Abstract: A bridge board for enhancing functionality on a Data Acquisition Device (DAD). The bridge board is configured to be in data communication with the DAD, and the DAD configured to be selectively fired upon receipt of firing instructions from the bridge board. When fired, the DAD is configured to acquire and store DAD data, if DAD data is available for acquisition. In preferred embodiments, the bridge board is configured to allow the DAD to communicate with a controller via serial communication using a 3-wire cable. The bridge board is further configured to generate enhanced DAD data, the enhanced DAD data comprising enhancements made by the bridge board to DAD data received by the bridge board from the DAD. The bridge board thus enables the controller to acquire data from multiple types of DAD, different both in genus and in species, and different in levels of functionality and capability.

Abstract: A controller for supervising remote Data Acquisition Devices (DADs), each via a corresponding bridge board communicatively coupled thereto, wherein selected DADs have non-identical performance specifications. The controller comprises a micro-computer configured to be in network data communication with a plurality of bridge boards. Each bridge board is configured to communicate data with the micro-computer via a selected network communications medium that in preferred embodiments comprises a 3-wire cable. The micro-computer is further configured to selectively send firing instructions to at least three bridge boards concurrently.