Speed, resolution, accuracy, and number of channels are all important considerations for designing a data acquisition (DAQ) system. In addition, there are different architectures used within the data acquisition device itself that can affect their performance. The two most common architectures in analog input design are multiplexed and simultaneous. Multiplexed architectures use one A/D converter for many channels. Conversely, simultaneous architectures use an individual A/D converter for each channel.

In simultaneous architecture, a common clock and trigger are used for simultaneous and synchronous sampling of all inputs. This means that all functions of the data acquisition modules (A/D, D/A, DIO, Counter/Timers, and Decoders) can be simultaneously triggered internally or externally. The data can then be clocked either internally or externally and streamed synchronously to host memory.

The synchronous operation of all I/O data to be processed and correlated for all inputs and outputs is very complex. Research is being done for the efficient design of simultaneous data acquisition system.

Signals generated by sensors and transducers require analog signal processing to make them compatible with the DAQ system.

Digital signal processing has many applications. Research in the area of adaptive beam forming for SONAR systems is being carried out.