DAQ With Python: Controlling Instruments Without LabVIEW

Doing DAQ with Python: the short version

The Python DAQ stack comes down to two libraries:

• nidaqmx, NI's official Python API for DAQ hardware. It is the package behind most "ni daq python" and "python daqmx" searches, and it drives NI DAQ devices directly from Python.
• pyVISA, which talks to bench instruments over VISA (GPIB, USB, serial, and Ethernet/LXI) regardless of vendor.

A minimal read of one analog-input voltage looks like this:

import nidaqmx

with nidaqmx.Task() as task:
    task.ai_channels.add_ai_voltage_chan("Dev1/ai0")
    print(f"Voltage: {task.read():.4f} V")

That is enough to prove Python can do real data acquisition. The problem is everything that comes after the first reading.

The catch with the Python approach

A faster way: automate DAQ and instruments with TestFlow

TestFlow gives you the control of a code-based workflow without writing or maintaining the code. Instead of building the acquisition logic line by line, you tell TestFlow what you want to test in plain English and its AI agent writes the automation for you. Here is the actual flow:

1. 1

   Connect your instruments. Select the instruments you have on the bench. TestFlow works with any instrument from any vendor, so you are not locked into one ecosystem.

2. 2

   Tell the agent what to test, in plain English. For example, "run a VI sweep from 1 to 10 V in 1 V steps at 0.5 A load current," or "suggest the tests for a power-management device," and TestFlow proposes tests you can pick from.

3. 3

   TestFlow generates the complete automation scripts and workflow in seconds. No hand-coding, and nothing to wire up in the middle.

4. 4

   Run it in your lab. Make sure your instruments are connected, click Run, and TestFlow executes the test on the bench and brings back the results.

That is the whole point: automate electronic testing and lab instruments in minutes, without writing or babysitting a single script. No NI hardware requirement, and nothing to maintain as your tests grow.

Python vs TestFlow for DAQ

Frequently asked questions