NI Spins Data Acq Gear for Testing Entry-Level Ethernet Systems

Today, National Instruments (NI), now a part of Emerson Electric, has announced the latest additions to its NI CompactDAQ lineup, including new Ethernet-enabled data acquisition (DAQ) hardware and software enhancements. All About Circuits had the chance to interview Brett Burger, Chief Product Marketer for NI DAQ at Emerson, to learn more about the new enhancements firsthand.

cDAQ-9187and cDAQ-9183

cDAQ-9187 and cDAQ-9183

Designed to streamline test setups while maintaining high measurement performance, the newly unveiled cDAQ-9187 and cDAQ-9183 Ethernet chassis offer engineers a lower-cost pathway to high-performance sensor and electrical measurement capabilities.

Specifically, the cDAQ-9187 and cDAQ-9183 chassis retains NI’s established DAQ architecture but introduces a streamlined feature set tailored for entry-level users. Higher-end CompactDAQ models incorporate multiple networking ports and hardware-triggering capabilities, which drive up costs for the end user. Instead, these new models focus on single Ethernet connectivity to reduce costs while preserving essential DAQ functionality.

The cDAQ-9187 offers eight module slots, while the cDAQ-9183 provides four slots for compatibility with over 100 NI C-Series modules. Such modularity allows engineers to build customized systems that scale with testing needs without requiring dedicated, high-end test equipment.

Daisy-chaining CompactDAQs via Ethernet

Additionally, both chassis leverage IEEE 802.11AS synchronization to unlock precise time alignment across multiple devices with accurate multi-chassis data correlation. This allows users to daisy-chain multiple CompactDAQ units or expand measurement setups using a 2-port Ethernet cDAQ chassis.  As Burger explains, “All of the channels would synchronize. If you've got 20 accelerometers in one chassis and 20 in another, they will synchronize at high speed and give you measurements simultaneously.”

The chassis is further complemented by the newly released NI-9204 ±10 V input module, which further reduces the barrier to entry by offering 16 single-ended or 8 differential channels with 16-bit resolution and multiple gain settings. This architecture provides a cost-effective alternative to the NI-9205 module while maintaining accuracy across ±10 V, ±5 V, ±1 V, and ±0.2 V input ranges.

Expanding FlexLogger Capabilities 

Beyond hardware enhancements, National Instruments’ NI FlexLogger DAQ software received a major update with the introduction of a GitHub-hosted plugin repository. 

The repository initially launches with 13 open-source plugins developed by Emerson, covering features such as automated test sequencing, CSV export customization, real-time data visualization, and FFT logging.

Engineers can download and modify these plugins or develop their own using the FlexLogger Plugin Development Kit. The goal, from NI’s view, is to bridge the gap between no-code test automation and the extensibility of LabVIEW so that teams can deploy custom test logic without relying on proprietary software updates. 

The NIFlexLogger GitHub repository. (Click on image to enlarge)

Explaining the benefits of an open-source approach, Burger explains, “With this open-source platform, engineers can now immediately add new features to FlexLogger without waiting for NI to release an update.” 

“If someone needs a feature, they can either develop it themselves or see if another engineer has already shared it with the community.”

NI hopes to enable faster adaptation to niche test requirements by decentralizing feature development with an open-source model. Organizations can choose to keep internally developed plugins proprietary or contribute them to the public repository and the perpetual licensing option for FlexLogger software gives engineers flexibility in acquiring and managing software tools.

Addressing Workforce and Automation Challenges

Emerson’s approach is predicated on the idea that traditional software development resources are being absorbed into core product R&D, leaving fewer engineers dedicated to test automation. By introducing no-programming FlexLogger automation and open-source software extensibility, Emerson is helping test teams operate with leaner software development resources while maintaining test coverage.

As Burger explains, “A single developer can now support a test team with less software development.”

“This is a macro trend, and we've been monitoring it for a while now. That’s why we’re responding with our framework, a no programming software like FlexLogger, but staying true to our roots that it is open and extensible with LabView.”

All images used courtesy of National Instruments and Emerson.