Find Your Perfect Data Acquisition System in Minutes
Stop wasting time comparing specs. Search comprehensive PC-Based DAQ solutions by bus type or function — find exactly what you need with our smart product navigator.
Tired of DAQ Selection Headaches?
You are not alone. Here are the top frustrations engineers face when choosing data acquisition systems — and how PC-HELPER solves them.
Too Many Options, No Clear Direction
You are overwhelmed by hundreds of DAQ products with unclear differences. Which bus type? Which I/O configuration? Where do you even start?
Our Solution: Smart navigation by bus type OR function. Find your match in 2 clicks.
Compatibility Nightmares
Will it work with your OS? Your programming language? Your PLC? You spend hours digging through datasheets only to find missing driver support.
Our Solution: API-PAC(W32) SDK for C/VB.NET, DAQ-DNC-FE for .NET, DAQ-LV-WIN for LabVIEW. 50+ code samples. Works with all major PLCs.
Hidden Software Costs
You buy the hardware, then discover you need expensive software licenses, annual maintenance fees, or limited trial versions just to get started.
Our Solution: ALL software 100% FREE. SDK, drivers, middleware, apps. No trials, no fees, no tricks.
Difficult Installation & Wiring
Confusing wiring diagrams, missing terminal blocks, no DIN rail mounting options. Your "plug-and-play" DAQ turns into a wiring nightmare.
Our Solution: DIN rail mounting. Plug-and-play terminal blocks. Complete accessory ecosystem with compatibility checker.
Limited Scalability
Your project grows but your DAQ does not. Fixed I/O counts, no expansion modules, and vendor lock-in force you to start over with new hardware.
Our Solution: Modular architecture. Start with USB, expand to Ethernet, scale to PCIe. I/O expansion boxes available.
Inadequate Technical Support
You are stuck with a technical issue, but support is slow, documentation is poor, and code samples are missing or outdated.
Our Solution: 50+ code samples, responsive support team, comprehensive documentation, direct engineering access.
Ready to find a DAQ system that actually works for you?
Start Your Search NowWhy Choose PC-Based DAQ & Control?
Three compelling reasons to choose PC-Based data acquisition over proprietary standalone systems.
Search Your Way
Not sure which bus type you need? Start with your application function. Already know you need USB? Jump straight to USB products. Two powerful search paths for maximum flexibility.
All Software Included — Free Forever
No hidden costs, no licensing fees, no maintenance contracts. Get everything you need from device drivers to full applications — 100% free with every purchase.
Expert Support Every Step
From product selection to deployment, our technical team is here to help. Get 50+ code samples, detailed documentation, and responsive support when you need it.
Easy to Wire & Expand Functions
Complete accessory ecosystem designed for industrial reliability and scalability. From plug-and-play terminal blocks to I/O expansion boxes — we have got you covered.
Terminal Blocks
Plug-and-play terminal blocks with screw terminals for industrial-grade wiring. DIN rail mountable for clean panel installation.
Connection Cables
High-quality shielded cables designed for reliable signal integrity. Available in various lengths and connector types.
Function Expansion
Modular expansion modules to add analog inputs, digital outputs, relays, and more without replacing your base system.
Compatibility Checker
Never order the wrong accessory again. Our online compatibility checker ensures cables and terminal blocks match your DAQ module.
Need More I/O? Expand Without Limits
Start with a base DAQ module and scale up with I/O expansion boxes. Add hundreds of additional I/O points without replacing your existing hardware investment.
Search by Function Type
Find the right PC-based DAQ solution by what you need it to do — data acquisition, motion control, serial communication, and more.
Multi-function DAQ
Combined analog/digital I/O, counters, and more in one device
Analog I/O
A/D and D/A conversion for sensors, actuators, and control systems
Sensor Input
Temperature measurement with thermocouples and RTDs
Digital I/O
ON/OFF signal monitoring and control with photocoupler isolation
Measuring Instruments
Specialized measurement hardware for precision applications
Counters
Pulse counting, frequency measurement, and encoder interfaces
Motion Control
Stepper and servo motor control for automation systems
Serial Communication
RS-232C, RS-422, RS-485 interfaces for legacy equipment
CAN Communication
Controller Area Network interfaces for automotive and industrial
GPIB Communication
IEEE-488 interfaces for test and measurement equipment
Search by Bus Type
Already know which bus interface you need? Browse products filtered by connection type — USB, Ethernet, PCI Express, PCI, Raspberry Pi HAT, or Wireless.
