Collection: Data Acquisition (DAQ) Devices | USB, Ethernet & WiFi | LabJack

To choose a DAQ device that meets your specific performance specifications, determine your needs in terms of speed for capturing data or the level of detail in the measurements. Consider your voltage range and channel count, along with how many devices or sensors you need to connect one time.

For example, the LabJack T4 is best for engineering students or hobbyists who need an affordable and easy-to-use DAQ device for simple tests. The LabJack T7, typically used in laboratory or industrial settings, has higher analog input resolution (16 bit) for more precise measurements, and internal amplification for tiny signals like Thermocouples, Bridge Circuits and Load Cells. 

LabJack offers more than just the little red box that includes hardware, detailed datasheets, app notes, software and legendary customer support. Our engineers can recommend the right DAQ system for your application and goals.

To speak with our engineers, click the chat bar at the bottom right of any page, or see our Contact page for other ways to get in touch with us.

U3 compared to U12

The U3 is newer than the U12, and in general is faster, more flexible, and less expensive.

The U3 is about half the size of the U12. The enclosure can be mounted using a couple screws or DIN rail, whereas the U12 enclosure has no mounting options.

Command/response functions on the U3 are typically 5-20 times faster than on the U12. See Section 3.1 of the U3 User's Guide compared to the U12 data rates page.

The U3 has up to 16 analog inputs compared to 8 on the U12. Any channel can be measured differentially versus any other channel. Accuracy specs are better than the U12.

The U3-LV has single-ended ranges of 0-2.4 or 0-3.6 volts, and a differential range of ±2.4 volts (pseudobipolar only). The U3-HV has 12 flexible I/O capable of those same low-voltage ranges, and 4 high-voltage analog inputs with a range of ±10 volts or -10/+20 volts. The U12 has a ±10 volt single-ended input range, and differential input ranges varying from ±20 volts to ±1 volt (all true bipolar). The circuitry used by the U12 to provide those high bipolar ranges is simple and inexpensive, but has drawbacks including relativity poor input impedance and errors which are different on every channel. There are many devices on the market now that have copied the same circuitry from the U12 and have the same drawbacks.

The U3 supports input streaming with a max rate of up to 50 ksamples/second, compared to 1.2 ksamples/second for the U12. The U3 achieves the full 12-bit resolution up to 2.5 ksamples/second, and then as speed increases the effective resolution drops to about 10 bits due to noise.

The U3 has 2 10-bit DACs as does the U12. The DACs on the U3 are derived from a regulated voltage, whereas the U12 DACs are derived from the power supply, so the U3 DACs will be more stable.

The digital I/O on the U3 use 3.3 volt logic, and are 5 volt tolerant. The U12 has 5 volt logic.

The U3 can have up to 2 timers and 2 counters. The timers have various functionality including period timing, duty cycle timing, quadrature input, pulse counting, or PWM output. The U12 has 1 counter and no timers.

The U3 has master support for SPI, I2C, and asynchronous serial protocols. The U12 does not support I2C, but does have some SPI and asynchronous support.

The U3 is supported on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X. The U12 has full support for Windows, limited support for Linux, and limited public support for the Mac.

On Windows, the U3 uses the flexible UD driver which also works with the U6 & UE9. There is a specific separate driver for the U12.

The U3 is compatible with the LJTick signal conditioning modules, whereas the U12 is not. Current ticks include:

• LJTick-Divider (LJTD): Divides 2 single-ended higher voltage analog signals down to 0-2.5 volt signals. Install different resistors for different gain and offset.
• LJTick-DAC (LJTDAC): Provides a pair of 14-bit analog outputs with a range of ±10 volts.  Plugs into any digital I/O block, and thus up to 10 of these can be used per U3/UE9 to add 20 analog outputs.
• LJTick-InAmp (LJTIA): Provides two instrumentation amplifiers ideal for low-level signals such as bridge circuits (e.g. strain gauges) and thermocouples. Each amplifier converts a differential input to single-ended.
• LJTick-RelayDriver (LJTRD): Allows 2 digital I/O lines on a U3/UE9 to each control a relay or other moderate load up to 50V/200mA.
• LJTick-CurrentShunt (LJTCS): Converts a 4-20 mA current loop input signal into a 0.47-2.36 volt signal.
• LJTick-Proto (LJTP): Consists of an 8x8 grid of holes for prototyping custom signal-conditioning ticks.

