DATA ACQUISTION-: It is the process of sampling the signals that measure real world

physical conditions and convert the resulting samples into digital numeric values that can be
manipulated by a computer.

Data acquisition, often abbreviated to DAQ and sometimes DAS, is widely used in many areas
of industry. Data acquisition is used to acquire data from sensors and other sources under
computer control to bring the data together, store it and then manipulate it.

In view of the wide variety of signals and parameters that can be sampled and stored, data
acquisition involves many techniques and skills.

Fig. Data Acquisition Block Diagram

The flow of information in a typical DA&C (Data Acquisition and control) system can be
described as follows-:
1. The input transducers measure some property of the process.
2. The output from the transducers is conditioned (amplification, filtration, etc.)
3. The conditioned analog signal is digitized using an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).
4. The digital information is acquired, processed and recorded by the computer.
5. The computer may then calculate the control signals to the process.
6. The digital control signals are converted to analog signals using a digital to-analog converter
(DAC).
7. The analog signals are conditioned appropriately for a final control element.
8. The final control element interacts with the system by changing the value of the manipulated
variable.
 Counters
A special type of sequential circuit used to count the pulse is known as a counter, or a collection
of flip flops where the clock signal is applied is known as counters.

The counter is one of the widest applications of the flip flop. Based on the clock pulse, the output
of the counter contains a predefined state. The number of the pulse can be counted using the
output of the counter.

There are the following types of counters:

 Asynchronous Counters
 Synchronous Counters

Difference between Synchronous and Asynchronous Counter-:

S.N
Synchronous Counter Asynchronous Counter
O

In asynchronous counter, different flip flops

In synchronous counter, all flip flops are
1. are triggered with different clock, not
triggered with same clock simultaneously.
simultaneously.
Synchronous Counter is faster than Asynchronous Counter is slower than
2.
asynchronous counter in operation. synchronous counter in operation.
Synchronous Counter does not produce Asynchronous Counter produces decoding
3.
any decoding errors. error.
Synchronous Counter is also called Parallel Asynchronous Counter is also called Serial
4.
Counter. Counter.
Synchronous Counter designing as well
Asynchronous Counter designing as well as
5. implementation are complex due to
implementation is very easy.
increasing the number of states.
Synchronous Counter will operate in any Asynchronous Counter will operate only in
6.
desired count sequence. fixed count sequence (UP/DOWN).

Synchronous Counter examples are: Ring Asynchronous Counter examples are: Ripple
7.
counter, Johnson counter. UP counter, Ripple DOWN counter.

In synchronous counter, propagation delay In asynchronous counter, there is high

8.
is less. propagation delay.

TIMERS: -
  At present in our daily life, Timers play a key role which is used in watches, clocks, or
phones. With hectic plans, most people easily forget many schedules. So, a digital timer
is used to give an alert to remind you of your schedules like checking BP or take
medications and many more.
 But in the industrial or commercial fields, these are not applicable. For new revolutions in
electronic devices, the electronic industry has paved way for timers, loggers &
controllers.

What is Digital Timer?

 A digital timer is a battery-operated small electronic device. The main function of this
device is to count down minutes for precise timing.
 As compared to a traditional clock, these timers are much portable. Digital timers mainly
range from simple type to complex which is portable, & includes complete operating
systems.

Fig. Digital Timer Device

The working principle of a digital timer is, once you set the fixed time, the timer will generate
a beep sound or vibrate at the drop of the specified time period. Also, it can be set to restart
immediately to countdown & repeat the function of the alarm at normal intervals.

Applications
The applications of digital timers include the following.

 Digital timers are used in the applications of large industries and common consumer
applications.
 These timers are mainly used in equipment for process control to help in process
regulation.
 These are used in industries to record the equipment’s age and use & they are used like
consumer electronics for recreational & household use.
 Digital timers are broadly used in a variety of industrial processes for controlling devices’
timing and also to check the life cycles of equipment.
Advantages
The advantages of a digital timer include the following.

 Portable
 Battery Operated
 Less Cost
 Highly Effective
 Less Weight
 Provides Exact Measurement

Analog to Digital Converter (ADC):

Analog to Digital Converter, or ADC, is a data converter which allows digital circuits to
interface with the real world by encoding an analogue signal into a binary code

Fig. Analog to Digital Converter

Successive Approximation type ADC

Successive Approximation type ADC is the most widely used and popular ADC method. The
conversion time is maintained constant in successive approximation type ADC, and is
proportional to the number of bits in the digital output, unlike the counter and continuous type
A/D converters. The basic principle of this type of A/D converter is that the unknown analog
input voltage is approximated against an n-bit digital value by trying one bit at a time, beginning
with the MSB.
Operation -

The output of SAR is converted to analog out by the DAC and this analog output is compared
with the input analog sampled value in the Op-Amp comparator. This Op-Amp provides a high
or low clock pulse based on the difference through the logic circuit. In very first case the 3-bit
SAR enables its MSB bit as high i.e., ‘1’ and the result will be “100”. This digital output is
converted to analog value and compared with input sampled voltage (Vin). If the deference is
positive i.e., if the sampled input is high, then the SAR enables the next bit from MSB and result
will be “110”. Now if the output is negative i.e., if the input sampled voltage is less than the SAR
resets the last set bit and sets the next bit and resultant output in this case will be “101” which
will definitely approximately equal to the input analog value. The counting sequence is explained
by the following counter flow chat as shown in below.
Advantages:
1 Conversion time is very small.
2 Conversion time is constant and independent of the amplitude of the
analog input signal VA.

Disadvantages:
1 Circuit is complex.
2 The conversion time is more compared to flash type ADC.

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