Automatic data acquisition subsystem synchronization and sample rate arbitration

Abstract

Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can provide techniques for synchronizing data acquisition (DAQ) modules in a data acquisition system. In data acquisition systems where multiple DAQ modules are in use, it can be desirable to synchronize the DAQ modules to facilitate the analysis of signals captured by sensors coupled to those DAQ modules. This way, a signal processing platform, such as a computer, can analyze different sensor signals (e.g., an audio sensor and vibration sensor) without separately compensating for the time difference between the audio and vibration signals. In some embodiments, the synchronization techniques can include an automatic or a semi-automatic mechanism for temporally synchronizing the sensors and for arbitrating the sampling rate between the data acquisition systems.