Question

A single-chip data acquisition system incorporates

• A. \( \text{An ADC and a multiplexer} \)
• B. \( \text{An ADC and a DAC} \)
• C. \( \text{A DAC and a demultiplexer} \)
• D. \( \text{An ADC and a demultiplexer} \)

Hint:

Data acquisition systems bridge the analog and digital worlds. When thinking about "single-chip" integration for data acquisition, remember the need to convert real-world analog signals to digital (ADC) and often the need to handle multiple such signals sequentially (multiplexer). This allows for efficient use of a single, often complex, ADC with various input sources.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To solve this problem, let's dive into the details of the components of a single chip data acquisition system and how they function.

1. What is a Data Acquisition System?

A \(Data \;Acquisition \;System\; (DAQ)\) is a system designed to collect, measure, and analyze signals from physical environments. These systems are used to convert real world analog signals into digital data, which can be processed by a computer or microcontroller. A single chip data acquisition system is designed to perform these tasks using minimal components, often integrated into a single chip for efficiency.

2. Key Components of a Data Acquisition System:

Typical data acquisition systems use the following components:

• Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC): Converts analog signals (such as voltage or current) into a digital format that can be processed by a computer or digital system.
• Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC): Converts digital data back into an analog signal. However, this is typically used in systems where the output needs to be an analog signal.
• Multiplexer: A device that allows multiple input signals to be directed to a single ADC or DAC, allowing efficient use of the available components.
• Demultiplexer: Works oppositely to the multiplexer, directing a single input signal to multiple outputs.

3. Explanation of the Options:

- Option 1: "An ADC and a multiplexer" – This is correct. In many data acquisition systems, the ADC is paired with a multiplexer to allow for multiple analog signals to be converted sequentially by a single ADC. This combination is efficient and commonly used in systems where multiple sensor signals need to be digitized.

- Option 2: "An ADC and a DAC" – This is incorrect. While an ADC and DAC can be used in a data acquisition system, they perform complementary tasks: ADC converts analog to digital, and DAC converts digital back to analog. Typically, a single-chip data acquisition system is more focused on digitizing signals, so the inclusion of a DAC is not essential for the basic functioning of a DAQ system.

- Option 3: "A DAC and a demultiplexer" – This is incorrect. A DAC and demultiplexer may be useful in some systems, but they are not typically part of the core components of a data acquisition system, which focuses on converting and processing analog signals into digital format.

- Option 4: "An ADC and a demultiplexer" – This is incorrect. A demultiplexer is generally used for directing signals to multiple outputs, not for converting analog signals to digital. It is not commonly paired with an ADC in the context of data acquisition systems.

4. Why This Matters:

Understanding the components of a data acquisition system is crucial in designing efficient systems for applications such as sensor data collection, signal processing, and automation. By using an ADC and a multiplexer, the system can handle multiple sensor inputs, efficiently digitizing them for further analysis or processing.

5. Final Answer:

The correct answer is "An ADC and a multiplexer."