The Ultimate Guide to Data Acquisition (DAQ) Systems (2024)
Welcome to our extensive exploration into the realm of Data Acquisition (DAQ) systems.
This comprehensive guide is designed to offer a profound insight into every facet of Data Acquisition Systems, spanning from fundamental principles to advanced technologies.
Our goal is to furnish readers with an in-depth comprehension of DAQ systems, covering their components, applications, selection criteria, maintenance practices, and future trends.
**Chapter 1: Unveiling Data Acquisition**
*1.1 Definition and Basics*
Data Acquisition involves the meticulous process of gathering and transforming analog signals into digital data, facilitating analysis and storage. The key components of this process encompass sensors, signal conditioning, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), and data processing units.
*1.2 Working Principle*
Delve into the intricacies of acquiring, processing, and converting analog signals from sensors into a digital format. Explore the significance of sampling rate and resolution, pivotal for ensuring the precision of data capture.
*1.3 Types of Data Acquisition Systems*
Embark on an exploration of the distinctions between standalone and modular DAQ systems, while considering the merits of wired versus wireless solutions.
**Chapter 2: Anatomy of a Data Acquisition System**
*2.1 Sensors and Transducers*
Discover the array of sensors utilized in DAQ systems, their roles, and the crucial aspect of signal conditioning in enhancing signal accuracy.
*2.2 Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs)*
Examine the characteristics and types of ADCs, including successive approximation, delta-sigma, and flash ADCs, pivotal for accurate data conversion.
*2.3 Data Processing Units*
Understand the roles of microprocessors, microcontrollers, and Digital Signal Processors (DSPs) in the data processing realm within a DAQ system.
**Chapter 3: Applications of Data Acquisition Systems**
Explore how DAQ systems contribute to various fields:
*3.1 Industrial Automation*
Real-time monitoring and control in manufacturing processes, ensuring quality assurance.
*3.2 Environmental Monitoring*
Applications in weather stations, air quality monitoring, and water quality assessment for environmental conservation.
*3.3 Healthcare and Biomedical*
Vital roles in patient monitoring and medical research, contributing to advancements in healthcare technology.
*3.4 Aerospace and Defense*
Significance in flight testing, missile guidance systems, and precision applications within aerospace and defense.
*3.5 Research and Development*
Roles in scientific experiments, laboratory research, and product development, contributing to innovation.
**Chapter 4: Choosing the Right Data Acquisition System**
*4.1 Considerations in System Selection*
Factors influencing the choice between standalone and modular systems, emphasizing the importance of matching sampling capabilities with application needs.
*4.2 System Calibration and Accuracy*
Understanding calibration procedures, accuracy considerations, and the trade-offs involved in selecting a DAQ system.
*4.3 Data Storage and Accessibility*
Exploration of data storage options, including local and cloud-based solutions, and facilitating remote access for monitoring and control.
**Chapter 5: Advanced Features and Emerging Technologies**
*5.1 Wireless and IoT Integration*
Benefits, challenges, and considerations of wireless DAQ systems, along with their integration with the Internet of Things (IoT).
*5.2 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning*
Leveraging AI and machine learning algorithms for data analysis, leading to predictive maintenance and advanced insights.
*5.3 Edge Computing*
Exploration of real-time processing through edge computing and the integration of edge devices for enhanced processing capabilities.
**Chapter 6: Installation, Maintenance, and Troubleshooting**
*6.1 Installation Best Practices*
Understanding optimal sensor placement, wiring, and grounding practices for accurate measurements.
*6.2 Maintenance Guidelines*
Learning about regular inspections, software updates, and other maintenance practices to keep DAQ systems performing at their best.
*6.3 Troubleshooting Common Issues*
Addressing interference, noise, and calibration problems through strategies for minimizing errors and ensuring accurate data.
**Chapter 7: Future Trends in Data Acquisition**
*7.1 Quantum Computing*
Exploration of potential applications of quantum sensors and communication in DAQ systems for ultra-sensitive measurements and enhanced data security.
*7.2 6G Connectivity*
Understanding the implications of 6G connectivity on DAQ systems, offering higher-speed data transmission and ubiquitous connectivity.
*7.3 Sustainability in DAQ Systems*
Discovering how DAQ systems can contribute to sustainability through energy-efficient designs, recyclable materials, and reduced environmental impact.
**Conclusion**
This ultimate guide endeavors to equip engineers, researchers, and professionals with a profound understanding of Data Acquisition (DAQ) systems. Bridging foundational principles to cutting-edge technologies, this guide stands as a comprehensive resource for navigating the dynamic landscape of DAQ systems across diverse applications.
