engineer working with lab equipment
April 11, 2025

Modernizing Test and Measurement: Emerson’s New NI mioDAQ USB Device

As product development becomes faster and more complex, engineers and technicians need tools that deliver precise, reliable data—without slowing down workflows. Emerson’s newly launched NI mioDAQ USB is designed to meet that challenge head-on.

With its dynamic blend of plug-and-play software integration, USB Type-C connectivity, high-resolution measurement capabilities, and efficient integration with NI software, the mioDAQ is ideal for quick deployment in both labs and field settings. Whether you’re debugging prototypes or fine-tuning performance, this plug-and-play solution helps you capture the data you need, when you need it. Keep reading to learn more about the NI mioDAQ USB!

Introducing Emerson’s NI mioDAQ Device

The NI mioDAQ USB data acquisition device is a compact, high-performance solution designed for demanding test and measurement applications. This product is also a great option for both quick prototyping and fieldwork because it was designed with modern design ideas and usability in mind, bridging the gap between benchtop functionality and on-the-go ease.

At the core of the mioDAQ is an impressive set of features designed to deliver high-fidelity measurements and flexible connectivity:

Up to 16 analog input channels with 20-bit resolution, allowing engineers to capture incredibly precise voltage signals across multiple sources.

Simultaneous sampling at up to 1 million samples per second (1 MS/s), offering the speed and data throughput required for advanced signal analysis and troubleshooting.

A modern mechanical design that incorporates a USB Type-C connection, making it compatible with the latest laptops and systems while reducing cable clutter.

•Bus-powered operation, which eliminates the need for external power supplies and improves portability—ideal for lab bench testing, mobile setups, or remote data logging environments.

With the accuracy, speed, and flexibility provided by the NI mioDAQ, you can confidently modify your workflow whether you’re developing an early-stage prototype or evaluating performance in an operational system. 

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Enhanced Measurement Performance

In testing and development, measurement accuracy can make or break a design. That’s why the NI mioDAQ USB device is engineered to deliver high-fidelity signal quality engineers and technicians can rely on across a wide range of applications.

With 20-bit resolution and simultaneous sampling up to 1 million samples per second, the mioDAQ offers lab-grade performance in a compact, portable form. It excels in precision-critical tasks like sensor characterization, signal integrity analysis, and low-noise measurements, capturing even subtle variations in analog signals.

Unlike many traditional USB DAQ systems that trade off speed or resolution for size, the mioDAQ combines both—delivering high-speed, high-resolution data acquisition without sacrificing portability. This leap in performance translates to faster debugging, stronger design validation, and more confident decision-making throughout the development cycle.

Built for Quick Software Integration

One of the best advantages of the NI mioDAQ USB device is its ability to integrate easily with industry-standard software, allowing users to go from setup to insight in record time. FlexLogger™ Lite, a simplified data logging program that offers instant access to measurement data without requiring special coding, is completely compatible with the device. This is ideal for rapid development environments since it makes it simple to validate signals, carry out quick diagnostics, and visualize trends.

The mioDAQ is fully integrated with NI LabVIEWTM and the larger LabVIEW+ suite for more complex applications, providing users with a complete platform for system design, control, and analysis. Engineers can quickly create unique test plans, automate tedious jobs, and coordinate data collection from several devices. In addition, the mioDAQ supports a wide range of popular programming languages, including C, C++, C#, and Python, offering flexibility for teams with diverse technical backgrounds.

Simplified Setup and User Experience

Most engineers seek out devices that aren’t just capable of their primary functions, but are quick and easy to use. This helps to minimize time spent on setup and troubleshooting, allowing teams to focus more on testing, analysis, and product development.

The NI mioDAQ USB is equipped with a simplified setup process to permit unpacking and data gathering in just a few minutes. The basis of this user-friendliness is USB Type-C connectivity, a modern interface that eliminates the need for bulky power supply or proprietary adapters. In addition to saving setup time and cable management headaches, this single-cable connection offers both power and data, guaranteeing wide compatibility with the newest PCs and workstations. Emerson has incorporated QR codes directly into the mioDAQ hardware to accelerate up deployment even more. 

With a quick scan from a smartphone or tablet, users gain instant access to critical resources such as:

Pin maps

Manuals

Driver downloads

Setup videos

Technical documentation

This intuitive design reduces the need for time-consuming searches or support calls, allowing engineers to stay focused on what matters—capturing clean, accurate measurements.

Everything needed to get started is included in the box, from the necessary connectivity accessories to the USB-C cable, ensuring true out-of-the-box functionality with no surprise purchases or delays. Whether you’re in a lab, at a client site, or testing in the field, the NI mioDAQ is built for plug-and-play performance with minimal friction.

Applications and Use Cases

In early-stage development, the NI mioDAQ USB offers precise signal validation and system behavior analysis. Engineers working with embedded systems, analog circuits, or sensor integration can use the mioDAQ to detect anomalies and maintain signal integrity through high-resolution measurements and fast sampling rates. This makes it a valuable tool for debugging complex electronics during design iterations.

In production or QA settings, the mioDAQ easily integrates into automated test benches. Its compact, USB-powered design is suitable for space-limited workstations, while its compatibility with FlexLogger Lite and LabVIEW supports scalable test routines for high throughput and repeatability. The mioDAQ creates a fluid lab to field transition in situations like benchtop validation or assembling portable test kits.

Because of its flexibility and precision features, the device also excels in academic and research environments. Small teams and OEMs can value the balance of performance and compact form factor—making it easy to set up, collect reliable data quickly, and streamline measurement workflows without compromising accuracy.

Future Implications in Engineering and Research

As the complexity and performance requirements of engineering systems continue to evolve, there is an increasing need for data collection methods that are more accurate, efficient, and scalable. Devices like the NI mioDAQ USB data gathering system have had a significant impact on how engineers and researchers handle test and measurement activities, both in the lab and in the field.

The mioDAQ has the ability to speed up product development cycles in a variety of sectors by fusing high-resolution measurements, high-speed sampling, and smooth integration into hardware and software ecosystems. Faster, more accurate data results in shorter time-to-market, less expensive changes later on, and faster detection of design problems.

Additionally, enhanced data acquisition capabilities directly contribute to greater innovation and quality assurance. Engineers can explore edge cases, validate complex designs earlier, and assess systems that meet stringent performance and reliability standards. No matter which industry you’re working in, high-fidelity DAQ technology like the mioDAQ helps teams to push boundaries with confidence.

Bottom Line

Emerson’s new USB Data Acquisition Technology offers an impressive feature set:

20-bit resolution with up to 16 input channels

1 MS/s simultaneous sampling

USB Type-C bus-powered design for portability

Seamless software integration with FlexLogger™, LabVIEW™, and LabVIEW+

Support for multiple programming languages including C++, Python, and C#

Quick-start experience with included cables, QR-coded documentation, and setup videos

This device reflects a larger movement toward accessible, high-performance data acquisition systems that scale from benchtop debugging to automated test environments.

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