E3065/10/1

TELEMETRY AND DATA ACQUISITION

TELEMETRY AND DATA ACQUISITION
OBJECTIVES
General !"e#$%&e ' To understand the concept of telemetry and data acquisition.
S(e#%)%# !"e#$%&e* ' At the end of the unit you should be able to:
Identify the main concept of telemetry system and data acquisition.
Describe the structure of data collection system.
Define the specification of data acquisition system.
Identify the types of telemetry system.
Explain the function of multiplexing system.
UNIT 10
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TELEMETRY AND DATA ACQUISITION
10,1 INTRODUCTION O- TELEMETRY,
Telemetry means the transmission of data for monitoring and control over long
distances. Data can be sent directly as a D voltage or current up to a fe! meters. At long
distances speed is severely limited" and noise becomes a serious problem. The original #orse
trans$Atlantic cables of %&th century used D !hich transmitted at less than one !ord per
minute.
'or longer distances" !e convert D voltage or current to audio tones and send them
over !ire. This is called modulation" and the reverse (i.e. converting the varying signal to data)
is called demodulation. A device to perform it is called a modem.
An analog signal is a continuously varying !ave. If !e measure its height at specific
points in time" !e obtain a series of voltages !ith numeric values. These values can be
represented in binary form and transmitted as a series of bits. A bit is a binary digit" either * or
%" !hose combination in form of a code represents information in digital communication.
'igure %*.%(a) : onverting the analog to digital signal.
In other !ords" as indicated earlier" sensors in telemetry systems generate electrical
signals !hich change in some !ay in response to changes in physical characteristics. An
example of a sensor is a thermistor" a device used to measure temperature. A thermistor+s
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TELEMETRY AND DATA ACQUISITION
resistance varies inversely !ith temperature: as the temperature increases" the resistance
decreases. The thermistor is usually connected into some ,ind of a resistive net!or," such as a
voltage divider or bridge" and also to a D voltage source. The result is a D output voltage"
!hich varies in accordance !ith temperature and !hich is transmitted to a remote receiver for
measurement" readout" and recording. The thermistor becomes one channel of an frequency
division multiplexing ('D#) system.
-ther sensors have different ,inds of outputs. #any simply have varying D outputs"
!hile others are A in nature. Each of these signals is typically amplified" filtered" and
other!ise conditioned before being used to modulate a carrier. All of the carriers are then
added together to form a single multiplexed channel.
%*.. STRUCTURE O- DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEMS,
Data acquisition system are used to measure and record signals obtained in basically
t!o !ays:
a. signals originating from direct measurement of electrical quantities" these may include dc
and ac voltages" frequency or resistance and are typical found in such areas as electronic
component testing" environmental studies and quality analysis !or,.
b. Signals originating from transducers such as strain gage and thermocouple.
Data acquisition systems are used in a large and ever$increasing number of applications
in a variety of industrial and scientific areas" such as the biomedical" aerospace and telemetry
industries. The type of data acquisition system !hether analog or digital" depends largely on
the intended use of the recorded input data. In general" analog data systems are used !hen !ide
band!idth is required or !hen lo!er accuracy can be tolerated. Digital systems are used !hen
the physical process being monitored is slo!ly varying (narro! band!idth) and !hen high
accuracy and lo! per$channel cost is required. Digital systems range in complexity from
single$channel dc voltage measuring and recording systems to sophisticated automatic multi$
channel systems that measure a large number of input parameters" compare against preset
limits or conditions and perform computations and decisions on the input signal. Digital data
acquisition systems are general more complex than analog systems" both in terms of the
instrumentation involve and the volume and complexity of input data they can handle.
Data acquisition systems often use magnetic tape recorders. Digital system require
converts to change analog voltages into discrete digital quantities or numbers. onversely"
digital information may have to be converted bac, into analog form such as a voltage or a
current !hich can then be used as a feedbac, quantity controlling an industrial process.
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TELEMETRY AND DATA ACQUISITION
Instrumentation systems can be categori/ed into t!o ma0or classes" analog systems and
digital system. Analog system deal !ith measurement information in analog form. An analog
signal may be defined as a continuous function" such as a plot of voltage versus time" or
displacement versus pressure. Digital systems handle information in digital form. A digital
quantity may consist of a number of discrete and discontinuous pulse !hose time relationship
contains information about the magnitude or the nature of the quantity.
