Dealing with frequencies is the most technical side of data transmission, and perfect understanding is reserved for those with only the most training and experience. However, if you are planning to have certain things implemented into your network, it is good if you have a basic understanding of some of the most-used terms. This is definitely a good idea if you are planning to implement a data acquisition anti-alias filter. Take a look at some of the terms you should understand during the process and the basic definitions of each one.
Bandwidth
Bandwidth is a term that is used to describe the amount of band space that is available to carry a frequency on a network. Most people are readily familiar with the term bandwidth because it is commonly tossed around in reference to internet service provision and similar services. Bandwidth is also used in data acquisition filtering discussions because it is important to know how much bandwidth is available that can be used for filtering purposes when additions are implemented. For example, if there is very little bandwidth available, an anti-alias filter may actually slow things down. Therefore, a higher bandwidth would be needed to properly support the addition.
Sampling Rate
The sampling rate, which is also referred to as the sampling frequency, must be higher than usual if you are planning to integrate a data acquisition anti-alias filter. The sampling rate refers to the average rate of frequency pitches in a communicated signal. These frequencies are usually measured by the second, but larger samples may be taken over longer time periods as well. Some analog systems have a sampling rate that is exceptionally high, which is always ideal for anti-alias filtering processes. However, those analog systems with a converted digital signal tend to have a lower sampling rate, so they may need amendments before they can be used with an anti-alias filter.
Low-Pass Filter
An anti-alias filter is a low-pass filter. A low-pass filter is a type of data acquisition filter that filters spectral content that tends to lead outside of the actual bandwidth, which will cause issues with data transfers. Low-pass filters are called low-pass because they are designed to allow very little to pass through that isn't supposed to pass through. For example, if there are alias frequencies crowding your bandwidth, the low-pass anti-alias filter would pull out those spectral elements to free up usable space in your network.