Data Acquisition (DAQ)
Data Acquisition (DAQ)
Introducing a lineup with 8 different measurement units for measuring temperature, voltage, current, strain, acceleration, rotation, pressure, CAN, and more. This series can be used for a wide range of measurements, from simple measurement to multi-aspect, multi-channel measurement. The compact size makes it possible to carry the device directly to the measurement site, eliminating the need for storage space. The software is also easy to set up and use right away, even for first-time users. Meanwhile, collected data can be exported to Excel with just one click.
Product Lineup
The NR-X Series covers all the functions required of data loggers, including easy operation and compatibility with a variety of measurement applications. As the smallest and lightest data logger in its class, this palm-sized device can be used with 8 types of measurement units and can perform multi-channel measurement using up to 576 channels. The reduced-wiring system significantly reduces the effort required for wiring—the most time-consuming aspect of measurement preparation with conventional models. This ensures usability without having to worry about excessive wiring work, incorrect wiring, and restoration in the event of disconnected wiring. A help function with support for setup and easy-to-understand icons are included to make operation easy even for first-time users. Moreover, AC, DC, or battery power supply units are also available, with the high-capacity lithium-ion battery capable of up to 800 minutes of data collection. The wireless LAN unit also makes measurement possible from anywhere.
The NR-500 Series is a multi-input data logger that can be connected directly to a PC. At just 20.5 mm (0.81 inch) wide and weighing just 110 g (3.88 oz), this ultra-compact and lightweight device is easy to use. Both the smallest and lightest in its class, the NR-500 Series is highly portable and can be installed even with limited space. It can also be easily combined with other measurement units as needed for high-speed, high-accuracy measurement across the desired number of channels. Unlike conventional data loggers, the NR-500 Series was designed with PC compatibility and simplified settings and operations in mind. With simple and speedy three-step operation—connecting to a PC, configuring the collection unit, and analyzing the data—work efficiency before, during, and after data collection can be significantly improved.
DAQ, also known as Data Acquisition, is a process of gathering measurement signals, sampling them digitally, processing them, and converting said signals into a digital form, which is then stored inside the data acquisition system for further analysis.
Modern data acquisition shouldn’t be confused with previous data storing and data processing methods associated with metrology, as these mostly relied on analog signal input and analog signal output representation.
Modern data acquisition systems like data loggers harness the power of modern technologies to gather analog and digital data, process it, store it, and then reproduce the measurement results in a manner that’s easily readable for the user.
Benefits of Data Acquisition (DAQ)
In addition to being lightweight and compact, KEYENCE DAQs are simple to set up and use for easy measurement anywhere. Compatibility with battery units and wireless LAN units also makes it possible to perform measurement in even more locations. The modular design without a backplane or chassis enables quick setup changes.
Conventional DAQs tend to be large, difficult to carry around, and difficult to install. KEYENCE’s NR Series of DAQs, however, are compact, lightweight, and high-performance for high-speed, high-resolution processing of multi-channel and multi-input measurements. The devices can also be used with a high-capacity lithium-ion battery unit in addition to AC power, allowing for measurement virtually anywhere. The optional wireless LAN unit also enables remote operation and setup for using the system from anywhere as well.
Utilizing its compatibility with a wide variety of measurement signals, KEYENCE worked hard to make its DAQs easy to use. In addition to simplified setup and operation, the devices are highly compatible with PCs and make working with collected data easier than ever.
Eight types of high-accuracy measurement units are available to meet a wide variety of evaluation and analysis requirements. Measurement is possible for various types of data, including voltage, temperature, strain, acceleration, pulses, and CAN—all completely synchronized.
With conventional systems, different measuring instruments were used depending on the number of the input signal or the signal type. Analyzing data acquired individually from multiple units was extremely difficult and required significant time and effort as well as skill.
KEYENCE’s NR Series DAQs use a unique measurement bus without a backplane or chassis to sample all measurement units in complete synchronization. This makes collection reliable even when dealing with different types of data, such as temperature and strain. Complete synchronization of the data also significantly improves post-measurement analysis and operations.
With conventional DAQs, connecting to PCs and performing analysis could be complicated. KEYENCE DAQs, however, are highly compatible with PCs and software, ensuring intuitive operation from the configuration of settings to analysis of acquired data.
The main purpose of most general-purpose DAQs is to save data. This means there is little consideration for PC and software compatibility or data analysis operations. Not only are conventional DAQs difficult to connect to a PC and to set up and operate the system, but analyzing the collected data also takes significant time and effort.
Due to their high compatibility with PCs and software, KEYENCE DAQs help simplify operations and improve efficiency in new and unique ways. Waveform measurements and data can be converted simultaneously. Data can be output directly to Excel. CSV files can be automatically compressed for high-speed data transmission. Also, data analysis can be performed on the main unit as well as with dedicated analysis software, greatly improving analysis efficiency through intuitive operations.
