Device Class
- Updated2026-02-03
- 9 minute(s) read
Encapsulates a DAQ device and contains methods and properties that operate on devices outside the context of a task.
Derives from
- MarshalByRefObject
- IDisposable
Syntax
Namespace: NationalInstruments.DAQmx
public class Device : MarshalByRefObject, IDisposable
Remarks
Dim dev as Device
dev = DaqSystem.Local.LoadDevice("dev1")
dev.SelfCalibrate()
Device dev = DaqSystem.Local.LoadDevice("dev1");
dev.SelfCalibrate();
Example applications are located in the <Public Documents>\National Instruments\NI-DAQ\Examples\DotNET4.x directory or in the Start menu at National Instruments»NI-DAQmx»NI-DAQmx Examples.
Thread Safety
All members of this type are safe for multithreaded operations.
Properties
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| AccessoryConnectionCount | Specifies the number of times a particular connection that results in tangible wear and tear of onboard components has been made on the accessory. This connection count is useful for tracking accessory life and usage. |
| AccessoryProductNumbers | Indicates the unique hardware identification number for accessories connected to the device. Each array element corresponds to a connector. For example, index 0 corresponds to connector 0. The array contains 0 for each connector with no accessory connected. |
| AccessoryProductTypes | Indicates the model names of accessories connected to the device. Each array element corresponds to a connector. For example, index 0 corresponds to connector 0. The array contains an empty string for each connector with no accessory connected. |
| AccessorySerialNumbers | Indicates the serial number for accessories connected to the device. Each array element corresponds to a connector. For example, index 0 corresponds to connector 0. The array contains 0 for each connector with no accessory connected. |
| AIBridgeRanges | Indicates pairs of input voltage ratio ranges, in volts per volt, supported by devices that acquire using ratiometric measurements. Each pair consists of the low value followed by the high value. |
| AIChargeRanges | Indicates in coulombs pairs of input charge ranges for the device. Each pair consists of the low value followed by the high value. |
| AICouplings | Indicates the coupling types supported by this device. |
| AICurrentInternalExcitationDiscreteValues | Indicates the set of discrete internal current excitation values supported by this device. |
| AICurrentRanges | Indicates the pairs of current input ranges supported by this device. Each pair consists of the low value, followed by the high value. |
| AIFrequencyRanges | Indicates the pairs of frequency input ranges supported by this device. Each pair consists of the low value, followed by the high value. |
| AIGains | Indicates the input gain settings supported by this device. |
| AIMaximumMultiChannelRate | Indicates the maximum sampling rate for an analog input task from this device. To find the maximum rate for the task, take the minimum of AIMaximumSingleChannelRate or the indicated sampling rate of this device divided by the number of channels to acquire data from (including cold-junction compensation and autozero channels). |
| AIMaximumSingleChannelRate | Indicates the maximum rate for an analog input task if the task contains only a single channel from this device. |
| AIMinimumRate | Indicates the minimum rate for an analog input task on this device. NI-DAQmx returns a warning or error if you attempt to sample at a slower rate. |
| AINumberOfSampleTimingEngines | Indicates the number of Analog Input sample timing engines supported by the device. |
| AINumberOfSynchronizationPulseSources | Indicates the number of Analog Input synchronization pulse sources supported by the device. |
| AIPhysicalChannels | Indicates an array containing the names of the analog input physical channels available on the device. |
| AISampleModes | Gets the sample modes from devices that support sample clocked analog input. |
| AISimultaneousSamplingSupported | Indicates if the device supports simultaneous sampling. |
| AISupportedMeasurementTypes | Gets the measurement types supported by the physical channels of the device. |
| AITriggerUsage | Indicates the analog input trigger types supported by this device. |
