Upgrading the computer of a data acquisition system (DAS) can be a great way to extend the life of a test system and improve its efficiency. It seems like a simple and inexpensive upgrade to add years to your operation, right? But a computer upgrade is often not as simple as replacing the tower. In this blog post, we'll be outlining some of the reasons that a computer upgrade is more than just a computer.

This Isn't Your Home Office Desktop Computer

As consumers, we're used to paying a few hundred dollars for the latest PC that has the capability to do everything we want. However, our test systems require robust and advanced industrial computers. While they may still be manufactured by the same brands you know and trust, these PCs require a more expensive, specialized build with a greater lead time.

It Requires More than Your Basic Programs

Most home and office computers can be used with inexpensive, mass-marketed applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, etc. A test system requires industry-specific applications for testing. These applications are highly customized to the needs of a specific user.

Your Existing Applications Aren't Compatible

When we perform a computer upgrade, it is standard practice to upgrade to a computer with the latest proven operating system. Often applications that were designed to be run on an older operating system are incompatible with the latest operating systems. This requires us to update or replace your existing applications.

Drivers Need to Be Replaced

Device drivers that are used to communicate with various other components within a test system are also incompatible with they upgraded computer. This is because the computer boards that they previously communicated with are now unavailable. This can also be true of software that is specific to communication with test system components.

Your Upgrade Needs to Be Tested

At Testek Solutions, we pride ourselves in being one of the only test equipment manufacturers who performs a complete assembly and test of your system before it leaves our facility.