We have reached the conclusion of the DAQ dictionary series. This is the last part that consists data acquisition terms starting with U, V, W, Z, Y, and Z. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning with us. Stay tuned for more interesting content!
UART
Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter. In serial communications, the UART takes bytes of data and transmits the individual bits sequentially. Adds Start, Stop and sometimes Parity bits before and after the transmitted word.
Unipolar
A signal range that is always positive or always negative, for example, to +10 V.
UPS
Uninterruptible Power Supply. Used to keep critical equipment, including computers, running in the event of a mains power failure.
USB
Universal Serial Bus A serial bus gradually replacing RS232 on PCs because of its higher speed. Generally fitted as standard in new PCs.
VAC
AC Voltage
Velocity
The rate of change of displacement; dx/dt.
Volt
SI unit of potential difference such that the potential difference across a conductor is 1 volt when 1 ampere of current in it dissipates 1 watt of power. Named after Count Alessandro Volta (1745-1827). Symbol V.
Voltage
The value of an electromotive force or potential difference expressed in volts.
Voltage-to-Frequency Converter
A device that converts an analogue input voltage into a sequence of digital pulses with a frequency that is proportional to the input voltage.
WAN
Wide area network. A network of circuits spanning a large region which is used to transmit data.
Wheatstone Bridge
A network of four resistances, an emf (voltage) source, and an indicator connected such that when the four resistances are matched, the indicator will show a zero deflection or “null” reading. Prototype of most other bridge circuits.
Wi-Fi
Wireless Fidelity. A wireless communications network conforming to IEEE 802.11 specifications.
WiMax
Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access. Provides wireless data over long distances.
WSN
Wireless sensor network.
x-axis
Conventionally, the horizontal axis of any type of graph.
y-axis
Conventionally, the axis perpendicular to and in the horizontal plane through the x-axis of any type of graph.
z-axis
Conventionally, the vertical axis in any three-dimensional co-ordinate system.
Zero Balance
With transducers like strain gauges, the output is large compared to the changes caused by the strain. Setting a zero balance subtracts an offset (actually a fraction of the bridge excitation voltage), so the changes caused by the strain can be accurately measured.