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National Instruments
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National Instruments
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The National Instruments Corporation, referred to as NI, is an American multinational company headquartered in Austin, Texas, with international operations. It is a producer of automated test equipment, semiconductor production equipment, and virtual instrumentation software. Common applications include data acquisition (DAQ), instrument control, system management, and machine learning and vision. Following its acquisition by Emerson Electric, NI has operated as the company’s test and measurement business unit since October 2023.

Key Information

In 2022, the company sold products to more than 35,000 companies worldwide, with revenues of US$1.66 billion.[1]

History

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Founding

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In the early 1970s, James Truchard, Jeff Kodosky, and Bill Nowlin were employed at the University of Texas at Austin Applied Research Laboratories.[2] While working on a project for the U.S. Navy, they utilized early computer technology to collect and analyze data. Finding the data collection methods at their disposal to be subpar, the trio decided to create a new product for this purpose. In 1976, they founded a company while working in Truchard's garage.[3] They initially attempted to incorporate under names such as Longhorn Instruments and Texas Digital, but these were rejected. Ultimately, they settled on the name National Instruments.[4]

With a $10,000 loan from Interfirst Bank, the group purchased a PDP-11/04 minicomputer and embarked on their first project by designing and building a GPIB interface for it.[5] Their initial sale stemmed from a cold call to Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio.[4] At that time, the three founders were still employed at the University of Texas.

In 1977, they hired their first full-time employee, Kim Harrison-Hosen, who was responsible for handling orders, billing, and customer inquiries. By the end of that year, they had sold three boards, and to encourage further business, the company produced and distributed a mailer to 15,000 users of the PDP-11 minicomputer. As sales began to rise, they were able to relocate to a dedicated office space in 1978, occupying a 600-square-foot office at 9513 Burnet Road in Austin.[5]

1980s

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At the end of the 1970s, the company booked $400,000 in orders, recording a $60,000 profit. In 1980, Truchard, Kodosky, and Nowlin quit their jobs to devote themselves full-time to National Instruments. At the end of the year, they moved the company to a larger office, renting 5,000 square feet (500 m2) of office space. To assist in generating revenue, the company undertook numerous special projects, including a fuel-pump credit-card system and a waveform generator for U.S. Navy sonar acoustic testing. In 1981, the company reached the $1 million sales mark, leading them to move to a 10,000-square-foot (1,000 m2) office in 1982.[5]

In 1983, National Instruments developed its first GPIB board to connect instruments to IBM PCs. With the arrival of the Macintosh computer, Kodosky began a research initiative with the assistance of student researchers at the University of Texas into ways to exploit the new interface. This led to the creation of NI's flagship product, the LabVIEW graphical development platform for the Macintosh computer, which was released in 1986.[5] The software allows engineers and scientists to program graphically by "wiring" icons together instead of typing text-based code. The following year, a version of LabVIEW, known as LabWindows, was released for the DOS environment.[6]

By 1986, the company had 100 employees.[6] The following year, NI opened its first international branch in Tokyo in 1987.[6]

1990s

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Logo used from 1995 to 2020

After growing their staff enough to take over almost the entire building it was renting, NI moved to a new building at 6504 Bridge Point Parkway in 1990, which the company purchased in 1991. That building, located along Lake Austin near the Loop 360 Bridge, became known as "Silicon Hills = Bridge Point."[6]

NI received its first patent for LabVIEW in 1991. Later in the same year, they introduced Signal Conditioning Extensions for Instrumentation (SCXI) to expand the signal-processing capabilities of the PC, and in 1992, LabVIEW was first released for Windows-based PCs and Unix workstations. NI also created the National Instruments Alliance Partner program.[6] In 1993, the company reached the milestone of $100 million in annual sales. To attract C/C++ programmers, later that year, NI introduced LabWindows/CVI. The following year, an employee began experiments with the relatively new World Wide Web and developed natinst.com, the company's very first web page.

The company began to run out of room on their approximately 136,000-square-foot (12,600 m2) campus. In 1994, NI broke ground on a new campus, located at a 72-acre (290,000 m2) site along North Mopac Boulevard in northern Austin. By this time, NI had reached 1,000 employees.[7] The new NI campus, which opened in 1998, was designed to be employee-friendly. It contains dedicated "play" areas, including basketball and volleyball courts, an employee gym, and a campus-wide walking trail. Each of the buildings on the campus is lined with windows and features an open floor plan. "Dr. T", as the employees call their CEO, sits in an open cubicle and does not have an assigned parking space.[6] Employees had been granted stock in the privately held company as part of their compensation packages. When the company chose to go public in 1995, over 300 current and former employees owned stock. The company was listed on the Nasdaq exchange as NATI.

