Measurement Computing DAQFlex User Guide - Manual (Page 6)

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Chapter 1
Introducing DAQFlex Software
DAQFlex is a framework that combines a small footprint driver with a message-based command
protocol. It is used to develop data acquisition applications that can be deployed across multiple
operating systems and custom embedded systems. The DAQFlex protocol greatly simplifies driver and
application development. All DAQ operations are programmed through a common command interface
composed of a cross-platform application programming interface (API) and open-source driver.
The DAQFlex framework consists of a software API, DAQFlex device driver, and the DAQ device message
engine. The message engine parses and converts the DAQFlex message-based command set into
DAQ-specific commands that control the device and process data.
Figure 1. DAQFlex Framework
A DAQFlex program sends DAQFlex methods to the driver. The driver sends the encapsulated messages
to the data acquisition device. The device interprets the message using the message engine, and sets its
corresponding attributes using the DAQ engine. The data acquisition device then returns the requested
data to the DAQFlex driver, which returns the data in an array (ScanData) to the program.
DAQFlex software includes the software API, device driver, FlexTest utility, and example programs.
 Platform Support and Hardware Requirements
 Installing the DAQFlex Software Library
 Using DAQFlex Software
 DAQFlex Software Reference
 DAQFlex Message Reference
 FlexTest Utility
 C# and VB .NET Example programs
 DAQFlex Hardware Reference
Platform support
You can run the DAQFlex communication protocol on a computer running one of the following operating
systems and software:
 Microsoft Windows (32-bit or 64-bit)
o Windows 8
o Windows 7
o Windows Vista
o Windows XP
o Microsoft .NET® Framework 2.0 or later