... versus UE9: (EOL)

The UE9 has all the same improvements as the U3 above, with the following additions and differences:

The UE9 is about twice the size of the U3.

The biggest difference is that the UE9 supports Ethernet communication in addition to USB. Ethernet communication uses standard TCP or UDP protocol, and supports Modbus/TCP. Ethernet speeds in command/response or stream mode are generally similar to USB speeds (see Sections 3.1 and 3.2 of the User's Guide for more information). The addition of an 802.11 WiFi bridge allows for inexpensive wireless data acquisition and control.

When using Ethernet only (not USB), the UE9 has at least 500 volts of electrical isolation.

The UE9 has 14 analog inputs and 2 analog outputs. The analog inputs and outputs on the UE9 have better accuracy, resolution, and linearity. The analog inputs are single-ended only, but the LJTick-InAmp can be used for low-level differential signals.

Each analog input can be configured individually as unipolar (four ranges from 0-5 volts to 0-0.625 volts) or true bipolar (±5 volts). Analog input resolution is 12-bits at max speed (12 us conversion time), increasing up to 16-bits at slower speeds (2.7 ms conversion time).

Maximum input stream rates range from 250 samples/second at 16-bit resolution to 50+ ksamples/second at 12-bit resolution. The UE9 has a very large 4 Mbit buffer for stream data, compared to a very small buffer on the U3.

The UE9 has up to 6 timers available compared to 2 on the U3.

The UE9-Pro has all the features of the normal UE9 with the addition of an auxiliary low-speed hi-resolution (24-bit) sigma-delta ADC. This converter takes about 125 ms per sample and provides an effective resolution of about 20-bits (18-bits noise free) over the 0-5 or ±5 volt ranges. Linearity and accuracy are also improved compared to the normal converter (which is still available on the UE9-Pro).

... versus U6:

The U6 is similar to a UE9 without Ethernet, but the U6 is newer and has some analog input improvements.  Some key details:

USB only.

Up to 4 timers available.

20 digital I/O (compared to 23 on the UE9).

The U6/U6-Pro analog inputs have higher resolution than the UE9/UE9-Pro in most cases.

Analog inputs are single-ended or differential, with input ranges of ±10, ±1, and ±0.1 volts.

2 Fixed Current Outputs (200/10 μA).

... versus T7:

The T7 is similar to a U6 and UE9, but the T7 combines the benefits of both devices, namely the high quality analog of the U6 with the advantages of Ethernet that you get from the UE9. The T7-Pro extends the advantages even further by adding WiFi.

Other improvements over the U6 and UE9 include:

Supported by our 3rd generation cross platform LJM library.

Straightforward low-level interface that uses Modbus TCP registers to access all device functionality.

Compatibility with most SCADA Modbus TCP enabled systems for both wired and wireless operation.

12 digital I/O lines can be configured for various timing/counting functionality, which we now refer to as DIO extended features. Read more in the DIO EF section of the T-series datasheet.

23 digital I/O, up from 20 on the U6.

The analog input extended feature system (AIN-EF) has the ability to do math and processing in hardware.  Calculations for things like average, RMS, and thermocouples can be done on the device.

Write Lua scripts that run on the device with or without a host computer.

Improved slot-style screw mounts on the enclosure, which makes it possible to wall mount the T7 in any orientation, and still have the ability to quickly 'un-hook' it from the screws.

