What data acquisition equipment is right for me?
LabJack is Helping Engineers smile more and stress less, with our Product Comparison Table:
Analog Input Range
Analog Inputs w/ Mux80
Digital I/O
Analog Outputs
Analog Outputs w/ LJTDACs [4]
Counters
Maximum Sample Rate
Built-in WiFi
Modbus TCP
On-board Lua Scripting
Thermocouple Ready [2]
OEM Version
Calibration Service with Cert
[1] According to actual measured data, see related Noise and Resolution (App Note).
[2] If not thermocouple ready, can purchase an amplifier like the LJTick-InAmp, see related Thermocouples (App Note).
[3] The T4 has 4 high voltage (±10V) analog inputs plus 8 low voltage (0-2.5V) analog inputs. The U3-HV has 4 high voltage (±10V) analog inputs plus 12 low voltage (0-2.4V) analog inputs.
[4] Use LJTick-DACs to add 16-20 analog outputs.
The U12 is an older devices and are not recommended for most new applications. Consider using the T4, T7, U3, or U6.
Data Acquisition Applications
DAQ Device FAQs
New to Data Acquisition (DAQ)? Not Sure Where to Start?
Optional Accessories:
The CB15 is a simple screw terminal breakout for the DB15 connector.
The CB37 is a simple screw terminal breakout board for the DB37 connector. It only works with the U6 and T7 devices and can also be paired with the Mux80 for high channel application up to 84 AINs.
The Mux80 is an Analog Input Expansion board for the T7 and U6. Connected directly to the DB37 connector is can allow a single device to read up to 84 AINs.
The RB12 Relay Board provides a convenient interface for the LabJack to industry standard relays to interface a LabJack with high voltages/currents. The RB12 relay board connects to the DB15 connector on the LabJack. Output or input
The LJTick-Divider (LJTD) signal-conditioning module is designed to divide 2 single-ended higher voltage analog signals down to 0-2.5 volt signals.
The LJTick-DAC (LJTDAC) provides a pair of 14-bit analog outputs with a range of ±10 volts. Plugs into any digital I/O block, and thus up to 10 of these can be used per device to add 20 analog outputs.
The LJTick-InAmp (LJTIA) signal-conditioning module provides two instrumentation amplifiers ideal for low-level signals such as bridge circuits (e.g. strain gauges) and thermocouples. Each amplifier converts a differential input to single-ended.
The LJTick-RelayDriver (LJTRD) allows 2 digital I/O lines to each control a relay or other moderate load up to 50V/200mA.
The LJTick-CurrentShunt (LJTCS) signal-conditioning module is designed to convert a 4-20 mA current loop input signal into a 0.47-2.36 volt signal.
The LJTick-Proto (LJTP) consists of an 8x8 grid of holes for prototyping custom signal-conditioning modules.
Drawings, Dimensions, 3D Models, CAD Models
LabJack enclosure and OEM drawings and models are provided in several neutral file formats. Please see the links below to navigate to the correct LabJack.
DAQ Definition: What Is A DAQ System?
DAQ is short for data acquisition which is short for data acquisition and control. The term describes the process of acquiring readings from sensors and transducers (temperature, pressure, strain, etc.), and controlling actuators (relays, solenoids, etc.). In our case the emphasis is on computer-based DAQ, where the LabJack is the interface that allows a computer to read from sensors and control actuators.
What is an analog input? (AI, AIN, ADC)
AI or AIN = Analog Input
ADC = Analog to Digital Converter
An analog input converts a voltage level into a digital value that can be stored and processed in a computer. Why would you want to measure voltages? There are a multitude of sensors available which convert things like temperature, pressure, etc. into voltages. The voltages can then be easily measured by various kinds of hardware, such as a LabJack U3-HV, and then read into a computer. The computer can then convert the voltage value into it's original type (temperature, pressure, etc) and the value can then be stored in a file, emailed to someone, or used to control something else outside of the computer.
Example:
Get temperature from a sensor using an analog input.
- Wire the output of the analog temperature sensor to a U3-HV as shown.
- Read the voltage on the computer to know the current temperature.
- This particular sensor outputs 0.01 volts per °F, so 0.76V corresponds with 76°F.
Explore LabJack's Analog Input App Note