Raspberry Pi HAT
Direct plug-in expansion boards for Raspberry Pi — no external power supply needed
Popular Functions:
USB Modules
Plug-and-play USB DAQ modules — works with any PC, laptop, or tablet running Windows or Linux
Popular Functions:
Ethernet I/O
Network-ready distributed I/O — connect multiple modules over long distances via LAN or internet
Popular Functions:
Wireless I/O
Cable-free sensor nodes with battery or solar power — perfect for difficult-to-reach locations
Popular Functions:
PCI Express
High-speed internal cards with maximum bandwidth — ideal for high-channel-count applications
Popular Functions:
PCI Cards
Legacy PCI interface for older industrial PCs — proven reliability in harsh environments
Popular Functions:
Smart Tip: Function-First Navigation
Start with what you need to accomplish (function), then filter by how you want to connect (bus type). This ensures you see all compatible options and don't miss the perfect solution.
Back to Function NavigationNeed Help Choosing the Right Bus Type?
Not sure whether USB, Ethernet, or PCI Express fits your project best? Our technical team can help you understand the trade-offs and recommend the optimal connection method for your requirements.
Terminal Blocks & Cables
Professional wiring solutions for reliable signal connection — spring-up terminal blocks, fan-out cables, and specialized connectors.
Screw Terminal Blocks
Spring-up type terminal blocks for easy wiring to PCI Express/PCI bus interface boards. DIN-rail mountable with 3mm spring-up screws.
Available Models:
Connection Cables
Specialized cables for connecting interface cards to external devices — shield cables, flat cables, and fan-out cables.
Cable Types:
Important Selection Notes
- • Each cable connects one connector — boards with two connectors require two cables
- • Cable length matters — longer cables have higher resistance; avoid 3m+ for analog signals
- • Shield vs. Flat — use shield cables for analog I/O, flat cables for digital I/O
- • Connector compatibility — verify pin count matches your interface board
Expansion Boxes & Systems
Expand your I/O capacity with external expansion boxes for industrial computers and embedded systems.
PCI/PCIe Expansion Slots
Add 1-4 expansion slots to accommodate additional PCI Express or PCI bus cards for I/O expansion.
Available in BX, EPC, and Industrial Computer series
CONPROSYS I/O Modules
Ethernet-based I/O expansion modules with same API as PCI Express/PCI/USB products — no programming changes needed.
Mini-PCIe & M.2 Slots
Compact expansion slots for wireless modules, SSDs, and specialized I/O cards in embedded computers.
Available in BX and DX embedded computer series
Need Custom Expansion Configuration?
CONTEC offers custom expansion box solutions tailored to your specific I/O requirements. Contact our engineering team for consultation.
All Software. Always Free.
No licensing fees, no hidden costs, no maintenance contracts. Every CONTEC DAQ product includes comprehensive software — from device drivers to full applications.
Device Drivers & API
OS-standard API for C/C++, Visual Basic, Visual C, gcc, and Python
Development Libraries
Visual Studio components, LabVIEW VI, Modbus, Edgecross integration
Ready Applications
Data logging, waveform generation, pattern analysis — no coding
API-PAC(W32)
OS-standard API library for Windows and Linux. High-speed application software can be created that makes use of device characteristics in all kinds of programming languages including Visual Basic, Visual C and gcc.
Supported Languages:
Key Features:
Development Libraries & Components
DAQ-DNC-FE
.NET components for DAQfast measurement system development. GUI-based tool compatible with Visual Studio low-code IDE. Quickly develop apps in 3 easy steps with sophisticated components for inspection measurement and data recording.
DAQ-LV-WIN
LabVIEW Data Acquisition Library. CONTEC devices are LabVIEW compatible. Usable in the same way as LabVIEW standard data collection VI using the dedicated library DAQfast plug-in.
DAQ-LIBMB-WIN / DAQ-LIBMB-LNX
Modbus Communication Library. Master functions for Modbus communication provided by the API, allowing communication control of a Modbus slave device from a PC.
DAQ-EC-AIO / DIO / CNT / MDB
Data collection library / DAQfast for Edgecross. Implements cooperation between Edgecross basic software platform and data from measurement control and remote I/O devices.
Ready-to-Use Applications
C-LOGGER
Data Logging Software compatible with CONTEC analog input devices. Provides true data collection and monitoring function, such as signal data graph drawing, zoom observation, file saving, and dynamic transfer to Excel. No programming required.