NR Series Data Acquisition (DAQ) Case Studies
Temperature measurement example: Room temperature distribution with air conditioners
For performance evaluation during air conditioner development, it is necessary to check the room temperature distribution. KEYENCE’s NR Series of DAQs can obtain detailed temperature distribution data thanks to multi-channel collection of data from up to 576 channels. A remote unit is also available that significantly reduces the number of thermocouple wires needed, minimizing the time and effort required for setup even with multi-channel measurement.
Other examples are grouped into R&D and production site applications. These are further classified according to scenarios commonly seen in particular industries, such as the electronic device, electrical equipment, metal/steel, and plastic industries. Click the following link for more information.
Strain measurement example: Clutch durability testing and strain data analysis
During performance testing of automotive clutches, the pressure, strain, and temperature applied to clutch plates in operation are measured and the results are compared against the material strength to calculate the durability performance. In general, the strain and other properties are measured offline after on-vehicle testing for analysis. KEYENCE’s NR Series of DAQs allow for quick measurement of not only strain but also temperature and other data. Using a laser displacement sensor or similar unit also enables high-accuracy, non-contact measurement of changes in target shapes.
Other examples are grouped into R&D and production site applications. These can be further classified according to scenarios commonly seen in particular industries, such as the electronic device, electrical equipment, metal/steel, and plastic industries. Click the following link for more information.
Acceleration/vibration measurement example: Transportation testing for precision devices
During transportation by truck, ship, airplane, train, etc., products can be affected by vibration. This means precision devices must be tested through product evaluation for tolerance against vibration that occur during transportation. Products are evaluated by applying simulated transportation vibration by controlling the amplitude, frequency, and acceleration with a vibration generator. Due to the possibility of lengthy or extended transportation, it is necessary to continuously apply vibration for one or more days to identify at which vibration level malfunctions occur and to analyze their causes. With support for large-capacity SD cards, KEYENCE’s NR Series DAQs are ideal for this kind of long-duration testing.
Browse examples of acceleration and vibration measurement in various other industries as well, including the electronic device, electrical equipment, automotive, and metal/steel industries. Click the following link for more information.
Analog (current/voltage) measurement example: Data collection during on-vehicle testing
On-vehicle testing for automobiles often involves measuring analog signals output from temperature and pressure sensors. NR Series DAQs can measure and record multiple analog signals from different sensors. Measurement units can also be added for performing various types of measurements simultaneously with a single device, including temperature (such as intake and exhaust temperature), strain (such as the deformation of the body during operation), and CAN data output from the ECU. Using a battery unit and wireless LAN unit also enables remote control without having to run wires over long distances or needing an AC power supply in the engine room.
The examples included here are grouped into R&D and production site applications and highlight typical analog (current/voltage) measurements in various industries, such as the automotive, metal/plastic, electronic device, and food industries. Click the following link for more information.
Pulse frequency measurement example: Flow rate measurement for cooling water
Production sites use various liquids such as water and oil for cooling, polishing, cutting, etc. If the flow rate needs to be measured, a flow meter is generally installed on the target piping to measure the rate based on pulse signals. Because NR Series DAQs support pulse measurement as well, instantaneous and accumulated flow rates can be measured and collected based on pulse signals from a flow meter. This helps quickly identify problems on production sites.
Other examples are grouped into R&D and production site applications, which are further classified according to scenarios commonly seen in particular industries, such as the electronic device, electrical equipment, metal/steel, and plastic industries. Click the following link for more information.
CAN data measurement example: ECU evaluation testing
The NR Series Data Acquisition System can easily collect various types of signals from electronic control units (ECUs) by using a Control Area Network (CAN) data collection unit. The DAQs can also collect CAN data from multi-signal, multi-system buses completely in sync with analog data. Because of the simple design and no need for programming, the NR Series will significantly improve the efficiency of evaluation testing—which is conventionally very time-consuming.
The examples introduced here also include CAN measurement using a CAN data collection unit. Click the following link for more information.
DAQs refer to various devices that are generally used to save data. Most conventional DAQs have been peripheral equipment capable of saving data that can then be read by computers. However, settings, operation, and data analysis can be complicated.
The latest standalone DAQs, however, enable analysis of saved data directly from the main unit. Moreover, both standalone and PC-connection types can be combined with a variety of measurement units, wireless LAN units, battery units, and other devices as needed to improve expandability, measurement accuracy, or responsiveness. Configuring the settings and operating the devices is also easy. The devices are highly compatible with PCs and other software packages. The included functions make post-measurement analysis and reporting of data quick and intuitive.
The type of data acquisition system mostly depends on what physical measurement you’re trying to quantify, but in nearly all cases, the working principle is identical.
The DAQ systems gather analog, real-world data using input transducers, such as sensors. For example, the RTD sensor’s resistance grows with temperature. The measuring unit will output electrical current towards the RTD sensor and measure the returning current to the device. The returning signal is in analog form and must be converted into digital before storage.
This is done by digitally sampling the analog signal through analog-to-digital (ADC) conversion. The converted signal can be interpreted as a growing resistance. Since RTDs have a linear response to changes in temperature, deriving the temperature from resistance is rather straightforward.
