You can verify the output of a bridge-based measurement system by comparing the measured bridge output with a calculated value if the physical load on the sensor is known. NI-DAQmx can then use the difference (if any) between the calculated and the measured values as a gain adjustment factor for each measurement. You can simulate applying a load to the bridge by connecting a large known resistor in parallel with the bridge. This resistor, called a shunt resistor, offsets the zero voltage of the bridge. Because the value of the shunt resistor is known, you can calculate the physical load corresponding to the voltage drop of the resistor.

Use the DAQmx Perform Shunt Calibration VI/function or the DAQ Assistant to perform a shunt calibration, which sets the gain adjustment for a virtual channel. NI-DAQmx then uses this gain adjustment when scaling readings from the bridge. Some NI products include internal shunt resistors.