Data acquisition is divided by t!o types" analog data acquisition and digital data
acquisition.
%*...% ANALOG DATA ACQUISITION,
An analog data acquisition system typically consists of some or all of the
follo!ing elements"
a. Transducers 1 translating physical parameters into electrical signals.
b. Signal conditioners 1 amplifying" modifying" or selecting certain portions of these
signals.
c. 2isual display devices 1 continuous monitoring of the input signals. These devices
may include single$channel or multi$channel oscilloscope" storage oscilloscope"
panel meters" numerical display and others.
d. 3raphic recording instruments 1 obtaining permanent records of the input data.
These instruments include stylus and in, recorders to provide continuous records
on paper chart" optical recording systems such as mirror galvanometer recorders
and ultraviolet recorders.
e. #agnetic tape instrumentation 1 acquiring input data" preserving their original
electrical form" and reproducing them at a later date for more detailed analysis.
10,+,+ DIGITAL DATA ACQUISITION,
A digital data acquisition included some or all of the elements sho!n in figure
%*..... The essential function operations !ithin a digital system include handling
analog signals" ma,ing the measurement" converting and handling digital data and
internal programming and control. The function of each of the system elements of
figure %*.... is listed belo!.
a. Transducer 1 translate physical parameters to electrical signals acceptable by the
acquisition system. Some typical parameters include temperature" pressure"
acceleration" !eight displacement" and velocity frequency" also may be measured
directly.
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TELEMETRY AND DATA ACQUISITION
b. Signal conditioner 1 generally includes the supporting circuitry for the transducer.
This circuitry may provide excitation po!er" balancing circuits" and calibration
elements. An example of signal conditioner is a strain$ gage bridge balance and
po!er supply unit.
c. Scanner or multiplexer 1 accept multiple analog inputs and sequentially connects
them to one measuring instrument.
d. Signal converter 1 translates the analog signal to a form acceptable by the analog$
to$digital converter. An example of signal converter is an amplifier for amplifying
lo!$level voltages generated by thermocouples or strain gages.
e. Analog 1to$digital (A4D) converter $ onverts the analog voltage to its equivalent
digital form. The output of the A4D converter may be displayed visually and also
available as voltage outputs in discrete steps for further processing or recording
on a digital recorder.
f. Auxiliary equipment 1 This section contains instruments for system programming
functions and digital data processing. Typical auxiliary functions include
lineari/ing and limit operation. These functions may be performed by individual
instruments or by a digital computer.
g. Digital recorder 1 5ecords digital information on punched cards" perforated paper
tape" magnetic tape" type!ritten pages" or a combination of systems. The digital
recorder may be preceded by a coupling unit that translates the digital information
to the proper form for entry into the particular digital recorder selected.
'ig. %*....: Elements of digital data$acquisition system.
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A#$%&%$/ 10A
TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING 6E'-5E 7-8 -9TI98E :IT; T;E 9E<T
I9=8T>?
%*.% 9ame T0REE places !here telemetry is used.
%*.. :hat is the basic principles of telemetry @
%*.A Describe that T1O categori/ed system of instrumentation.
%*.B :hat the differential bet!een analog and digital data acquisitions @
Hii !!!!!..Good Luck and
Try your best .
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TELEMETRY AND DATA ACQUISITION
Feedback To Activity 10A
%*.% Three places used a telemetry : telephone system" modern radio and T2 broadcasting"
semiconductor industries" control system and others.
%*.. Telemetry means the transmission of data for monitoring and control over long distances.
'or longer distances" telemetry convert D voltage or current to audio tones and send
them over !ire. This is called modulation" and the reverse (i.e. converting the varying
signal to data) is called demodulation. A device to perform it is called a modem.
%*.A Instrumentation systems can be categori/ed into t!o ma0or classes" analog systems and
digital system. Analog system deal !ith measurement information in analog form. An
analog signal may be defined as a continuous function" such as a plot of voltage versus
time" or displacement versus pressure. Digital systems handle information in digital
form. A digital quantity may consist of a number of discrete and discontinuous pulse
!hose time relationship contains information about the magnitude or the nature of the
quantity.
