What does the term "data acquisition system" (DAS) refer to?

The term "data acquisition system" (DAS) specifically refers to a setup that collects, measures, and converts physical signals—such as temperature, pressure, or electrical activity—into digital data that can be processed, analyzed, and stored by computers. This is crucial in various fields, including biomedical engineering, where monitoring physiological signals (like EEG or ECG) is vital for diagnosing and treating patients.

In this context, a DAS typically includes sensors to detect physical phenomena, hardware to convert these signals into a format suitable for digital processing, and software to help analyze the data. Through this process, the system enables real-time monitoring and assessment of changes in physical conditions, which is essential in environments such as hospitals or research facilities.

Each of the other options pertains to different systems with distinct purposes. For example, registering patient information relates to health information systems; analyzing financial records refers to accounting or financial management systems; and managing telecommunications deals with communication networks. None of these captures the specificity of signal collection and conversion inherent in a data acquisition system.