Data Acquisition (DAQ) devices from Correlated Solutions are specifically designed to streamline the connection between external devices and the DIC data. These DAQ systems add functionality to the system by enabling the ability to synchronize external analog data, trigger external devices, output real-time DIC data, and much more. Each DAQ is 100% integrated into all VIC systems and controlled by the powerful acquisition software VIC-Snap or the real-time strain monitoring software VIC-Gauge. The DAQ is an integral part of any DIC system, as it adds a variety of additional functions. The functions include:

• Analog data synchronization - input +/-10V of analog data from external sensors such as load cells, crosshead displacement, thermocouples, LVDTs, strain gauges, etc. Data is acquired and synchronized at the selected image capture rate

• Hardware triggering - output a trigger signal at a user select rate to multiple cameras and/or stroboscopes by optimal image synchronization

• TTL triggering - input a TTL trigger to start image acquisition or take a selected number of images

• Sinusoidal triggering - input an analog sine wave signal from a fatigue or vibration test for precise image acquisition triggering at user-defined peaks, valleys, or phase increments. Requires Fatigue & Vibration Module

• High-speed triggering - synchronize external analog data with high-speed cameras up to 3 MHz!

• Real-Time data streaming - output strain data live from virtual strain gauges or extensometers using the VIC-Gauge software.

These custom trigger devices allow multiple, fast-streaming cameras to synchronize at a high level of accuracy required for full-bandwidth utilization over multiple channels. The ATB-V supports up to 32 cameras and has a delay feature that may be used to trigger a stroboscope when imaging specimens subject to vibration or high-rate fatigue.