The MCDAU-2000 is a miniature, CAIS-compatible Data Acquisition Unit (DAU) for interfacing with a variety of analog/digital sensors and sources. The system is reconfigurable to handle additional channel inputs, or to accommodate other types of data via plugin modules. The MCDAU-2000 supports operation as a stand-alone unit, a master controller unit, or a remote slave unit. The MCDAU-2000 unit is very small and rugged, making it suitable for installation in remote or inaccessible areas.