National Instruments PC-DIO-24/PnP - Manual (Page 16)

Chapter 1 Introduction
© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 PC-DIO-24/PnP User Manual
LabWindows/CVI features interactive graphics and a state-of-the-art
user interface and uses the ANSI standard C programming language.
The LabWindows/CVI Data Acquisition Library, a series of functions
for using LabWindows/CVI with National Instruments DAQ hardware,
is included with the NI-DAQ software kit. The LabWindows/CVI Data
Acquisition Library is functionally equivalent to the NI-DAQ software.
VirtualBench features virtual instruments that combine DAQ products,
software, and your computer to create a stand-alone instrument with the
added benefit of the processing, display, and storage capabilities of
your computer. VirtualBench instruments load and save waveform data
to disk in the same forms that can be used in popular spreadsheet
programs and word processors.
Using ComponentWorks, LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, or
VirtualBench software will greatly reduce the development time
for your data acquisition and control application.
NI-DAQ Driver Software
The NI-DAQ driver software is included at no charge with all National
Instruments DAQ hardware. 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.
NI-DAQ also internally addresses many of the complex issues between
the computer and the plug-in device, such as programming interrupts
and DMA controllers. NI-DAQ maintains a consistent software
interface among its different versions so that you can change platforms
with minimal modifications to your code. Figure 1-1 illustrates the
relationship between NI-DAQ and your National Instruments
application software.