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Data Acquisition

Data Acquisition

Data Acquisition

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Three types of measurement are available on most signal conditioning equipment anddata acquisition boards:• Single-ended• Differential• Pseudo-differentialSince an understanding of the types of signal sources and measurement systems isnecessary to determine the best methods of taking analog signal measurements, thesetopics are discussed in the following sections.3.4.1 Grounded signal sourcesBy definition, voltage is a measurement of the potential difference between two points.Grounded signal sources have one of their signal leads connected to the system ground asshown in Figure 3.18. This is theoretically shown as earth potential, although the systemground is not necessarily at earth potential. The voltage output from the signal source isthe potential difference between the system ground and the positive signal lead of thesignal source.Figure 3.18Grounded signal sourceA common example of a grounded signal source is an instrument that is earthed via itsAC plug to the building ground.3.4.2 Floating signal sourcesFloating or ungrounded signal sources, as shown in Figure 3.19, do not have either of thesignal source leads connected to the system ground. This means that the signal source isnot referenced to any absolute reference. The potential difference, that each of the signallines may have, with respect to the system ground or earth potential between the signallines, is not indicated in anyway by the voltage potential.Figure 3.19Ungrounded signal source

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