our inventory capable of capturing every critical measurement.

High-Speed Sampling Rates

Multichannel Scalability

24-Bit Resolution Clarity

Universal Sensor Support

Real-Time Visualization

NIST-Traceable Calibration

Products: Showing 6 – 10 of 14 results (All units are inspected and calibrated in our ISO 17025 accredited labs before shipping.) Products: Showing all 14 results (All units are inspected and calibrated in our ISO 17025 accredited labs before shipping.) Products: Showing the single result (All units are inspected and calibrated in our ISO 17025 accredited labs before shipping.) No results found

Brand	Name	Description	Price
Keysight	Keysight 34903A 20 Channel Actuator GP Switch Module	Keysight 34903A Actuator/GP Switch Module – 20-channel relay module for the 34970A DAQ. Ideal for controlling motors, relays, and solenoids.	$195.00
National Instruments	National Instruments TB-4300B Terminal Block	National Instruments TB-4300B terminal block offers secure, high-density connections for PXI/SCXI modules, ideal for automated test systems.	$256.00
National Instruments	National Instruments PXI-4462	National Instruments PXI-4462 offers 24-bit resolution, 204.8 kS/s sampling rate, and 4 input channels for high-precision dynamic signal acquisition.	$295.00
National Instruments	National Instruments PXI-8336	National Instruments PXI-8336 MXI-4 module offers 132 MB/s data transfer, PXI/CompactPCI support, and easy system expansion for test setups.	$295.00
National Instruments	National Instruments PXI-6120	National Instruments PXI-6120 delivers 16-bit simultaneous sampling, analog/digital I/O, and PXI compatibility for high-speed acquisition.	$395.00

123

What Is Data Acquisition?

Data acquisition (DAQ) is the process of measuring an electrical or physical phenomenon—such as voltage, current, temperature, pressure, or sound—with a computer. A DAQ system consists of sensors, DAQ measurement hardware, and a computer with programmable software. Compared to traditional logging systems, modern DAQ technology is designed for higher speed, greater accuracy, and real-time data visualization.

The 4 Critical Components of a DAQ System

To effectively digitize the physical world, every data acquisition setup requires four fundamental stages:

Sensors (Transducers): Devices like thermocouples or strain gauges that convert physical parameters into measurable electrical signals.
Signal Conditioning: Hardware that filters, amplifies, and isolates signals to ensure high-fidelity data capture.
DAQ Hardware (ADC): The core interface that converts analog waveforms into digital bits (Analog-to-Digital Conversion).
Computer & Software: The “brain” of the system (e.g., LabVIEW or Python) where data is analyzed, stored, and displayed.

What Is Data Acquisition (DAQ) Is Used For?

Data acquisition systems are the backbone of modern engineering, providing the empirical data necessary to validate safety, efficiency, and performance. Because these systems can capture thousands of data points per second, they are used in high-stakes environments where precision is non-negotiable.

Primary Industrial Applications

Design Validation & Prototyping: Accelerating R&D by testing how new products perform under extreme stress or environmental conditions.
Structural Health Monitoring: Tracking real-time strain and fatigue on critical infrastructure like bridges, aircraft fuselages, and wind turbines.
Automotive & Aerospace Testing: Capturing high-speed vibration, acoustics, and engine telemetry during performance trials.
Manufacturing Quality Control: Monitoring automated assembly lines to detect deviations in pressure or temperature before defects occur.
Energy & Power Analysis: Measuring battery discharge rates and grid stability for renewable energy research.
Environmental Research: Long-term logging of climate data, soil moisture, and atmospheric changes in remote field sites.

How Data Acquisition Systems Collect and Record Voltage Over Time?

Data acquisition systems record voltage by transforming a continuous analog electrical signal into a series of discrete digital numeric values. This process, known as digitization, allows engineers to visualize, analyze, and store electrical fluctuations that occur over milliseconds or months.

Choosing the Right Data Acquisition Hardware

Popular DAQ Form Factors at Micro Precision Test Equipment

USB & Ethernet Modules: Portable, “plug-and-play” solutions for field engineers and quick lab setups.
PXI & PXIe Systems: High-density, modular platforms designed for synchronized, multi-channel automated testing.
Benchtop Data Loggers: Specialized for high-precision, slower-speed recording of temperature and DC signals.
PCIe Interface Cards: High-bandwidth hardware integrated directly into industrial PC workstations.

Not sure which DAQ configuration fits your project? Consult with a Engineer today for a custom hardware recommendation and a fast-turnaround quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between USB and Ethernet DAQ modules?

While both are popular data acquisition hardware options, the choice depends on distance. USB modules are ideal for short-range, “plug-and-play” laboratory setups. Ethernet DAQ systems are preferred for long-distance distributed measurements or remote monitoring, as they allow data to be transmitted over existing network infrastructure without signal loss.

Why do we need a data acquisition system?

A data acquisition system is essential for transforming physical phenomena into high-fidelity digital intelligence, providing a synchronized and objective record that manual observation cannot achieve. By utilizing precision hardware with integrated signal conditioning, these systems capture high-speed transients and multi-channel data with the accuracy required for rigorous design validation and safety compliance. This empirical foundation ensures that critical engineering decisions are based on verifiable, NIST-traceable data rather than estimation.

How do I select the right DAQ modules for my system?

Selecting DAQ modules requires matching your sensor output to the hardware’s input specifications. You must consider the required voltage range, the number of channels (density), and the necessary sampling rate. At Micro Precision Test Equipment, we stock a wide variety of modules from National Instruments, Keithley, and Keysight to ensure compatibility with virtually any transducer.