Advice on the purchase of DAQ systems

Advice on the purchase of DAQ systems.

When purchasing systems for DAQ use it's vital beforehand to ensure that the hardware, operating system and software are compatible with the system being purchased e.g.

• Adequate number and type of slots for internal interfaces.
• Adequate internal space for the interface without internal obstructions.
• Hardware is compatible with the hardware of the computer e.g. 32-bit / 64-bit.
• Software and drivers are compatible with the platform e.g. Windows / Linux / Mac / 32-bit / 64-bit.
• Adequate number and type of external connectors for peripherals.
• Software is compatible with the peripherals.
• Whether or not any planned expansion of the experiment can be accommodated within the system.

Most suppliers have detailed on-line views of systems from which many of the geometrical problems can be resolved.