Calorimetric data collection using computers

In considering data collection using computers, it is convenient to distinguish between three cases which differ in their repetition rate. In the first, the data must be sampled more frequently than oncelps. Here, one usually must record the data in analog form, and then convert it to digital values at a slower rate. In the second, the data are collected at a rate between l/ps and several/s. Here, the computer may collect the data directly, possibly via an analog to digital converter. However, the computer has little time in which to perform other functions. In the third, the repetition rate is slower than several/s, and the computer can effect a variety of computational or control operations between data conversion steps. Calorimetry is a good example of the third type of data collection process, for it is rarely necessary to observe the temperature more frequently than oncellOs or so. The main requirement is that the temperature changes must be obtained with high precision. In order to convert the temperature of an object into a form which can be used by a computer, some sort of a transducer is required which will give a voltage or frequency which can be precisely related to temperature. These include: