Chapter 1
Introduction
©
National Instruments Corporation
1-3
•
Remove the device from the package and inspect the device for
loose components or any other sign of damage. Notify National
Instruments if the device appears damaged in any way.
Do not
install a damaged device into your computer.
•
Never
touch the exposed pins of connectors.
Software Programming Choices
There are several options to choose from when programming your National
Instruments DAQ hardware. You can use LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI,
ComponentWorks, VirtualBench, or other application development
environments in conjunction with NI-DAQ.
National Instruments Application Software
ComponentWorks contains tools for data acquisition and instrument
control built on NI-DAQ driver software. ComponentWorks provides a
higher-level programming interface for building virtual instruments
through standard OLE controls and DLLs. With ComponentWorks, you
can use all of the configuration tools, resource management utilities, and
interactive control utilities included with NI-DAQ.
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.
LabWindows/CVI features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art user
interface, and uses the ANSI standard C programming language. The
LabWindows/CVI Data Acquisition Library, a series of functions for using
LabWindows/CVI with National Instruments DAQ hardware, is included
with the NI-DAQ software kit. The LabWindows/CVI Data Acquisition
Library is functionally equivalent to the NI-DAQ software.
VirtualBench features VIs that combine DAQ products, software, and your
computer to create a standalone instrument with the added benefit of the
processing, display, and storage capabilities of your computer.
VirtualBench instruments load and save waveform data to disk in the same
forms that can be used in popular spreadsheet programs and word
processors.