%*.B The type of data acquisition system !hether analog or digital" depends largely on the
intended use of the recorded input data. In general" analog data systems are used !hen
!ide band!idth is required or !hen lo!er accuracy can be tolerated. Digital systems are
used !hen the physical process being monitored is slo!ly varying (narro! band!idth)
and !hen high accuracy and lo! per$channel cost is required. Digital systems range in
complexity from single$channel dc voltage measuring and recording systems to
sophisticated automatic multi$channel systems that measure a large number of input
parameters" compare against preset limits or conditions and perform computations and
decisions on the input signal. Digital data acquisition systems are general more complex
than analog systems" both in terms of the instrumentation involve and the volume and
complexity of input data they can handle.
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TELEMETRY AND DATA ACQUISITION
10,3 -REQUENCY O- TELEMETRY,
In the frequency of telemetry process" the carrier frequency is varied above and belo!
its center value (modulated) in accordance !ith the amplitude of the data signal. The rate at
!hich the carrier frequency deviates from its center value is a function of the frequency signal.
The amplitude and frequency characteristics that define the data signal are therefore contained
in the frequency variations of the frequency telemetry carrier around its center value. :hen
this modulated frequency demodulator by detecting the number and rate of /ero crossings.
It is clear that frequency telemetry recording is extremely sensitive to variations in tape
speed (flutter) because tape speed variations introduce apparent modulation of the carrier and
are interpreted by system as un!anted signal (noise). Instability in tape speed therefore reduces
the dynamic range of the system.
Since the data signal is contained entirely in the frequency characteristics of the
frequency carrier" the system is not sensitive to amplitude instability. T!o important factors in
telemetry recording are deviation ratio and percentage deviation. Deviation ratio is defined as
the ratio of deviation of the carrier from the center frequency to the signal frequency" or
4

5
!here C deviation ratio
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TELEMETRY AND DATA ACQUISITION
C carrier deviation from center frequency

m
C data signal frequency
10,. MULTI7LE8ING SYSTEM,
#ultiplexing is the process of simultaneously transmitting t!o or more individual
signals over a single communications channel. #ultiplexing has the effect of increasing the
number of communication channels so that more information can be transmitted.
There are many instances in communication !here it is necessary or desirable to
transmit more than one voice or data signal. The application itself may require multiple signals
and money can be saved by using a single communications channel to send multiple
information signals. Telemetry and telephone applications are good examples. In satellite
communications" multiplexing is essential to ma,ing the system practical and for 0ustifying the
expense.
The concept of a simple multiplexer is illustrated in figure %*.D(a). #ultiple input
signals are combined by the multiplexer into a single composite signal that is transmitted over
the communications medium. Alternatively " the multiplexed signals may modulate a carrier
before transmission. At the other end of the communications lin," a demultiplexer is used to
sort out the signal into their original form.

'igure %*.B(a) : oncept of multiplexing.
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TELEMETRY AND DATA ACQUISITION
There are t!o basic types of multiplexing" frequency division multiplexing ('D#) and
time division multiplexing (TD#). 3enerally spea,ing " 'D# systems are used to deal !ith
analog information and TD# systems are used for digital information.
10,.,1 -REQUENCY DIVISION MULTI7LE8ING,
'requency division multiplexing is based on the idea that a number of signal can share
the band!idth of a common communications channel. The multiple signal to be transmitted
over this channel are each used to modulate a separate carrier. Each carrier is on a different
frequency. The modulated carriers are then added together to form a signal complex signal that
is transmitted over the single channel.
'igure %*.B.%(a) sho!s a general bloc, diagram of 'D# system. Each signal to be
transmitted feeds a modulator circuit. The carriers for each modulation fc is on a different
frequency. The carrier frequencies are usually equally spaced from one another over a specific
frequency range. Each input signal is given a portion of band!idth . the result is illustrated in
figure %*.B.%(b). As for the type of modulation any of the standard ,inds can be used including
A#" SS6" '# or =#.
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TELEMETRY AND DATA ACQUISITION
'igure %*.D.%(a) : The transmitting end of an 'D# system.
'igure %*.D.%(b) : Spectrum of an 'D# signal.
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TELEMETRY AND DATA ACQUISITION
The modulator output containing the sideband information are added together in a
linear mixer. In a linear mixer" modulation and the generation of sidebands do not ta,e place.
