piXpress USA - About Data Aquisition

About Data Aqusistion


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Ever watched motor racing on television and wondered why the car is rarely seen without at least one computer in the background? Or why race drivers are frequently seen huddled over a computer monitor whilst engineers scurry around plugging and unplugging laptop computers from different points around the car?

All these things are evidence of data acquisition at work.

Data acquisition is simply the use of computers and other technology in the quest for the last tenth, or possibly hundredth, of a second which can make the difference between winning and losing. As its name implies, data acquisition is about the collection of data but the skill is in the interpretation of the data - converting it into information which can be used to make changes to, say, the vehicle's suspension setup or the drivers line into a particular corner.

Data acquisition systems vary hugely in sophistication, functionality and cost, yet all share a common purpose - to provide accurate, timely information to the driver, engineers, and vehicle designers, all of whom have a part to play in winning races. Modern data acquisition systems are so sophisticated that it is possible to measure a cars' behavior in minute detail using custom sensing devices ranging from simple switches to lasers, video and microwave technologies. A modern F1 car carries vast quantities of wiring connecting a network of black boxes to over 100 sensors and actuators capable of measuring everything from tire pressures to drivers' heart rate. At the other end of the spectrum, the data acquisition system fitted to a kart may measure only a few basic parameters such as engine RPM, speed and the drivers use of the throttle and brake but, in essence, all race car data systems share three main objectives :

To display real time information to the driver - typically via a "dashboard" which provides the immediate feedback necessary to optimize control and performance. Dashboard information commonly includes engine RPM, Laptime and gear number.
To monitor vehicle systems - the condition of critical components is continually monitored in order to warn of potential failures and provide the driver and engineers with an early warning of potential problems. At the simplest level this might mean warning of low engine oil pressure (and possibly an expensive engine re-build) but it might be evidence of a punctured tire (which might mean a pit stop, but could spell disaster).
To record continuous data describing driver, engine and chassis behavior - Stored information is used by drivers' race engineers to analyze the car's aerodynamic & mechanical characteristics. Comparison of data collected under different conditions makes it possible to evaluate the likely effects of changes to the chassis or engine setup. Driver style can be examined from data describing use of the throttle, brakes and steering and resulting speed in order to compare different driving styles and techniques. One of the most useful techniques is to relate events in the data to points on a map of the circuit - generated using the speed and lateral g recorded by the system itself.

Once measured and recorded data must be retrieved from the car for analysis. In sophisticated systems some of the data may be transmitted to the pits in real time over a Telemetry link but, even where this is the case, the bulk of the data is downloaded once the car returns to the pits.

Even the simplest data acquisition equipment can provide incredible insight and produce dramatic increases in performance. The systems and accessories described on the remaining pages of this site are race-proven and, in addition to helping you get you started in data acquisition, they will help you develop the skills and expertise you need to beat the competition.