C-WaveformGenerator
Waveform Generation & Output Tool. No programming required. Contains 6 basic waveforms (DC, sine wave, triangular wave, square wave, ramp wave, and noise) that can be used immediately.
C-LogicDesigner
Pattern Generator / Logic Analyzer. Logic pattern creation functions based on intuitive GUI. High-speed logic analyzer with sampling at up to 50MHz and pulse generator functions.
Ready to Start Development?
All CONTEC software and development tools are available for free download. Get started with your PC-based measurement and control system today.
Browse All SoftwareCompare All Bus Types Side-by-Side
Not sure which bus type fits your application? Compare key specifications, advantages, and typical use cases across all six connection interfaces.
| Bus Type | Speed | Max Distance | Power Supply | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Raspberry Pi HAT GPIO Expansion | Medium SPI/I2C bus | Direct Stack No cable | Pi-Powered 5V from GPIO | IoT edge devices, compact controllers, education |
USB USB 2.0 / 3.0 | Medium-High 480 Mbps / 5 Gbps | 5 meters Extendable with hubs | Bus-Powered 5V from USB | Lab testing, portable data loggers, desktop apps |
Wireless I/O Sub-1GHz (920MHz) | Low-Medium Long range | Up to 1 km Line of sight | Battery / AC External PSU | Remote monitoring, environmental sensing, retrofit |
Ethernet I/O 10/100/1000 Mbps | High 1 Gbps max | 100 meters Per cable segment | PoE / AC Power over Ethernet | Distributed control, factory automation, SCADA |
PCI Express x1 / x4 / x8 / x16 | Very High 2-16 GB/s | Internal Motherboard slot | PC-Powered From motherboard | High-speed DAQ, machine vision, motion control |
PCI (Legacy) 32-bit / 64-bit | Medium 133-533 MB/s | Internal Motherboard slot | PC-Powered From motherboard | Legacy system upgrades, replacement parts |
Speed Requirements
Need high sample rates? PCIe offers the fastest throughput. For moderate speeds, USB and Ethernet are excellent choices.
Distance & Cabling
Ethernet wins for long distances (100m per segment). Wireless eliminates cables entirely. USB limited to 5m without extenders.
Power Supply
USB and Raspberry Pi are bus-powered (no external PSU). Ethernet supports PoE. Wireless needs battery or AC adapter.
See PC-Based DAQ in Action
From factory automation to environmental monitoring — discover how engineers worldwide use PC-Based DAQ systems to solve real industrial challenges.
Factory Automation
Monitor production lines with Ethernet I/O. Connect PLCs, sensors, and actuators for real-time process control and quality assurance.
Recommended Bus Types:
Test & Measurement
Build custom test benches with USB modules. High-speed analog input for waveform capture, oscilloscope functions, and signal analysis.
Recommended Bus Types:
Environmental Monitoring
Deploy wireless sensors for temperature, humidity, and air quality monitoring. Battery-powered operation with cloud data logging.
Recommended Bus Types:
Machine Vision
Trigger cameras and strobe lights with high-speed digital I/O. Synchronize image capture with motion control for inspection systems.
Recommended Bus Types:
Building Automation
Control lighting, HVAC, and access systems with Ethernet I/O. Integrate with BACnet, Modbus, or MQTT for smart building management.
Recommended Bus Types:
Robotics & Motion
Drive stepper and servo motors with motion control cards. Encoder feedback for closed-loop positioning in pick-and-place systems.
Recommended Bus Types:
Need Help With Your Application?
Our applications engineers can help you select the right DAQ solution and provide technical support throughout your project.
Discuss Your ApplicationFrequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about PC-Based DAQ systems, compatibility, and support.
Still have questions? We're here to help.
Contact Our ExpertsReady to Find Your Perfect DAQ Solution?
Over 400+ PC-Based DAQ products. 6 bus types. Free software & SDK. Worldwide support.
Strategic Partner of Contec Japan since 2000. We transform Indonesian factories into world-class smart manufacturing with proven IIoT solutions, Data Acquisition, Remote I/O, Long-range wireless communication/LoRa, Industrial Computers, Wireless LAN, and industrial automation expertise. Delivering complete edge-to-cloud integration where precision meets performance—empowering manufacturers to compete globally with confidence.
Contec Service Center Indonesia:
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Blok L1A, Kelapa Gading Square
Jln. Raya Boulevard Barat, Kelapa Gading
Jakarta 14240, Indonesia
Phone: (+62 21) 45869167, 45869157, 45869213
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