cDAQ - Integrated or Separate Controller

[mbremer]

Hi,

I'm specing out the hardware for a data acquisition project that will have mostly low speed acquisition (10Hz) with a few higher speed sources (~5kHz).  I don't need an FPGA and want to use NI-DAQmx so I want to go with a cDAQ.  It will be an unsupervised system so I need a controller to interface with the cDAQ.

Should I go with a cDAQ model that has an integrated controller (like the cDAQ-9137), or should I get a panel mount computer instead?  The cDAQ with the integrated controller seem quite expensive.  What does it provide that makes it worth getting over a separate computer?

[Astromaut · Accepted solution]

Hi mbremer

When you use a non-integrated controller all data have to travel from the cDAQ to the computer, this adds latency and noise to the signal. Also, if you use an integrated controller, the system will be working just for the data acquisition what can provide you more speed.  If these factors are not crucial for your application, you can use a panel mount computer.

Regards,

Astromaut

[mbremer]

Thanks, that makes sense.  I want as little latency as possible, so I'll propose the integrated controller to my customer.

[Astromaut]

You are welcome, also this document might be of interest to you.

Regards