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Programmable data-logging hardware from National Instruments combines flexible software with modular hardware to create customizable PC-based data loggers. Compared to traditional data loggers, NI programmable data loggers maintain simplicity, while adding flexibility with a software-defined approach. NI programmable data loggers are connected to a PC where data is interactively logged, analyzed, and presented with easily configurable software.
Benefits of Programmable Data Loggers
1. Software Flexibility
With NI LabVIEW SignalExpress software you can quickly configure data-logging applications interactively. Built with data logging in mind, LabVIEW SignalExpress provides a broad set of features for completing common data-logging tasks, including basic data analysis, alarming, customizable graphs, and displays to present your data.
Figure 1. Customize your user interface with LabVIEW Signal Express
LabVIEW SignalExpress automatically detects National Instruments programmable data loggers and immediately launches a data-logging application based on the measurements being made. By combining NI programmable data loggers with LabVIEW SignalExpress, you can make your measurements in a couple of mouse clicks.
Watch a Three-Minute Video Demonstration of LabVIEW Signal Express
2. Mix and Match Sensor Types
The typical data logger includes built-in sensors for fixed measurement functionality. Using the NI C Series platform, you can build a flexible system to connect to any chosen sensor. Currently, more than 50 C Series modules are available for different measurements, including thermocouple, voltage, resistance temperature detector (RTD), current, resistance, strain, digital (TTL and others), accelerometers, and microphones. You can insert these modules into a variety of carriers on multiple form factors such as USB, Wi-Fi (802.11/b/g), Ethernet, and a larger 8-slot USB chassis.
Figure 2. With C Series Modules, you can mix and match sensor types.
There are a variety of connector options among all of the C Series modules such as standard screw terminals, BNC, D-Sub, or even RJ50. No terminal blocks are required for any of the modules, thereby eliminating a component and simplifying the overall setup. C Series systems provide a customizable hardware platform that can fit your unique channel and sensor needs and expand over time with minimal cost.
How-To Guide for Most Common Measurements
3. Instrument Class I/O
National Instruments programmable data loggers are used not only for basic monitoring, but also for higher-performance data-logging applications requiring faster sampling rates, higher throughput, and more accuracy. In reality, NI programmable data loggers are high-performance data acquisition (DAQ) devices. For more than 20 years, National Instruments PC-based DAQ devices have set the standard for accuracy and performance.
Hardware Comparison
| Product |  USB-6008/9 Voltage Logger |
 Single USB C Series Module |
 Single Wireless C Series Module |
 Single Ethernet C Series Module |
 8-Slot C Series Module Chassis |
| Bus | USB | USB | Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) | Ethernet | USB |
| Price in USD | < $300 | $319–$1,799 | $499–$1,999 | $399–$1,899 | > $1,800 |
| Buy Now | Compare Modules | Compare Modules | Compare Modules | Configure System |
Additional Resources
Selecting the Right Data Logger
Three-Levels of Data-Logging Software
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This tutorial (this "tutorial") was developed by National Instruments ("NI"). Although technical support of this tutorial may be made available by National Instruments, the content in this tutorial may not be completely tested and verified, and NI does not guarantee its quality in any way or that NI will continue to support this content with each new revision of related products and drivers. THIS TUTORIAL IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND AND SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS AS MORE SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH IN NI.COM'S TERMS OF USE (http://ni.com/legal/termsofuse/unitedstates/us/).