Chapter 1
Introduction
1-4
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Using ComponentWorks, LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, or VirtualBench
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 is not packaged with accessory
products. NI-DAQ has an extensive library of functions that you can call
from your application programming environment. These functions include
routines for analog input (A/D conversion), buffered data acquisition
(high-speed A/D conversion), analog output (D/A conversion), waveform
generation, digital I/O, counter/timer operations, SCXI, RTSI,
self-calibration, messaging, and acquiring data to extended memory.
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 conventional programing languages or
National Instruments application software, your application uses the
NI-DAQ driver software, as illustrated in Figure 1-1.
Figure 1-1.
The Relationship between the Programming Environment, NI-DAQ, and
Your Hardware
ComponentWorks,
LabVIEW,
LabWindows/CVI, or
VirtualBench
Conventional
Programming Environment
NI-DAQ
Driver Software
DAQ or
SCXI Hardware
Personal
Computer or
Workstation
