National Instruments has announced that it has nearly tripled the number of I/O modules available for NI CompactDAQ, adding several new key measurements and capabilities to the USB-based modular data acquisition system. Additionally, every NI CompactDAQ chassis is shipped with the new National Instruments LabVIEW SignalExpress datalogging software, providing quick acquisition, analysis and presentation of data in an interactive, non-programming environment.
According to NI, "The new software option and broad range of I/O modules provide a simple, complete and powerful datalogging solution for electrical and sensor measurements on the benchtop, in the field and on the production line," says Stephen Plumb of National Instruments. "NI CompactDAQ offers an easy-to-use USB interface to the PC and combines sensor connectivity, signal conditioning and analog-to-digital converters in a single, user-configurable system.
"Engineers and scientists now have 19 new module options when building their systems, including ±20 mA current I/O; high-speed, high-voltage and channel-to-channel isolated analog inputs; RTD sensor inputs; and high-density digital I/O, as well as a universal input module. All modules are hot swappable and feature built-in isolation to ensure system and user safety."
The compact size (25 x 9 x 9 cm) and rugged design of NI CompactDAQ make it well-suited for portable and field applications. With a 30 g shock rating, -20 to
55°C temperature range, cable strain relief and flexible AC or DC power options, NI CompactDAQ also is superb for machine builders operating in industrial environments. In addition, NI CompactDAQ features NI signal streaming technology, so engineers can acquire and generate high-speed, bidirectional waveform signals at 6,4 MS/s.
NI LabVIEW SignalExpress adds further flexibility, speed and ease of use to the NI CompactDAQ platform. The datalogging software significantly shortens time to measurement and requires no programming. Whether creating in-vehicle, portable or benchtop datalogging projects, engineers can quickly connect the NI CompactDAQ chassis to their PCs or laptops, select a module and within seconds view live data in LabVIEW SignalExpress. They can then easily export data by dragging and dropping it into a spreadsheet or other third-party application. As with NI CompactDAQ hardware, the software is scalable to meet larger or more complex data acquisition needs. With advanced LabVIEW SignalExpress features, engineers can set event conditions and alarms, choose from more than 200 analysis and processing functions or generate new code in LabVIEW for custom functionality.
"We have seen rapid success with NI CompactDAQ because it combines several popular features into one system. USB plug-and-play functionality, along with more than 30 hot-swappable modules, makes NI CompactDAQ one of the easiest and fastest dataloggers on the market to set up and use," said Plumb. "The LabVIEW SignalExpress companion software greatly shortens time to measurement and should further increase the popularity of NI CompactDAQ by making software configuration as easy as hardware setup."
NI CompactDAQ users can also benefit from included NI-DAQmx driver software and measurement services - an interactive suite of datalogging tools, configuration management and wizard-like development interfaces that enables simple hardware setup and configuration. For programmers, NI-DAQmx driver software features multidevice synchronisation, automatic code generation and a high-level, open API that offers the same programming environment across devices, programming languages and operating systems.
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, NI has more than 4000 employees and direct operations in nearly 40 countries. For the past eight years, Fortune magazine has named NI one of the 100 best companies to work for in America.
For more information National Instruments South Africa, +27 (0)800 203 199, [email protected], www.ni.com/compactdaq
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