New multifunction data acquisition (DAQ) devices for USB

NI LabVIEW graphical programming makes it easy for engineers and scientists to develop custom test and measurement applications for USB X Series devices using intuitive graphical icons and wires that resemble a flowchart. LabVIEW 2010 simplifies data logging and analysis with a new technical data management streaming option within the NI DAQ Assistant and the ability to export data from a waveform graph to Microsoft Excel or NI DIAdem for post processing. USB X Series devices use the same multithreaded NI-DAQmx driver software as other National Instruments DAQ devices, making it easy to port LabVIEW or text-based code from previous applications for use with X Series.

USB X Series devices include two key technologies that make them as powerful as they are easy to use: NI-STC3 timing and synchronisation technology for advanced timing and triggering; and NI Signal Streaming for high-speed, bi-directional data streaming.

Timing and synchronisation

At the core of all USB, PCI Express and PXI Express X Series devices is NI-STC3 timing and synchronisation technology, which co-ordinates the timing and triggering of the analogue, digital and counter subsystems. NI-STC3 technology provides X Series devices with independent timing engines for the onboard analogue and digital I/O subsystems, making it possible for analogue and digital I/O to execute independently at different rates or together with synchronisation. X Series devices include four enhanced 32-bit counters for frequency, pulse-width modulation (PWM) and encoder operations, as well as a new 100MHz timebase that can generate analogue and digital sampling rates with five times better resolution than previous devices.

USB X Series devices include NI Signal Streaming, a patented technology that uses message-based transfers and device-side intelligence to deliver high-speed, bidirectional data transfer over USB, making it possible to perform analogue, digital and counter operations concurrently. With this technology, simultaneous sampling now is available on two new devices, which can sample at 1.25MS/s and 2MS/s on each of their eight analogue inputs. These devices are available with 32 or 64MS onboard memory to guarantee finite acquisitions even with heavy USB traffic. The high sampling rates on all channels make these devices suitable for portable ultrasonic test and transient recording applications.

Each USB X Series device features a redesigned, extruded aluminium enclosure. The new enclosure offers an easy-access lid to keep signal wiring secure and shielded, and device-specific pinout labels on the lid make it possible to determine quickly the corresponding screw terminals for a given channel. The enclosure also includes a lockable USB port to prevent accidental removal during operation.

Follow the link to see specifications, pricing and demonstration videos for the new USB X Series.