Measure with confidence and meet requirements across any distance and in any environment with modular and flexible CompactDAQ systems.
Configure a custom system Download the brochureCompactDAQ systems collect and deliver the data validation you need to meet test requirements at any distance, in any environment. These portable, customizable solutions—made of data acquisition modules that can synchronize measurements across a network—help you digitize data closer to sensors, minimizing noise and simplifying cabling in the field.
Easy Sensor Connectivity
CompactDAQ supports virtually any physical sensor with modules designed specifically for your measurement type. Each module includes the necessary signal conditioning and connectors, so you can spend less time worrying about setup and more time collecting accurate data. We’ve done the hard work—just choose the module that matches your sensor, and you’re ready to go.
Compact, Rugged Design
Don’t worry about protecting your instrumentation—the CompactDAQ chassis handles 50 g shock and operates at -40 °C to 70 °C. Its compact size and flexible mounting options make it easy to set up near your device under test, reducing sensor wiring and preserving data quality. Designed for reliability, CompactDAQ lets you focus on the test, not the hardware.
CompactDAQ is a cost-effective approach to benchtop measurement. Pair sensor-specific, conditioned I/O modules with software optimized for DAQ applications.
Recommended Uses:
These modules provide 16-bit voltage measurements wrapped in a rugged, modular system. High-quality DAQ is in our DNA.
Cost/Channel and Low-Voltage Ranges
Speed with No Channel Delay
See accessories and product comparison tables in the CompactDAQ brochure.
Each CompactDAQ system includes a chassis that connects to your PC over USB or Ethernet, plus one or more I/O modules for measurements. You can control and analyze data using NI software—like LabVIEW or FlexLogger™—or choose from a wide range of common programming languages, including .NET, C#, and Python.
1. Module Latch Catches
2. Status LEDs
3. Bus Connector (USB or ENET)
4. Power Supply Connector (9-30 VDC)
5. Module Slots (1-, 2-, 8-, 14-slot options)
6. Grounding Lug (on exterior)
7. Rear Mounting Hole
8. Desktop Mount Mounting Hold
CompactDAQ chassis connect your I/O modules to a PC over USB or Ethernet and unify your measurements for seamless data acquisition with built-in timing and synchronization. All chassis share the same core technology and module compatibility, but differ by communication bus, slot count, and environmental range.
|
|
Desktop Use the NI-9901 mounting kit (blue feet) with your chassis for easier access to I/O terminals when working on a desk or workbench. |
|
|
Rack Mount
|
|
|
DIN
|
|
|
Panel
|
Lowest Cost
NI cDAQ-9170
1-Slot USB-C Chassis
Start with this option if you need only one measurement at a time but want the flexibility to use a wide range of CompactDAQ modules for different tests. USB provides a simple, plug-and-play setup that gets you to your first data quickly.
More Module Slots
NI cDAQ-9173
4-Slot USB-C Chassis
Enjoy the ease of USB with additional slots for multiple measurement types or future scalability. For larger setups, 8- and 12-slot USB chassis are also available, making it easy to leave open slots for future growth.
Distributed Systems
NI cDAQ-9187
8-Slot Ethernet Chassis
Leverage Ethernet for distributed data acquisition or up to 100 m cable runs. Daisy-chain multiple chassis from a single PC or network and synchronize measurements with TSN* for submicrosecond accuracy.
*Chassis with TSN synchronization will synchronize channel inputs using the same Ethernet cable used for communication. Refer to Designing TSN Ethernet-Based Measurement Systems for more information about the underlying technology.
Connector Options
1. NI-9205 Spring Terminal Module
2. Connect to cDAQ chassis
3. Spring-Terminal Connections
4. Plastic Backshell Around the Spring-Terminal Connectors
5. NI-9205 D-SUB Module
6. 37-pin D-SUB Terminal Block
7. NI 37-pin D-SUB Cable
CompactDAQ modules provide multiple connector options, giving you flexibility to match your wiring preferences, environmental needs, and installation requirements. These choices ensure your system is ready for a variety of test setups.
|
|
BNC BNC connectors have two signal pins and secure the cable to the module with a quarter-turn coupling nut. It is ideal for single-ended measurements. Because the BNC connector has two pins, it doesn’t provide a true differential measurement, which requires three pins. |
|
|
Screw Terminal Screw-terminal connection options require a flat-bladed screwdriver to close a metal gate that clamps down on exposed wires. |
|
|
Spring Terminal Spring-terminal connections use a spring mechanism inside the connector to clamp down on exposed signal wires. Use a small, flat-bladed precision screwdriver to open the cage clamp. Remove the screwdriver after inserting exposed signal wire.
