Data Acquisition (DAQ)
What is DAQ?
DAQ is the process of measuring an electrical or physical phenomenon, such as voltage, current, temperature, pressure, or sound. A DAQ system consists of sensors, DAQ measurement hardware, and a computer with programmable software.
Data Acquisition Basics and Technology
Turning Real-World Data into Insights
Every data acquisition task has its own set of requirements. To help meet your unique needs, NI products range from plug-and-play DAQ devices for fixed and repeatable measurements, to scalable and flexible modular DAQ systems. Our versatile driver is extended by NI data acquisition-specific software and supports third-party programming languages.
Accurate
Flexible
Scalable
Programmable
Systems
DAQ System Options
NI offers PC-based systems with plug-and-play DAQ devices with fixed functionality or configurable systems that let you mix and match hardware.
-
PC-Based Systems
PC-Based Systems
Achieve electrical and physical measurements with a customizable, accurate, yet cost-effective way to conduct benchtop measurements.
-
CompactDAQ
CompactDAQ
This portable, flexible approach is ideal for applications with a wide mix of measurement types, where scalability and flexibility are important. Hardware ruggedness makes it a great fit for high-channel-count distributed applications in the field.
-
CompactRIO
CompactRIO
Take advantage of real-time data processing capabilities, sensor-specific conditioned I/O, and a closely integrated software toolchain for long-running, industrial data acquisition applications.
-
PXI
PXI
Use this modular approach for high-channel-count data acquisition and sensor measurement applications. Systems range from tens to hundreds of channels, mixing and matching measurement functionality and output capabilities.
PC-Based Systems
Achieve electrical and physical measurements with a customizable, accurate, yet cost-effective way to conduct benchtop measurements.
CompactDAQ
This portable, flexible approach is ideal for applications with a wide mix of measurement types, where scalability and flexibility are important. Hardware ruggedness makes it a great fit for high-channel-count distributed applications in the field.
CompactRIO
Take advantage of real-time data processing capabilities, sensor-specific conditioned I/O, and a closely integrated software toolchain for long-running, industrial data acquisition applications.
PXI
Use this modular approach for high-channel-count data acquisition and sensor measurement applications. Systems range from tens to hundreds of channels, mixing and matching measurement functionality and output capabilities.
Devices
Find the Right DAQ Hardware
NI's DAQ products are divided into categories to help you easily find options that meet your needs. Select by measurement type, such as temperature or strain, or common form factors, including USB.
Selecting DAQ Hardware
Identifying the right DAQ system or device for your project requires considering many factors. Here are some helpful resources to guide you toward an approach that delivers the data you need to make business decisions.
Choosing the Right Hardware
Choosing between DAQ Systems
Building a Measurement System
The software and hardware environment need for fast, convenient, and stable system development is indispensable, and NI has it all.
Dr. Zhizhong Wang
China Steel Corporation
Additional DAQ Resources
Sensors that convert real-world phenomena (such as temperature or pressure) into measurable currents and voltages are essential to data acquisition. Learn more about sensors through practical examples in our tutorials.