Differential mode

Differential mode voltage refers to a voltage difference between two signals that are referenced

voltage

to a common point. Example: Signal 1 is +5 VDC referenced to common. Signal 2 is +6 VDC

 

referenced to common.

 

If the +5 VDC signal is used as the reference, the differential mode voltage is +1 VDC

 

(+ 6 VDC - +5 VDC = +1 VDC).

 

If the +6 VDC signal is used as the reference, the differential mode voltage is -1 VDC

 

(+ 5 VDC - +6 VDC = -1 VDC).

ESD

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the transfer of an electrostatic charge between bodies having

 

different electrostatic potentials. This transfer occurs during direct contact of the bodies, or

 

when induced by an electrostatic field. ESD energy can damage an integrated circuit (IC).

Excitation

Some transducers [e.g. strain gages, thermistors, and resistance temperature detectors

 

(RTDs)] require a known voltage or current. Typically, the variation of this signal through the

 

transducer corresponds to the condition measured.

Gain

The degree to which an input signal is amplified (or attenuated) to allow greater accuracy and

 

resolution; can be expressed as ×n or ±dB.

Isolation

The arrangement or operation of a circuit so that signals from another circuit or device do not

 

affect the isolated circuit.

 

In reference to Daq devices, isolation usually refers to a separation of the direct link between

 

the signal source and the analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Isolation is necessary when

 

measuring high common-mode voltage.

Linearization

Some transducers produce a voltage in linear proportion to the condition measured. Other

 

transducers (e.g., thermocouples) have a nonlinear response. To convert nonlinear signals

 

into accurate readings requires software to calibrate several points in the range used and then

 

interpolate values between these points.

Multiplexer (MUX)

A device that collects signals from several inputs and outputs them on a single channel.

Sample (reading)

The value of a signal on a channel at an instant in time. When triggered, the ADC reads the

 

channel and converts the sampled value into a 12- or 16-bit value.

Scan

A series of measurements across a pre-selected sequence of channels.

Sequencer

A programmable device that manages channels and channel-specific settings.

Simultaneous

An operation that gathers samples from multiple channels at the same instant and holds these

Sample-and-Hold

values until all are sequentially converted to digital values.

Single-ended mode

The single-ended mode measures a voltage between a signal line and a common reference that

 

may be shared with other channels. (Also see differential mode).

Trigger

An event to start a scan or mark an instant during an acquisition. The event can be defined in

 

various ways; e.g., a TTL signal, a specified voltage level in a monitored channel, a button

 

manually or mechanically engaged, a software command, etc. Some applications may use

 

pre- and post-triggers to gather data around an instant or based on signal counts.

TTL

Transistor-Transistor Logic (TTL) is a circuit in which a multiple-emitter transistor has replaced

 

the multiple diode cluster (of the diode-transistor logic circuit); typically used to communicate

 

logic signals at 5 V.

Unipolar

A range of analog signals that is always zero or positive (e.g., 0 to 10 V). Evaluating a signal in

 

the right range (unipolar or bipolar) allows greater resolution by using the full-range of the

 

corresponding digital value. See bipolar.

G-2

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Glossary

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Image 44
Omega OMB-DAQBOARD-500 manual referenced to common