Advantages of the PXI Platform and NI Software for Sensor Measurement & Signal Conditioning Systems

The rapid adoption of the PC in the last 20 years catalyzed a revolution in instrumentation for test, measurement, and automation. One major development resulting from the ubiquity of the PC is the concept of virtual instrumentation which offers several benefits to engineers and scientists who require increased productivity, accuracy, and performance.

A virtual instrument consists of an industry-standard computer or workstation equipped with powerful application software, cost-effective hardware such as plug-in boards, and driver software, which together perform the functions of traditional instruments. Virtual instruments represent a fundamental shift from traditional hardware-centered instrumentation systems to software-centered systems that exploit the computing power, productivity, display and connectivity capabilities of popular desktop computers and workstations.