Data acquisition is an integral component of any quality system in the measurement industry. Scientists, researchers, engineers and many other professionals make use of data acquisition boards, systems, devices, etc. to improve their understanding of any phenomena as well as to improve the quality of their products and services. For instance, Bristol Community College is already training future graduates with data acquisition systems for their wind energy project.
Because of the function data acquisition serves, there are a lot of different data acquisition (DAQ) boards to choose from in the market today. DAQ devices that work with wifi or as USBs are the ones on the rise. DAQ users who prefer to stay away from wireless internet may opt to go for USB connections.
USB for Data Acquisition
One great way to establish a connection between remote sensors of data acquisition devices and the computer is through the use of universal serial bus (USB) connectivity. Convenience is the ultimate benefit that USB offers the data acquisition industry. You can simply plug in that USB in your desktop or laptop and within minutes, you have all the data you need without any hassle.
With that said, let App Rejection give you a closer look at the most common advantages we get from using USB for data acquisition processes.
USB Advantages
- Wherever you go, USB ports for computers are standardized all over the world. Additionally, all laptops and desktops today have the aforementioned USB port as well. This makes USB one of the most universal connection available.
- USBs offer great expandability. A USB port can handle up to around a hundred devices with the use of cable assemblies as well as expansion hubs.
- USBs work well with other data acquisition connection/communication alternatives. They can work simultaneously.
- The installation process of a USB is truly simple. Plug it in and immediately works; no need to fill up any information and not much clicking and reviewing goes on. There’s no need to install programs or softwares for it to work and so, it is more time efficient.
- For USBs to connect to a computer, there is no need for high-end cables. Standard, low-cost cables work perfectly.
- The use of a USB is truly convenient for all who are dealing data acquisition. If you can operate a computer then no doubt, you can handle a USB connection. There is no need for a professional computer expert or a scientist to go through all the trouble of meticulous installation and use.
- There are USBs that offer isolation for measurement applications that involve hazardous processes and environments.
- USBs offer reliable communication.
- USBs offer high data throughput.
USB Applications
Now that the advantages of using USB have been highlighted above, let’s move on to the application part. There are actually a lot of applications available for USBs since they are very flexible. Some of these applications are the following:
- Laboratory experiments in the academe or for companies
- Data logging done on desktops or portable laptops
- Data logging or acquisition that are done in vehicles
- Measurements for the environment