| AIVoltageInternalExcitationDiscreteValues | Indicates the set of discrete internal voltage excitation values supported by this device. If the device supports ranges of internal excitation values, use AIVoltageInternalExcitationRangeValues to determine supported excitation values. |
| AIVoltageInternalExcitationRangeValues | Indicates pairs of internal voltage excitation ranges supported by this device. Each pair consists of the low value, followed by the high value. If the device supports a set of discrete internal excitation values, use AIVoltageInternalExcitationDiscreteValues to determine the supported excitation values. |
| AIVoltageRanges | Indicates pairs of input voltage ranges supported by this device. Each pair consists of the low value, followed by the high value. |
| AnalogTriggerSupported | Indicates if the device supports analog triggering. |
| AOCurrentRanges | Indicates pairs of output current ranges supported by this device. Each pair consists of the low value, followed by the high value. |
| AOGains | Indicates the output gain settings supported by this device. |
| AOMaximumRate | Indicates the maximum analog output rate of the device. |
| AOMinimumRate | Indicates the minimum analog output rate of the device. |
| AONumberOfSampleTimingEngines | Indicates the number of Analog Output sample timing engines supported by the device. |
| AONumberOfSynchronizationPulseSources | Indicates the number of Analog Output synchronization pulse sources supported by the device. |
| AOPhysicalChannels | Indicates an array containing the names of the analog output physical channels available on the device. |
| AOSampleClockSupported | Indicates if the device supports the sample clock timing type for analog output tasks. |
| AOSampleModes | Gets sample modes supported by devices that support sample clocked analog output. |
| AOSupportedOutputTypes | Gets generation types supported by the physical channels of the device. |
| AOTriggerUsage | Indicates the analog output trigger types supported by this device. |
| AOVoltageRanges | Indicates pairs of output voltage ranges supported by this device. Each pair consists of the low value, followed by the high value. |
| BusType | Indicates the bus type of the device. |
| CarrierSerialNumber | Indicates the serial number of the device carrier. This value is zero if the carrier does not have a serial number. |
| ChassisModuleDeviceNames | Indicates an array containing the names of the modules in the chassis. |
| CIMaximumTimebase | Indicates in hertz the maximum counter timebase frequency. |
| CIMaxSize | Indicates in bits the size of the counters on the device. |
| CIPhysicalChannels | Indicates an array containing the names of the counter input physical channels available on the device. |
| CISampleClockSupported | Indicates if the device supports the sample clock timing type for counter input tasks. |
| CISampleModes | Gets sample modes supported by devices that support sample clocked counter input. |
| CISupportedMeasurementTypes | Gets the measurement types supported by the physical channels of the device. |
| CITriggerUsage | Indicates the counter input trigger types supported by this device. |
| COMaximumTimebase | Indicates in hertz the maximum counter timebase frequency. |
| COMaxSize | Indicates in bits the size of the counters on the device. |
| CompactDaqChassisDeviceName | Indicates the name of the CompactDAQ chassis that contains this module. |
| CompactDaqChassisSlotNumber | Indicates the slot number in which this module is located in the CompactDAQ chassis. |
| CompactRioChassisDeviceName | Indicates the name of the CompactRIO chassis that contains this module. |
| CompactRioSlotNumber | Indicates the slot number of the CompactRIO chassis where this module is located. |
| COPhysicalChannels | Indicates an array containing the names of the counter output physical channels available on the device. |
| COSampleClockSupported | Indicates if the device supports Sample Clock timing for counter output tasks. |
| COSampleModes | Gets sample modes supported by devices that support sample clocked counter output. |
| COSupportedOutputTypes | Gets the generation types supported by the physical channels of the device. |
| COTriggerUsage | Indicates the counter output trigger types supported by this device. |
| DeviceID | Gets the name of the device, as configured in Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX), to which this operation applies. |