By the late 1990s, the more advanced DAQ boards were provided by the company, which could replace vendor-defined instruments with a custom PC-based system.[6] With the company's acquisition of Georgetown Systems Lookout software, NI products were further incorporated into applications run on the factory-floor.[7] By 1996, the company had reached $200 million in annual sales and was named to Forbes magazine's 200 Best Small Companies list.[7] Over the next several years, NI released machine vision software and hardware. NI also introduced the CompactPCI-based PXI, an open industry standard for modular measurement and automation, and NI TestStand, which provides for tracking high-volume manufacturing tests.[7]

2000s

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User traffic and e-commerce activity increased significantly after the company acquired the ni.com domain and began investing in web technologies. They introduced the NI Developer Zone, which provides end-user developers access to example programs, sample code, and development tips, as well as forums for users and NI employees.[7]

In the 2000s, NI began exporting most of its manufacturing overseas by opening its 144,000-square-foot (13,400 m2) manufacturing plant in Debrecen, Hungary. NI now manufactures nearly 90% of its production in Debrecen and has expanded several times in the last decade. In 2011, with a multimillion-dollar grant from the government, NI increased production in Debrecen by approximately 20%. With state-of-the-art automation processes, headcount increased by only 2%.[8] In 2002, the company dedicated the 379,000-square-foot (35,200 m2) Building C on their Mopac campus, which became the headquarters for the company's R&D operations. Upon completion of this building, the NI campus finally had enough capacity to move all Austin-based employees to a single location.[7]

The primary company model used was business-to-consumer (B2C). By 2006, NI had opened 21 sales offices in Europe, 12 in the Asia/Pacific region, and additional offices in the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East.[7] Research and Development centers are located in the United States, Germany, India, Romania, China, Canada, and Malaysia.

In 2005 NI acquired Measurement Computing,[9] a provider of low-cost data acquisition products.

2010s

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In January 2013, National Instruments acquired all outstanding shares of Digilent Inc., which became a wholly owned subsidiary.[10] Digilent was founded in 2000 by two Washington State University electrical engineering professors, Clint Cole and Gene Apperson, and grew to become a multinational corporation with sales of test and development products to universities.[11] Digilent developed the open standard Pmod Interface.

2020s

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On June 16, 2020, National Instruments announced that they were officially changing the company's name to "NI".[12] On May 4, 2021, NI announced the acquisition of monoDrive, a provider of simulation software for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicle development.[13] In March 2022, it was announced that NI had completed the acquisition of Heinzinger Automotive GmbH, the electronic vehicle systems business of Rosenheim-based Heinzinger Electronic GmbH.[14]

After months of failed negotiations to purchase NI, industrial conglomerate Emerson Electric launched a hostile takeover bid in early 2023, appealing directly to shareholders.[15] In April 2023, NI agreed to be sold for $8.2 billion in an all-cash deal.[16][17] which was completed in October 2023. Within Emerson, NI now operates as theTest & Measurement business group, headquartered in Austin, Texas.[18]

Products

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National Instruments' engineering software includes:

  • LabVIEW, a graphical development environment
  • LabVIEW Communications System Design Suite, for rapid deployment of communication systems
  • LabWindows/CVI, an ANSI C programming environment
  • Measurement Studio, a set of components for Microsoft Visual Studio
  • NI TestStand, for test execution sequencing
  • NI VeriStand, for real-time test
  • NI DIAdem, for data management
  • NI Multisim, for circuit design
  • NI Ultiboard, for PCB design
  • NI Vision Builder, for automated Inspection
  • NI LabVIEW SignalExpress, for data logging
  • NI Switch Executive, for switch management
  • NI Requirements Gateway, for requirements tracking

National Instruments' hardware platforms include:

Groups

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Electronics Workbench Group

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The National Instruments Electronics Workbench Group[24] is responsible for creating the electronic circuit design software NI Multisim and NI Ultiboard,[25] which was previously a Canada-based company that first produced MultiSIM, and integrated ULTIboard with it.

