The Measurement Significance of Voltage and Current Analog Signals in Practical Applications

As a core tool in modern industry and scientific research, data acquisition (DAQ) systems enable high-precision measurement of multiple signal types, including voltage, temperature, strain, current, and acceleration. Such systems are typically characterized by compact size, flexible deployment, multi-channel synchronous acquisition, and robust data processing capabilities, allowing them to meet real-time monitoring requirements in complex environments. Among these functions, the measurement of voltage and current analog signals is fundamental to data acquisition, as they represent the most common interface between physical phenomena and digital systems.

In practice, various sensors convert physical quantities—such as pressure, displacement, and temperature—into standardized voltage or current signals. By accurately measuring these electrical signals, DAQ systems indirectly obtain and monitor the original physical parameters, thereby supporting a wide range of applications in industrial control, equipment diagnostics, and scientific experimentation.

In real-world implementations, sensors serve as the front-end devices whose voltage or current outputs form the direct basis for system perception of the external environment. Within process control systems recommended by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the 4–20 mA current signal has become an internationally adopted standard for analog transmission due to its strong immunity to electromagnetic interference and suitability for long-distance transmission. From automotive manufacturing and metal processing to electronic component testing and medical equipment monitoring, sensors are widely deployed across industrial sites. Accurate acquisition and recording of their signals directly affect equipment condition assessment and process control accuracy, playing a critical role in ensuring safety and improving operational efficiency. If abnormal sensor signals are not reliably captured and identified in time, the consequences may include control failure, system malfunction, or even safety incidents.

At the application level, voltage and current acquisition technologies underpin numerous critical scenarios. In research and testing, vehicle validation programs require acquisition of analog outputs from temperature and pressure sensors to verify overall vehicle performance, while material tensile testing depends on displacement sensor signals. In safety management, lithium-ion batteries rely on high-precision voltage monitoring to prevent overcharging, and pharmaceutical sterilization processes determine sterilization effectiveness through temperature signal acquisition. In manufacturing processes, plastic extrusion achieves closed-loop control based on temperature and pressure signals, while mechanical machining employs spectral analysis of vibration and displacement signals to implement predictive maintenance—effectively identifying tool wear, reducing defect rates, and enhancing overall equipment effectiveness.

With the continuous advancement of technological self-reliance, a growing number of domestic enterprises specializing in high-end data acquisition equipment have emerged rapidly. KETU&TEST, for example, has developed proprietary strain and current acquisition instruments that have demonstrated stability through tens of thousands of field tests. Recently, the company introduced a professional voltage and current analog signal acquisition instrument designed to provide high-performance, high-stability data acquisition solutions for industrial and research users.

This voltage and current analog signal acquisition instrument supports 8-channel synchronous acquisition with accuracy up to ±0.05% FS. It accommodates multiple ranges of DC voltage and current signal inputs and can independently supply power to connected sensors. The device also offers diverse interface options to meet various communication requirements. By delivering high-precision and synchronous acquisition of voltage and current signals, this instrument provides the domestic industrial measurement and control sector with a high-performance, cost-effective solution.