A data acquisition system (DAQ) is an essential technology that converts real-world physical phenomena into digital data for analysis and decision-making. At its core, a DAQ leverages specialized data acquisition hardware, including sensors, signal conditioning, and analog-to-digital converters, to precisely capture signals such as temperature, pressure, or vibration. This hardware-software combination then processes the raw data, providing invaluable insights into product performance, operational efficiency, and environmental conditions. Implementing a robust DAQ empowers managers to optimize processes, enhance quality, and drive innovation through data-driven intelligence.
Simcenter
Data acquisition systems (DAQ)
Transform your testing from raw data to real insights. Measure the performance of your product for NVH, durability and other physical behavior.
What is a data acquisition system?
From sensors to data analysis: How DAQ systems work
A complete data acquisition system consists of these three attributes:
1. Measurement sensors
Hardware that is placed on the physical test specimen to measure various performance attributes:
- Accelerometers (vibration)
- Microphones (acoustic)
- Force sensors (input measurement)
- Displacement sensors
- RPM/tachometer sensors
2. Front-end hardware
Hardware system to receive signals from the sensors:
- Signal conditioning modules
- Anti-aliasing filters
- IEPE/ICP power supplies
- ADC converters
- Rugged connectors & interface ports
- Autonomous data recording without a PC
3. Control and analysis software
Collects data from the front-end system and processes data for analysis:
- Real-time monitoring & display
- Analysis tools (FFT, octave analysis, etc.)
- Data storage & export
- Test sequence automation
Why choose Simcenter data acquisition systems?
Test engineers face a persistent challenge in today's complex testing environments: how to capture precise measurement data while ensuring reliable operation across diverse applications. Traditional data acquisition systems often force uncomfortable compromises between measurement quality, system flexibility, and operational simplicity.
Simcenter data acquisition systems eliminate trade-offs between measurement quality, system flexibility, and operational simplicity.
At a glance:
- Scale from 4 to 1000+ channels with perfect synchronization
- 24-bit resolution & 204.8 kHz sampling for lab-grade accuracy
- Rugged options for harsh environments — from vehicle proving grounds to aerospace facilities
- Hot-swappable modules & automatic sensor detection for minimal downtime
- Seamless integration with Simcenter Testlab software
Simcenter for data acquisition
Simcenter provides the hardware and software you need for fast, multi-channel data acquisition for measuring the noise, vibration, loads and other performance attributes of your physical product.
Robust front-end hardware
Simcenter data acquisition hardware establishes the industry benchmark for robust, precise testing. These advanced data acquisition systems, built on extensive engineering expertise, provide exceptional signal quality, dynamic range, and channel synchronization for critical applications. What distinguishes Simcenter DAQ is its adaptable architecture, scaling from portable 4-channel units to extensive 1000+ channel configurations, all seamlessly integrated with Simcenter Testlab software. This ensures consistent, high-quality measurements and reliable data capture, even in harsh environments. Simcenter DAQ delivers the precision, reliability, and efficiency demanded by professional test engineers for NVH, structural dynamics, and acoustic studies, supported by Siemens' global network.
Key advantages include:
- Superior signal conditioning with ultra-low noise performance
- Industry-leading 24-bit resolution and 204.8 kHz sampling rate
- Precision-matched channels for perfect phase alignment
- Hot-swappable modules for maximum testing flexibility
- Built-in smart features for sensor detection and system health monitoring
Powerful software platform
Simcenter Testlab software transforms complex testing data into actionable insights, significantly enhancing efficiency. This powerful platform seamlessly integrates real-time data acquisition system capabilities, processing, and analysis within one intuitive environment, eliminating multiple tools. Its intelligent workflow enables rapid test configuration, execution, and analysis, from simple measurements to advanced analytics. Advanced automation standardizes procedures while offering flexibility. The open architecture supports third-party data acquisition hardware and delivers superior performance with Simcenter DAQ systems. Simcenter Testlab provides the depth and ease of use modern test engineers need for troubleshooting or complex certification.