Interactive Image Technologies was founded in Toronto, Ontario, by Joe Koenig, and specializes in producing educational movies and documentaries. When the government of Ontario needed an educational tool for teaching electronics in colleges, the company created a circuit simulator called the Electronics Workbench. In 1996, Interactive Image Technologies appointed its vice president, Roy Bryant, as Chief Operating Officer to oversee the day-to-day operations of the company and to grow the company's electronic design automation (EDA) products. Bryant is credited with "overseeing the development and marketing of the company's Electronics Workbench EDA product".[26] In 1998, the company started a strategic partnership with another electronic design automation company named Ultimate Technology from Naarden, Netherlands, who was the European market leader in printed circuit board design software, with their package ULTIboard. Like Electronics Workbench, founder James Post gained PR fame when he organized the distribution of 180,000 demo floppy disks via electronics magazines in Europe.

In 1999, the companies merged and renamed themselves after their most well known product, Electronics Workbench. The product line then consisted of schematic capture software, the MultiSIM simulation program, and the printed circuit board design tool,Ultiboard.

In 2005, the company was acquired by National Instruments and rebranded as National Instruments Electronics Workbench Group.

Community

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Beginning in 1995, NI has held an annual developer conference in Austin, NIWeek. The week-long event was hosted at the Austin Convention Center, featuring presentations by NI employees and external speakers. An exhibition hall allows selected industry integrators and suppliers to showcase their products, while customers and university students present papers on their work with NI tools.[7]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

National Instruments

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
National Instruments Corporation (NI), now operating as the Test & Measurement business group of Emerson, is an American multinational technology company specializing in software-connected automated test, measurement, and control systems that empower engineers and scientists to develop innovative solutions for complex challenges in industries such as , , and semiconductors. Founded in 1976 in , by engineers James Truchard, Jeff Kodosky, and Bill Nowlin, NI began in a garage with the vision of connecting laboratory instruments to personal computers, pioneering the concept of virtual instrumentation. NI's flagship product, , is a graphical programming environment that allows users to create test and measurement applications using intuitive block diagrams rather than traditional text-based code, accelerating development for , instrument control, and automated testing. The company's hardware offerings include modular platforms like PXI for high-performance test systems, CompactRIO for rugged embedded control, and (DAQ) devices that integrate seamlessly with its software ecosystem. Complementary software tools such as TestStand for test sequence management, VeriStand for , and FlexLogger for quick sensor configuration further enable scalable, customizable solutions from research to production. In October 2023, Emerson Electric Co. completed its $8.2 billion acquisition of NI, enhancing Emerson's automation portfolio by combining NI's expertise in software-defined systems with Emerson's industrial technologies to drive advancements in reliability, efficiency, and innovation across global markets. Headquartered in Austin with operations worldwide, NI continues to focus on platform-based approaches that reduce development time and costs while supporting emerging technologies like , electric vehicles, and autonomous systems.

History

Founding and Relocation

National Instruments was founded in 1976 by three engineers—James Truchard, Jeff Kodosky, and Bill Nowlin—who were employed at the University of at Austin's Applied Research Laboratories. Frustrated by the inefficiencies of manually controlling laboratory instruments and the frequent shelving of innovative projects due to incompatible hardware, the trio began moonlighting from Truchard's garage to develop solutions for interfacing computers with test equipment. Their initial focus was on creating a General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB), also known as the Hewlett-Packard Interface Bus (HP-IB), to enable automated control of instruments. The company was incorporated in that year with limited resources, including a $10,000 bank loan and the founders' personal savings. The company's first product, an HPIB-488 interface card (also referred to as a GP-IB controller board), was released in 1977 and designed to connect scientific instruments to minicomputers like the PDP-11. This board allowed for computer-controlled and instrument automation, addressing a key need in research labs. The inaugural sale went to Kelly Air Force Base in , , marking the transition from consulting services to product development. Early operations relied on through consulting gigs and product revenue, as the founders balanced their day jobs with company growth. By 1978, rising sales enabled the company to relocate from the garage to a 600-square-foot dedicated at 9513 Burnet Road in Austin, attracted by the region's burgeoning tech ecosystem, skilled workforce, and supportive business climate. This move formalized operations and supported expansion. By 1980, the employee count had grown to approximately 10, including the first full-time hire, Kim Harrison-Hosen, for administrative support; that year, the founders quit their university jobs to commit fully, with revenues reaching $300,000 and a $60,000 profit. These early years laid the groundwork for National Instruments' emphasis on modular software and hardware.

