National Instruments Data-Logger Hardware

A data logger is an electronic device whose primary purpose is to acquire data (typically, from some sort of transducer) over time. Regardless of the size or form-factor of the data-logger, its acquired data ultimately resides on a computer for analysis or storage. National Instruments provides an open data-logging platform through modular hardware and flexible software centered on commercially available technology.

The variety of data-logging applications covers a wide spectrum, so NI provides both a PC-based and embedded data-logging hardware approach. PC-based hardware capitalizes on industry-standard architectures such as Windows, Linux, Intel, PCI, CompactPCI, USB, and LabVIEW; while embedded architectures make use of COTS hardware and standard communication protocols, such as Ethernet and Modbus. This is important because standard platforms lower the cost of your system and allow integration with other vendors' products.

Figure 1. Data-Logger Hardware Options

NI provides the widest range of possible measurement types with more than 250 different measurement modules. You can choose from common analog measurements such as voltage, current, resistance, frequency, temperature, strain, vibration, position, and more. You may also inclue nontraditional measurements including digital I/O, video, CAN bus communications, and others.

From quick benchtop measurements to fully automated test and control systems, NI makes creating scalable data-logging applications possible by providing seamless integration between NI application software, such as LabVIEW and Visual Studio, and NI measurement hardware. The DAQmx driver supports multiple operating systems and programming languages from LabVIEW on Linux to .NET on Microsoft Windows Vista. The same API may be used to program any DAQ device from low-cost USB to high-end PXI. Thus, NI data-logging systems are completely scalable, serving every application need.
 
The following charts offer a brief introduction to each of the NI data-logger platforms. Click the product links to learn more about the selected data logger.

PC-Based Data-Loggers

PC-based data-logging systems can range from simple, low-cost temperature measurements to industrial environments involving high voltages and dynamic signals. Each application will have different sensor and connectivity requirements. NI offers both USB for portable data-logging solutions, such as CompactDAQ, and high-end plug-in boards, such as SCXI or PXI, for higher channel count applications. Both offer a variety of signal conditioning options.

Consider LabVIEW SignalExpress for a non-programming, configuration-based software tool designed to meet the most common data-logging needs. When combined with NI CompactDAQ, LabVIEW SignalExpress offers the fastest time-to-measurement of any data-logging solution in addition to a wealth of real-time signal processing, analysis, and reporting functions. Also, the export feature allows you to scale your applications to the full graphical programming environment of LabVIEW for more advanced mathematical functions, signal processing, customized user-interfaces, and application deployment.

Embedded Data-Loggers

Embedded data-loggers range from compact, autonomous modules to part of a larger, high-channel count SCADA system. Onboard, real-time processing and analysis are integral parts of the NI embedded data-logging solution. Data may be stored locally on the data-logger (via ComactFlash or a USB memory stick) or transmitted over a network (wired or wireless) for offline processing.

The LabVIEW Real-Time module is ideal for developing a deterministic measurement and control application. NI’s embedded data-logging platforms – Compact FieldPoint and CompactRIO – offer a range of processing and memory capabilities. You may also program the FPGA backplane of the CompactRIO chassis using the LabVIEW FPGA module to achieve nano-second determinism. In addition, the LabVIEW DSC module offers trending, alarming, and connectivity to existing SCADA systems through industry-standard protocols, such as OPC and Modbus.

Platform, Description, and Products	Product Images
CompactRIO – Small, rugged, industrial control and acquisition system: Advanced embedded control and acquisition system powered by NI reconfigurable I/O (RIO) technology Onboard real-time processor and reconfigurable FPGA Digitally isolated, modular I/O Extreme industrial certifications and ratings – -40 to 70 °C (-40 to 158 °F) operating temperature – Up to 2,300 Vrms isolation (withstand) – 50 g shock rating – Class I, Division 2 rating for hazardous locations
Compact FieldPoint – Distributed data acquisition with built-in conditioning: Serial and Ethernet connectivity options OPC and Modbus support Onboard real-time processor Hot-swappable, modular I/O Watchdog timers to detect loss of communication and return outputs to preconfigured states DIN-rail mounting

Because National Instruments offers several different hardware platforms for data-logging, you have the flexibility of choosing which data logger best fits your needs. CompactDAQ’s ease-of-use and true plug-and-play technology solves many needs from simple benchtop measurements to portable ATE or in-vehicle applications.  For distributed or embedded systems, CompactRIO offers the highest degree of determinism in a ruggedized form-factor with several options for onboard processing. Figure 2 below highlights some of the key factors to consider when selecting a hardware platform for your data-logger.



What do I do next?
1. Continue to browse other data-logger resources on ni.com.
2. Contact an NI sales representatives to help you configure a customized system that is just right for you.

Reader Comments | Submit a comment »