Chapter 1
Getting Started with Your 6527
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National Instruments Corporation
1-3
Software Programming Choices
There are several options to choose from when programming your
National Instruments DAQ hardware. You can use LabVIEW,
LabWindows/CVI, Visual C++, or Visual Basic with the NI-DAQ
driver software.
National Instruments Application Software
LabVIEW features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art user interface,
and a powerful graphical programming language. The LabVIEW Data
Acquisition VI Library, a series of VIs for using LabVIEW with National
Instruments DAQ hardware, is included with LabVIEW. The LabVIEW
Data Acquisition VI Library is functionally equivalent to the
NI-DAQ software.
Measurement Studio, which includes LabWindows/CVI and tools for
Visual C++ and Visual Basic, features interactive graphics, user interface
controls, and data acquisition through standard ANSI C functions and
ActiveX controls. With Measurement Studio, you can use all of the
configuration tools, resource management utilities, and interactive
control utilities included with NI-DAQ.
Using LabVIEW or Measurement Studio software will greatly reduce
the development time for your data acquisition and control application.
NI-DAQ Driver Software
The NI-DAQ driver software is included at no charge with all
National Instruments DAQ hardware. NI-DAQ has an extensive library
of functions that you can call from your application programming
environment. These functions allow you to use all features of your
6527 device.
NI-DAQ addresses many of the complex issues between the computer and
the DAQ hardware such as programming interrupts. NI-DAQ maintains a
consistent software interface among its different versions so that you can
change platforms with minimal modifications to your code. Whether you
are using LabVIEW or Measurement Studio, your application uses the
NI-DAQ driver software, as illustrated in Figure 1-1.