1980s Expansion

During the 1980s, National Instruments transitioned from custom hardware interfaces to software-centric solutions, capitalizing on the proliferation of personal computers to revolutionize instrumentation. This shift began in 1983 with the production of off-the-shelf General Purpose Interface Bus (GPIB) products, which standardized connections between PCs and test equipment, reducing reliance on proprietary hardware. The decade's defining innovation was the 1986 release of 1.0 for the Apple Macintosh, the first graphical programming language tailored for measurement and automation. Developed over three years by a team led by co-founder Jeff Kodosky, employed a paradigm where programs were constructed via visual icons and wires representing data streams, enabling engineers to intuitively design and control virtual instruments without line-by-line text coding. LabVIEW's introduction marked NI's entry into PC-based instrumentation, allowing users to create flexible, modular systems for and analysis that integrated seamlessly with hardware, thereby democratizing advanced testing for diverse industries. Revenue expanded rapidly amid this technological pivot, from $300,000 in product shipments in 1980 to the company's first $1 million sales month in 1986, propelled by LabVIEW's adoption and broad PC compatibility. This growth facilitated international expansion, with the opening of NI's first overseas branch in in 1987 to serve the Asian market, followed by sales offices in and the in 1988 for European outreach. Leadership solidified as the founding team—James Truchard, Jeff Kodosky, and Bill Nowlin—committed full-time in , with Kodosky elevated to of that year to oversee software innovations. The workforce scaled to its 100th employee in , underscoring the era's operational buildup. NI cultivated a distinctive company culture rooted in innovative fervor and a "benign chaos" management philosophy, which promoted unstructured creativity and quick iteration to harness standard technologies for disruptive market gains.

1990s Growth and Public Offering

In the mid-1990s, National Instruments experienced significant growth, culminating in its (IPO) on March 15, 1995, on the stock exchange under the symbol NATI. The company issued three million shares, raising $39.6 million, which provided capital for further expansion and solidified its position as a leader in and software. This public listing marked a pivotal transition, enabling broader access to funding and reflecting the company's maturing business model built on virtual instrumentation technologies like . By the end of 1995, National Instruments also established the annual NIWeek conference in , as its first major customer and partner event to foster innovation and community among developers. Revenue growth accelerated throughout the decade, with the company achieving its first $100 million in annual sales in 1993 and reaching $200.7 million in 1996, driven by product diversification and increasing adoption of PC-based test systems. In 1998, National Instruments launched TestStand, a ready-to-run test management software that integrated multiple instruments and code modules from various development environments, enhancing efficiency in automated testing applications. The company continued to expand internationally during this period, opening its subsidiary in in 1990 to support European markets and building on its earlier presence in established in 1987. By 1999, National Instruments further strengthened its portfolio with the release of IMAQ Vision Builder, a prototyping tool for applications that simplified image processing and integration with , contributing to the company's push into advanced imaging solutions. This era of scaling positioned National Instruments as a key player in the test and measurement industry, with revenues and product innovations underscoring its shift toward comprehensive software-driven systems.

2000s Global Reach

During the 2000s, National Instruments pursued aggressive international expansion to capitalize on growing demand for its and solutions, establishing sales and support operations in key regions beyond . By the mid-decade, the company had developed a robust global footprint, with sales outside comprising 52% of total revenues in 2005. This shift underscored the success of its strategy to localize support and distribution, enabling faster customer adoption in diverse markets. The company's product ecosystem evolved significantly to address embedded and portable applications, supporting its global reach amid the rise of modular hardware. In 2004, National Instruments introduced CompactRIO, a rugged, reconfigurable platform for embedded control and that integrated real-time processing, FPGA-based customization, and modular I/O for industrial environments. This innovation facilitated deployment in remote and harsh conditions, appealing to international customers in and control systems. Following this, in 2005, the company launched CompactDAQ, a compact, USB-powered system designed for portable, high-channel-count measurements, enhancing accessibility for field testing and prototyping worldwide. To bolster its offerings, National Instruments pursued strategic acquisitions to integrate complementary technologies. In May 2005, it acquired Measurement Computing Corporation, a developer of low-cost hardware, which expanded the company's portfolio to include affordable PC-based solutions for broader and HMI/SCADA integration capabilities. Despite economic headwinds from the dot-com bust and the , 2001, attacks, National Instruments sustained double-digit growth for 24 consecutive years through 2000 and continued expanding revenues thereafter, reaching $572 million in 2005. This resilience stemmed from a strategic emphasis on stable sectors like and automotive, where demand for advanced test and systems remained strong, driving international adoption.

