{"id":2451,"date":"2023-05-18T05:46:05","date_gmt":"2023-05-18T05:46:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/35.94.173.37\/blog\/?p=2451"},"modified":"2026-02-18T13:50:37","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T13:50:37","slug":"5-advantages-of-compactdaq-systems","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/5-advantages-of-compactdaq-systems\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Advantages of CompactDAQ Systems"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-audio\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/5-Advantages-of-CompactDAQ.mp3\"><\/audio><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><em>Click to listen to this blog post here.<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-text-align-left\">Compact, adaptable, and reliable- the Compact Data Acquisition system from NI is a cost-effective solution for data collection. The cDAQ platform allows you to have precise measurements while reducing the number of components in your measuring system, making it an excellent fit for a variety of applications! In this post, we will go over 5 advantages of using the cDAQ platform for your test system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/cdaq-9189-f-1.jpg\" alt=\"Front view of the cDAQ-9189\" class=\"wp-image-2060\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/modular-systems\/national-instruments\/compactdaq\/cDAQ-9189\">cDAQ-9189<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-74990d0c06c4a80ec57b2c4cebf3fb41\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>Advantage 1: Flexibility and Adaptability<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-text-align-left\">Similarly to the PXI platform, the CompactDAQ platform is&nbsp;<strong>modular<\/strong>. Whether you are customizing your system with additional sensors or deploying from lab to field, the cDAQ system can be scaled to meet the specific needs of your project. When a module is plugged into a cDAQ chassis, it is immediately synchronized with the chassis\u2019 backplane clock. Various timing engines make it possible to conduct several hardware-timed processes at the same time, each with individual analog input rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-text-align-left\">You can quickly add new functionality to your cDAQ platform by simply adding a controller or changing to a new chassis. It is incredibly easy to scale your system up or down, either by synchronizing multiple chassis or moving to a chassis with a different number of channels. cDAQ chassis are available with different slot options; 1 slot (such as the&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/modular-systems\/national-instruments\/compactdaq\/cDAQ-9171\">cDAQ-9171<\/a><\/strong>), 4 slots (such as the&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/modular-systems\/national-instruments\/compactdaq\/cDAQ-9174\">cDAQ-9174<\/a><\/strong>), 8 slots (such as the&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/modular-systems\/national-instruments\/compactdaq\/cDAQ-9178\">cDAQ-9178<\/a><\/strong>), or 14 slots (such as the&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/modular-systems\/national-instruments\/compactdaq\/cDAQ-9179\">cDAQ-9179<\/a><\/strong>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-text-align-left\">The compatible<strong>&nbsp;C Series I\/O modules<\/strong>&nbsp;connect directly to a cDAQ chassis and are hot-swappable, meaning that they can be removed or added while the system is running without affecting performance. Designed for direct connection to sensors, C Series modules are available in a variety of connector types. Additionally, measurement-specific signal conditioning is built into every module to isolate the data you care about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/cdaq-9191-ft.jpg\" alt=\"front and side view of the cDAQ-9191\" class=\"wp-image-2061\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/modular-systems\/national-instruments\/compactdaq\/cDAQ-9191\">cDAQ-9191<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-37d1bfb7100a87c6fdfd91c991c3f757\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>Advantage 2: Customizable Software<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-text-align-left\">The&nbsp;<strong>NI-DAQmx hardware driver<\/strong>&nbsp;is used across all cDAQ devices and C series modules, allowing test systems to be easily altered without making major modifications to the software. This driver also allows for low-level programming of cDAQ hardware using programming languages such as&nbsp;<strong>LabVIEW<\/strong>. The platform is also compatible with&nbsp;<strong>DAQExpress&nbsp;<\/strong>and&nbsp;<strong>FlexLogger<\/strong>, allowing you to seamlessly design tests that are specific to your measurement needs; from developing a fully automated system to creating interactive applications for gathering and examining your data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-text-align-left\">When used in conjunction with the appropriate software, the cDAQ platform allows for increased control over how you gather, examine, display, and manage the data from your measurements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/cdaq-9139-angle.jpg\" alt=\"Angled view of the cdaq-9139\" class=\"wp-image-2062\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/modular-systems\/national-instruments\/compactdaq\/cDAQ-9139\">cDAQ-9139<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-804b34a8d845968fba67c6bfb1248807\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>ADVANTAGE 3: MEASUREMENT