What is a PCMCIA Data Acquisition product?

First, a data acquisition product provides analog input, analog output, digital I/O, or a combination thereof and is designed to interface with a notebook or laptop computer. PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) is an industry group organized to promote standards for a credit card-sized memory or I/O device that fit into a personal computer.

A PCMCIA data acquisition card is a credit card-sized I/O device that connects to a personal computer, usually a notebook or laptop computer. Probably the most common example of a PCMCIA card is the 28.8 kbps modem for notebook computers.

A PCMCIA data acquisition card converts analog signals into a digital output form, which can be manipulated with software. Using software in conjunction with a personal computer, analog data can be displayed, logged, charted, graphed, or stored in memory as needed.

Stored data generated from a PCMCIA data acquisition card can later be used and compared with a set of established limits. Control decisions are made if the stored data is at the limit, above or below the limit. With repetitive measurements made by a data acquisition system, continuous monitoring and control can be performed.

Based on matching, meeting or exceeding the set limits, a digital control signal from a PCMCIA data acquisition card (in the form of a single-bit output signal) can be used to turn on or turn off a relay. This, in turn, can be used to turn on various control elements like, fans, pumps, motors, etc.

Alternatively, based on the difference between an input and an established set point, a precise analog output signal can be generated. This signal can be used to provide a complete closed loop control patch providing continuous control of a process.

Measurement Computing Corporation offers the largest selection of PC-based data acquisition and measurement products. Shop our online catalog by selecting a category above. From PCI, USB, PC/104, ISA, and PCMCIA bus boards to external systems based on USB, RS-232, RS-422, RS-485, and GPIB interfaces; Measurement Computing has everything you need for your PC-based data acquisition and control applications.