2010s Acquisitions and Innovation

During the , National Instruments pursued strategic acquisitions to expand its capabilities in RF, microwave, and wireless testing technologies. In , NI acquired AWR Corporation, a leader in high-frequency software for RF and applications, enhancing NI's software portfolio for simulation and design in these domains. That same year, NI also acquired Phase Matrix, Inc., a provider of RF and instruments and subsystems, which strengthened NI's hardware offerings for test and measurement in defense and sectors. In 2015, NI acquired Micropross, a specialist in wireless device testing solutions, for approximately $108 million, bolstering its platform for , , and NFC test applications in and IoT markets. NI continued to innovate in modular hardware platforms during the decade, building on earlier developments like the CompactRIO system for integrated control and acquisition. The company advanced its PXI Express architecture, launching high-bandwidth chassis and Intel Xeon-based embedded controllers in 2015, which provided up to 24 lanes of Gen 3 connectivity and supported demanding applications in data-intensive testing. These enhancements improved system performance for high-speed and analysis, positioning PXI Express as a cornerstone for scalable test solutions. Additionally, NI expanded NI Week, its annual conference, which grew to attract thousands of engineers and showcase , fostering community-driven in automated test and . In , NI began developing SystemLink, a software platform for centralized management of distributed test assets, which was publicly released in 2018 to enable fleet-wide monitoring, configuration, and for improved . This innovation supported remote across test environments, reducing and enhancing in large-scale deployments. By 2019, these efforts contributed to NI's revenue reaching $1.35 billion, reflecting steady growth amid investments in R&D. NI emphasized Industry 4.0 principles throughout the , integrating software-defined to enable and connected systems. The company formed partnerships in the automotive sector, providing test solutions for development, including battery validation that supported scaling innovations like those at Tesla. In semiconductor testing, NI's platforms facilitated high-volume production testing for advanced nodes, helping chipmakers accelerate time-to-market for and IoT devices through modular, reconfigurable systems.

2020s Rebranding and Emerson Acquisition

In February 2020, Eric Starkloff succeeded Alex Davern as president and CEO of National Instruments, marking a transition aimed at steering the company through evolving and challenges. Later that year, on June 16, 2020, the company from National Instruments to NI, introducing a new logo, visual identity, and the tagline "Engineer Ambitiously" to emphasize its focus on innovative engineering solutions amid rapid technological shifts. This rebranding streamlined the company's global identity while retaining its core mission in software-defined instrumentation. On April 12, 2023, announced its acquisition of NI for $8.2 billion in an all-cash transaction, positioning NI to enhance Emerson's capabilities in high-growth sectors. The deal closed on October 11, 2023, integrating NI as an independent business unit within Emerson's Test & Measurement segment, which broadened Emerson's portfolio in software-connected systems for automated testing and measurement. This move capitalized on NI's established expertise, serving over 35,000 customers worldwide and strengthening Emerson's presence in discrete markets. Post-acquisition integration has emphasized seamless operations and innovation synergy, with NI contributing $1.464 billion in sales to Emerson's ended September 30, 2024, despite a reported net loss of $537 million due to integration costs. At the NI Connect 2025 conference in April 2025, Emerson highlighted advancements including the Nigel AI Advisor, an AI-enhanced tool integrated with for intelligent , and upgrades to NI's software-defined RF platforms for advanced signal processing in complex environments. These developments underscore a strategic emphasis on testing, & defense applications, and transportation systems through 2025, driving efficiency in high-precision industries.

