Measurement Computing 200 Series DaqBook - Manual (Page 9)

Daq Systems 02-13-02 Overview 1-1
Daq Systems, a Brief Overview 1
Daq Systems, the Modular Concept …… 1-1
DaqBooks, DaqBoards, and Daq PC-Cards …… 1-2
Using DBK Cards and Modules for Signal Conditioning ….. 1-3
Daq Software ……1-3
Daq Systems, the Modular Concept
Daq equipment and software form a modular, interrelated family of products that provide great flexibility in
data acquisition system design. This flexibility allows for the development of custom systems that are
unique to the user, and which can be optimized for his or her specific application needs. With the Daq
product line, system expansion or redesign can typically be accomplished with relative ease.
•
Primary Acquisition Device. This is the main data acquisition device, e.g., a DaqBook, DaqBoard,
or Daq PC-Card. These devices provide a vital data conversion and communications link between
the data source of transducers and signal conditioners and the data processor of the host computer.
Note the DaqBoards can be one of three types: (1) ISA, (2) PCI, or (3) compact PCI (cPCI).
•
DBK Option Cards and Modules. Over 35 DBK cards and modules (the number is constantly
growing) provide various types of signal conditioning and system expansion. Note that certain DBK
modules exist for the purpose of supplying power to other members of the acquisition system. The
DBK options are discussed in a
DBK Basics document module and in the detailed DBK Option Cards
and User’s Manual (p/n 457-0905).
Note: Only passive DBKs, such as the DBK1 BNC module, the DBK11A screw terminal card, and
the DBK40 BNC analog interface, can be used with a Daq PC-Cards.
Reference Note:
DBK options are discussed in the
DBK Option Cards and Modules User’s Manual
(p/n 457-0905). As a part of product support, this manual is automatically loaded onto
your hard drive during software installation. The default location is the Programs
directory, which can be accessed through the Windows Desktop.
•
Software. DaqView out-of-the-box software provides a graphical user interface with easy to read
spreadsheet formats for viewing channel data, as well as a choice of analog, digital, and bar-graph
meters. Waveform analysis can be performed, when applicable. A product support option, included
on the data acquisition CD, provides a means of performing post data analysis. More information is
included in the software-specific PDF documents that are installed on your hard-drive as a part of
product support.
In addition to the included out-of-the-box software, Daq products can be controlled via user-written
custom programs through Applications Program Interface (API). Several languages are supported,
e.g., C/C++, VisualBASIC, Delphi.
Reference Note:
Programming topics are covered in the Programmer’s User Manual (p/n 1008-0901).
As a part of product support, this manual is automatically loaded onto your hard drive
during software installation. The default location is the Programs directory, which can
be accessed through the Windows Desktop.