Analog to Digital Conversion, Data Acquisition and Control
FreeEducational chapter on ADC, data acquisition, and control systems
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About Analog to Digital Conversion, Data Acquisition and Control
This chapter from Jonathan Valvano's embedded systems textbook covers analog-to-digital conversion (ADC), data acquisition, and control systems. It explains key concepts such as resolution, range, precision, quantization, and the Nyquist theorem, with practical examples including a robot car using sensors, ADC, PWM, and motor interfaces. The material is designed for educational use, featuring learning objectives, checkpoints, and video references.
Key Features
Covers ADC fundamentals (resolution, range, precision, quantization)
Explains Nyquist theorem and sampling rate concepts
Includes periodic interrupts for fixed-rate ADC sampling
Integrates sensors, ADC, software, PWM, and motor interfaces for robot car control
Features learning objectives, checkpoints, and video references
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive theoretical foundation with practical robot car example
- Clear explanations of key concepts with checkpoints for self-assessment
- Free and open educational resource from respected author
Cons
- Not a software tool but an educational chapter; requires hardware for hands-on
- Content may reference older hardware (e.g., TM4C123) not current for all users
- Incomplete standalone (requires prior knowledge of embedded systems)
Best For
Teaching embedded systems and ADC concepts in university coursesSelf-study for engineers learning data acquisition and controlReference for implementing ADC sampling with SysTick interruptsUnderstanding trade-offs in digitization (amplitude and time quantization)
FAQ
What is amplitude resolution in ADC?
Amplitude resolution is the smallest change in input signal that can be distinguished. For example, with a 12-bit ADC and a range of 0 to 1.5 cm, the theoretical resolution is 1.5 cm / 4095 ≈ 0.0004 cm.
What is the difference between a data acquisition system and a control system?
A control system uses an actuator to drive a measurand to a desired value, while a data acquisition system simply measures the measurand without an actuator.