8-Channel Isolated Analog Data Acquisition Module

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

12-bit resolution

12-bit resolution means a value is represented with 12 binary digits, giving 4096 possible levels. For a sensor, analogue-to-digital converter or similar device, higher resolution divides the measured range into finer steps so smaller changes can be distinguished, provided the device's range and noise allow it.

ADC

An analogue-to-digital converter reads a changing voltage and turns it into a number the microcontroller can use. It matters when connecting analogue sensors such as light, sound, or variable-resistor sensors.

baud

Baud is the signalling rate of a serial connection, often used as the speed setting for UART communication. Matching the baud rate matters because both connected devices must use the same setting for readable data.

Impedance

Impedance is the total opposition a component or circuit presents to alternating current, measured in ohms, combining resistance with frequency-dependent reactance. It appears in many contexts, such as matching a speaker's impedance (for example 4 ohm or 8 ohm) to an amplifier or the input and output impedance of signal circuits, and a correct match helps avoid weak signals, distortion or damage.

Modbus

Modbus is an industrial communication protocol used by many meters, sensors, PLCs and automation devices. When a product lists Modbus support, it is generally easier to integrate with existing industrial equipment that speaks the same protocol.

Modbus RTU

Modbus RTU is a version of the Modbus protocol that runs over serial wiring, commonly RS485. When a product lists Modbus RTU, it can connect to industrial sensors, meters or drives that use serial Modbus rather than Ethernet.

RS485

RS485 is a robust differential serial communication standard often used in factories, farms and buildings where cables may be long or electrically noisy, and it can link many devices on a single pair of wires. When a product lists RS485, it can communicate with industrial sensors, meters and control equipment over longer distances than typical hobby serial wiring.

SCADA

SCADA stands for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition, a type of system used to monitor and control industrial processes from computers or control rooms. SCADA compatibility matters when a device needs to report to or take commands from such a larger central control or automation setup.

SPS

SPS means samples per second, the number of measurements an analogue-to-digital converter takes each second. A higher SPS gives faster updates, while on many converters a lower sample rate allows higher-resolution or lower-noise readings.