... versus T4:

The T4 is a blend of a U3-HV and T7.  It has the form factor and I/O of the U3-HV, analog specifications very similar to the U3-HV (e.g. 12-bit analog inputs), but it has the processor of the T7 resulting in various changes compared to the U3:

• Like all T-series devices, the T4 has Ethernet in addition to USB.
• Add a standard WiFi bridge for inexpensive wireless data acquisition and control.
• Supported by our 3rd generation cross platform LJM library.
• Straightforward low-level interface that uses Modbus TCP registers to access all device functionality.
• Compatibility with most SCADA Modbus TCP enabled systems for both wired and wireless operation.
• 10 digital I/O lines can be configured for various timing/counting functionality, which we now refer to as DIO extended features. Read more in the DIO EF section of the T-series datasheet.
• The analog input extended feature system (AIN-EF) has the ability to do math and processing in hardware.  Calculations for things like average and RMS can be done on the device.
• Write Lua scripts that run on the device with or without a host computer.
• The T4 has 4 single-ended analog inputs with +/-10V range, plus up to 8 digital I/O lines can be configured as single-ended analog inputs with 0-2.5V range.  Similar but not exactly the same as the U3 AIN system.

U6 vs U6-Pro

The U6-Pro has the following additional features:

• Low-Speed and High-Resolution (24-bit) sigma-delta ADC giving access to resolution indices 9 through 12.

OEM Versions

The U6 and U6-Pro come in standard and OEM versions. The OEM versions are intended to be embedded in another device. They are missing the enclosure and most connectors, as it is easier to install connectors than it is to remove them. LabJack can customize the boards to add or remove hardware before shipping for an additional fee. More information on OEM versions can be found in the OEM versions section of the U6 datasheet.

Analog Inputs:

The LabJack U6 has 14 external analog inputs (AIN0-AIN13). AIN0-AIN3 are available on screw terminals and also on the DB37 connector. All 14 analog inputs are available on the DB37 connector.

The maximum input range is ±10 volts, with software selectable gains of x1, x10, and x100. Each analog input can be measured single-ended, or differentially in even/odd pairs. Analog input resolution is 16 bits at max speed (~20 μs conversion time), increasing to 18+ bits at slower speeds (see Section 3.1 - Command/Response and Section 3.2 - Stream Mode). Input impedance is at least 1 GΩ, with typical input bias currents of only 20 nA.

Command/response (software timed) analog input reads typically take 1-4 ms depending on number of channels and communication configuration. Hardware timed input streaming (supported with hi-speed converter only) has a maximum rate that varies with resolution from 4 ksamples/s at 18 bits to 50 ksamples/s at 16 bits.

For more information see the U6 Datasheet. The U6-Pro has all the features of the normal U6 with the addition of an auxiliary low-speed high-resolution (24-bit) sigma-delta ADC. Analog input resolution varies from 19.5 bits (RMS or Effective) at max speed (4 ms conversion time), to 22 bits at slower speeds (160 ms conversion time).

For more information about the analog inputs see Section 2.6 - AIN and Appendix A. For data rate information see Section 3.1 - Command/Response and Section 3.2 - Stream Mode.

Temperature Sensor:

The LabJack U6 has a temperature sensor located very close to the AIN0-AIN3 screw-terminals. Accuracy is ±2 degrees C (max). This sensor is particularly useful for thermocouple cold junction compensation (CJC).

Fixed Current Outputs:

The LabJack U6 has 2 fixed current outputs of 10 μA and 200 μA. These are useful for measuring resistance (resistors, thermistors, RTDs).

Analog Outputs:

The LabJack U6 has 2 analog outputs (DAC0 and DAC1) that are available both on screw terminals and the DB37 connector. Each analog output can be set to a voltage between about 0 and 5 volts with 12-bits of resolution. The analog outputs are based on a true voltage reference.

The analog outputs are updated in command/response mode, with a typical update time of 1-4 ms depending on communication configuration.

For more information see the U6 Datasheet. For more information about the analog outputs see Section 2.7 - DAC and Appendix A. For data rate information see Section 3.1 - Command/Response.

Digital I/O:

The LabJack U6 has 20 digital I/O channels which can be individually configured as input, output-high, or output-low.

The first 4 FIO are available on screw terminals and the DB37 connector. All 8 FIO and 3 MIO are available on the DB37 connector, and 8 EIO and 4 CIO are available on the DB15 connector. Note that on the U6, CIO0-CIO2 are the same as MIO0-MIO2.

