Modular DAQ System Supports GPS and PTP Synchronization

Why It Matters

The DAS1820 gives field engineers laboratory‑grade timing and voltage measurement in a rugged, portable package, accelerating power‑electronics testing and distributed monitoring projects.

Key Takeaways

• DAS1820 records up to 1 MSa/s per channel, eight channels
• Supports ±1500 VDC/1000 Vrms with CAT III/IV safety ratings
• Includes 500 GB SSD; optional battery provides four hours field use
• Sync options: IEEE 1588 PTP, IRIG, GPS on Sync model
• Power analysis covers DC, single‑phase, and three‑phase networks

Pulse Analysis

B&K Precision's DAS1820 arrives as a portable, modular data acquisition (DAQ) platform that builds on the proven D18 plug‑and‑play ecosystem introduced with the DAS1800 series. By offering two interchangeable slots, the recorder lets users mix and match analog, digital, or specialty modules to tailor channel counts and bandwidth without redesigning hardware. The compact chassis, weighing under 2 kg, targets field engineers who need laboratory‑grade sampling rates—up to 1 MSa/s per channel—while maintaining a rugged, CAT III/IV‑rated front panel for high‑voltage testing.

The DAS1820‑SYNC variant adds timing precision through IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP), IRIG‑B, and GPS lock, enabling sub‑microsecond alignment across distributed test rigs. This capability is critical for power‑electronics validation, where phase‑accurate voltage and current capture across three‑phase networks determines efficiency and compliance. An internal 500 GB SSD stores MDF4‑formatted data streams, and an optional battery extends autonomous operation to four hours, allowing engineers to conduct long‑duration field campaigns without sacrificing data integrity.

From a market perspective, the combination of high‑speed sampling, modular flexibility, and built‑in synchronization positions the DAS1820 against legacy bench‑top DAQs that lack field portability. Its price point—approximately $3,200 USD for the base unit—offers a cost‑effective alternative for utilities, OEMs, and research labs seeking to replace multiple single‑purpose recorders. As the Internet of Things expands into industrial monitoring, devices that can seamlessly integrate timing standards will become indispensable, and B&K's modular approach may set a new benchmark for next‑generation DAQ solutions.