NI simplifies measurement system design
July 2015
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
National Instruments has announced the new CompactDAQ controller, which expands the CompactDAQ controller offering to meet high-channel count applications in rugged environments. By integrating the processor, signal conditioning and I/O into a single CompactDAQ system, engineers can reduce overall system cost and complexity while increasing measurement accuracy. Integrated measurement systems reduce the number of components, connections and wiring needed, which often introduce noise and additional costs, to ensure high-accuracy measurements and cost-optimised systems.
Both the 4 and 8-slot CompactDAQ controllers feature an Intel Atom dual-core processor that can run either Windows Embedded 7 or NI Linux Real-Time. By pairing industry-standard OS options with LabVIEW system design software, customers can easily port LabVIEW code from existing measurement systems to these new CompactDAQ controllers. They can combine LabVIEW and over 60 sensor-specific I/O modules for CompactDAQ to customise data acquisition systems to meet specific application needs.
“We’ve expanded the CompactDAQ family by adding an 8-slot controller to give customers another rugged and integrated solution,” said Stefanie Breyer, director of data acquisition R&D at NI. “The Intel Atom 3800 processor gives engineers powerful processing paired with high-accuracy measurements that can be used in a variety of applications from in-vehicle data logging to distributed measurements.”
Key features of CompactDAQ controllers include:
• Integrated Intel Atom dual-core processor: Reduce system complexity and take measurement systems anywhere by having an integrated processor built in.
• Removable SD storage: Forget about data storage limits with hot-swappable, removable SD storage.
• Integrated CAN/LIN port: Cut costs by taking advantage of the built-in CAN/LIN port.
• Choice of 4 or 8 C series module slots: Mix and match a variety of I/O types, including AI, AO and DIO to meet specific application needs.
• Rugged form factor: Take measurements in high shock and vibration environments as well as temperatures ranging from -40 to 70°C.
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