Command/response (software timed) reads/writes typically take 1-4 ms depending on communication configuration. The digital inputs can also be read in a hardware timed input stream where up to 16 inputs count as a single stream channel.

For more information see the U6 Datasheet. For more information about the digital I/O see Section 2.8 - Digital I/O and Appendix A. For data rate information see Section 3.1 - Command/Response and Section 3.2 - Stream Mode.

Timers:

Up to 4 digital I/O can be configured as timers. The timers are very flexible, providing options such as PWM output, pulse timing, pulse counting, and quadrature input.

For more information about the timers see Section 2.9 - Timers/Counters and Appendix A of the U6 Datasheet.

Counters:

Up to 2 digital I/O can be configured as 32-bit counters. Since counting is one possible mode of the timers above, the U6 has up to 6 counting inputs.

For more information about the counters see Section 2.9 - Timers/Counters and Appendix A of the U6 Datasheet.

I/O Protection:

All I/O lines on the U6 are protected against minor overvoltages. The AIN lines can withstand continuous overvoltage of ±20 volts, the FIO lines can withstand up to ±10 volts, while the EIO/CIO/MIO lines can withstand up to ±6 volts.

High Channel Count Applications:

By using USB hubs, many LabJacks can be interfaced to a single PC, providing an inexpensive solution for high channel count applications.

The U6 has 3 different I/O areas:

• Communication Edge: Has a USB type B connector. 
• Screw Terminal Edge: Convenient connections for 4 analog inputs, both analog outputs, 4 flexible digital I/O (FIO), and both current sources. The screw terminals are arranged in blocks of 4, with each block consisting of Vs, GND, and two I/O. Also on this edge are two LEDs. One simply indicates power, while the other serves as a status indicator.
• DB Edge: Has 2 D-sub type connectors: a DB37 and DB15. The DB37 has some digital I/O and all the analog I/O. The DB15 has 12 additional digital I/O (3 are duplicates of DB37 I/O).

USB:  All power and communication is handled by the USB interface.

LEDs:  The Power and Status LEDs convey different information about the device.

GND/SGND:  All GND terminals are the same.  SGND has a self-resetting thermal fuse in series with GND.

VS:  All VS terminals are the same.  These are outputs that can be used to source about 5 volts.

10UA/200UA:  Fixed current sources providing 10µA/200µA at a max voltage of about 3 volts.

AIN#:  AIN0-AIN13 are the 14 analog inputs.

DAC#:  DAC0 & DAC1 are the 2 analog outputs.  Each DAC can be set to a voltage between about 0.02 and 5 volts with 12-bits of resolution.

FIO#/EIO#/CIO#/MIO#:  These are the 20 digital I/O, and are also referred to as DIO0-DIO19.  Besides basic digital I/O operations, some of these terminals can also be configured as Timers & Counters (frequency input, PWM output, etc.), SPI serial, I2C serial, and Asynchronous serial.

For information about reading inputs, start in Section 3.  For information about setting outputs, start with the Waveform Generation Application Note.

High Voltage Analog Inputs

• 4 dedicated high voltage analog inputs (±10V, 12-bit resolution)
• Configurable resolution settings

Flexible I/O:

• 8 configurable low voltage analog inputs (0-2.5V, 12-bit resolution) that can function as digital I/O lines

Digital I/O:

• 8 dedicated digital I/O lines (EIO4-EIO7 and CIO0-CIO3)

Analog Outputs:

• 2 Analog Outputs (10-bit, 0-5 volts)
• Additional analog outputs are possible via the LJTick-DAC

The U6-Pro has the following additional features:

• Low-Speed and High-Resolution (24-bit) sigma-delta ADC giving access to resolution indices 9 through 12.

Graphical applications for device configuration or basic data collection: LabJack applications. Programming for custom behavior: the C/C++ LJM library or any LJM language wrapper.

For the full list, see this list of T7 Software Options.

