National Instruments announced eight X-Series multifunction data acquisition modules (DAQs) interfaced via USB.
These X-Series USB modules integrate high-performance analog measurement and control channels, counters/timers and digital I/O on a single plug-and-play module that engineers and scientists can use for a variety of portable test, measurement and data logging applications. The new modules have up to 32 analog inputs, four analog outputs, 48 digital I/O lines and four counters. The eight new modules cover a frequency range from 500 ks/s (on multiplexed analog inputs) to 2 MS/s/ch (on analog inputs with simultaneous sampling).
Like all NI hardware, these modules can be programmed with NI LabVIEW, which facilitates the development of fully customized test and measurement applications using intuitive flowchart-like graphical threads and icons. LabVIEW 2010 further simplifies data logging and analysis with a new continuous logging option in the NI DAQ Wizard and the ability to export data from a scrolling graph to Microsoft Excel or NI DIAdem for offline processing. The X-Series USB modules use the same NI-DAQmx multithreaded driver as other National Instruments DAQ hardware, making it easy to port LabVIEW or text-based code from previous applications to X-Series-based applications.
The X-Series USB modules include two key technologies that make them as powerful as they are easy to use: NI-STC3 technology (unique to the X-Series) for advanced timing and synchronization and NI Signal Streaming for high-speed, bi-directional continuous data recording.
At the heart of all X-Series USB, PCI Express and PXI Express hardware is NI-STC3 clocking and synchronization technology, which coordinates the clocking and synchronization of analog, digital and counter subsystems. This NI-STC3 technology provides X-Series modules with independent clocking engines for the analog and digital I/O subsystems, allowing the analog and digital I/O to run independently at different speeds or together through synchronization. The X-Series modules include four advanced 32-bit counters for frequency, pulse-width modulation (PWM) and encoding operations, as well as a new 100 MHz time base capable of generating analog and digital sampling rates with five times the resolution of previous hardware.
The X-Series USB modules also include patented NI Signal Streaming technology that uses message-based transfers to provide high-speed, bi-directional data transfer over USB, enabling simultaneous analog, digital and counting operations. With this technology, simultaneous sampling is now possible on two of the eight new modules, which can sample at a maximum rate of 1.25 MS/s and 2 MS/s on each of their eight analog inputs. These modules are available with 32 or 64 MS on-board memory to ensure complete acquisitions even in the presence of heavy USB traffic. The high sampling rates on all channels make these modules well suited for portable transient recording and ultrasonic testing applications.
Each X-Series USB module features a new, completely redesigned extruded aluminum enclosure. This new enclosure features an easy access cover to keep signal wiring secure and shielded. In addition, module-specific pinout labels on the cover make it easy to quickly determine which screw terminals correspond to a given channel. The enclosure also includes a lockable USB port to prevent accidental removal during operation.
For specifications, pricing, or to view demonstration videos on the X-Series modules, visit www.ni.com/xseries/usb.
Learn more: www.ni.com/xseries/usb