NI-DAQmx Versus Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy)

NI-DAQmx replaced Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy) in 2003. NI-DAQmx and Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy) have their own APIs, hardware configurations, and software configurations.

NI DAQmx

NI-DAQmx has the following advantages over Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy):

  • DAQ Assistant—a graphical way to configure virtual channels and measurement tasks for your device, and to generate NI-DAQmx code based on your virtual channels and tasks, for use in LabVIEW, SignalExpress, LabWindows/CVI, and Measurement Studio.
  • Increased performance, including faster single-point analog I/O and multithreading.
  • NI-DAQmx simulated devices for testing and modifying applications without plugging in hardware.
  • Simpler, more intuitive APIs for creating DAQ applications using fewer functions and VIs than earlier versions of NI-DAQ.
  • Expanded functionality for LabVIEW, including property nodes and waveform data type support.
  • Similar APIs and functionality for ANSI C, LabWindows/CVI, and Measurement Studio, including native .NET and C++ interfaces.
  • Improved support and performance for the LabVIEW Real-Time Module.

Who Can Use NI-DAQmx

Install and use NI-DAQmx if the following situations apply:

  • You are a new user.
  • You are using devices supported by NI-DAQmx; refer to the NI-DAQmx Readme for a list of supported devices.
  • You are using an OS supported by NI-DAQmx; refer to the NI-DAQmx Readme for a list of supported OSes.

If you are using NI application software with NI-DAQmx, you must use supported versions of LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Measurement Studio, NI SignalExpress, or the LabVIEW Real-Time Module. Refer to the NI-DAQmx Readme for specific versions of NI application software supported in your version of NI-DAQmx.

If you use one of the Microsoft .NET languages, Visual C# and/or Visual Basic .NET, or a device supported only by NI-DAQmx, such as an M Series device, you must use NI-DAQmx.

You also can use NI-DAQmx with a supported compiler, such as an ANSI C compiler.

Who Must Use Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy)

Install and use Traditional NI-DAQ (Legacy) if one of the following situations apply:

  • You have a device that is not supported by NI-DAQmx, such as the AT E Series multifunction DAQ devices.
  • You are using an unsupported version of LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, or Measurement Studio.
  • You are upgrading from NI-DAQ 6.9.x and have existing applications that you do not want to port to NI-DAQmx now.