NI CompactDAQ Features

The NI CompactDAQ platform has more than 45 measurement modules available and ships with free data-logging software. This document highlights several of the features that are available for NI CompactDAQ and C Series modules.

Go back to the NI CompactDAQ home page at ni.com/compactdaq.

NI CompactDAQ Platform Features More Than 45 Modules

Several modules have been added to the collection since the release of the NI CompactDAQ chassis. Some of the more recently released modules add measurements such as current I/O, resistance temperature detector (RTD), ±60 V and ±300 Vrms measurement, 24-bit precision high-speed analog input, and resistance. The NI 9219 universal NI CompactDAQ module measures strain, temperature, current, voltage, and resistance, all with channel-to-channel isolation. All modules are hot-swappable and autodetect once you insert them into the National Instruments cDAQ-9172 USB plug-and-play chassis.  For a full list of modules see the C Series Module Compatibility Chart.

 

Rugged Carrying Case for CompactDAQ and Portable Data Acquisition Equipment

The CASE-0750 (PN 780315-01), is a great way to transport and store a complete CompactDAQ instrumentation system.  The case was specially designed for portable devices from NI including CompactDAQ and USB M Series devices.  The case has removable foam inserts for the user to further customize the size.  With the foam blocks removed, there is enough room for two CompactDAQ chassis full of modules, associated power supplies, and USB cables.  For labs or classrooms with multiple CompactDAQ setups and multiple users, the instrumentation case is a good way to store systems with all components in the same place.

The carrying case feature set includes:

• Shoulder strap with metal clasp (included)
• Rubber O-ring secured enclosure for a weather tight seal
• Rubber grip handle for comfortable carrying
• Lock lug for security (locking mechanism not included)

CASE-0750 shown next to CompactDAQ	Open case with chassis and modules (not included).  Shoulder strap seen on right is included.

 

New NI LabVIEW Data-Logging Software for Ready-to-Run Systems

NI LabVIEW SignalExpress LE, helps engineers quickly acquire, view, and log data to ASCII text files or export to Microsoft Excel for post processing. Current NI data acquisition hardware owners can download this FREE software with NI-DAQmx 8.5 (or later) driver and measurement services software.

Figure 1. LabVIEW SignalExpress UI (Example)

 

For more advanced data logging, analysis, and report generation, try NI LabVIEW SignalExpress. This software package includes:

• More than 200 analysis functions ranging from statistical calculations to waveform processing
• Customizable reports including graph snapshots
• Data views in a variety of formats such as graphs, charts, gauges, meters, and thermometers
• Alarms that can trigger logging, e-mails, transistor-to-transistor logic, or analog outputs

Move from the non programming environment of LabVIEW SignalExpress into one of the LabVIEW development environments to create advanced data acquisition systems by converting to code within LabVIEW SignalExpress. LabVIEW SignalExpress is included in every LabVIEW development system, or you can purchase it as a stand-alone package.

 

Feature	LabVIEW SignalExpress LE	LabVIEW SignalExpress
Perform simple continuous logging	●	●
Acquire from more than one device	●	●
Multiple UI indicators	●	●
Autolaunch for USB devices	●	●
NI-DAQmx support	●	●
Getting started guide	●	●
LabVIEW code generation	●	●
Historical data navigation	●	●
Export to Excel or other spreadsheet	●	●
Load saved data		●
Multiple log files		●
Analysis functions (more than 200)		●
Alarms/triggers		●
Dynamic report generation		●

Table 2. LabVIEW SignalExpress Feature Comparison

For more information on LabVIEW SignalExpress, see www.ni.com/signalexpress.

Industrial Features Bring USB Plug and Play to Rugged Applications

Many modules have features that are advantageous, or even required, in industrial settings.  Some of these features include:

• 4 to 20 mA measurement and control
• Strain relief available for laptop side of USB cable (part number 777550-01)
• Multiple modules now available with channel-to-channel isolation
• Industrial enclosures (see Figure 3)
• Rugged chassis made of A380 aluminum
• 30 g shock rating and -20 to 55 °C temperature rating
• Up to 2300 V_rms module-to-chassis isolation available on several modules
• DIN-rail, rack-mount, and panel-mount options (See the Accessories model pages)
• Strain relief for USB cable on chassis
• Module backshells available for safe high-voltage connections (see Figure 2)

Figure 2. High-Voltage Backshell                 Figure 3. Industrial Enclosure

Configure your system from at ni.com/compactdaq.

See video demonstrations of NI CompactDAQ at ni.com/dataacquisition/compactdaq/videos.htm.

New Module FAQs

1. Some of the modules have the same model number as modules that have been shipping for the National Instruments CompactRIO platform for some time now. Are these the same?

Yes. Many of these modules that have sold for the NI CompactRIO platform in the past are compatible with the NI CompactDAQ platform. If you already have one of these modules for CompactRIO, you can use it in an NI cDAQ-9172 chassis even though it may have a “cRIO-9xxx” model number on it.  Just make sure you download the latest version of NI-DAQmx driver software which is compatible with the particular modules.  

2. Do all C Series modules work in both the NI CompactDAQ and CompactRIO platforms?

No. There are still some modules that work with CompactRIO but not NI CompactDAQ. Please see the C Series Module Compatibility Chart to check for compatibility.

3. Some of the C Series modules seem to work on their own in a single-sleeve device (USB-9162). Which NI CompactDAQ modules work in the single-sleeve device?

Many of the modules are compatible with other C Series carriers such as the Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or USB sleeves.  See the C Series Module Compatibility Chart for a full list of compatibility.

 

Q. Where can I get more information about NI CompactDAQ?

The main Web site for the platform, ni.com/compactdaq, features technical white papers such as the following:

NI CompactDAQ Under the Hood -- Three Technologies that Drive USB Performance

NI Signal Streaming Makes USB More Powerful

 

Reader Comments | Submit a comment »

Should read 9401 not 9403
Thanks - fixed the typo.
- National Instruments. - May 31, 2007

Synch With CAN
There are several ways to synchronize CAN data with analog input using NI hardware platforms. For CompactDAQ see this document: http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/4207 Note that the PCMCIA CAN device could be any CAN device with triggering including the new USB CAN 947X devices.
- Brett Burger, National Instruments. brett.burger@ni.com - May 21, 2007

Should read 9401 not 9403
Should read 9401 not 9403 for the Digital module
- Apr 13, 2007

CAN Bus Module
Is NI looking to release a module for the cDAQ for J1939 CAN bus communication? Synchronizing CAN data with analog input would be the ultimate!
- Steven Stonecash, Kalmar Industries. steven.stonecash@kalmarind.com - Apr 11, 2007

Lacking
Where can one find specs?
- Mar 9, 2007