Data acquisition (DAQ) refers to automatically collecting sensorsand other analog and digital test units to be tested, automatically collecting non-electrical or electrical signals and sending them to host computer for analysis and processing.Data acquisition systemis a combination based on computer or other dedicated test platforms, using measurement software and hardware products to achieve flexible, user-defined measurement system。

The purpose of data acquisition is to measure physical phenomena such as voltage, current, temperature, pressure, or sound. PC-based data acquisition performs measurements through the combination of modular hardware, application software, and computers. Although Data acquisition systemhave different definitions based on different application requirements, the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and displaying information is the same across all systems. Data acquisition systems integrate signals, sensors, actuators, signal conditioning, data acquisition equipment, and application software.