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A Designer’s practical guide to ARINC 429 standard specification - [2021]
The ARINC 429 Specification defines basic requirements for the transmission of digital data between commercial avionics systems.
For ease of design implementation and data communications, signal levels, timing, and protocol characteristics are specified.
ARINC 429 is designed to provide the interchangeability and interface of commercial aircraft Line Replaceable Units (LRUs).
As in a layman’s term, ARINC 818 protocol is designed to support communication in the Local Area Network (LAN) of the avionics
ARINC 429 is also known as the Mark 33 Digital Information Transfer System (DITS) bus. Although used mostly in the field of avionics, these buses are also used in the field of ground vehicles, weapons systems, and other commercial and military equipment.
The word structure, the electrical component characteristics, and the protocol needed for the requirement of successful communication is defined in the specifications. The Simplex, twisted shielded pair data bus standard Mark 33 DITS bus is used by ARINC 429. Both the hardware and data formats needed for bus transmission are specified by ARINC 429.
A single connected transmitter or source consists of the hardware connected to from 1-20 receivers or sinks on one twisted wire pair. Data can only be transmitted in one direction (unidirectional connection), for bi-directional communication, it requires two channels or buses. FPGA
In a star or bus-drop topology, the modules, line replaceable units or LRUs, are most commonly configured. Multiple transmitters and receivers communicating on separate buses can be present in each LRU. Figure 1 shows the preferred connection topologies for the data bus. This simple architecture provides a highly efficient transfer of data, almost node-to-node connectivity.
A transmitter can only talk to a number of bus receivers, up to 20 on a single wire pair, with each receiver monitoring the related data continuously, but not accepting data reception. When large quantities of data have been transmitted, a transmitter can require acknowledgment from a receiv
As compared to a hard-wired handshake, this handshaking is done using a specific word style. Two twisted pairs comprising two channels are sufficient to carry information back and forth, one for each direction when this two-way communication format is needed.
The transmission of the LRU source consists of 32-bit words containing a portion of 24-bit data containing the actual data and an 8-bit label describing the data itself. LRUs do not have an address assigned by ARINC 429, but rather an equipment ID numbers that allow device management and file transfer of equipment to be grouped into systems
A null or zero voltage of at least 4 bits distinguishes sequential words. By using this null interval between words, a separate clock signal is unnecessary. That’s why this signal is known as a self-clocking signal. Transmission rates can be either at a low speed of 12.5 kHz or a high speed of 100 kHz.
For the transfer bus media, a 78 x shielded twisted pair cable is used. The shield needs to be grounded at either end and all junctions along the bus. The transmitting source output impedance should be 75Ω ± 5Ω equally split between Line A and Line B.
This balanced output should closely match the cable impedance. There must be a minimum effective input impedance of 8k x for the receiving sink. There is no definition of the maximum length, as it depends on the number of sink receivers, the drain of the sink, and the source power
Most systems are designed for less than 150 feet, but if conditions permit, they can be extended up to 300 feet and beyond. Fig 2 shows the cable attributes for the ARINC 429.
ARINC 429 assigns the first 8 bits as the wordmark, bits 9 and 10 are the Source-Destination Indicator (SDI), bits 11 through to 28 provide data information, bits 29 through to 31 are the Sign-Status Matrix (SSM), and bit 32 is a Parity Bit.
ARINC 429 data words are 32-bit words made up of five primary fields:• Parity – 1-bit
ARINC uses odd parity as an error check to ensure precise data reception. The number of transmitted Logic 1s in each word is an odd number, with bit 32 set or cleared to get the odd count. ARINC 429 specifies no method of error correction, only error detection.
Depending on the word Label, which indicates the form of data is being transmitted, the SSM field may provide different information. This field can be used to view the word information’s sign or location or to report the operating status of the source system and is dependent on the data type.
Bit 31 Bit 30 Status (BCD)
0 0 Plus, North, East, Right, To, Above
0 1 No Computed Data (NCD)
1 0 Functional Test (FT)
1 1 Minus, South, West, Left, From, Below
Table 1. SSM for BCD format
Bit 31 Bit 30 Status (BNR)
0 0 Failure Warning
0 1 No Computed Data (NCD)
1 0 Functional Test (FT)
1 1 Normal Operation
Table 2. SSM for BNR format
• Data – 19-bits
ARINC 429 identifies bits 11-29 as those which contain the data information for the word. The data pieces, indeed the entire word of ARINC 429, can be formatted very flexibly. When the data words are transmitted on the ARINC bus, the mark is transmitted first, MSB first, followed by the remainder of the bit field, LSB first.
