Chapter 1
Introduction
©
National Instruments Corporation
1-3
Software Programming Choices
You have several options to choose from when programming your National
Instruments DAQ and SCXI hardware. You can use National Instruments
application software, NI-DAQ, or register-level programming.
National Instruments Application Software
ComponentWorks contains tools for data acquisition and instrument
control built on NI-DAQ driver software. ComponentWorks provides
a higher-level programming interface for building virtual instruments
through standard OLE controls and DLLs. With ComponentWorks, you
can use all of the configuration tools, resource management utilities, and
interactive control utilities included with NI-DAQ.
LabVIEW features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art user interface,
and a powerful graphical programming language. The LabVIEW Data
Acquisition VI Library, a series of VIs for using LabVIEW with National
Instruments DAQ hardware, is included with LabVIEW. The LabVIEW
Data Acquisition VI Library is functionally equivalent to NI-DAQ
software.
LabWindows/CVI features interactive graphics, state-of-the-art user
interface, and uses the ANSI standard C programming language. The
LabWindows/CVI Data Acquisition Library, a series of functions for using
LabWindows/CVI with National Instruments DAQ hardware, is included
with the NI-DAQ software kit. The LabWindows/CVI Data Acquisition
Library is functionally equivalent to the NI-DAQ software.
VirtualBench features virtual instruments that combine DAQ products,
software, and your computer to create a stand-alone instrument with the
added benefit of the processing, display, and storage capabilities of your
computer. VirtualBench instruments load and save waveform data to disk
in the same forms that can be used in popular spreadsheet programs and
word processors.
Using ComponentWorks, LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, or VirtualBench
software will greatly reduce the development time for your data acquisition
and control application.
