MCQ

10 Functions in NI-DAQmx (Data Acquisition) Applications

1. What is the primary purpose of NI-DAQmx?

A) To simplify the process of configuring and controlling NI data acquisition hardware

B) To provide a new programming language for embedded systems
C) To replace LabVIEW as the primary development tool for data acquisition
D) To create custom drivers for third-party hardware

Answer: A) To simplify the process of configuring and controlling NI data acquisition hardware
Explanation: NI-DAQmx provides an API that simplifies the configuration and control of NI
DAQ hardware, making it easier to build data acquisition applications.

2. What is the primary function of the DAQ Assistant in NI-DAQmx?

A) To manually program data acquisition applications

B) To provide a graphical interface for creating and configuring DAQ tasks
C) To compile LabVIEW code into executable files
D) To replace the need for hardware drivers

Answer: B) To provide a graphical interface for creating and configuring DAQ tasks
Explanation: The DAQ Assistant allows users to create, edit, and run NI-DAQmx virtual
channels and tasks without extensive programming knowledge.

3. What is a virtual channel in NI-DAQmx?

A) A physical connection between DAQ hardware and a PC

B) A collection of measurement data points
C) A software representation of a physical channel with configuration parameters
D) A separate hardware module used for data processing
Answer: C) A software representation of a physical channel with configuration parameters
Explanation: A virtual channel in NI-DAQmx includes a physical channel and its associated
configuration, such as input range and scaling.

4. Which NI-DAQmx function is used to configure a start trigger for synchronization?

A) NI-DAQmx Read
B) NI-DAQmx Write
C) NI-DAQmx Trigger
D) NI-DAQmx Timing

Answer: C) NI-DAQmx Trigger

Explanation: The NI-DAQmx Trigger function is used for synchronization by routing trigger
signals within or between DAQ devices.

5. What does the NI-DAQmx Timing function primarily configure?

A) The execution time of the DAQ software

B) The timing for hardware-timed data acquisition operations
C) The order in which DAQ channels are accessed
D) The sequence of multiple DAQ tasks in a program

Answer: B) The timing for hardware-timed data acquisition operations

Explanation: The NI-DAQmx Timing function sets parameters such as sample rate, clock source,
and acquisition mode.

6. Which state does a task enter when the NI-DAQmx Start Task function is executed?

A) Idle
B) Ready
C) Running
D) Stopped
Answer: C) Running
Explanation: The NI-DAQmx Start Task function explicitly transitions a task to the running state,
where it begins acquiring or generating data.

7. What is the purpose of the NI-DAQmx Read function?

A) To configure the DAQ device before data acquisition

B) To read samples from an acquisition task and transfer them to memory
C) To send control signals to DAQ hardware
D) To convert digital signals to analog

Answer: B) To read samples from an acquisition task and transfer them to memory
Explanation: The NI-DAQmx Read function retrieves data from the DAQ hardware buffer and
makes it available in the application.

8. When should the NI-DAQmx Write function be explicitly started using NI-DAQmx Start
Task?

A) When writing data to a software-timed acquisition

B) When using hardware-timed output
C) When writing data in a loop once
D) When writing a single value to a digital output

Answer: B) When using hardware-timed output

Explanation: Explicitly starting a task with NI-DAQmx Start Task improves performance in
hardware-timed output applications.

9. What is the function of NI-DAQmx Wait Until Done?

A) To delay the start of an acquisition task

B) To ensure the task has finished before stopping it
C) To verify hardware connections before running the program
D) To reset the DAQ device after every operation

Answer: B) To ensure the task has finished before stopping it

Explanation: NI-DAQmx Wait Until Done ensures that an acquisition or generation is completed
before clearing or stopping the task.

10. What happens when NI-DAQmx Clear Task is executed?

A) The task is paused but can be resumed later

B) The task is permanently removed and must be recreated if needed again
C) The DAQ hardware is reset
D) The DAQ application is terminated

Answer: B) The task is permanently removed and must be recreated if needed again
Explanation: Clearing a task releases all associated resources, meaning it must be recreated if
needed again.