• Source/Destination Identifier (SDI) – 2-bits
Bits 9-10 are used by the Source/Destination Identifier-SDI-and are optional under the ARINC 429 specification. To determine the receiver, the data is intended for the SDI may be used to identify the source that transmits the data or by several receivers. Instead of using them as an SDI sector, bits 9-10 can be used for higher resolution data.
The SDI is interpreted as an extension to the term Label when used as an identifier.
• Label – 8-bits
The mark is used to define the word’s data type (BNR, BCD, Discrete, etc.) and may contain instructional or data reporting information. Labels can be further refined by using the first 3-bits of the data field, Bits 11-13, as an Equipment Identifier to identify the bus transmission source. Equipment IDs are expressed in hexadecimal form as values.
In an ARINC transmission, the label is always sent first and is a necessary sector, as is the parity bit. Labels are first transmitted by MSB, followed by the remainder of the ARINC phrase, first transmitted by LSB
Data Types specified in ARINC 429:
Binary Coded Decimal (BCD):
The advantage of the Binary Coded Decimal technique is that each decimal digit is represented in the same way as Hexadecimal by a group of 4 binary digits/bits. So, for 10 decimal digits, we need a four-bit binary code (0-to-9). For displaying every decimal digit, the BCD format uses four bits of the data field.
To provide 5 binary values, up to 5 sub-fields can be used, with only 3 data field bits in the most significant sub-field. Bits 27-29 are padded with zeros if the Most Significant Digit is greater than 7 and the second sub-field becomes the Most Significant Digit, enabling the representation of 4 binary values instead of 5. The SSM field represents the sign of the data.
Binary Number Representation (BNR):
The fractional complement of the binary two. BNR coding stores information as a binary number. The sign of the data is stated with the bit 29, and a 1 indicates a negative number. MSB of the data is given by the bit 28.
Discrete Data:
It can be a combination of BNR, BCD, or ISO #5 bits. By setting or clearing predefined bits in the word data field, Pass/Fail, Activated/Non-Activated, and True/False conditions relating to device or subsystem operational activity can be described
Maintenance Data / Acknowledge:
Maintenance details and acknowledgment means duplex or two-way communication between source and sink. For the LRU to send and receive data, two ARINC channels are required, because ARINC 429 provides for single-way simplex transmission only. Maintenance messages typically involve the exchange of a series of messages and mostly use a bit-oriented protocol, such as the Williamsburg/Buckhorn protocol.
Williamsburg/Buckhorn Protoco
A bit-oriented protocol used to transfer files on the ARINC Data bus. If we require to transmit data more than 21 bits, file transfer protocol becomes a necessary and important factor. Source and sink units need to first create a handshake when initializing a file transfer with the bit-oriented protocol to decide a standard protocol that can be used by both the transmitter and the receiver.
A Word Send Request (RTS) containing a destination code and word count is transmitted. To ensure accuracy, the receiver responds with a Clear to Send word (CTS), re-transmitting back the destination and word count information. Upon verified receipt of the CTS files, the file transfer begins with the source.
Applications of ARINC 429 standard and Extending to other ARINC standards:
High reliability and small data rates at the cost of wire weight are provided by the unidirectional ARINC 429 network. In the early 1980s, the ARINC 429 was first used on the Airbus A-310 and the Boeing B-757 and B-767 aircraft.
In the 21st century, modern airplane designs continue to use the ARINC 429 bus for data transmission. The relative simplicity and integrity of the bus, as well as the ease of certification, are features that contribute to the continued selection of ARINC 429 buses when the required data bandwidth is not critical.
Military aircraft typically use a high-speed, bi-directional protocol specified in the Military Specifications of MIL-STD-1553. The interface DNx-429-516 ARINC-429 of United Electronic Industries (UEI) is intended for use with the company’s UEI Cube and RACKtangle chassis
It is compatible with the commercial aviation ARINC-429 data format. Few other manufacturers have developed ARINC 429 based devices such as the North Atlantic Industries offers the AR429/575 module and a broad range of ARINC-429 Interface boards is provided by Alta Data Technologies.
One particular item is the PMC-A429HD, which provides RX and TX ARINC-429 channels with 16, 32, or 48 channels. Interface cards such as USB 429, OmniBusBox II, OmniBus II PCIe, AB3000, and MX5 series for a range of computer platforms, box products as controllers or connected via USB or Ethernet, and related software tools are included in the Ballard ARINC 429 products from Astronics Corporation. A newer system is installed on the 777 listed as ARINC 629 by Boeing, and some aircraft are using alternative systems to try and reduce the necessary wire weight and exchange data at a higher rate than is possible with ARINC 429.
