DAQ and Instrument Fundamentals

Publish Date: Apr 02, 2013 | 11 Ratings | 4.18 out of 5 |  PDF

Overview

As part of the National Instruments Measurement Fundamentals Series, this set of tutorials helps you learn about a specific common measurement application topic through theory explanations and practical examples.

What You Learn
Many of today’s test and measurement applications consist of a broad range of instruments and measurement hardware such as high-speed data acquisition, RF, switching, high-precision measurements, motion control, digital I/O, counter operations, virtual instrumentation, and more. This set of tutorials provides essential information on the instruments you use to measure and automate the world around you.

Visit the Test System Development Resource Library to learn how to incorporate these measurements into an automated test system.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction to Data Acquisition
  2. Complete Switching Tutorial
  3. Digital Multimeter Measurement Tutorial
  4. High-Speed Digitizers Tutorial
  5. RF and Communications Resources
  6. Fundamentals of Motion Control
  7. Complete Industrial Digital I/O and Counter/Timer Tutorial
  8. Signal Generator Fundamentals
  9. Understanding Instrument Specifications -- How to Make Sense Out of the Jargon
  10. Programmable DC Power Supply Tutorial

1. Introduction to Data Acquisition

Get an introduction to the basic elements of a computer-based data acquisition system. Understand how transducers, signal conditioning, data acquisition hardware, and driver and application software combine to form a data acquisition system. 

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2. Complete Switching Tutorial


Through this comprehensive switching tutorial, review relay basics, learn about switching considerations, and read technical documents on switching applications. Find out how switches can greatly improve your test and measurement applications. 

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3. Digital Multimeter Measurement Tutorial


Obtain tips and techniques for using a digital multimeter (DMM) to build the most accurate measurement system possible. In this tutorial, explore the variety of DMM measurement capabilities including AC and DC voltage and current, resistance, capacitance/inductance, and frequency/period measurements.  

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4. High-Speed Digitizers Tutorial


Learn essential high-speed digitizer information including tips and techniques for building a highly effective data-sampling system. Review fundamentals, such as the underlying theory of sampling with a high-speed digitizer, and various methods to optimize your data-sampling performance.  

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5. RF and Communications Resources


Use this RF and communication resource for information ranging from general RF terminology to specific RF application development. Whether you are developing an advanced RF application, researching different RF test platforms, or simply needing information about RF and communications fundamentals, this document can help you.  

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6. Fundamentals of Motion Control


Review motion control system fundamentals including software, motion controller, drives, motors, feedback devices, and I/O.

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7. Complete Industrial Digital I/O and Counter/Timer Tutorial

Learn about hardware devices commonly used for digital and timing I/O from this comprehensive tutorial on industrial digital I/O and counter/timer hardware. See how you can use watchdog timers and isolation; complementary devices such as relays, solenoids, and encoders; and concepts such as sinking and sourcing in your industrial applications.  

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8. Signal Generator Fundamentals


This tutorial recommends tips and techniques for using signal generators to build the most effective test system possible.

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9. Understanding Instrument Specifications -- How to Make Sense Out of the Jargon

Traditionally, data acquisition devices and stand-alone instruments have been specified by using either different terminology or similar terminology with different meanings. This application note resolves this issue by providing clear definitions for specification parameters, including NMRR, CMRR, and ECMRR, and illustrates how these specifications directly influence your measurements.

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10. Programmable DC Power Supply Tutorial


Obtain tips and techniques for using a programmable DC power supply to build the most accurate test system possible. In this tutorial, you will review common definitions, applications, and power supply fundamentals such as the load considerations and line and load regulation.  

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