Additional
Here’s a set of advanced multiple-choice questions (MCQs) designed for exam preparation on
NI-DAQmx and data acquisition concepts, with detailed explanations.

Advanced Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) on NI-DAQmx

1. Which of the following best describes the purpose of polymorphism in NI-DAQmx API?

A) It allows multiple programming languages to interface with NI-DAQmx seamlessly.

B) It enables NI-DAQmx functions to accept multiple data types and configurations dynamically.
C) It eliminates the need for hardware drivers by abstracting the device layer.
D) It allows DAQ devices to switch between analog and digital modes automatically.

Answer: B) It enables NI-DAQmx functions to accept multiple data types and configurations
dynamically.
Explanation: NI-DAQmx functions use polymorphism to accept different data types for inputs
and outputs, simplifying programming across multiple measurement types.

2. What is the primary benefit of using Measurement Multithreading in NI-DAQmx?

A) It allows multiple DAQ devices to run in parallel without explicit synchronization.

B) It ensures that every data acquisition operation is executed sequentially for accuracy.
C) It increases the number of samples that can be stored in the onboard buffer.
D) It optimizes the memory allocation process in hardware-timed tasks.

Answer: A) It allows multiple DAQ devices to run in parallel without explicit synchronization.
Explanation: Measurement Multithreading in NI-DAQmx allows multiple data acquisition
operations to run concurrently, improving performance when working with multiple tasks.

3. A user is configuring a task to acquire data at 50 kS/s using an external clock source. What is
the primary consideration when selecting the clock source in NI-DAQmx?

A) The clock source must be generated by the DAQ device internally.

B) The clock signal must be routed through the DAQ Assistant for validation.
C) The clock source must have a stable and known frequency to avoid data loss.
D) The sample rate should always match the maximum sampling capability of the DAQ device.

Answer: C) The clock source must have a stable and known frequency to avoid data loss.
Explanation: When using an external clock, it is essential that the clock source provides a stable
signal to prevent timing errors and data inconsistencies.

4. Which of the following is NOT a valid method for synchronizing multiple NI DAQ devices?

A) Sharing a common reference clock

B) Using a master-slave trigger configuration
C) Implementing software timing instead of hardware timing
D) Routing the sample clock between devices via PXI backplane
Answer: C) Implementing software timing instead of hardware timing
Explanation: Software timing introduces variable latencies and cannot ensure precise
synchronization between multiple devices.

5. In a finite acquisition mode, what happens if the NI-DAQmx Wait Until Done function is
omitted?

A) The task will stop immediately after execution, regardless of data acquisition status.
B) The program may proceed before the acquisition completes, potentially leading to data loss.
C) The NI-DAQmx Read function will automatically compensate by waiting for the acquisition
to finish.
D) The DAQ device will continue sampling indefinitely until manually stopped.

Answer: B) The program may proceed before the acquisition completes, potentially leading to
data loss.
Explanation: The Wait Until Done function ensures that finite operations complete before
proceeding, preventing premature termination of data acquisition.

6. What is the impact of increasing the buffer size in an NI-DAQmx continuous acquisition task?

A) It reduces the risk of buffer overflow but increases latency in data retrieval.
B) It speeds up acquisition by reducing the need for memory access.
C) It allows the DAQ device to perform higher frequency sampling beyond its rated capability.
D) It has no effect since the onboard memory size remains fixed.

Answer: A) It reduces the risk of buffer overflow but increases latency in data retrieval.
Explanation: A larger buffer helps prevent data loss due to buffer overflow but can introduce
delays in retrieving the latest acquired data.

