What is the significance of voltage and current analog signal measurement in practical applications?

Data acquisition systems, as core tools in modern industry and scientific research, can achieve high-precision acquisition of various types of signals such as voltage, temperature, strain, current, and acceleration. These systems are typically compact, flexible to deploy, capable of multi-channel synchronous sampling, and equipped with powerful data analysis capabilities, making them well-suited for real-time monitoring in complex conditions. Among these functions, the measurement of voltage and current analog signals is especially critical, as they serve as the most common interface between physical systems and digital systems. Sensors convert physical quantities—such as pressure, displacement, and temperature—into standard voltage or current signals. Data acquisition systems then precisely measure these electrical inputs to indirectly obtain and monitor the original physical parameters. As such, they are widely used in industrial control, equipment diagnostics, and scientific research.

In practical applications, sensors act as the front-end devices whose voltage or current outputs provide the system with direct perception of the external environment. According to recommendations from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the 4–20 mA current signal has become a widely adopted international standard for analog signal transmission, thanks to its strong anti-interference performance and suitability for long-distance transmission. From automotive manufacturing and metal processing to electronic component testing and medical equipment monitoring, sensors are deployed across all types of industrial sites. The accurate acquisition and recording of these signals directly affect equipment status evaluation and process control precision, making them essential for ensuring safety and improving operational efficiency. If sensor signals become abnormal and are not reliably captured or identified in time, the consequences may include control failure, system malfunction, or even safety incidents.

In specific applications, voltage and current acquisition technology widely supports several key scenarios: In scientific research and testing, vehicle testing requires acquiring analog signals from temperature and pressure sensors to verify vehicle performance, while material tensile testing relies on the analog output of displacement sensors; in safety management, lithium-ion batteries utilize high-precision voltage monitoring to prevent overcharging, and pharmaceutical sterilization processes determine sterilization effectiveness by acquiring temperature signals; in production, plastic extrusion molding relies on temperature and pressure signals for closed-loop control, while machining uses spectral analysis of vibration and displacement signals for predictive maintenance, effectively identifying tool wear, reducing defect rates, and comprehensively improving overall equipment efficiency.

With the continuous advancement of domestic technological capabilities, a growing number of Chinese companies specializing in high-end data acquisition equipment have emerged rapidly. KETU&TEST is one such company, whose independently developed strain and current acquisition devices have undergone tens of thousands of field tests and earned strong recognition for their stability. Recently,  KETU&TEST introduced a new professional voltage and current analog signal acquisition instrument, designed to provide high-performance and highly reliable data acquisition solutions for industrial and scientific users.

This newly released instrument supports 8-channel synchronous acquisition with measurement accuracy up to ±0.05% FS. It is compatible with multiple ranges of DC voltage and current inputs and can independently supply power to connected sensors. The device also offers a rich set of communication interfaces to meet diverse integration requirements. With high-precision, fully synchronous voltage and current acquisition, KETU&TEST’s new instrument delivers a high-performance and cost-effective domestic solution for China’s industrial measurement and control sector.