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

Cost-Optimized

All-in-one devices with ±10 volt input/output, 5 V/TTL digital input/output, and counters. Connect with USB or install in a desktop or industrial PC.

 
Recommended Uses

 

  • Desktop and testbench data acquisition or logging
  • Sensors with 10 V output signals
  • Manufacturing test systems
  • Simple scope or function generation tasks
  • Quadrature encoders, PWM, and controlling relays or LEDs
NI CompactDAQ modular data acquisition system with C Series measurement modules

Compact and Flexible

Modular DAQ systems with more than 70 modules for input/output of voltage, current, digital, and sensors. Connect to a PC with a USB or Ethernet chassis. Rugged specs and passive device cooling (no fans).

 
Recommended Uses

 

  • Compact vibration and acoustic measurements

  • Electromechanical component test systems

  • High-channel, synchronized distributed measurements

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

High-Performance DAQ

PXI input/output devices for voltage, current, and sensors connect to a computer processor installed in the chassis using a high-speed bus for the best data throughput, synchronization, and overall reduced test times.

 

Recommended Uses

 

  • Production test systems for electronics

  • Minimizing test time in automated systems

  • High-channel-count, high-data-throughput sensor measurement

Two NI FieldDAQ devices are side by side, daisy-chained together to share power and Ethernet to a device on the left

Ultimate Ruggedness

IP65/67-rated devices for waterproof and dust-tight operation. Shock and vibration specs of 100 g/10 grms and operating temp range from -40 °C to 85 °C. Ethernet communication with synchronization over Ethernet up to 15 hops.

 

Recommended Uses

 

  • V&V of physical systems: HALT testing, structural test, outdoor test
  • Large, distributed test systems
  • Heavy equipment/off-road vehicle testing
  • Component tests in test cells, chambers
  • Academic indoor/outdoor research

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.