7. In a hardware-timed single-point acquisition, what determines the execution rate of the DAQ
loop?
A) The software execution speed of the host application
B) The internal clock of the NI DAQ device
C) The buffer size allocated for data storage
D) The sampling rate of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC)

Answer: B) The internal clock of the NI DAQ device

Explanation: In hardware-timed single-point acquisition, the execution rate is governed by the
hardware clock, ensuring precise and consistent sampling.

8. If an application requires generating an arbitrary waveform with precise timing, which method
should be used in NI-DAQmx?

A) Software-timed output with loops to generate samples

B) Finite digital waveform output mode
C) Hardware-timed waveform generation using a buffer
D) NI-DAQmx Clear Task for real-time updates

Answer: C) Hardware-timed waveform generation using a buffer

Explanation: Hardware-timed buffered waveform generation ensures accurate timing and avoids
inconsistencies associated with software-timed approaches.

9. A user configures an NI-DAQmx task to acquire digital signals at 1 MS/s using an external
trigger. However, the acquisition does not start. What is the most likely cause?

A) The NI-DAQmx Read function was executed before the trigger was received.
B) The digital input buffer was not cleared before starting the task.
C) The task was not explicitly started using NI-DAQmx Start Task.
D) The external trigger signal is not reaching the expected DAQ channel.

Answer: D) The external trigger signal is not reaching the expected DAQ channel.
Explanation: If an acquisition is configured with an external trigger but does not start, it is likely
that the trigger is not correctly routed or is absent.
10. When should NI-DAQmx Clear Task be used instead of NI-DAQmx Stop Task?

A) When permanently removing a task from memory and releasing resources

B) When temporarily pausing a task for later resumption
C) When resetting the DAQ device firmware
D) When stopping a task without affecting the current buffer contents

Answer: A) When permanently removing a task from memory and releasing resources
Explanation: NI-DAQmx Clear Task stops and removes the task from memory, while NI-
DAQmx Stop Task pauses execution without deallocating resources.

Additional +
Here’s an expanded set of advanced MCQs covering all remaining relevant concepts from the
uploaded NI-DAQmx document. These include data acquisition tasks, virtual channels,
triggering, timing, reading/writing data, error handling, and performance optimization.

Advanced Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) – NI-DAQmx

(Comprehensive exam preparation covering all concepts from the document)

1. Which of the following statements best describes NI-DAQmx’s approach to task

configuration?

A) Each function in NI-DAQmx operates independently without a defined task structure.

B) A task in NI-DAQmx is a collection of virtual channels, timing, and triggering configurations.
C) NI-DAQmx requires a separate function for configuring each individual hardware channel.
D) Task configuration is only applicable for analog signals and does not apply to digital
inputs/outputs.

Answer: B) A task in NI-DAQmx is a collection of virtual channels, timing, and triggering

configurations.
Explanation: NI-DAQmx tasks are essential units that group together channel settings, timing
configurations, and triggering settings to simplify data acquisition operations.

2. What is the primary advantage of using the DAQ Assistant in NI-DAQmx?

A) It allows users to write custom hardware drivers for their DAQ devices.
B) It provides a graphical interface to configure tasks without programming.
C) It ensures that only LabVIEW can be used for DAQ applications.
D) It replaces the need for explicit task creation in NI-DAQmx.

Answer: B) It provides a graphical interface to configure tasks without programming.

Explanation: The DAQ Assistant simplifies the task configuration process by allowing users to
set up data acquisition tasks through a GUI rather than writing explicit NI-DAQmx code.

3. Which of the following is a characteristic of NI-DAQmx’s state model for tasks?

A) Tasks must be explicitly stopped before execution.

B) Once started, tasks cannot be cleared from memory without restarting the DAQ device.
C) A task transitions between states such as Verified, Reserved, and Committed before execution.
D) A task can remain in the Running state indefinitely, even without active data acquisition.

Answer: C) A task transitions between states such as Verified, Reserved, and Committed before
execution.
Explanation: NI-DAQmx follows a structured state model to optimize performance by
eliminating redundant reconfiguration during execution.

