DAQ Cards, or Instruments The purpose of this presentation is to familiarize new Lab View users to the different computer aided test recourses available. Over the years I have often been asked to help solve problems with test set ups. These problems often stem from the use of DAQ cards rather than test instruments. Test instruments can communicate with computers. Some instruments come in the same form factors as DAQ cards. NI sells test instruments; so they cant be that bad.

Bench top Instruments, DMMs, Function Generators, O-scopes, spectrum analyzers, scientific instruments GPIB Serial; RS232,USB Ethernet Modular Instruments PXI PCI DAQ cards Compact DAQ 1.C-RIO; very good for robotic, or mobile applications. 2.USB 3.Wireless 4.Ethernet Computer Aided Test Resources

What is a DAQ card Often multi function Digital I/O Counters Analog input 1.Typically Voltage 2. Some current; typically mA

DAQ Advantages Lots of channels More s/S than DMMs; 1000 s/S to 100 Ks/s 1.10ks/S to 1.5 Ms/S 2.> 1.5 Ms/S digitizer territory Good for recording data seamlessly

DAQ Disadvantages Useless without a computer Not faster than a scope Lack signal conditioning ; 3mV to 15 V typical. Requires more programming, and more skills Requires EE knowledge for signal conditioning if you design your own Management challenges; Cal sticker? Inventory?

Good DAQ Application

Bad DAQ Application Multiplexed Instrument better choice

DAQ Alternatives 33509B Arbitrary waveform generator $1800 no programming needed; entry level generator 20 MHz, Standard Functions and Arbitrary functions 34972A Data logger switch unit $2000; > 48 channels, 300 ch/S scan, 1000 s/S, 1.DMM quality measurements, does not need a computer to record 50,000 samples; down load data to USB drive 2.11 different measurements, free monitoring software, no programming needed

More DAQ Alternatives TMX “DAQ In the Box”; No programming necessary 1.48 Channels; 400 Ks/S simultaneous; 96 Channels; 200 Ks/S simultaneous 2.18 Channels; 800 Ks/S simultaneous; 32 Channels at 400 Ks/S Simultaneous 3.Up to 800 Volts peak, hardware filters as well as digital filters 4.Built in 1 TB removable hard-drive; 1.7 GB storage per minute 5.User configurable interface, triggers, formulas, hardware trigger outputs 6.Modules about $3K each 6 modules max. 7.Chassis about $15K

Need More Samples / Second? Oscilloscopes TDS 1000; 2 ch, 500 Ms/S, $1000 TDS 3034; 4 ch, 2.5 Gs/S, $9,000 Up to 25,000 Volts, built in filters, peak detect, and other sampling modes all kids of features

Why Reinvent the Wheel? Save that for when there is no choice!