| DigitalFilterLowpassCutoffFrequencyDiscreteValues | Indicates the set of discrete lowpass cutoff frequencies supported by this device. If the device supports ranges of lowpass cutoff frequencies, use AI.DigFltr.Lowpass.CutoffFreq.RangeVals to determine supported frequencies. |
| DigitalFilterLowpassCutoffFrequencyRangeValues | Indicates pairs of lowpass cutoff frequency ranges supported by this device. Each pair consists of the low value, followed by the high value. If the device supports a set of discrete lowpass cutoff frequencies, use AI.DigFltr.Lowpass.CutoffFreq.DiscreteVals to determine the supported frequencies. |
| DigitalFilterTypes | Indicates the AI digital filter types supported by the device. |
| DigitalTriggerSupported | Indicates if the device supports digital triggering. |
| DILines | Indicates an array containing the names of the digital input lines available on the device. |
| DIMaximumRate | Indicates the maximum digital input rate of the device. |
| DINumberOfSampleTimingEngines | Indicates the number of Digital Input sample timing engines supported by the device. |
| DIPorts | Indicates an array containing the names of the digital input ports available on the device. |
| DITriggerUsage | Indicates the digital input trigger types supported by this device. |
| DOLines | Indicates an array containing the names of the digital output lines available on the device. |
| DOMaximumRate | Indicates the maximum digital output rate of the device. |
| DONumberOfSampleTimingEngines | Indicates the number of Digital Output synchronization pulse sources supported by the device. |
| DOPorts | Indicates an array containing the names of the digital output ports available on the device. |
| DOTriggerUsage | Indicates the digital output trigger types supported by this device. |
| ExternalCalibrationDate | Gets the last date and time that the device underwent an external calibration. |
| ExternalCalibrationRecommendedInterval | Indicates in months the National Instruments recommended interval between each external calibration of the device. |
| ExternalCalibrationTemperature | Indicates in degrees Celsius the temperature of the device at the time of the last external calibration. Compare this temperature to the current onboard temperature to determine if you should perform another calibration. |
| FieldDaqBankDeviceNames | Indicates an array containing the names of the banks in the FieldDAQ. |
| FieldDaqDeviceName | Indicates the parent device which this bank is located in. |
| IDPinMemFamilyCodes | Indicates the family code of the memory connected to each ID Pin. Each array element corresponds to an ID Pin. The array contains 0 for each ID Pin with no memory connected. |
| IDPinMemSerialNums | Indicates the serial number of the memory connected to each ID Pin. Each array element corresponds to an ID Pin. The array contains an empty string for each ID Pin with no memory connected. |
| IDPinMemSizes | Indicates the size in bytes of the memory connected to each ID Pin. Each array element corresponds to an ID Pin. The array contains 0 for each ID Pin with no memory connected. |
| IDPinPinNames | Indicates the names of all the ID Pins on this device. |
| IDPinPinStatuses | Indicates status of each ID Pin. |
| IsSelfCalibrationSupported | Indicates whether the device supports self-calibration. |
| IsSimulated | Indicates if the device is a simulated device. |
| LowpassCutoffFrequenciesDiscreteValues | Indicates the set of discrete lowpass cutoff frequencies supported by this device. If the device supports ranges of lowpass cutoff frequencies, use LowpassCutoffFrequenciesRangeValues to determine supported frequencies. |
| LowpassCutoffFrequenciesRangeValues | Indicates pairs of lowpass cutoff frequency ranges supported by this device. Each pair consists of the low value, followed by the high value. If the device supports a set of discrete lowpass cutoff frequencies, use LowpassCutoffFrequenciesDiscreteValues to determine the supported frequencies. |
| MaxUserDefinedCalibrationInfoSize | Indicates the maximum length in characters of UserDefinedCalibrationInfo. |
| NumberOfDmaChannels | Indicates the number of DMA channels on the device. |
| PciBusNumber | Indicates the PCI bus number of the device. |
| PciDeviceNumber | Indicates the PCI slot number of the device. |
| ProductCategory | Indicates the product category of the device. This category corresponds to the category displayed in MAX when creating NI-DAQmx simulated devices. |