Once converted to digital form, the recorded signal can be stored inside the main unit’s ROM or flash memory for further review and analysis. The same working principle applies to nearly all sensor types, though some don’t rely on electrical resistance; instead, they might rely on voltage or digital signal alone.
Data acquisition systems are essential components of modern industry processes across multiple applications, including R&D, product manufacturing, automated process monitoring, control, storage, quality assurance, compliance with industry standards and regulations, and so on.
DAQ eliminates subjectivity and human errors from the vast majority of industrial processes, thus ensuring that all metrics are mathematically quantifiable, repeatable, and comparable. Furthermore, they remove human operators from needing to continuously make various data collections manually, leading to significantly better consistency in data readouts over time.
Lastly, they allow your engineers to integrate them inside various production lines, thus ensuring consistent readouts over time, as well as a degree of autonomous control over the production process, should the system detect a defective product.
The main goal of DAQ systems is to collect data over time and organize such data in a manner to make it presentable for future analysis while also aiding industry process optimization.
The selection of a DAQ system for your application depends on the application alone; measurement dictates the measuring unit selection, affecting the selection of the whole data acquisition system.
It’s worth noting that the DAQ system isn’t composed solely of a single device measuring a certain metric. DAQ systems can be far more complex, with multiple computing units and dozens of sensors.
Data Acquisition (DAQ) Applications
Temperature measurement
Enhance experimentation with precise temperature measurement. Discover DAQ instrument basics and temperature recorders for accurate analysis.
Basics of thermocouples
Discover the principles, types, and temperature sensing of thermocouples. Gain accurate insights for measurement and analysis.
Basics of resistance thermometers
Learn about resistance thermometers, including principles, sensors, and applications. Get accurate measurement insights on the ″DAQ Instrument Basics″ site.
Basics of infrared sensors
Learn the basics of infrared temperature sensors for precise measurement and analysis. Improve experimentation and development with KEYENCE's temperature sensors.
Basic knowledge of temperature data loggers
Learn the basics of temperature measurement with sensors, recorders, and data analysis techniques. Enhance accuracy and efficiency with KEYENCE's resources.
Applications and examples of temperature measurement
Explore practical applications and examples of temperature measurement. Discover types of measurement and essential devices for accurate analysis.
Voltage measurement
In this section, we explain voltage measurement and the uses of waveform screens to provide easy-to-understand explanations of key points in selecting the sampling cycle.
How to measure voltage
In this section, we explain how to measure voltage when measuring analog output voltage from a sensor and how to measure power voltage using DAQ devices.
Selecting a voltage measurement data logger
In this section, we explain how to select the ideal voltage measurement data logger by taking into consideration five key characteristics.
From useful basic knowledge to techniques for improving efficiency, this website offers support for accurate measurement and analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Data Acquisition (DAQ)
The thermocouple or RTD type will depend on the temperature being measured, the required accuracy and other features. Because DAQs typically only support measurement with a limited number of thermocouple and RTD types, users often need to verify that the thermocouple or resistance thermometer being used is compatible with the DAQ before measurement.
KEYENCE’s NR Series DAQs allow users to perform measurement without having to worry about frequently checking the specifications. Nine different types of thermocouples and three types of resistance thermometers are supported.
Analyzing data collected by a conventional DAQ usually involves extracting the data from the main unit memory or recording media. With a KEYENCE NR Series DAQ, collected data is automatically saved to the PC and can also be automatically transferred to a server using the FTP client function.
The SNTP client function also synchronizes the time on the main unit with an SNTP server time for accurate data time management with no time adjustment needed.
As quality management standards become stricter, the need for measuring numerous channels is increasing.
Many systems use multiple DAQs to collect data from multiple channels, with the data being synchronized later in Excel.
KEYENCE’s NR Series of DAQs, however, can collect data from up to 576 channels with completely synchronized sampling.
With support for multiple inputs, the KEYENCE NR Series DAQ can collect various data from just a single device. This helps shorten data collection processing times and ensures the synchronization of data.
In this way, KEYENCE DAQs can solve various problems in situations where synchronized measurement is necessary, such as when collecting multiple types of data (such as temperature, voltage, and acceleration) or when collecting data from multiple channels at a high sampling rate.
Browse detailed explanations on selecting a DAQ for pulse count or frequency measurements such as rotation speed, complete with measurement application examples, measurement tips, and other key points. This guide is recommended both for those just starting pulse measurement and those looking for ways to improve efficiency.
There are a wide variety of DAQs (recording instruments) capable of measuring acceleration. This guide provides an in-depth look at selecting the right device, from basic information such as acceleration sensor selection to information on the number of channels, sampling rate, and synchronized measurement of different data types.
Learn about the various DAQs (recording instruments) that can measure strain and how to choose the best one. Discover the various specifications and applications of DAQs to help make the right choice, from selecting a measurement unit for the strain gauge being used to deciding the number of channels, sampling rate, and whether simultaneous measurement of other input signals besides strain is necessary.