Products and Solutions

Software Platforms

National Instruments' software platforms form the foundation for its test, measurement, and automation solutions, enabling engineers to develop, deploy, and manage applications through intuitive graphical and sequence-based programming paradigms. These platforms emphasize modularity, scalability, and integration to support diverse applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics manufacturing. Central to this ecosystem is LabVIEW, a graphical programming environment that uses the G language—a dataflow-based, visual programming paradigm—to create applications for data acquisition, analysis, and control without traditional text-based coding. LabVIEW includes specialized modules, such as the Vision Development Module for image processing and pattern recognition, the SoftMotion Module for trajectory planning and axis synchronization in motion control systems, and built-in data acquisition tools via NI-DAQmx for interfacing with sensors and instruments. In 2018, NI introduced LabVIEW NXG as an evolution of the platform, featuring a modernized user interface, enhanced web-based deployment capabilities, and improved performance for distributed systems, though active development ceased after its final release, version 5.1, in 2021. Complementing , TestStand serves as a robust software designed for building, executing, and analyzing automated test sequences in validation and production environments. It employs a sequence-based architecture that allows engineers to define test workflows using modular steps, supporting code from multiple languages and environments while providing built-in reporting, database connectivity, and debugging tools. A key feature of TestStand is its support for parallel execution, enabled through process models like the Parallel Model, which launches independent executions for multiple units under test (UUTs) across sockets, optimizing throughput in high-volume by allowing simultaneous testing without shared resource conflicts. This capability reduces test times and hardware costs, as demonstrated in applications where multiple devices are validated concurrently on shared . NI's portfolio extends to specialized platforms for data handling and system management. DIAdem is a high-performance tool for measurement and visualization, capable of importing over 5,000 file formats, performing advanced analytics like FFT and statistical modeling, and generating automated reports to accelerate post-test processing workflows. FlexLogger offers a no-code solution for configuring sensors, logging mixed-signal data from electromechanical systems, and visualizing real-time measurements, ideal for quick validation setups involving thermocouples, strain gauges, and accelerometers without requiring programming expertise. SystemLink provides a centralized, web-based platform for , enabling teams to monitor test systems, deploy software updates remotely, aggregate results from distributed assets, and optimize test fleets through dashboards for real-time insights and . These platforms integrate seamlessly with third-party tools to enhance flexibility. For instance, supports direct interoperability with Python via the Python Node, introduced in 2018, allowing scripts to be called natively for tasks like or , and with through script nodes that execute .m files for numerical computing and . Such APIs and nodes facilitate hybrid workflows, where engineers can leverage existing codebases while maintaining the graphical efficiency of NI software.

Hardware Systems

National Instruments' hardware systems portfolio centers on modular, scalable platforms designed for , control, and instrumentation in test, , and applications. These systems emphasize , high performance, and adaptability to diverse environments, from benches to industrial field deployments. Key offerings include chassis-based modular instruments and rugged, distributed devices that support a wide range of sensors and signals through standardized interfaces. The PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation) platform, introduced by National Instruments in 1997, represents a cornerstone of modular , combining PC-based with rugged and interchangeable modules for high-channel-count, synchronized measurements. PXI systems support up to 18 slots in a single , with hybrid compatibility for PXI and PXI Express modules, enabling precise timing and triggering across instruments via an integrated . By 2025, advancements in PXI high-speed serial instruments, such as the PXIe-6594 module, extend capabilities to line rates of up to 28 Gb/s using multigigabit transceivers and up to 8 transmit/receive lanes, facilitating applications in high-throughput and protocol testing. CompactDAQ and CompactRIO provide rugged, portable solutions for field and embedded data acquisition, integrating C Series modules that handle analog and digital I/O for signals like voltage, current, , and strain. CompactDAQ systems are optimized for distributed, benchtop, or mobile setups, supporting over 70 C Series modules with Ethernet or USB connectivity for flexible scaling in and validation testing. CompactRIO extends this to real-time embedded control, featuring reconfigurable I/O modules in a compact, fanless rated for harsh conditions, including and extremes, ideal for machine control and prototyping in industrial automation. In 2025, National Instruments expanded its rugged offerings with enhancements to FieldDAQ modules, announced at NI Connect, delivering ultra-rugged, IP67-rated devices for extreme environments such as -40°C to 85°C temperatures, 100 g , and 10 grms , with 24-bit resolution and sampling up to 102.4 kS/s per channel for measurements in structural testing and heavy machinery validation. These modules support tight synchronization via TSN Ethernet and include isolated channels up to 60 VDC. In September 2025, NI launched new multifunction I/O DAQ products, providing high-performance, software-defined solutions for expanded needs. For RF and applications, National Instruments offers PXI-based Vector Signal Analyzers (VSAs), such as the PXIe-5668R, which provide analysis, , and phase-coherent measurements up to 26.5 GHz with instantaneous bandwidths reaching 765 MHz. These VSAs integrate with architectures through customizable FPGAs and APIs like NI-RFmx, enabling rapid prototyping of wireless protocols and systems while maintaining low and . Hardware from these platforms interfaces seamlessly with software tools like for streamlined development.