4. How does NI-DAQmx optimize signal routing for trigger signals?

A) By automatically managing internal and external signal routing between functional units.
B) By requiring the user to manually configure trigger routing for each device.
C) By synchronizing signals only through the DAQ Assistant.
D) By forcing all devices to use a shared software-based trigger.
Answer: A) By automatically managing internal and external signal routing between functional
units.
Explanation: NI-DAQmx automates trigger routing, making it easier to synchronize data
acquisition between multiple devices and functional areas.

5. A user wants to acquire 10,000 samples at 10 kS/s in a finite acquisition. What should they set
for the number of samples per channel in the NI-DAQmx Read function?

A) -1
B) 10
C) 10,000
D) 1

Answer: C) 10,000
Explanation: When using finite acquisition, the number of samples per channel should match the
total samples required for a single execution.

6. Which timing method should be used when the user wants the DAQ device to continuously
acquire data until explicitly stopped?

A) Finite sampling mode

B) Software-timed acquisition
C) Continuous sampling mode
D) Single-point acquisition

Answer: C) Continuous sampling mode

Explanation: Continuous sampling allows the acquisition to keep running indefinitely, storing
data in a buffer until stopped.

7. What is the role of the sample clock in NI-DAQmx Timing configuration?

A) It determines the number of virtual channels available for acquisition.
B) It sets the rate at which samples are acquired or generated.
C) It defines the buffer size for data storage in the DAQ device.
D) It controls the software timing loop execution speed.

Answer: B) It sets the rate at which samples are acquired or generated.

Explanation: The sample clock is critical in defining how fast the DAQ system collects data,
either from internal or external sources.

8. What happens if NI-DAQmx Read executes before the acquisition task has started?

A) It will automatically start the task before reading data.

B) It will generate an error indicating no available data.
C) It will read whatever residual data exists in the buffer.
D) It will force the system into an infinite wait state.

Answer: A) It will automatically start the task before reading data.

Explanation: NI-DAQmx Read implicitly starts a task if NI-DAQmx Start Task has not been
explicitly called.

9. When using NI-DAQmx Write, what does setting the “Auto Start” parameter to False achieve?

A) It prevents the function from writing data unless explicitly started.

B) It forces the task to restart after every write operation.
C) It limits the data to a single sample at a time.
D) It increases the speed of data generation.

Answer: A) It prevents the function from writing data unless explicitly started.
Explanation: Disabling Auto Start requires an explicit NI-DAQmx Start Task before data can be
written, improving control in hardware-timed operations.

10. What is the primary function of NI-DAQmx Wait Until Done in finite tasks?
A) It ensures all requested samples are collected before execution proceeds.
B) It automatically stops the task when the buffer is full.
C) It resets the task state back to Idle.
D) It increases the data buffer size dynamically.

Answer: A) It ensures all requested samples are collected before execution proceeds.
Explanation: NI-DAQmx Wait Until Done ensures that a finite acquisition completes before
moving to the next step, preventing premature task termination.

11. A user wants to reset all tasks and configurations for a device. What should they do?

A) Use NI-DAQmx Clear Task to remove tasks from memory.

B) Use NI-DAQmx Stop Task and manually clear the buffer.
C) Use the DAQ Assistant to disable all active channels.
D) Physically disconnect and reconnect the DAQ device.

Answer: A) Use NI-DAQmx Clear Task to remove tasks from memory.

Explanation: NI-DAQmx Clear Task releases resources and resets configurations, ensuring a
fresh start for a new task.

12. What is the key benefit of using buffered data transfer in NI-DAQmx?

A) It allows higher acquisition rates with minimal CPU usage.

B) It eliminates the need for external synchronization.
C) It prevents hardware clock drift.
D) It removes the need for data post-processing.

Answer: A) It allows higher acquisition rates with minimal CPU usage.

Explanation: Buffered transfer stores data in memory before transferring it, reducing CPU
overhead and improving high-speed acquisition.