Bell Helicopters, Boeing 727, 737, 747, 757, and 767, and McDonnell Douglas MD-11 are equipped with ARINC 429, the majority of which are commercial transports, such as aircraft A310/A320 and A330/A340.
You might be interested to read other valuable article on ARINC 818 – 3 : Take a step ahead with an upgrade to ARINC 818 Revision 3 Avionics Digital Video Bus
Everything you should know about Net Promoter Score in 2020
What is Net Promoter Score® (NPS)?
Net Promoter Score (NPS) is defined as a metric for determining the state of a customer’s loyalty and Customer Satisfaction with a brand or product.
NPS is typically measured using the Net Promoter Score Analysis survey question which asks the respondent the following question
(or a slightly altered version of the same question without changing its meaning):
Considering your complete experience with us,
how likely are you to recommend us to a family or friend?
[Answer option scale from 0-10]
Classification of customers based on NPS survey response:
The data pulled from this response is an indicator of their brand loyalty and satisfaction. A customer is then classified in either of the 4 buckets, depending on response selection:
What is a Detractor (Responses from 0-6): A customer is marked as a detractor if their response is within the range of 0-6. A brand detractor essentially means that the customer is likely to detract from your brand to a competitor to meet their product/service needs.
Once a customer has been identified as a detractor, it is highly advisable to connect with the client immediately for damage control and prevention of loss of the client.
The net promoter score is, therefore, more than just an identifier of brand promoters, but also an identifier of detractors, such that you might still have enough window to prevent revenue loss.
This is one of the core reasons to conduct periodic NPS surveys to understand the state of your clients with a simple, quick, easy to answer a question.
Passive (Responses from 7-8): Passive customers are those who are essentially satisfied with your brand/product enough to continue for the time being, however, they are not satisfied enough to recommend your brand.
So, while passive customers are not your immediate and critical concern in comparison to potential detractors,
however, they are low hanging fruits that can be converted to promoters more easily by your customer success teams.
In other words, prevent detractors from leaving by at least converting them to passive on priority.
Once that is done, focus on converting passive responders to brand promoters.
Promoter (Responses from 9-10): Promoters are the cream of an organization – the customers who are not just satisfied with your product/service, but are also ready to actively recommend them to their network.
Brand promoters are often the customers who determine whether a company stays in business in the future or not.
Especially if you are a new entry in the market, you have to depend on recurring renewals from Customer Lifetime Value and new leads for your sales team from recommendations.
It is therefore critical to have action items for your promoters to nudge them to amplify your brand without being too pushy.
For instance, a simple hack is -when you identify a promoter through an online net promoter score survey,
immediately after the response is registered between 9-10, you can display a follow-up screen requesting the customer to share their response on social media.
Its an example of simple, honest and transparent ways to nudge your customers into becoming brand advocates using the latest tech.
How is Net Promoter Score (NPS) calculated?
For Net Promoter Score Calculation, Net promoter score is calculated using this simple formula:
NPS = Percentage of promoters – Percentage of detractors
Before we jump into examples, here are 5 key features to keep in mind while calculating your Net Promoter Score:
- NPS is a percentage, hence the percentage sign is not included in the final score.
- Your final NPS will be between a range of positive % and negative % falling between -100 to + 100.
- A negative NPS indicates net more detractors than promoters.
- A positive NPS indicates net more promoters than detractors.
- NPS will be zero when there is an equal number of promoters and detractors.
Let’s take a quick example for NPS calculation and how the score value changes and what it means :
Say, you own a company which has 100 customers you want to survey for NPS.
Let’s say the responses came out with the following distribution:
Promoters – 30%, Passive – 40%, Detractors – 30%.
Here, you have a net 0 promoter score. Because your promoters and detractors canceled each other out.
Let’s take another set of score:
Promoters – 50% Passive – 20%, Detractors – 30%
Here, 50%-30% = 20%. So your NPS score is +20.
Let’s take a final set of score:
Promoters – 30% Passive – 20% Detractors – 50%
Here, 30% – 50% = – 20%. So your NPS score here will be –20.
Strategic business applications of Net Promoter Score (NPS)
Improving Net Promoter Score can be strategically implemented across your organization to measure success or failure at various levels:
- Geo-location based NPS: You can conduct an NPS survey to identify the best performers among your customer-facing teams catering to various geo-locations. Let’s say you have a customer success team for Europe, one for North America and one for South America. If you want to know which of your teams are delivering best in customer satisfaction – just conducting a geo-location-based customer NPS survey will tell most of the story.