Integrated Solutions and Services

National Instruments provides end-to-end integrated solutions that combine its hardware and software platforms with to deliver test systems tailored for industries such as and automotive. These systems, often built around modular PXI hardware, include custom test fixtures and validation setups to accelerate product development and ensure compliance with stringent standards. For instance, in and defense, NI's solutions support link validation, testing, and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations to manage risks and reduce costs across program life cycles. In automotive applications, NI Test Systems enable ECU validation through real-time simulation, shortening test times and expanding coverage for and advanced driver assistance systems. The NI Services Division offers comprehensive consulting, training, and support to facilitate the design, deployment, and maintenance of these integrated solutions. Consulting services focus on developing test strategies, optimizing architectures, and addressing gaps in validation processes, often through methodology consulting and professional onboarding. Training programs, delivered by NI engineers, include hands-on courses and global certification paths such as Certified LabVIEW Developer and Architect, available in formats like on-site, online, and self-paced learning to enhance user proficiency. Support extends worldwide with over 1,400 field engineers providing deployment assistance, system integration, and ongoing maintenance to minimize downtime and maximize productivity. Following Emerson's acquisition of National Instruments, completed in October 2023, integrated solutions have expanded to include industry-specific platforms like the Semiconductor Test System (STS), a production-ready automated test equipment (ATE) for RF, mixed-signal, and devices. The STS features customizable , unified software for test program development and , and integration with handlers and probers, enabling faster time-to-market and lower test costs through prebuilt templates and high-bandwidth RF capabilities. Post-acquisition enhancements incorporate AI-driven tools for efficiency gains in testing. For battery validation, NI offers specialized kits and systems for production, including cell quality testing with safety features like contactors and polarity checkers to ensure reliable performance and compliance. These solutions leverage Emerson's expertise for scalable, cloud-integrated validation post-2023. To support these integrated offerings, National Instruments introduced the LabVIEW+ Suite in 2023 as a subscription-based model providing cloud-enabled updates and access to bundled tools like , TestStand, , and FlexLogger. This suite facilitates seamless software maintenance and deployment for test systems, allowing users to receive continuous enhancements without perpetual licensing constraints.

Corporate Structure

Leadership and Governance

Following the acquisition by in October 2023, National Instruments operates as the Test & Measurement segment of Emerson, with leadership integrated into Emerson's executive structure. Ritu Favre serves as President of Emerson's Test & Measurement business, a role she assumed in October 2023 after joining NI in 2019 as Senior Vice President and General Manager of the semiconductor business. Favre, with over 30 years in high-tech leadership including roles at and , oversees strategy, innovation, and growth for the segment, emphasizing platform-based test and measurement solutions. She succeeded Eric Starkloff, who led as President and CEO from February 2020 until his transition in 2023; Starkloff had joined NI in 1997 and advanced through sales and operations roles. Prior to Starkloff, co-founder James Truchard, who established NI in 1976, retired from executive leadership in 2020 after guiding the company's early development. The board composition reflects Emerson's oversight of NI as a subsidiary segment, with Emerson's providing strategic . As of 2025, Emerson's 12-member board is chaired by James S. Turley, a former global chairman with expertise in technology auditing and , and includes independent directors such as Mark A. Blinn (former CEO, focused on industrial operations) and new appointee Calvin Butler (CEO of Corporation, adding perspectives on operational innovation). This structure ensures emphasis on technological advancement, with over 70% independent directors reviewing innovation strategies for segments like Test & Measurement. NI's corporate governance practices, now aligned with Emerson's framework, prioritize , diversity, and . All employees adhere to a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, with annual training required to uphold integrity in operations. Emerson commits to (DEI) across its businesses, building on NI's 2021 10-year DEI that targets underrepresented talent in through recruitment and development programs. Sustainability efforts include annual reporting on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics, with Emerson's 2024 report detailing progress toward net-zero emissions and responsible sourcing applicable to NI operations. Headquartered in , the Test & Measurement segment employs approximately 7,900 people globally as of September 2025, supporting automated test and measurement solutions worldwide.

