A data acquisition system is a set of hardware and software used to collect, measure, and analyze data from various sources. These systems can gather information from sensors, instruments, or other devices, converting physical phenomena like temperature, pressure, or light into digital signals for processing. Typically used in fields such as engineering, environmental monitoring, and research, data acquisition systems help in making informed decisions based on real-time data. They often include components like analog-to-digital converters, data loggers, and signal conditioning equipment to ensure accurate and reliable data collection.