Chapter 1 Introduction©National Instruments Corporation1-17VXI-SC-1102 User ManualDAQ devices because it lets multiple devices operate at their peakperformance.NI-DAQ maintains a consistent software interface among its differentversions so that you can change platforms with minimal modificationsto your code.VXIplug&play Instrument DriverNational Instruments distributes VXIplug&play instrument drivers freeof charge. VXIplug&play instrument drivers are one level above theNI-DAQ device driver and contain high-level software functions whosearchitecture is specified by the VXIplug&play Systems Alliance. TheVXIplug&play standards increase interoperability with other vendors,and ensure that drivers are designed and presented in a consistentfashion that facilitates ease of use. Refer to Figure 1-2 to see therelationship between your software components.Figure 1-2. The Relationship between the Programming Environment, YourInstrument Driver, and Your VXI-DAQ HardwareComponentWorks,LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI,or VirtualBenchVXIplug&playInstrument DriverNI-DAQ Driver SoftwareVISAVXI-DAQ HardwareOther ApplicationDevelopment Environments