Evolution and History Of National Instruments

Engineer in lab

NI’s story is one of persistent dedication to excellence, innovative technology, and unrelenting perseverance, which has led the company from its modest origins in 1976 to its current position as a global leader in engineering innovation. In this article, we will discuss why National Instruments has become one of the most relied-on and heavily respected manufacturers for professionals all over the world.

National Instruments Background & History

Since its founding in 1976, National Instruments (NI) has been a shining example of innovation in the engineering and technology fields. When James Truchard, Jeff Kodosky, and Bill Nowlin founded NI, they set out to completely change the way that test and measurement equipment was made available. With operations in more than 50 countries, what started out as a small startup has grown into a famous global organization.

Revolutionary Hardware Modular Solutions

NI’s success stems from its dedication to modular hardware solutions. Acknowledging the shortcomings of conventional test and measurement tools, NI set out to transform the market using a novel strategy. Through the development of modular hardware platforms that were easily reconfigured and altered through software, NI enabled engineers to approach complicated problems with a level of flexibility and efficiency never before seen in the industry. From dependable and innovative high-performance RF devices to reasonably priced measuring tools, NI’s modular hardware has become a household name.

Browse modular systems here

Impressive Software Innovations


With products like LabVIEW and TestStand, NI has led the way in software engineering breakthroughs in addition to its hardware capabilities. Because of its user-friendly programming interfaces and smooth hardware integration, LabVIEW, a systems engineering tool, has established itself as a mainstay in a variety of sectors, including academics and aerospace. Engineers may now speed the time-to-market for their products since TestStand has made the process of developing automated test and validation systems more efficient.

Browse LabView products here

A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence


Throughout its rich past, NI has never wavered in its dedication to advancing engineering innovation. Through the development of innovative technologies and the promotion of a creative and collaborative culture, NI has consistently pushed the limits of test and measurement technology. With an eye on the future, NI is still in a position to take the lead in developing the next wave of engineering solutions, enabling engineers to carry out their most audacious ideas and change the course of history for future generations.

Industries of Focus

Products from National Instruments (NI) serve a wide range of industries, including telecommunications, automotive, and aerospace. To improve efficiency in their test, measurement, and control procedures, engineers and researchers in these fields depend on NI’s modular hardware and software solutions. With NI devices, professionals can design automotive technologies, optimize aircraft systems, or advance telecommunications infrastructure—all with optimal performance, flexibility, and dependability.

Industries that commonly rely on NI have access to a vast ecosystem of tools tailored to their specific requirements, enabling them to stay ahead of the curve and innovate with confidence in a constantly changing environment. With a solid track record of accomplishment and a dedication to advancing engineering innovation, NI continues to be the go-to partner for businesses across the globe.

National Instruments and Apex Waves

Apex Waves specializes in system maintenance for obsolete NI hardware.

Our expertise lies in system maintenance for obsolete NI hardware, ensuring your legacy systems stay operational indefinitely. With an expansive inventory of mature and obsolete NI modules, we can locate the exact model you’re searching for, even if it’s discontinued or declared obsolete. Most distributors try to steer you towards the latest products, but we prioritize your specific requirements, ensuring seamless continuity for your operations.

Contact us today to learn more about the NI products we carry and how we can help you!

Frequently Asked Questions

How does National Instruments support innovation and research?
National Instruments plays a vital role in supporting innovation and research initiatives across industries by providing advanced tools and technologies. Their modular hardware platforms and software solutions enable engineers and researchers to prototype, test, and validate their ideas efficiently, accelerating the pace of innovation and driving progress in various fields.

Who owns National Instruments?

Emerson Electric Co. acquired NI in 2023. The original founders of NI were James Truchard, Jeff Kodosky, and Bill Nowlin.

What are National Instruments products?
National Instruments offers a wide range of products, including modular hardware platforms, such as PXI and CompactRIO, and software tools like LabVIEW and TestStand. These products facilitate test, measurement, and control applications.