Abstract: A data acquisition and control system includes a host computer, a controller having a processor and a network device including measurement components and control devices. The network device, which may not include a processor, is synchronously controlled by control signals from the controller communicated to the network device at times of events controlled. The communication cycle over the network includes a quiescent phase during which sensitive components settle in an electrically noise-free environment, i.e. no digital signals inside the network devices are switching during the quiescent phase.