NI reshapes instrumentation with VirtualBench
August 2014
Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
National Instruments has announced VirtualBench, an all in one instrument that integrates a mixed-signal oscilloscope, function generator, digital multimeter, programmable DC power supply and digital I/O. Users interact with VirtualBench through software applications that run on PCs or iPads. The device provides the most common functionality affordably and opens up new possibilities for how engineers can use bench top instruments.
“Before, I didn’t have the room or budget to buy a full setup for each bench,” says Russell Stanphil, electronics advisor at TechShop. “I can now park one laptop and a VirtualBench on each seat, replacing four to five boxes.”
Because VirtualBench uses today’s consumer computing platforms, engineers and scientists can take advantage of the latest technologies like multitouch displays, multicore processors, wireless connectivity and intuitive interfaces. The simplification and increased capability through software leads to more efficient circuit debugging and validation.
“We are building on what NI does best, which is our software-based approach to test and measurement,” says Chad Chesney, director of data acquisition marketing at NI. “VirtualBench’s software user experience is more intuitive, creating efficiencies that go above and beyond simply having these five devices in a single device.”
Key benefits include:
* Takes up minimal space on the bench top.
* Simplifies instrument configuration through consistent, user-friendly interfaces.
* Offers new capability and convenience with a consolidated view of multiple instruments, visualisation on larger displays and quick functionality to save data and screenshots.
* Integrates seamlessly with LabVIEW system design software.
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