Data Acquisition (DAQ)

NI DAQ systems include NI devices, sensors, and software like NI LabVIEW and NI FlexLogger™ software, offering a complete solution for accurate data capture and analysis.

Learn about mioDAQ

What Is Data Acquisition?

Data acquisition (DAQ) is the process of measuring an electrical or physical phenomenon, such as voltage, current, temperature, pressure, or sound. A DAQ system consists of sensors, DAQ measurement hardware, and a computer with programmable software such as LabVIEW.​

Why Choose NI

Design Your Best Products with the Best DAQ Hardware​

group image of ni pxi, field daq, compact daq, and flexlogger software

NI DAQ systems combine a huge catalog of quality, scalable hardware with productive software you need to maximize your design and research. Choose NI when you need confidence and flexibility.​

  • ​​Free data logging software included
  • ​Datasheets with complete accuracy specifications
  • ​Documented APIs with example programs—for LabVIEW, Python, C/C++, and VB.NET
  • ​Hardware options to measure voltage, current, and any sensor
  • ​Support for USB, Ethernet, PCI Express, and PXI systems​

Industry-Leading DAQ Software Included

Flexlogger Lite monitor to visualize live data

  • Free logging software—NI FlexLogger™ Lite
  • Seamless LabVIEW integration
  • Documented APIs with example programs for Python, C/C++, C#, and more
How to Choose

Selecting DAQ Hardware

Identifying the right DAQ system or device for your project requires considering many factors. These resources can help you choose the approach that delivers the data you need to make business decisions.

sine wave

NI DAQ Product Catalog

screenshot from ni flexlogger with diagram of airplane

Building a Measurement System

What NI DAQ Hardware Is Right for You?

NI USB-6451 mioDAQ device

If your measurement needs fall within ±10 VDC input/output and TTL digital signals, a multifunction I/O device provides the best performance-to-cost ratio. These all-in-one devices connect to a computer over USB or can be installed in a computer. 

 
Recommended Uses:

 

  • Desktop and workbench data acquisition
  • ±10 V input/output and digital signals
  • Sensors with 10 V output signals 
NI CompactDAQ modular data acquisition system with C Series measurement modules

For more diverse measurement options, upgrade to a CompactDAQ system. These systems include a selection of measurement modules that support various voltage and digital input ranges, a wide array of sensors, and options for isolated measurements and rugged environments.

 
Recommended Uses:

 

  • Compact vibration and acoustic measurements

  • Electromechanical component test systems

  • High-channel count, distributed systems

PXI system with Intel processor-based controller, PXI data acquisition modules, and an NI PXI SMU instrument

PXI

For optimal system performance, upgrade to a PXI system. These systems combine and synchronize instruments with data acquisition, sensor measurements, a high-speed bus, and the latest processor technology. 

 

Recommended Uses:

 

  • Production test systems for electronics where minimizing test time is crucial

  • Automated test systems that combine instruments with data acquisition

  • High-channel-count, high-data-throughput applications

The software and hardware environment need for fast, convenient, and stable system development is indispensable, and NI has it all.

Dr. Zhizhong Wang

China Steel Corporation

DAQ Resources: Sensor Fundamentals

microphones used for acoustic measurements

Sensors that convert real-world phenomena (such as temperature or pressure) into measurable currents and voltages are essential to data acquisition. Learn more about sensors through practical examples in our tutorials.