Design of a Low-Cost Measurement Module for the Acquisition of Analogue Voltage Signals

Abstract

The aim of this work was to design and program a low-cost universal multichannel measurement card from scratch. The constructed device has analog inputs with the possibility of using them as differential inputs. This makes it possible to measure the analog signals for most of the available sensors. Thus, universality of the device is achieved. Simultaneously, the main assumption of the project and its novelty was to develop a measurement module. It is characterized by high measurement parameters, comparable to commercial products available on the market, with a very low production cost. The usability and assumed features of the measurement module were verified and tested using a functional generator and constructed test stand. During the tests, a sampling rate of at least 250 kS/s and a resolution of at least 14 bit were used. The module enables the acquisition of analog signals with voltages in the range of ±10 V and digital signals in the transistor–transistor logic (TTL) 5 V standard with a frequency of at least 250 kS/s. In addition, our device can be controlled via a computer, and data can be downloaded via the USB interface. It has 16 input channels with the possibility of differential measurements. The proposed solution is several times cheaper than commercial solutions while maintaining comparable parameters, as shown in the conclusion of the work.