Analog Input

• 14 Analog Inputs built in (16-24 Bits Depending on Speed & Device Type)
• Expand to 84 analog inputs with Mux80 add-on
• T7: 16-bit high-speed ADC (up to 100k samples/s)
• T7-Pro: 24-bit low-speed ADC (resolution as low as 1uV noise-free)
• Software Configurable Resolution Settings
• Single-Ended Inputs (14) or Differential Inputs (7)
• Analog input ranges: ±10V, ±1V, ±0.1V and ±0.01V
• All analog input features are software programmable by configuring the Analog Input Registers
• High speed sampling configurable by using Stream Mode. Speeds up to 100kS/s
• Low Latency Sampling and Control (less than 1ms) is made easy with Command-Response Modbus messages
• Easy integration with sensors like thermocouples, load cells, bridges, and more ...

Analog Output

• 2 analog outputs (12-bit, 0-5V)
• Waveform generation via Stream Out
• Integrated LJTick-DAC support for multiple +/-10V outputs

Digital I/O

• 23 Digital I/O
• Supports SPI, I2C, and more... (Master Only)
• 5 PWM Outputs with individual phase control
• 5 Pulse Outputs with configurable number, frequency, and width
• 2 Frequency Inputs returning both frequency and period
• 2 Pulse Width Inputs measuring time spent high and low as well as duty cycle
• 2 Line-to-Line Inputs measuring the time between edges on 2 different lines
• 4 High-Speed Counters
• 6 Software Counters with debounce capabilities
• 3 Pairs of Quadrature Inputs
• Many of these DIO Extended Features share pins and cannot be used at the same time. See the DIO Extended Features section of the T7's datasheet

Fixed Current Outputs

• 200 µA
• 10 µA

Communication Options

• USB
• Ethernet
• 802.11b/g WiFi (T7-Pro only)

Other Highlights

• Capable of stand-alone operation by running Lua Scripts
• Built-In CJC Temperature Sensor for easy thermocouple temperature readings
• Watchdog system
• Field Upgradable Firmware
• Programmable Startup Defaults
• Industrial temperature range (-40 to +85C)
• For more information please visit the hardware overview section of the T7's datasheet

Further Reading

More technical specifications about the T7 can be found in Appendix A of the T7's Datasheet.

What is the difference between the T7-Pro vs. T7?

• 802.11b/g WiFi connectivity. (antenna included)
• Low-Speed and High-Resolution (24-bit) sigma-delta ADC.
• Battery Backed RTC for stand-alone data logging.
• Factory Installed 4Gb+ microSD card for stand-alone data logging.

Flexible I/O:

The first 16 I/O lines (FIO and EIO ports) on the LabJack U3-LV can be individually configured as digital input, digital output, or analog input. In addition, up to 2 of these lines can be configured as timers, and up to 2 of these lines can be configured as counters. On the U3-HV, the first 4 flexible I/O are replaced with dedicated high-voltage analog inputs.

The first 8 flexible I/O lines (FIO0-FIO7) appear on built-in screw terminals. The other 8 flexible I/O lines (EIO0-EIO7) are available on the DB15 connector.

For more information, see Section 2.5 - Flexible I/O (FIO/EIO) of the U3 Datasheet.

Analog Inputs:

The LabJack U3 has up to 16 analog inputs available on the flexible I/O lines. Single-ended measurements can be taken of any line compared to ground, or differential measurements can be taken of any line to any other line.

Analog input resolution is 12-bits. The range of single-ended low-voltage analog inputs on the U3-LV is typically 0-2.4 volts or 0-3.6 volts, and the range of differential analog inputs is typically ±2.4 volts (pseudobipolar only). For valid measurements, the voltage on every analog input pin, with respect to ground, must be within -0.3 to +3.6 volts.

On the U3-HV, the first 4 flexible I/O are replaced with dedicated high-voltage analog inputs. The input range of these channels is ±10 volts or -10/+20 volts. The remaining 12 flexible I/O are still available as described above, so the U3-HV has 4 high-voltage analog inputs and up to 12 low-voltage analog inputs.

Command/response (software timed) analog input reads typically take 0.6-4.0 ms depending on number of channels and communication configuration. Hardware timed input streaming has a maximum rate that varies with resolution from 2.5 ksamples/s at 12-bits to 50 ksamples/s at about 10-bits.

