transducer? but I barely know her!
then to signal conditioning -> mux -> sample/hold -> a/d converter -> buffer -> cpu

filtering, whatnot
use mux to sample several analog inputs
sample/hold is there to do quick conversions on multiple signals without having to wait for settling

conversion time: time it takes to complete a single analog conversion
fmax = 1/2*Tconv
resolution: how many bits do you get to play with? (usually in whole nibbles) Vrange/(2^n)
accuracy: delV/Vsig (percent)

signal generation, don't suck at it
just play with the DAC until you get the signal you want
use a tiny cap for a smoother if necessary

yay interrupts!
use them to generate signals from samples

DMA controller basics:
direct memory access controller
steals bus from cpu
once dma has bus, cpu can't take it back until dma releases it
2 modes, burst (steals bus until done)
cycle stealing (takes bus, moves small amount, gives back)
typically a bus arbitrator in larger systems