High Speed Data Acquisition (DAQ) Systems

Sampling rate, bandwidth and why both matter

Sampling rate and bandwidth are often quoted together and mean different things. Sampling rate is how many times per second the system measures the signal. Bandwidth is the highest signal frequency the analog front end can pass before it starts attenuating.

The Nyquist theorem sets the floor: to reconstruct a signal of frequency f, you must sample at more than 2f. In practice, 2× is the mathematical minimum and not an engineering recommendation. Capturing the shape of a transient, including a peak value, a rise time or a switching edge, typically needs ten times the highest frequency of interest or more. A 1 MHz switching transient measured at 2 MS/s will tell you something happened. At 15 MS/s it will tell you what.

The second half of the problem is aliasing. If a signal contains energy above half the sampling rate, that energy does not disappear. It folds back into the measurement as a false low-frequency component that is indistinguishable from real data. Anti-aliasing filters in the analog path are the only reliable defence, which is why every Dewesoft high speed data acquisition system includes them rather than leaving filtering to software.

This is also why Dewesoft systems let you choose the trade-off. HybridADC in SIRIUS XHS switches between a high bandwidth 16-bit mode for maximum speed and a 24-bit alias-free mode when dynamic range matters more than raw sample rate.

Why choose Dewesoft high speed DAQ systems?

Dewesoft high speed DAQ systems are built for engineers who need more than a basic high speed DAQ card or USB data acquisition module. They combine fast sampling, signal conditioning, synchronization, rugged hardware, and measurement software in one complete system.

Complete systems, not only DAQ cards

A high speed data acquisition card can work well for embedded systems or simple benchtop measurements, but many real-world tests require more. Dewesoft systems include measurement front ends, sensor excitation, synchronization, software, data storage, visualization, analysis, and reporting in a single workflow.

Use Dewesoft when you need a high speed DAQ system that can scale from a few channels to hundreds of synchronized channels.

High speed analog data acquisition

Capture fast-changing voltage, IEPE, charge, strain, current, high-voltage, and other analog signals with the right front-end module for your test. Dewesoft systems support simultaneous sampling, anti-alias filtering, sensor excitation, channel synchronization, and real-time visualization.

This makes them ideal for transient capture, dynamic signal analysis, vibration testing, shock testing, power electronics, inverter testing, and combustion-related measurements.

Modular and scalable architecture

Start with a compact SIRIUS XHS or SIRIUS X system, then expand as your test grows. For larger systems, use SIRIUS XR rack platforms to build a high speed multi channel data acquisition system with synchronized analog, digital, counter, CAN, CAN FD, GPS, and video data.

Built for testing and validation

Dewesoft high speed data acquisition systems for testing are designed for demanding R&D, validation, and production environments. Use them for component tests, full-vehicle tests, electric vehicle testing, powertrain validation, durability testing, structural testing, and other measurement tasks where reliable data matters.

One software platform for acquisition and analysis

DewesoftX software is included with Dewesoft DAQ hardware and provides setup, acquisition, recording, visualization, math, analysis, and reporting in one application. Engineers can configure channels, view live data, record synchronized data streams, and analyze results without moving between disconnected tools.

High speed USB, Ethernet, and rack DAQ options

Dewesoft supports different system architectures depending on how and where you test.

High speed USB data acquisition

SIRIUS XHS and SIRIUS X support USB-C 3.0 connectivity for simple laptop-based acquisition. This is ideal for engineers who want the convenience of high speed USB data acquisition without giving up professional signal conditioning, synchronization, and analysis software.

Ethernet and distributed DAQ

For larger setups or distributed measurements, Dewesoft systems support Ethernet-based acquisition and synchronization. SIRIUS X supports Ethernet with PTP synchronization and daisy-chainable connectivity, while SIRIUS XR provides high-speed rack connectivity for large systems.

Rack-mounted DAQ

SIRIUS XR brings Dewesoft high speed DAQ into XR5 and XR9 rack configurations. It is the best choice for fixed test stands, high channel count measurement systems, and validation labs that need scalable, synchronized acquisition.

How to choose the right high speed DAQ system

1. Define the signal bandwidth

Start with the fastest signal you need to measure. High-speed transient events, switching signals, shock pulses, and vibration measurements may require much higher sampling rates than temperature, strain, or slow voltage measurements.

2. Count analog and digital channels

A single high speed DAQ card may be enough for a few channels. A high speed multi channel data acquisition system is the better choice when you need many synchronized channels with consistent timing and shared software configuration.

3. Match the input type to the sensor

Different sensors need different front ends. Voltage, IEPE, charge, strain, bridge, current, high-voltage, counter, and CAN measurements each require the right input module and signal conditioning.

4. Plan the synchronization

For multi-device or distributed systems, synchronization is just as important as sampling speed. Choose a platform that keeps analog, digital, counter, CAN, GPS, video, and other data aligned.

5. Consider the software workflow

The right DAQ hardware should not create a slow analysis workflow. DewesoftX data acquisition software gives engineers one environment for setup, recording, visualization, math, analysis, export, and reporting.