Key advantages include:
- Real-time visualization and analysis during acquisition
- Comprehensive analysis tools for NVH, structural, and acoustic testing
- Automated report generation with customizable templates
- Advanced triggering and alarm monitoring capabilities
- Seamless integration with simulation tools for test-CAE correlation
- User-friendly interface with role-specific workspaces
Case Study
Honda HALO
Honda integrates Simcenter solutions to maximize the efficiency of its cutting-edge wind tunnel
Case Study
Using innovative aeroacoustics testing tools to reduce the time it takes to pinpoint noise sources by 94 percent
Company:Honda
Industry:Automotive & transportation
Location:East Liberty, Ohio, United States
Siemens Software:Simcenter Testing Solutions
Explore Simcenter data acquisition system types
Multi-physics data acquisition
Multi-physics data acquisition systems offer unparalleled capabilities, simultaneously capturing diverse signals like strain, temperature, vibration, and high-voltage data. This robust DAQ allows engineers to acquire comprehensive, synchronized insights into complex phenomena using a single data acquisition hardware platform. Engineers care because it eliminates the need for multiple, disparate systems, streamlining testing, reducing setup time, and ensuring perfect data correlation across all physical domains for more accurate and efficient product development.
Laboratory data acquisition
Simcenter data acquisition hardware provides precision and flexibility for demanding lab testing. This high-end data acquisition system delivers exceptional signal quality and massive channel counts, ideal for sophisticated applications. Engineers trust its superior accuracy and unmatched synchronization across hundreds of channels. Its modular design allows seamless scaling while maintaining pristine data quality. Integrated with Simcenter Testlab software, this DAQ offers the precision, density, and reliability professional test labs demand.
Remote data recording
Field testing often requires a mobile data acquisition system that records data without a PC. Depending on your testing needs, Simcenter offers a robust DAQ system that combines high-precision measurements with autonomous recording capabilities, eliminating the need for continuous PC connection in challenging field environments. Whether monitoring critical infrastructure, industrial machinery, or transportation systems, Simcenter provides secure, continuous data acquisition with the reliability and precision that professional test engineers trust.
Mobile data acquisition
Simcenter mobile data acquisition systems offer high-performance data acquisition hardware in a rugged, portable package for demanding field and vehicle testing. These systems combine laboratory-grade precision with mobility, ideal for real-world conditions. Excelling in vehicle testing with features like CAN bus and GPS, their robust design ensures reliable operation in harsh environments. This DAQ provides the durability, precision, and portability test engineers need for reliable field measurements, from NVH to road load data acquisition.
Handheld data acquisition
Simcenter offers portable testing with professional-grade measurements in a compact, handheld device. This powerful yet lightweight system transforms the way engineers conduct field measurements, delivering lab-quality data in any environment.
Perfect for quick troubleshooting or detailed analysis, Simcenter can combine the convenience of a handheld device with the precision of high-end DAQ systems. You can instantly measure, analyze, and diagnose issues on-site without compromising data quality.
Sound source localization systems
Simcenter sound source localization solutions provide powerful, intuitive tools for identifying and analyzing noise sources. These advanced data acquisition systems utilize HD acoustic cameras and massive microphone arrays to visualize sound with unprecedented clarity. Combining advanced beamforming algorithms, they create real-time acoustic images, making invisible sound sources visible. This DAQ technology helps engineers quickly identify, quantify, and rank noise contributors, enabling faster and more effective noise problem-solving.
Pass-by noise hardware
Simcenter pass-by noise data acquisition hardware offers a certified solution for vehicle noise testing, meeting ISO/SAE standards. This specialized data acquisition system combines precision acoustic measurements with automated workflows, streamlining compliance testing. Integrating weather monitoring, GPS, and multi-microphone capabilities, its smart automation reduces testing time and errors. This DAQ provides the accuracy and reliability automotive engineers need for efficient vehicle noise compliance, from development to final certification
Simcenter DAQ systems
Industry applications
Simcenter data acquisition systems are a great tool to have in the laboratory and in the field to measure performance of your products in a variety of industrial applications.
Automotive applications
Other industries supported
- Consumer products and white goods
- Energy and utilities
- Civil engineering
- Rail
- Academic
