Data acquisition system for didactic laboratories based on open-source hardware and free software

This paper describes the development of a data acquisition and experiment control system for didactic laboratories, similar to the ones commonly used as part of introductory practical classes within science and engineering degree programs. The system is low-cost and easy to produce. The design of both the hardware and related software are available under a free license. In this way, we seek to offer an alternative to the proprietary products currently being used, thus reducing acquisition and maintenance costs and integrating users -students, teachers, and researchers- into the process of improving the system. We outline the features of the first prototypes and the results of several performance tests carried out using the device. The results obtained indicate that this is a viable alternative with potential for growth, and which meets the educational objectives in question.