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A data logger is an electronic device whose primary purpose is to acquire data (typically from some sort of transducer) over time. Regardless of the size or form factor of the data logger, its acquired data ultimately resides on a computer for analysis or storage. National Instruments provides an open data-logging platform through modular hardware and flexible software centered on commercially available technology.
The variety of data-logging applications covers a wide spectrum, so NI offers both a PC-based and embedded data-logging hardware approach. PC-based hardware capitalizes on industry-standard architectures such as Windows OS, Linux® OS, Intel, PCI, CompactPCI, USB, and NI LabVIEW, while embedded architectures make use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and standard communication protocols such as Ethernet and Modbus. This is important because standard platforms lower the cost of your system and allow integration with other vendors' products.
Figure 1. Data Logger Hardware Options
NI provides the widest range of possible measurement types with more than 250 different measurement modules. You can choose from common analog measurements such as voltage, current, resistance, frequency, temperature, strain, vibration, position, and more. You may also include nontraditional measurements such as digital I/O, video, CAN bus communications, and others.
From quick benchtop measurements to fully automated test and control systems, NI makes creating scalable data-logging applications possible by offering seamless integration between application software, such as NI LabVIEW and Microsoft Visual Studio, and NI measurement hardware. The NI-DAQmx driver supports multiple OSs and programming languages from LabVIEW on Linux to .NET on Windows Vista. You can use the same API to program any data acquisition device from low-cost USB to high-end PXI. Thus, NI data-logging systems are completely scalable and serve every application need.
Table 1 presents a brief introduction to each of the NI data-logging platforms. Select the product links to learn more about a specific NI data logger.
PC-Based Data Loggers
PC-based data-logging systems can range from simple, low-cost temperature measurements to industrial environments involving high voltages and dynamic signals. Each application has different sensor and connectivity requirements. NI offers both USB for portable data-logging solutions, such as NI CompactDAQ hardware, and high-end plug-in devices, such as SCXI or PXI, for higher-channel-count applications. Both provide a variety of signal conditioning options.
Consider LabVIEW SignalExpress for a nonprogramming, configuration-based software tool designed to meet the most common data-logging needs. When combined with NI CompactDAQ, LabVIEW SignalExpress delivers the shortest time to measurement of any data-logging solution along with a wealth of real-time signal processing, analysis, and reporting functions. In addition, you can use the export feature to scale your applications to the full graphical programming environment of LabVIEW for more advanced mathematical functions, signal processing, customized user interfaces, and application deployment.
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Platform, Description, and Products
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Product Images
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NI CompactDAQ – Hot-swappable I/O modules with direct sensor connectivity
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USB Data Loggers – Portable, low-channel-count, low-cost data acquisition with direct sensor connectivity
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SCXI (Signal Conditioning eXtensions for Instruments) – Premiere front-end signal conditioning
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Table 1. Data Logger Hardware Options
Embedded Data Loggers
Embedded data loggers range from compact, autonomous modules to part of a larger, high-channel-count SCADA system. Onboard, real-time processing and analysis are integral parts of the NI embedded data-logging solution. You can store data locally on the data logger (via CompactFlash or a USB memory stick) or transmit it over a network (wired or wireless) for offline processing.
The LabVIEW Real-Time Module is ideal for developing a deterministic measurement and control application. NI embedded data-logging platforms – Compact FieldPoint and CompactRIO – offer a range of processing and memory capabilities. You may also program the field-programmable gate array (FPGA) backplane of the CompactRIO chassis using the LabVIEW FPGA Module to achieve nanosecond determinism. In addition, the LabVIEW Datalogging and Supervisory Control (DSC) Module offers trending, alarming, and connectivity to existing SCADA systems through industry-standard protocols, such as OPC and Modbus.
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Platform, Description, and Products |
Product Images |
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CompactRIO – Small, rugged, industrial control and acquisition system
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Compact FieldPoint – Distributed data acquisition with built-in conditioning
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Table 2. NI Embedded Data-Logging Platforms
Because National Instruments provides several different hardware platforms for data logging, you have the ability to choose which data logger best fits your needs. The NI CompactDAQ ease of use and true plug-and-play technology meet many needs from simple benchtop measurements to portable ATE or in-vehicle applications. For distributed or embedded systems, CompactRIO offers the highest degree of determinism in a rugged form factor with several options for onboard processing. Figure 2 highlights some of the key factors to consider when selecting a hardware platform for your data logger.
Figure 2. Data Logger Hardware Option Comparison
What Do I Do Next?
1. Continue to browse other data logger resources on ni.com.
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