The handbook is divided into nine sections that discuss issues influencing the selection of data acquisition and control equipment. Topics include:

• An overview of data acquisition and measurement, including a description of plug-in boards and external data acquisition systems.
• Computer buses, protocols, and hardware, emphasizing the importance of the computer to the overall performance and reliability of the systems.
• Software and making the appropriate choice for data acquisition software.
• Basic component theory and the types of electronic components for data acquisition systems to optimize test procedures.
• Analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion, interfacing, isolation, and ground loops.
• Temperature and strain measurements with tutorials on the capabilities of the sensor technologies available to make these measurements and ensure accuracy.
• Real-world applications that use data acquisition systems to monitor or control industrial processes.

The handbook also includes three appendices, including selector guides for plug-in boards, USB modules, PXI systems, and external data acquisition instruments, a glossary of commonly used terms, and a discussion of safety considerations.

Keithley Instruments is currently the only major instrumentation supplier to offer a broad range of precision measurement and high-speed data acquisition solutions, including PXI, LXI, PCI, USB, and GPIB. Keithley's recently introduced PXI products are designed for high-speed automated production testing as part of a hybrid test system using precision instruments. Digital Multimeter/Data Acquisition Systems combine the accuracy and sensitivity R&D users need with the high throughput production test demands. Whether the application is in the lab or on the production floor, Keithley offers solutions in a variety of form factors, from plug-in boards to external systems with multipoint measurement and control capabilities. Taking advantage of additional Keithley innovations such as TSP™ (Test Script Processor), an architecture that enables distributed programming and concurrent execution, results in unparalleled accuracy and throughput.

For More Information

To request a free copy of "Understanding New Developments in Data Acquisition, Measurement, and Control," visit http://www.ggcomm.com/Keithley/MAR07DAQ_NR.html or call 1-888-KEITHLEY. For more information on Keithley's solutions for data acquisition, measurement, and control, visit http://www.keithley.com or contact the company.

About Keithley Instruments, Inc.

With more than 60 years of measurement expertise, Keithley Instruments has become a world leader in advanced electrical test instruments and systems from DC to RF (radio frequency). Our products solve emerging measurement needs in production testing, process monitoring, product development, and research. Our customers are scientists and engineers in the worldwide electronics industry involved with advanced materials research, semiconductor device development and fabrication, and the production of end products such as portable wireless devices. The value we provide them is a combination of precision measurement technology and a rich understanding of their applications to improve the quality of their products and reduce their cost of test.