- Kiosk-based NPS: If you own a store or outlet that has a physical location for customers to walk-in and out, this is the best place to implement a kiosk-based NPS using a tablet screen. Here, customers walking out of the store can give an NPS based on their latest experience with the brand and can provide immediate feedback. A single NPS question is a much better alternative to get customer satisfaction indicator, than asking customers multiple survey questions to get the same derivative indicator.
- Website/App NPS: In the present era, customers spend most to their time online using websites and mobile apps. This is where they engage with brands and form opinions about a product by reading reviews. One of the creative ways to deploy an NPS survey on your website and mobile app and configure them to trigger the survey based on buyer journey or action. For instance, after cart checkout for eCommerce sites, page exit action (a survey pops up when user actions to exit a product page), etc. These are strategic locations to be selected based on business priorities, site structure and user behavior on your website or app.
Net Promoter Score (NPS) Survey Question with Examples [2020]
Learn about the Net Promoter Score and its importance to drive customer loyalty.
Net Promoter Score survey is not just a metric but an indicator of brand success and has a direct relation with Customer Experience (CX). How to Improve net promoter score using Net Promoter Score Analysis Software or Net promoter score software can simply help businesses to analyze customer insights and drive the growth of an organization by driving customer loyalty.
In a recent report by Forrester on the Customer Experience Index Ranking. It has been indicated that how an experience makes customers feel has a bigger influence on their loyalty towards a brand than effectiveness or ease in nearly every industry.
Conducting an NPS survey and by calculate Net promoter Score at multiple channels or touchpoints throughout the customer journey can effectively improve the experience.
What is a Net Promoter Score (NPS) Survey?
A net promoter score (NPS) survey is defined as a single question that asks respondents on their likelihood of recommending the company or brand to friends or family, on a rating scale.
The goal of the NPS survey is to gauge and analyze customer loyalty (Detractors, promoters and passive) and associated brand recommendations from these customers.
So, what is the net promoter score survey question?
The NPS survey questions are as follows (with minor variation):
Question No 1: Given your complete experience with our company, how likely are you to recommend us to a family or friend?
Answer options: 0-10 scale, 0 beings ‘least likely’ and 10 being ‘most likely’ option.
Question N0 2: What we did to get this rating?
OR
Question No 3: Tell us the ONE THING we could do to get your higher rating?
How is the Net Promoter Score (NPS) survey carried out?
NPS survey is carried out using NPS software with AI capability that can not just ask the questions, but also help you collect responses and analyze these results. The surveys are typically distributed using customer emails (built into the software as a distribution tool) and if you have a physical location, a kiosk-based NPS survey software can do wonders for your response rates.
While social media is also occasionally used for NPS survey response collection, it is usually within a community or group of users, to avoid inclusion of unqualified responses.
In the case of older demographics (65+), it is a good practice to have the kiosk and SMS response options, since your audience may not be tech-savvy. Based on demographics, the goal should be to make it as easy as possible to respondents to:
- Take note of the fact that there is a feedback survey question.
- To answer it.
Since NPS is a single question survey, B is less of a challenge compared to A.
Applications of NPS survey question in business intelligence with examples
While the net promoter score question itself is as old as 2003, the rise in data analysis and machine learning are quickly scaling up the applications of NPS as a key business indicator of customer success.
Here are some of the key areas of application for NPS survey question and resultant business analysis:
1. Measuring customer success by geographical locations
If a business owns stores/outlets across various geographies,
it is key to understand customer satisfaction across these teams to monitor business success as well as the customer-facing team’s success.
The survey data can be captured using physical kiosks (in case of outlets where customers can walk-in), and customer email addresses.
2. Measuring customer success by internal teams
Your customer-facing teams have one common goal – to ensure customer satisfaction,
which in turn leads to customer recommendations, retention, upsell to a higher license/product and increased inflow of organic leads.
3. Measuring e-commerce success by market
Ecommerce markets are far more geographically flexible that brick-and-mortar stores.
Furthermore, they invest heavily in customer success, given that they are still emerging companies and are building on customer trust,
all the while spending less on above-the-line marketing like broadcast radio and TV.
For them, NPS is not just a metric is the most important success factor.
Measuring NPS scores across delivery locations using an integrated and regressive Net Promoter Score Software helps gauge the success of the delivery agents as well as the overall business as it pertains to various market segments (as per priorities of the tech business).
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