National Instruments SCXI -1122 - Manual (Page 13)

Introduction Chapter 1
SCXI-1122 User Manual 1-2 © National Instruments Corporation
Software Programming Choices
There are four options to choose from when programming your National Instruments plug-in
DAQ board and SCXI hardware. You can use LabVIEW, LabWindows, NI-DAQ, or register-
level programming software.
LabVIEW and LabWindows Application Software
LabVIEW and LabWindows are innovative program development software packages for data
acquisition and control applications. LabVIEW uses graphical programming, whereas
LabWindows enhances traditional programming languages. Both packages include extensive
libraries for data acquisition, instrument control, data analysis, and graphical data presentation.
LabVIEW currently runs on three different platforms–AT/MC/EISA computers running
Microsoft Windows, the Macintosh platform, and the Sun SPARCstation platform. LabVIEW
features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art user interface, and a powerful graphical
programming language. The LabVIEW Data Acquisition VI Library, a series of VIs for using
LabVIEW with National Instruments boards, is included with LabVIEW. The LabVIEW Data
Acquisition VI Libraries are functionally equivalent to the NI-DAQ software.
LabWindows has two versions–LabWindows for DOS is for use on PCs running DOS, and
LabWindows/CVI is for use on PCs running Windows and Sun SPARCstations.
LabWindows/CVI features interactive graphics, a state-of-the-art user interface, and uses the
ANSI standard C programming language. The LabWindows Data Acquisition Library, a series
of functions for using LabWindows with National Instruments boards, is included with
LabWindows for DOS and LabWindows/CVI. The LabWindows Data Acquisition libraries are
functionally equivalent to the NI-DAQ software.
Using LabVIEW or LabWindows software will greatly diminish the development time for your
data acquisition and control application. Part numbers for these software products are as follows:
Software Part Number
LabVIEW for Windows 776670-01
LabVIEW for Macintosh 776141-01
LabWindows for DOS 776475-01
LabWindows/CVI for Windows 776800-01
NI-DAQ Driver Software
The NI-DAQ driver software is included at no charge with all National Instruments DAQ boards.
NI-DAQ has an extensive library of functions that you can call from your application
programming environment. These functions include routines for analog input (A/D conversion),
buffered data acquisition (high-speed A/D conversion), analog output (D/A conversion),
waveform generation, digital I/O, counter/timer operations, SCXI, RTSI, self-calibration,
messaging, and acquiring data to extended memory.