Instead " all the signals are simply added together algebraically. The resulting output signal is a
composite of all carriers containing their modulation. This signal is then used to modulate a
radio transmitter. Alternatively" the composite signal itself may be transmitted over the single
communication channel. Another option is that the composite signal may become one input to
another multiplexer system.
10,.,+ TIME DIVISION MULTI7LE8ING,
In 'D#" multiple signals are transmitted over a single channel by sharing the channel
band!idth. This is done by allocating each signal a portion of the spectrum !ithin that
band!idth. In TD# " each signal can occupy the entire band!idth of the channel. ;o!ever "
each signal is transmitted for only a brief period of time. In other !ords" the multiple signals
ta,e turns transmitting over the single channel. This concept is illustrated graphically in figure
%*.B..(a).
'igure %*.B..(a) : The basic TD# concept
;ere" four signals are transmitted over a single channel each signal is allo!ed to use the
channel for a fixed period of time" one after another. -nce all the signals have been
transmitted" the cycle repeats again and again.
Time division multiplexing may be used !ith both digital and analog signals. To
transmit multiple digital signals" the data to be transmitted is formatted into serial data !ords.
'or example" the data may consist of sequential bytes. -ne byte of data may be transmitted
during the time interval assigned to a particular channel. 'or example " in figure %*.B..(a)" each
time slot might contain % byte from each channel. -ne channel transmits E bits. The third
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TELEMETRY AND DATA ACQUISITION
channel then transmits its data !ord and so on. -ne transmission of each channel completes
one cycle of operation called a frame. The cycle repeats itself at high rate of speed. In this !ay"
the data bytes of the individual channel are simply interleaved. The resulting single 1channel
signal is a digital bit stream that must someho! be deciphered and reassembled at the receiving
end.
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TELEMETRY AND DATA ACQUISITION

A#$%&%$/ 10B
TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING 6E'-5E 7-8 -9TI98E :IT; T;E 9E<T
I9=8T>?
%*.F Describe the concept of multiplexing process.
%*.G Describe briefly the differential bet!een " frequency division multiplexing
('D#) and time division multiplexing (TD#).
%*.D 5eferring to equation %*(a)" !hat is the meaning of " and
m
.
Equation %*(a):
Are you ready to check
your answer ??
4

5
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TELEMETRY AND DATA ACQUISITION
-ee9!a#: T A#$%&%$/ 10B
%*.F #ultiplexing is the process of simultaneously transmitting t!o or more individual
signals over a single communications channel. #ultiplexing has the effect of increasing
the number of communication channels so that more information can be transmitted.
There are many instances in communication !here it is necessary or desirable to transmit
more than one voice or data signal. The application itself may require multiple signals
and money can be saved by using a single communications channel to send multiple
information signals. Telemetry and telephone applications are good examples. In satellite
communications" multiplexing is essential to ma,ing the system practical and for
0ustifying the expense.
%*.G =lease refer to Input %*.B.% and Input %*.B.. for the ans!er.
%*.D The ans!er for this question" is deviation ratio" C carrier deviation from center
frequency and
m
C data signal frequency
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TELEMETRY AND DATA ACQUISITION
SEL-;ASSESSMENT
7ou are approaching success. Tr/ all $<e =>e*$%n* in this self$assessment section and
chec, your ans!ers !ith those given in the 'eedbac, on Self$Assessment given on the
next page. If you face any problems" discuss it !ith your lecturer. 3ood luc,.
Huestion %*$%
a. 6ased on figure %*(b)" !hat is an analog signal @
b. 5eferring to figure %*(b)" describe that ho! to convert the analog signal to digital
signal @
c. Describe the function of thermistor according to telemetry concept.
'igure %*(b) : onverting the analog to digital signal.
Huestion %*$.
a. Data acquisition system is used to measure and record signals obtained in basically
t!o !ays. Describe that the t!o !ays of data acquisition system.
b. Iist -IVE elements in analog data acquisition and describe each item.
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TELEMETRY AND DATA ACQUISITION
Huestion %*$A
a. 5eferring to 'igure %*(c)" describe the relationship of each element according to
digital data acquisition.
b. 5eferring to multiplexer diagram" describe briefly the concept of multiplexer and
de$multiplexer. Iist T1O basic types of multiplexer.