Business Divisions and Groups

National Instruments' organizational structure has evolved through acquisitions and strategic alignments, featuring specialized groups dedicated to key areas of operation. The Electronics Workbench Group originated from the 2005 acquisition of Toronto-based Electronics Workbench, a provider of electronics design automation software, which integrated simulation-focused capabilities into NI's portfolio. This group emphasized advancements in and tools, building on the acquired company's roots in the . The Test and Measurement Division has served as NI's foundational unit, centering on modular instrumentation platforms like PXI and systems to support automated testing applications across industries. This division expanded significantly during the through targeted acquisitions, enhancing its scope in hardware and software integration for measurement solutions. For instance, the 2011 acquisition of AWR Corporation briefly bolstered RF and microwave design integration within the division before AWR's subsequent divestiture. The division's growth reflected NI's emphasis on scalable test architectures, enabling broader adoption in sectors such as , automotive, and semiconductors. Following Emerson's 2023 acquisition of NI for $8.2 billion, the company realigned as Emerson's dedicated & business group, operating within the broader Software and Control segment to leverage synergies in and industrial software. This structure integrates NI's legacy test capabilities with Emerson's expertise, focusing on software-connected systems while maintaining operational under group president Ritu Favre. The RF functionalities from prior integrations, such as AWR, continue to influence offerings in high-frequency applications without forming a standalone group post-restructuring. To support global operations, NI organizes sales and support through regional groups covering the , , , and (EMEA), and (APAC). These units handle localized , distribution, and technical services, with the representing a core market, EMEA driving European expansion, and APAC fueling growth in high-tech hubs. In fiscal year 2022, sales were distributed as 41% in the , 30% in EMEA, and 29% in APAC, underscoring the regions' balanced contributions to . This geographic framework ensures tailored support for diverse regulatory and market needs worldwide.

Community and Impact

User Community Initiatives

National Instruments fosters user collaboration through its online NI Community forums, launched on November 15, 2004, where professionals network, pose questions, and share code across global test and measurement applications. The platform hosts dedicated discussion areas for troubleshooting implementations and exchanging practical solutions in and . Complementing the forums, NI organizes annual conferences beginning with NIWeek in 1995, which was rebranded as NI Connect in 2022. These events deliver technical sessions on platform advancements, with the 2025 NI Connect edition emphasizing AI integrations such as the Nigel AI Advisor for enhancing and TestStand workflows. Held April 28-30 in , the conference unites engineers to explore innovations in intelligent testing. Following the 2023 acquisition by Emerson, NI continues these initiatives as part of its Test & Measurement business group. NI supports developers via accessible resources, including an example code repository that offers starting points for custom applications in areas like and control systems. The certification program validates expertise in tools such as , progressing from associate developer to architect levels to build professional proficiency. Additionally, the NI Partner Network connects users with third-party experts for add-on development and integration services. User engagement extends to specialized groups and events, with virtual user groups facilitating topic-specific dialogues on test automation and hardware integration. NI-backed hackathons, such as the Indian LabVIEW Users Group (IndLUG) event on March 1, 2025, promote open innovation by challenging participants to develop solutions in multi-city formats, emphasizing collaborative problem-solving in LabVIEW-based automation.

Educational and Research Programs

National Instruments supports educational and research initiatives through its Academic Program, which provides discounted hardware and software to degree-granting institutions worldwide. As of 2013, this program enabled over 8,000 classrooms in nearly 30 countries to incorporate NI tools into curricula, fostering hands-on learning in engineering and STEM fields; the program has likely expanded since the 2023 Emerson acquisition. Since , the program has prominently featured the NI myDAQ, a portable device that equips student labs with eight built-in instruments for real-world measurements and experimentation. A key component of NI's educational offerings is the Educational Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation Suite (ELVIS), a modular platform designed to enhance curricula by integrating , prototyping, and measurement capabilities. ELVIS supports in electrical, mechanical, and courses, allowing students to build, test, and analyze circuits using industry-standard tools like software. Versions such as NI ELVIS III combine multifunctional instruments with customizable breadboards, promoting teamwork and practical skills development in academic settings. NI advances research through equipment grants and partnerships with leading institutions, donating tools to support innovative projects. For instance, NI provided hardware and software donations to MIT's TALARIS lunar hopper project, enabling real-time control and for research. Collaborations with have included joint efforts to inspire STEM interest via NI technologies in space exploration simulations and competitions. These initiatives focus on areas like autonomous vehicles, where NI tools facilitate testing and prototyping in university labs. For STEM outreach, NI engages K-12 education with resources like the myDAQ for classroom use and support for FIRST programs, reaching over 785,000 students annually across initiatives including as of the 2023-2024 season, where participants apply NI tools in competitions. Additionally, NI certifications, including the Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD), are integrated into university courses to validate student skills and align academic training with industry needs as of 2025. These efforts complement broader user community initiatives, such as the NI Connect Forum, by emphasizing accessible tools for early learners and researchers.

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