ACCURACY<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-text-align-left\">The chassis and modules of the CompactDAQ system allow for mixed-measurement data collection to be performed inside a singular synchronized, mixed-measurement I\/O system. There are over&nbsp;<strong>60 variations<\/strong>&nbsp;of C Series modules, each capable of direct connection to a specific sensor or signal. With temperature ranges from -40\u00b0C to 70\u00b0C and features such as fanless operation, measurements can be distributed closer to the sensor of C Series modules than they can with other platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/cdaq-9172-front.jpg\" alt=\"Front view of the cdaq-9172\" class=\"wp-image-2063\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/modular-systems\/national-instruments\/compactdaq\/cDAQ-9172\">cDAQ-9172<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-570688056715a8b70db951811faf7e12\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>ADVANTAGE 4: DURABLE DESIGN<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-text-align-left\">True to its name, CompactDAQ is designed to be a portable and durable option for your test and measurement system. The platform allows you to relocate and reconfigure your entire system from lab to field without having to change out equipment, saving both time and money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-text-align-left\">The cDAQ system and C Series modules are all made out of&nbsp;<strong>A380 cast aluminum<\/strong>, a sturdy material that can endure working temperatures between -20 and 55 \u00b0C as well as shocks of up to 30 g. In addition to an expanded temperature range, tough form factors can be employed that allow for a vibration rating of 5 g.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-text-align-left\">The cDAQ platform meets the standards set for use in challenging industrial settings. For additional durability,&nbsp;<strong>Time Sensitive Networking (TSN)<\/strong>&nbsp;enabled cDAQ systems can be used in conjunction with&nbsp;<strong>FieldDAQ&nbsp;<\/strong>devices. These devices have an IP65\/67 rating, making them waterproof and dust-tight. They function in a temperature range of -40 \u00b0C to 85 \u00b0C and feature 10 g vibration as well as 100 g shock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/usb-9162-front.jpg\" alt=\"Front view of the USB-9162\" class=\"wp-image-2064\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/modular-systems\/national-instruments\/compactdaq\/USB-9162\">USB-9162<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-c0ef58a0a1347de087717bc04d0534e5\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>ADVANTAGE 5: AFFORDABILITY<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-text-align-left\">For projects that do not require a programmable FPGA and where simpler programming is preferred, the CompactDAQ platform is a perfect choice. More&nbsp;<strong>cost-effective<\/strong>&nbsp;than its PXI or CompactRIO counterparts, CompactDAQ offers solid performance, incredible customization, and accurate measurements. With its rugged design, it is much more practical to use in harsh environments than more expensive options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-text-align-left\"><strong>Apex Waves<\/strong>&nbsp;buys, sells, and repairs NI CompactDAQ hardware and C Series modules regardless of product life cycle status. With thousands of items in stock and ready to ship, we are here to assist you with finding the right part to fit your needs, all with competitive lead times and pricing.&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/fast-quote.php\">Request a quote<\/a>&nbsp;<\/strong>today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-black-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-460f32a62e8b7a6c73e27f102bac64e7\" style=\"font-size:25px\"><strong>Additional Information:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/modular-systems\/national-instruments\/compactdaq\">CompactDAQ at Apex Waves<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--2\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ni.com\/en\/shop\/compactdaq.html\">CompactDAQ Overview<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Compact, adaptable, and reliable- the Compact Data Acquisition system from NI is a cost-effective solution for data collection. The cDAQ platform allows you to have precise measurements while reducing the number of components in your measuring system, making it an excellent fit for a variety of applications! In this post, we will go over 5 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2452,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[115,135,136,137,376,393,437,550,918,925],"class_list":["post-2451","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-national-instruments","tag-cdaq","tag-compactdaq","tag-compactdaq-chassis","tag-compactdaq-controllers","tag-modular","tag-national-instruments","tag-ni","tag-platform","tag-test-and-measurement","tag-test-system"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2451","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2451"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2451\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3623,"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2451\/revisions\/3623"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2452"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2451"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2451"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apexwaves.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2451"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}