DAQ Dictionary: The Final Part (U-V-W-X-Y-Z)

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.