Hardware-based processing refers to the execution of data acquisition tasks directly on hardware components, such as FPGAs, rather than relying solely on software. This approach can include signal conditioning and analog-to-digital conversion, which enhances data quality before it reaches the software layer. Systems designed for specific applications, like strain gauges, can perform advanced filtering and processing, producing usable outputs without extensive software intervention. The classification of hardware processing can be compared to the differences between low-level assembly code and higher-level programming languages like C. Ultimately, the capabilities of hardware-based data acquisition systems vary significantly based on their design and intended use.
