User manual

Chapter 1 Introduction to NI-DAQ
© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 NI-DAQ User Manual for PC Compatibles
Figure 1-1. How to Set up Your DAQ System
NI-DAQ Overview
NI-DAQ is a library of routines that work with National Instruments DAQ
devices. NI-DAQ helps you overcome difficulties ranging from simple
device initialization to advanced high-speed data logging. The number of
services you need for your applications depends on the types of DAQ
devices you have and the complexity of your applications.
No
No
Ye s
Are you using LabVIEW?
Read the sections of Chapter 2,
Fundamentals of Building Windows
Applications
, in this manual that apply to your application development environment.
Read the appropriate chapters in the
DAQ Hardware Overview
Guide,
an online-only PDF document.
Read the sections in Chapter 3, Software Overview , in this manual that apply to
the NI-DAQ function groups you will use in your application. Chapter 3 contains
valuable NI-DAQ concepts, including flowcharts for NI-DAQ applications.
Read the LabVIEW Measurements Manual.
You no longer need the NI-DAQ document set.
Look at the internally documented example source code on your distribution media
for your application language and environment.
Use the the NI-DAQ Function Reference Online Help file for specific information
about individual NI-DAQ functions.
Are you using
NI-DAQ Functions in your application
(LabWindows/CVI, Microsoft Visual C++,
Microsoft Visual Basic,
or Borland C++)?
Ye s
Read the documentation appropriate for your
application software, such as VirtualBench,
ComponentWorks, and Measure. You no longer
need the NI-DAQ document set.
Install your software and hardware according to the instructions in the DAQ Quick
Start Guide
and, if appicable, the SCXI Quick Start Guide.