| ProductNumber | Indicates the unique hardware identification number for the device. |
| ProductType | Indicates the product name of the device. |
| PxiChassisNumber | Indicates the PXI chassis number of the device, as identified in MAX. |
| PxiSlotNumber | Indicates the PXI slot number of the device. |
| RecommendedAccessoryConnectionCountLimit | Indicates the recommended connection count limit for an accessory. If the accessory connection count exceeds this limit, the accessory could require maintenance. |
| SelfCalibrationDateTime | Gets the last date and time that the device underwent a self-calibration. |
| SelfCalibrationTemperature | Indicates in degrees Celsius the temperature of the device at the time of the last self-calibration. Compare this temperature to the current onboard temperature to determine if you should perform another calibration. |
| SerialNumber | Indicates the serial number of the device. This value is zero if the device does not have a serial number. |
| Switch | Gets a Switch class for this device that contains properties and methods specific to switch devices. |
| TcpipEthernetIP | Indicates the IPv4 address of the Ethernet interface in dotted decimal format. This property returns 0.0.0.0 if the Ethernet interface cannot acquire an address. |
| TcpipHostname | Indicates the IPv4 hostname of the device. |
| TcpipWirelessIP | Indicates the IPv4 address of the 802.11 wireless interface in dotted decimal format. This property returns 0.0.0.0 if the wireless interface cannot acquire an address. |
| TedsHardwareTedsSupported | Indicates whether the device supports hardware TEDS. |
| Temperature | Indicates in degrees Celsius the current temperature of the device. |
| TimestampEngineCount | Indicates the number of timestamp engines available on the device. |
| TimeTriggerCount | Indicates the number of time triggers available on the device. |
| TimeTriggerSupported | Indicates whether the device supports time triggering. |
| UserDefinedCalibrationInfo | Specifies a string that contains arbitrary, user-defined information. This number of characters in this string can be no more than MaxUserDefinedCalibrationInfoSize. |
Methods
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| ChangeExternalCalibrationPassword(string, string) | Changes the external calibration password of the device. |
| DeleteNetworkDevice() | Deletes a Network DAQ device previously added to the host. |
| Dispose() | Releases all resources used by Device. |
| GetPhysicalChannels(PhysicalChannelTypes, PhysicalChannelAccess) | Gets an array that contains the names of the physical channels on this device. |
| GetPossibleSCExpressCalibrationAccessoryConnections(string) | Gets the available connections on an SC Express accessory for the specified physical channel(s). |
| GetTerminals(TerminalTypes) | Gets an array that contains the names of the terminals on this device. |
| ReserveNetworkDevice(bool) | Reserves the Network DAQ device for the current host. Reservation is required to run NI-DAQmx tasks, and the device must be added in MAX before it can be reserved. Use this method to specify whether to override an existing reservation. |
| ReserveNetworkDevice() | Reserves the Network DAQ device for the current host. Reservation is required to run NI-DAQmx tasks, and the device must be added in MAX before it can be reserved. This method does not override any existing reservations on the device. |
| Reset() | Immediately aborts all active tasks associated with a device and returns the device to an initialized state. |
| RestoreLastExternalCalibration() | Sets the self-calibration constants of the device to the current external calibration constants. |
| SelfCalibrate() | Measures the onboard reference voltage of the device and adjusts the self-calibration constants to account for any error caused by short-term fluctuation in the operating environment. |
| SelfTest() | Performs a brief test of the device resources. If a failure occurs, refer to your device documentation for more information. |
| StartExternalCalibration(string) | Starts an external calibration session on a device. |
| ToString() | Returns a string representation of the object. |
| UnreserveNetworkDevice() | Unreserves or releases a Network DAQ device previously reserved by the host. |
| Dispose(bool) | Releases the managed and unmanaged resources used by Device or optionally releases only the unmanaged resources. |