An analog input converts a voltage level into a digital value that can be stored and processed in a computer.
Why would you want to measure voltages? There are a multitude of sensors available which convert things like temperature, pressure, etc. into voltages. The voltages can then be easily measured by various kinds of hardware, such as a LabJack U3-HV, then read into a computer.
The computer can then convert the voltage value into its original type such as temperature, pressure, etc. This value can then be stored in a file, emailed to someone or used to control something else outside of the computer.
Get temperature from a sensor using an analog input.
- Wire the output of the analog temperature sensor to a U3-HV as shown.
- Read the voltage on the computer to know the current temperature.
- This particular sensor outputs 0.01 volts per °F, so 0.76V corresponds with 76°F.
Explore LabJack's Analog Input App Note.