|
|
|
D-SUB D-SUB connections, named for the D-shaped metal shell, are a mass termination option that uses a pin-and-socket connection. |
|
|
10-32 Coaxial Jack The 10-32 coaxial jack, or “Microdot,” uses two pins for the connection with a threaded collar to screw the cable in place. This is a common connector for accelerometers and microphones when there are space constraints. |
|
|
RJ50 RJ50 is a variant of the ubiquitous RJ45 that is used for copper Ethernet connections, but the connector and tools are not compatible. The RJ50 has 10 pins. Purchase RJ50 cables and dongles that convert to screw terminals from NI or purchase a crimping tool and use RJ50 connectors to connect sensor wires directly into the module. |
|
|
LEMO LEMO is a multi-pin push/pull connector that works with several connector standards to offer high-quality connections with a variety of options. |
|
|
Snap-in Snap-in connections use a finger-actuated lever to open the terminal that will snap closed once the signal wire is inserted. No screwdriver required. |
Choose from our most popular CompactDAQ modules for sensors, voltage input or output, digital I/O, or current input. If these options don’t meet your needs, browse our entire lineup to find the best fit for your application.
CompactDAQ sensor modules support measurements like temperature, strain, and vibration with built-in signal conditioning for precise and reliable data.
NI-9219 (±10 V, 4-ch, 100 S/s/ch, universal)
NI-9213 (16-ch, ±80 mV, 14 S/s, 24-bit)
NI-9237 (4-ch, ±25 mV/V, 50 kS/s/ch, bridge input)
NI-9234 (4-ch, ±5 V, 51.2 kS/s/ch, IEPE input)
Voltage products can accurately measure voltage over a wide range of values and generate voltage signals for control and communication applications. NI voltage products have options that are optimized for industrial or hazardous locations.
Voltage products can accurately measure voltage over a wide range of values and generate voltage signals for control and communication applications. NI voltage products have options that are optimized for industrial or hazardous locations.
Digital I/O products can acquire and generate digital signals and patterns at multiple logic levels. You can characterize circuits, toggle control lines, and meet many other digital application needs.
CompactDAQ current modules can measure up to 50 A or communicate with 4 mA to 20 mA (4-20 mA) equipment for high-performance control and monitoring applications.
From the moment you unbox your hardware, through deployment and life-cycle maintenance, NI is here to help you get started quickly and operate efficiently.
Overcome your challenges with:
Repair Services
Life-Cycle Services
Configuration
Calibration
CompactDAQ Resources
Whether you’re validating at the bench or scaling to complex test systems, our on‑demand DAQ webinars can show you how to architect accurate, reliable, and scalable measurement solutions.
These devices don’t directly measure sensors like NI CompactDAQ, but they combine 10 V I/O and 5 V/TTL digital channels into a single device for a cost-optimized DAQ solution. Available for USB, PCIe, and PXIe.
Recommended Uses
Research and electronic test benches
PCBA manufacturing test systems
I/O for firmware test
Sensors that output 10 V
Use PXI systems when you need more channels and more speed. PXI DAQ devices connect to high-performance processors over an internal bus for high data throughput with synchronization.
Recommended Uses
Manufacturing test systems
Building systems with both DAQ hardware and instruments like oscilloscopes and DMMs
Rack-mounted systems for high-channel-count sensor measurements
Measurement accuracy (sensors and electrical)
FieldDAQ devices have better accuracy, shock, and thermal specs than CompactDAQ modules but with fewer measurement options. FieldDAQ offers only voltage, strain/bridge, accelerometer/microphone, and thermocouple capabilities.
Recommended Uses
CompactDAQ is designed for mixed-sensor measurement, validation, monitoring, and data logging applications. Its modular architecture allows engineers to combine temperature, strain, vibration, voltage, current, digital, and other measurements within a single system, making it well suited for laboratory testing, product validation, manufacturing monitoring, and field deployments.
CompactDAQ offers greater flexibility, scalability, and ease of sensor integration through its modular architecture and broad portfolio of C Series I/O modules compared to traditional DAQ hardware. Engineers can mix and match measurement types such as temperature, strain, vibration, voltage, and current within the same system while benefiting from built-in signal conditioning that simplifies setup and reduces the need for external hardware. CompactDAQ can also be deployed close to sensors to reduce noise and wiring complexity, supports synchronized measurements across modules and even multiple chassis, and integrates with software tools such as NI-DAQmx, NI FlexLogger, NI LabVIEW, Python, and C/C++. These advantages make it well suited for applications that need accurate measurements, adaptable configurations, and the ability to scale from benchtop testing to distributed or field-deployed measurement systems.
Yes. One of the key advantages of CompactDAQ is its modular design, which makes it easy to expand and adapt as measurement requirements evolve. Engineers can add or swap C Series I/O modules to support new sensor types or measurement channels and can choose from chassis with different slot counts depending on current and future needs. For larger applications, multiple CompactDAQ chassis can be synchronized and networked together, allowing systems to scale from a small benchtop setup to distributed or high-channel-count test deployments. This flexibility helps organizations protect their initial investment while adjusting to changing test requirements over time.
