Introduction
Chapter 1
SCXI-1100 User Manual
1-2
© National Instruments Corporation
Optional Software
This manual contains complete instructions for directly programming the SCXI-1100. You can
order separate software packages for controlling the SCXI-1100 from National Instruments.
When you use the SCXI-1100 in combination with the PC, AT, or MC data acquisition boards
with the SCXI-1100, you can use LabVIEW for Windows or LabWindows
®
for DOS.
LabVIEW and LabWindows are innovative program development software packages for data
acquisition and control applications. LabVIEW uses graphical programming, whereas
LabWindows enhances Microsoft C and QuickBASIC. Both packages include extensive
libraries for data acquisition, instrument control, data analysis, and graphical data presentation.
You can use the SCXI-1100, together with the NB Series data acquisition boards, with
LabVIEW for Macintosh, a software system that features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art
user interface, and a powerful graphical programming language. The LabVIEW Data
Acquisition Virtual Instrument (VI) Library, a series of VIs for using LabVIEW with National
Instruments boards, is included with LabVIEW. The LabVIEW Data Acquisition VI Library is
functionally equivalent to the NI-DAQ software for Macintosh.
The NI-DAQ driver software is shipped free with National Instruments data acquisition boards.
NI-DAQ has a 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, SCXI, Real-Time System Integration (RTSI), and self-calibration.
NI-DAQ maintains a consistent software interface among its different versions so you can switch
between platforms with minimal modifications to your code.
The National Instruments PC, AT, and MC data acquisition boards are packaged with NI-DAQ
software for DOS/Windows/LabWindows. NI-DAQ software for DOS/Windows/LabWindows
comes with language interfaces for Professional BASIC, Turbo Pascal, Turbo C, Turbo C++,
Borland C++, and Microsoft C for DOS; and Visual Basic, Turbo Pascal, Microsoft C with SDK,
and Borland C++ for Windows. NI-DAQ software for DOS/Windows/LabWindows is on high-
density 5.25 in. and 3.5 in. diskettes. You can use your SCXI-1100, together with your PC, AT,
and MC Series data acquisition boards, with NI-DAQ software for DOS/Windows/LabWindows.
The National Instruments NB Series data acquisition boards are packaged with NI-DAQ software
for Macintosh. NI-DAQ software for Macintosh comes with language interfaces for MPW C,
THINK C, Pascal, and Microsoft QuickBASIC. Any language that uses Device Manager
Toolbox calls can access NI-DAQ software for Macintosh. You can use your SCXI-1100,
together with the NB Series data acquisition boards, with NI-DAQ software for Macintosh.
