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What Is Data Acquisition?

Learn More About Data Acquisition

The purpose of data acquisition is to measure an electrical or physical phenomenon such as voltage, current, temperature, pressure, or sound. PC-based data acquisition uses a combination of modular hardware, application software, and a computer to take measurements. While each data acquisition system is defined by its application requirements, every system shares a common goal of acquiring, analyzing, and presenting information. Data acquisition systems incorporate signals, sensors, actuators, signal conditioning, data acquisition devices, and application software.

Application Resources

You can use NI data acquisition hardware and software for very simple or highly sophisticated applications. Find your application below to discover how you can benefit from data acquisition.

Temperature
Learn how to take measurements with thermocouples, RTDs, thermistors, and other temperature sensors.

Strain
Find out how strain gages work, which types of measurements you can take with them, and which conditioning hardware they require.

Pressure
Build a pressure measurement system by selecting the correct data acquisition and conditioning hardware.

Data Logging
Discover the applications for data logging, get free evaluation software, and learn techniques for more efficient data logging.

If your application is not listed here, have an NI technical representative call you.

Product Resources

Find the Right Data Acquisition Device
Find the Right Data Acquisition Device

Search and compare devices based on your specification requirements.

Conditioned Measurements
Conditioned Measurements

Select the right data acquisition system based on your sensor and conditioned measurement needs.

Learn about Hardware

Learn about Software