PQ401-A/B
4-Channel Data Acquisition with Open SDK
The compact, portable DAQ device built for researchers, universities, and R&D teams. Full programmatic access via MATLAB, C++, C#, and Python.
Why PQ401 for Research & Development
Built for engineers and researchers who need more than just data collection — they need full control.
Open SDK Platform
Build custom measurement workflows in the language your team already uses. Full TCP/IP protocol documentation included.
Ideal for Universities
Perfect for teaching labs, master's thesis projects, and PhD research. Students can write their own acquisition scripts and integrate with analysis tools they already know.
- Teaching acoustics and vibration measurement courses
- Master's and PhD thesis data acquisition
- Integration with MATLAB for signal processing classes
- Python scripting for automated test sequences
- Affordable 4-channel solution for student labs
- Companion PQ Analyst software for post-processing
Built for R&D Teams
When off-the-shelf DAQ software doesn't fit your workflow, the PQ401's open protocol lets you build exactly what you need.
- Custom automated test sequences
- Integration with existing data pipelines
- Prototype testing and validation
- Condition monitoring algorithm development
- Machine learning data collection for predictive maintenance
- Multi-device synchronized measurement
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | PQ401-A | PQ401-B |
|---|---|---|
| SDK Languages | C, C#, MATLAB, Python | C, C#, MATLAB, Python |
| Input Channels | 4 | 4 |
| Input Interface | BNC | BNC |
| Input Type | Voltage / IEPE | Voltage / IEPE |
| Input Coupling | AC / DC | AC / DC |
| Resolution | 24-bit | 24-bit |
| Sampling Frequency | 128 kHz | 196 kHz |
| Anti-aliasing Filter | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum Input Voltage | ± 2.5 Vpk | ± 2.5 Vpk |
| Random Noise | 0.03 mVrms | 0.03 mVrms |
| Dynamic Range | 114 dB | 114 dB |
| Transmission | Ethernet TCP/IP | Ethernet TCP/IP |
| Power Supply | DC 12V / Battery | DC 12V / Battery |
| IEPE Power | 4 mA / 24V | 4 mA / 24V |
| Battery Life | 6 hours | 6 hours |
| Storage | 16 GB SD card | 16 GB SD card |
| Dimensions | 110 × 107 × 28 mm | 110 × 107 × 28 mm |
| Weight | 520 g | 520 g |
Application Areas
University Research Labs
Acoustic and vibration measurement courses, student projects, and thesis research with full SDK access.
Structural Health Monitoring
Aircraft, bridges, and infrastructure continuous vibration monitoring with custom alert algorithms.
Automotive NVH Testing
Vehicle noise, vibration, and harshness testing with portable 4-channel acquisition.
Industrial Condition Monitoring
Motors, pumps, turbines, and rotating machinery predictive maintenance.
Environmental Noise Monitoring
Long-term noise logging at construction sites, airports, and industrial zones.
Acoustic Material Testing
Sound absorption and transmission loss measurement in laboratory environments.
PQ Analyst Software
The companion software for PQ401 — a complete acoustic and vibration analysis platform.
- Real-time FFT, spectrogram, and octave analysis
- Sound Level Meter: A/C/Lin weighting per IEC standards
- Data export to CSV, import WAV/HDF5
- Playback with speed control
- Intelligent unit handling (Pa, g, m/s²)
PQ Analyst
FFT · Spectrogram · Octave · SLM
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I program the PQ401 with MATLAB?
Yes. The PQ401 uses an open TCP/IP protocol with full MATLAB SDK support. You can write MATLAB scripts to control data acquisition, set sampling parameters, and stream data directly into your MATLAB workspace for real-time processing.
Is the PQ401 suitable for university teaching labs?
Absolutely. The PQ401 is ideal for acoustics and vibration measurement courses. Students can connect it to MATLAB or Python and write their own acquisition scripts, learning both measurement theory and programming skills simultaneously. The affordable price point makes it practical for equipping multiple lab stations.
What is the difference between PQ401-A and PQ401-B?
The main difference is the maximum sampling frequency: PQ401-A supports up to 128 kHz, while PQ401-B supports up to 196 kHz. The PQ401-B is recommended for high-frequency acoustic analysis and ultrasonic applications. All other specifications are identical.
Can I use the PQ401 without the PQ Analyst software?
Yes. The PQ401's open TCP/IP protocol allows you to develop completely custom applications in C, C++, C#, MATLAB, or Python. You can bypass PQ Analyst entirely and build your own acquisition and analysis pipeline. This is particularly useful for automated testing, custom R&D workflows, and integration with existing laboratory software.
How long can the PQ401 record data on battery?
The PQ401 has a battery life of approximately 6 hours and includes a built-in 16 GB SD card for standalone data logging. This makes it ideal for field measurements in remote locations without power supply.
Can I use the PQ401 for predictive maintenance?
Yes. The PQ401's 4-channel input with IEPE support, combined with SDK access for Python or MATLAB, makes it an excellent platform for developing and deploying predictive maintenance algorithms on rotating machinery, motors, and industrial equipment.
Ready to Start Your Research?
Get a quote for the PQ401-A/B and PQ Analyst software. We offer special academic pricing for universities.
Contact Us for Academic Pricing