Introduction
Chapter 1
SCXI-1124 User Manual
1-2
© National Instruments Corporation
LabWindows enhances traditional programming languages. Both packages include extensive
libraries for data acquisition, instrument control, data analysis, and graphical data presentation.
LabVIEW currently runs on three different platforms–AT/MC/EISA computers running
Microsoft Windows, the Macintosh platform, and the Sun SPARCstation platform. 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 boards, is included with LabVIEW. The LabVIEW Data
Acquisition VI Libraries are functionally equivalent to the NI-DAQ software.
LabWindows has two versions–LabWindows for DOS is for use on PCs running DOS, and
LabWindows/CVI is for use on PCs running Windows and Sun SPARCstations.
LabWindows/CVI features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art user interface, and uses the
ANSI standard C programming language. The LabWindows Data Acquisition Library, a series
of functions for using LabWindows with National Instruments boards, is included with
LabWindows for DOS and LabWindows/CVI. The LabWindows Data Acquisition libraries are
functionally equivalent to the NI-DAQ software.
Using LabVIEW or LabWindows software will greatly diminish the development time for your
data acquisition and control application. Part numbers for these software products are as follows:
Software
Part Number
LabVIEW for Windows
776670-01
LabVIEW for Macintosh
776141-01
LabWindows for DOS
776475-01
LabWindows/CVI for Windows
776800-01
NI-DAQ Driver Software
The NI-DAQ driver software is included at no charge with all National Instruments data
acquisition boards. 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 also internally addresses many of the complex issues between the computer and the
plug-in board such as programming the PC interrupt and DMA controllers. NI-DAQ maintains a
consistent software interface among its different versions so that you can change platforms with
minimal modifications to your code. Figure 1-1 illustrates the relationship between NI-DAQ and
LabVIEW and LabWindows. You can see that the data acquisition parts of LabVIEW and
LabWindows are functionally equivalent to the NI-DAQ software.
