CompactDAQ is a data acquisition platform built by National Instruments that includes a broad set of compatible hardware and software.

[9] Sensor data is collected and analyzed using compatible PC software such as LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, Measurement Studio and SignalExpress, also built by National Instruments.

[11] LabVIEW integrates with CompactDAQ chassis controller hardware to connect to physical sensor or signal data sources.

[10] In LabVIEW, virtual instruments can be configured and simulated, in order to test data processing when physical hardware is not available.

[10] The Virtual Instrument Software Architecture (VISA) is the back-end component that manages communication between LabVIEW and CompactDAQ hardware.