The Q.series X data acquisition system has four internal data buffers that collect, buffer, and distribute data from the I/O modules, Fieldbus, publish-subscribe protocols, and custom plugins. For optimal bandwidth usage, each data buffer can be configured with a unique sample rate to optimize data throughput on the internal bus and the Ethernet network. This avoids low-frequency measurements transmitted through the system at the same frequency as high-speed measurements for mixed-signal data acquisition. For example, the DAQ system can have one data buffer for 10 Hz temperature data, one for 5000 Hz strain data, and one for 50 kHz vibration data.