Absolute-Gauge-Differential Pressure Sensors; Data Acquisition System — Lesson 4

This lesson covers the comprehensive understanding of pressure sensors and data acquisition systems. It delves into the types of pressure sensors, including absolute, gauge, and differential pressure sensors, explaining their working principles, applications, and practical configurations. The lesson also discusses the components of a typical data acquisition system, such as sensors or transducers, scanners, analog signal conditioners, and data cards. It further explains the importance of calibration, signal amplification, noise suppression, and the Nyquist frequency in data acquisition. For instance, the lesson uses the example of a wind tunnel to illustrate the application of differential pressure sensors in measuring flow rate and detecting blockages.

Video Highlights

00:38 - Discussion on absolute pressure sensors, their working principle, and practical applications.
06:38 - Transition from the discussion on pressure sensors to data acquisition systems.
10:40 - Discussion on the importance of an analog signal conditioner in a data acquisition system.
17:22 - Explanation of the process of analog to digital conversion in a data acquisition system.
22:58 - Overview of a complete data acquisition system with all its components.

Key Takeaways

- Pressure sensors can be absolute, gauge, or differential, each with unique applications and configurations.
- Data acquisition systems comprise various components, including sensors or transducers, scanners, and analog signal conditioners.
- Calibration is crucial for accurate measurements, and it involves creating a linear relationship between the applied load and the output voltage.
- Signal amplification and noise suppression are essential for maintaining the integrity of the data.
- The Nyquist frequency, which is half the sampling rate, is a critical factor in data acquisition to avoid distortion known as aliasing.