For more information see the U3 Datasheet. For analog input information see Section 2.6 - AIN and Appendix A. For data rate information see Sections 3.1 - Command/Response and Sections 3.2 - Stream Mode.

Analog Outputs:

The LabJack U3 has 2 analog outputs (DAC0 and DAC1) that are available on the screw terminals. Each analog output can be set to a voltage between 0 and 5 volts with 10-bits of resolution.

The analog outputs are updated in command/response mode, with a typical update time of 0.6-4.0 ms depending on communication configuration. The analog outputs have filters with a 3 dB cutoff around 16 Hz, limiting the frequency of output waveforms to less than that.

For more information see the U3 Datasheet. For analog output information see Section 2.7 - DAC and Appendix A. For data rate information see Section 3.1 - Command/Response.

Digital I/O:

The LabJack U3 has up to 20 digital I/O channels. 16 are available from the flexible I/O lines, and 4 dedicated digital I/O (CIO0-CIO3) are available on the DB15 connector. Each digital line can be individually configured as input, output-high, or output-low. The digital I/O use 3.3 volt logic and are 5 volt tolerant.

Command/response (software timed) reads/writes typically take 0.6-4.0 ms depending on communication configuration. The first 16 digital inputs can also be read in a hardware timed input stream where all 16 inputs count as a single stream channel.

For more information see the U3 Datasheet. For digital I/O information see Section 2.8 - Digital I/O and Appendix A. For data rate information see Section 3.1 - Command/Response and Sections 3.2 - Stream Mode.

Timers:

Up to 2 flexible I/O lines can be configured as timers. The timers are very flexible, providing options such as PWM output, pulse/period timing, pulse counting, and quadrature input.

For more information see the U3 Datasheet. For timers information see Section 2.9 - Timers/Counters and Appendix A.

Counters:

Up to 2 flexible I/O lines can be configured as 32-bit counters.

For more information see the U3 Datasheet. For counters information see Section 2.9 - Timers/Counters and Appendix A.

I/O Protection:

All I/O lines on the U3 are protected against minor overvoltages. The FIO lines can withstand continuous voltages of up to ±10 volts, while the EIO/CIO lines withstand continuous voltages of up to ±6 volts.

High Channel Count Applications:

By using USB hubs, many LabJacks can be interfaced to a single PC, providing an inexpensive solution for high channel count applications.

The U3-HV has the following differences versus the U3-LV:

• First 4 flexible I/O are changed to dedicated HV analog inputs.
• 4 HV inputs have ±10 volt or -10/+20 volt range.
• 12 LV inputs (flexible I/O) still available, for 16 total analog inputs.

OEM Versions

The U3-LV-OEM or U3-HV-OEM includes the board only without the enclosure and without most through-hole components. See Section 2.12 of the U3 Datasheet for more information.

LV (Low-Voltage) Version:

• 16 Flexible I/O (Digital Input, Digital Output, or Analog Input)
• Up to 2 Timers (Pulse Timing, PWM Output, Quadrature Input, ...)
• Up to 2 Counters (32-Bits Each)
• 4 Additional Digital I/O
• Up to 16 12-bit Analog Inputs (0-2.4 V or 0-3.6 V, SE or Diff.)
• 2 Analog Outputs (10-Bit, 0-5 volts)
• Supports SPI, I2C, and Asynchronous Serial Protocols (Master Only)
• Supports Software or Hardware Timed Acquisition
• Maximum Input Stream Rate of 2.5-50 kHz (Depending on Resolution)
• Capable of Command/Response Times Less Than 1 Millisecond
• Built-In Screw Terminals for Some Signals
• OEM Version Available
• USB 2.0/1.1 Full Speed Interface
• Powered by USB Cable
• Drivers Available for Windows, Linux, Mac and Pocket PC
• Examples Available for C/C++, VB, LabVIEW, Java, and More
• Includes USB Cable and Screwdriver
• Free Firmware Upgrades
• Money Back Guarantee
• Enclosure Size Approximately 3" x 4.5" x 1.2" (75mm x 115mm x 30mm)
• Rated for Industrial Temperature Range (-40 to +85 Degrees C)

HV (High-Voltage) Version:

Same features as the LV version except:

• First 4 Flexible I/O are Changed to Dedicated HV Analog Inputs.
• 4 HV Inputs have ±10 Volt or -10/+20 Volt Range.
• 12 LV Inputs (Flexible I/O) Still Available, for 16 Total Analog Inputs.

