Why NI CompactDAQ?
Overview
This paper discusses the benefits of the NI CompactDAQ USB data acquisition systems and highlights the product features that make those benefits possible.
Figure 1. NI CompactDAQ is an easy-to-use, complete data acquisition system for mixed signal and sensor measurement.
Mixed Measurement Systems
Whether you are testing a kitchen appliance, game controller, hybrid electric vehicle, or even a simple flashlight, you most likely need multiple types of sensors because the vast majority of test systems, even simple ones, are composed of more than one type of I/O. Many devices can measure temperature, voltage, or bridge-based sensors, but NI CompactDAQ can integrate all of these measurements and more into a single device that outputs all of the data via the same bus interface, such as USB. An NI CompactDAQ system can mix multiplexed voltage input signals, simultaneously sampled accelerometers, low-speed thermocouples, and TTL digital I/O all in the same 4- or 8-slot chassis using the same driver, NI-DAQmx. NI CompactDAQ makes programming easier because the same driver is used for all measurements. This solution saves space and simplifies service and support. With NI CompactDAQ, there is only one box on your lab bench and if there are problems with any of the measurements or equipment, National Instruments award-winning support will be the only contact for all instrumentation needs.
Ease of Use
NI CompactDAQ was designed with ease of use in mind from both hardware and software perspectives. All of the modules are automatically detected when installed into the chassis, which means the system knows exactly what type of module is installed and what type of measurements the module can make. Modules are hot swappable, meaning you can insert or remove them with the chassis powered on. Even if NI CompactDAQ is up and running another test, new modules that you insert are automatically detected and configured without interruption to ongoing tasks. This is a feature not only of convenience, but of robust design as well, because the hot-swapping feature eliminates possible hardware failure from improper installation or power-up procedures.
Programming NI CompactDAQ with NI LabVIEW software and the DAQ Assistant provides one of the easiest ways to deliver data from external hardware into the PC. The DAQ Assistant is a quick wizard style setup that configures your measurement and even shows you how to connect your sensor to the module.
For other programming languages, NI-DAQmx features an API and hundreds of examples for use in C+, C#, Visual Basic 6.0, and .NET. Whatever programming language or interface you choose, NI CompactDAQ provides you with an easy programming experience.
Rugged Design
NI CompactDAQ and all C Series modules are constructed from A380 cast aluminum for a rugged system that can withstand operating temperatures from -20 to 55 °C, and up to 30 g of shock. NI CompactDAQ was built to be used in the lab but not to necessarily stay there. With a rugged, flexible system such as NI CompactDAQ, you can reconfigure and move a single test system from place to place without having to purchase different equipment for every lab or test stand. The C Series modules are equally rugged and designed with spring loaded latches to lock into place when installed in the chassis. The shock and vibration specifications are all tested on an NI CompactDAQ system with modules installed, so there is no worry of a module falling out or coming undocked under the specified conditions. For cable strain relief, a locking USB cable with thumbscrew is included to prevent accidental disconnections during use. The rugged features of NI CompactDAQ help you to quickly begin testing because less time is needed to prepare the instrumentation for the rigors of field testing.
Figure 2. A locking USB cable and screw terminal-based power connector option make using NI CompactDAQ off the benchtop easier.
Accuracy/NIST Traceable
All C Series modules for NI CompactDAQ are NIST traceable and available for factory calibration and verification. In addition to the standardized testing, accuracy specifications for NI CompactDAQ are reported over a 10 °C temperature window, helping to ensure that the reported accuracy you see in the datasheets and manuals is the accuracy you can expect when you actually put the system to use. Maximum specifications are also noted for guaranteed results anywhere within the operational envelope.
Included Data-Logging Software
NI ships NI CompactDAQ, along with every other data acquisition (DAQ) device, with a driver kit that includes
- Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) – This configuration utility is for quick measurement debugging or system diagnostic test via the “device self-test.”
- NI-DAQmx – Driver and API for all NI DAQ devices. This installer includes interfaces to LabVIEW, C, C++, C#, Visual Basic, .NET, as well as hundreds of example programs for LabVIEW and text-based languages.
- LabVIEW SignalExpress LE – With configuration-based data-logging, you can get up and running out of the box without programming. SignalExpress LE lets you acquire data from the hardware, build a custom user interface (UI), and log data to technical data management streaming (TDMS) files or to Microsoft Excel for graphing and postprocessing. LabVIEW SignalExpress is available for purchase and includes analysis and processing blocks for use within the data-logging environment.
C Series Platform
The NI C Series platform consists of more than 50 measurement modules and several different chassis for deployment. Configurations can range in size and complexity from simple 4-channel temperature loggers to high-channel-count, ultrahigh-speed control systems. For a list of chassis, carriers, and modules, see the C Series Module Compatibility Chart.
C Series Modules
Currently, there are more than 50 C Series modules for different measurements including thermocouple, voltage, resistance temperature detector (RTD), current, resistance, strain, digital (TTL and other), accelerometers, and microphones. Channel counts on the individual modules range from three to 32 channels to accommodate a wide range of system requirements. C Series modules combine signal conditioning, connectivity, and data acquisition into a small module for each specific measurement type. You can insert these modules into any of the C Series family of chassis to create a variety of systems. You can create a mix of channel counts and measurement types within one system by selecting the desired modules and installing them into one of several C Series systems. For this reason, systems built on the C Series platform are highly customizable.
Figure 3. More than 50 C Series measurement modules are available
Automatic Synchronization of Modules and Channels
Because NI CompactDAQ is a modular system, you can add more measurement types and channels to the system by simply plugging in additional modules. All modules are hot swappable and autodetect once you insert them into a CompactDAQ chassis. All modules are automatically synchronized, and a single NI CompactDAQ system can simultaneously stream high-speed analog input, analog output, digital input, and digital output over a single USB connection
For more information, see What’s New in NI CompactDAQ and NI CompactDAQ FAQs.
Buy now
Configure your own NI cDAQ-9174/78 chassis with the NI CompactDAQ System Advisor, or see pricing and purchasing information at the NI CompactDAQ model pages.