Data Acquisition Systems

Data acquisition systems are integrated benchtop and rack-mount instruments designed to measure multiple electrical parameters — voltage, current, resistance, temperature, frequency, and more — across many channels simultaneously or in rapid sequence. Unlike standalone instruments, DAQ systems incorporate a mainframe or switching unit that accepts plug-in measurement and switching modules, enabling engineers to configure custom multi-channel solutions within a single chassis. These systems are widely deployed in automated test environments where repeatable, high-accuracy measurements across large numbers of signal points are required.

Leading platforms such as the Keysight 34970A, 34972A (LXI), and 34980A series, along with the Keithley 2750, offer modular architectures supporting multiplexer cards, actuator modules, and multifunction I/O boards. LXI-compliant systems enable network-based remote control and integration with modern software-defined test environments including NI LabVIEW, Keysight BenchVue, and Python-based test frameworks.

Typical Applications

Multi-channel temperature mapping and thermal cycling in electronics reliability and qualification testing
Automated production testing of PCBs with simultaneous voltage, resistance, and continuity verification
Long-term environmental data logging in climate chamber and accelerated aging studies
Signal switching and routing in semiconductor wafer and packaged device characterization
Multi-point process monitoring in industrial, power, and energy systems

Popular Brands

Keysight dominates this segment with the 34970A, 34972A (LXI), and 34980A multifunction switch/measure units, all supporting a wide ecosystem of plug-in modules. Keithley offers the 2750 DMM/DAQ switching system and the 700-series scanner mainframes for precision scanning applications requiring low-level measurement capability. National Instruments (NI) provides LXI and PXI-based DAQ systems widely used in academic, defense, and industrial research environments.