Chapter 12 Data Acquisition with LabVIEW
This chapter introduces the reader to the concept of computer based data acquisition (DAQ) and to LabVIEW, a software package developed by National Instruments that is used extensively in laboratory settings. The main reason for focusing on LabVIEW is its prevalence in both academic and industrial settings. LabVIEW is an extensive programming platform and includes a multitude of functionalities ranging from basic algebraic operators to advanced signal processing components that can be integrated into rather sophisticated and complex programs for use in laboratory (and even industrial setting) For pedagogical reasons, we will only introduce the main ideas from LabVIEW that are necessary for functioning in a typical undergraduate engineering laboratory environment. Specific topics discussed in this chapter are the associated learning objectives structure of personal computer based DAQ systems, development of simple Virtual Instruments using basic functionalities of LabVIEW, and addition of enhanced functionalities for interaction with external hardware. We also discuss the use of LabVIEW in function generation, filtering, and interaction with physical instruments such as function generators and oscilloscopes.