DAQ Devices Score Several Breakthroughs

Claiming new accuracy, speed, and cost benchmarks, the latest generation M Series multifunction data-acquisition devices enlist the company's NI-STC 2 system controller chip and NI-PGIA 2 amplifier technology. The NI-STC 2 synchronization and timing controller allows up to six operations to execute simultaneously at throughput rates up to five times faster than the previous generation. Recently redesigned, the NI-PGIA 2 programmable gain instrumentation amplifiers promise significant reductions in settling times up to the maximum scanning rates. The 20 additions to the series feature up to 32 18-bit analog input channels, four 16-bit analog outputs, two 32-bit counter/timers, and 48 digital I/O lines. Users can hardware-time up to 32 of the digital lines at speeds up to 10 MHz. For configuration, each device includes the latest version of NI-DAQmx measurement services driver software, which also provides a programming interface for LabVIEW, Visual Studio .NET, and LabWindows/CVI. Prices start at $375 each. NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS, Austin, TX. (888) 280-7645.