[Answer] Which Data Acquisition Software Is Easy to Use? Does Anyone Know?

[Answer] Which Data Acquisition Software Is Easy to Use? Does Anyone Know?

National Instruments provides several tools and technologies for data acquisition and instrument control. This article mainly explores the relationship between NI MAX, NI-DAQmx, VISA, and traditional NI-DAQ, and introduces how to use NI-DAQmx.

1. Relationship Between NI MAX, NI-DAQmx, and VISA

• NI MAX (Measurement & Automation Explorer): A configuration and testing tool used to interact with NI devices.
• NI-DAQmx: A driver for data acquisition and instrument control.
• VISA (Virtual Instrument Software Architecture): A standard instrument programming interface used to communicate with instruments over various communication buses.

In short, the relationship between these three is that NI MAX provides a graphical interface for tools such as NI-DAQmx and VISA, where devices can be configured and tested. This simplifies the use of NI hardware and allows better integration with NI software such as LabVIEW. NI-DAQmx and VISA, on the other hand, are drivers that can be used with, but are not limited to, NI's LabVIEW software.

2. Traditional NI-DAQ

Traditional NI-DAQ is an earlier-generation data acquisition driver provided by NI. Compared with NI-DAQmx, it may be more complex in some respects. Even so, some older systems and applications may still depend on it.

3. How to Use NI-DAQmx

You can call and use NI-DAQmx functions through various methods and programming languages, including:

• LabVIEW
• Text-based programming languages (such as C/C++, Python, and .NET). With NI's Measurement Studio, you can quickly develop applications using NI software and drivers in Visual Studio. With NI's LabWindows/CVI, you can program in C.
• MATLAB
• NI MAX
• SignalExpress
• FieldDAQ devices