'igure %*(c): Elements of digital data$acquisition system.
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TELEMETRY AND DATA ACQUISITION
Feedback To Self-Assessment
Ans!er %*$%
a. An analog signal is a continuously varying !ave.
b. If !e measure its height at specific points in time" !e obtain a series of voltages !ith
numeric values. These values can be represented in binary form and transmitted as a
series of bits. A bit is a binary digit" either * or %" !hose combination in form of a
code represents information in digital communication.
c. A thermistor is a device used to measure temperature. A thermistor+s resistance varies
inversely !ith temperature: as the temperature increases" the resistance decreases.
The thermistor is usually connected into some ,ind of a resistive net!or," such as a
voltage divider or bridge" and also to a D voltage source. The result is a D output
voltage" !hich varies in accordance !ith temperature and !hich is transmitted to a
remote receiver for measurement" readout" and recording. The thermistor becomes
one channel of an frequency division multiplexing ('D#) system.
Ans!er %*$.
a. T!o !ay of data acquisition system are used to measure and record signals is"
i. signals originating from direct measurement of electrical quantities" these may
include dc and ac voltages" frequency or resistance and are typical found in such
areas as electronic component testing" environmental studies and quality
analysis !or,.
ii. Signals originating from transducers such as strain gage and thermocouple.
b. An analog data acquisition system typically consists of some or all of the follo!ing
elements"
i. Transducers 1 translating physical parameters into electrical signals.
ii. Signal conditioners 1 amplifying" modifying" or selecting certain portions of
these signals.
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TELEMETRY AND DATA ACQUISITION
iii. 2isual display devices 1 continuous monitoring of the input signals. These
devices may include single$channel or multi$channel oscilloscope" storage
oscilloscope" panel meters" numerical display and others.
iv. 3raphic recording instruments 1 obtaining permanent records of the input data.
These instruments include stylus and in, recorders to provide continuous
records on paper chart" optical recording systems such as mirror galvanometer
recorders and ultraviolet recorders.
v. #agnetic tape instrumentation 1 acquiring input data" preserving their original
electrical form" and reproducing them at a later date for more detailed analysis
Ans!er %*$A
a. 5efer to figure %*(c)" the function of transducer is translate physical parameters to
electrical signals acceptable by the acquisition system. Some typical parameters
include temperature" pressure" acceleration" !eight displacement" and velocity
frequency" also may be measured directly. Signal conditioner J generally includes the
supporting circuitry for the transducer. This circuitry may provide excitation po!er"
balancing circuits" and calibration elements. An example of signal conditioner is a
strain$ gage bridge balance and po!er supply unit. Scanner or multiplexerJ accept
multiple analog inputs and sequentially connects them to one measuring instrument.
Signal converterJ translates the analog signal to a form acceptable by the analog$to$
digital converter. An example of signal converter is an amplifier for amplifying lo!$
level voltages generated by thermocouples or strain gages. Analog to digital (A4D)
converter J converts the analog voltage to its equivalent digital form. The output of
the A4D converter may be displayed visually and also available as voltage outputs in
discrete steps for further processing or recording on a digital recorder. Auxiliary
equipmentJ This section contains instruments for system programming functions and
digital data processing. Typical auxiliary functions include lineari/ing and limit
operation. These functions may be performed by individual instruments or by a digital
computer. Digital recorderJ 5ecords digital information on punched cards" perforated
paper tape" magnetic tape" type!ritten pages" or a combination of systems. The digital
recorder may be preceded by a coupling unit that translates the digital information to
the proper form for entry into the particular digital recorder selected.
b. #ultiple input signals are combined by the multiplexer into a single composite signal
that is transmitted over the communications medium. Alternatively " the multiplexed
signals may modulate a carrier before transmission. At the other end of the
communications lin," a de$multiplexer is used to sort out the signal into their original
form.
E3065/10/+0
TELEMETRY AND DATA ACQUISITION

'igure %*.B(a) : oncept of multiplexing.
There are t!o basic types of multiplexing" frequency division multiplexing
('D#) and time division multiplexing (TD#). 3enerally spea,ing " 'D# systems
are used to deal !ith analog information and TD# systems are used for digital
information.
HAVE A FUN AND NICE DAY.
CONGRATULATON
!!!!!.."ay success be
with you a#ways.