For more technical specifications look at the U3's datasheet.

Technical Specifications

• 8 Single-Ended, 4 Differential 12-Bit Analog Inputs
• ±10 Volt Analog Input Range
• PGA with Gains of 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 16, or 20 V/V
• Up to 8 ksamples/Sec (Burst) or 1.2 ksamples/Second (Stream)
• Supports Software or Hardware Timed Acquisition
• 2 Analog Outputs
• 20 Digital I/O (Up to 50 Hz per I/O)
• 32-Bit Counter
• Watchdog Timer Function
• USB 2.0/1.1 Low Speed Interface (Data Rate Information)
• Connect Up to 80 LabJacks to One USB Host
• Complete Software Control, No Jumpers or Switches
• No Power Supply Needed
• Includes Sample Applications and Drivers
• Includes LabVIEW VIs
• Works with Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP, or Vista
• Includes Cable and Screwdriver
• Money Back Guarantee
• Approximately 4" x 6" x 1"
• Rated for Industrial Temperature Range
• OEM Board-Only Versions Available
• Complete specifications in Appendix A of User's Guide

For more technical specifications look at the U12's datasheet.

OEM Versions (U12-PH and U12-NTH)

There are 2 OEM board-only versions of the U12 available for customers interested in designing the U12 into another product.

LabJack U12-PH (OEM Version): This -PH board has pin-headers installed (component side) instead of screw-terminals, and the LED is mounted on the component side.

LabJack U12-NTH (OEM Version): This -NTH board does not have any through-hole components installed (screw-terminals, pin-headers, LED, USB connector, and DB25 connector).

The OEM versions do not include anything besides the board itself. Dimensional drawings and software are available on the U12 Appendix B Page.

Analog Inputs:

The LabJack U12 has 8 screw terminals for analog input signals (AI0-AI7). These can be configured individually as 8 single-ended channels, 4 differential channels, or combinations in between. Each input has a ±10 volt input range, 12-bit resolution, and an input bias current of ±90 microamps. Differential channels can make use of the low noise precision PGA to provide gains up to 20.

The LabJack U12 is capable of both software and hardware timed acquisition. When using software timed acquisition (also called command/response), the PC sends a command to the LabJack, and it responds with data. This mode can acquire 4 channels at up to 50 samples/second per channel, or 8 channels at up to 25 samples/second per channel. When using hardware timed acquisition, the PC sends a command to the LabJack telling it to start a burst or stream mode acquisition. Both burst and stream mode take advantage of the LabJack's precision timing crystal and high-speed sample buffer. In burst mode, up to 4,096 samples will be acquired from 1-4 channels at up to 8,192 samples/second and stored in the buffer. After the acquisition is complete, the data is transferred to the PC. A hardware trigger can be configured for burst mode that starts the acquisition when a digital input changes state. In stream mode, data is acquired from 1-4 channels at up to 1,200 samples/second and stored in the LabJack buffer. Simultaneously, the data is transferred from the LabJack buffer to the PC buffer, allowing the data to be streamed to disk continuously. Click here for more info on data rates.

Analog Outputs:

The LabJack U12 has 2 screw terminals for analog output signals (AO0 & AO1). Each analog output can be set to a voltage between 0 and the supply voltage (+5 volts nominal) with 10-bits of resolution. The analog outputs are controlled in command/response mode at up to 50 Hz per channel.

Digital I/O:

The LabJack U12 has 20 digital I/O channels which can be individually configured as input or output.

Connections to 4 of the digital I/O are made with the built-in screw terminals (IO0-IO3). These 4 channels have built-in overvoltage/short-circuit protection. As inputs or outputs, they are controlled/read in command/response mode at up to 50 Hz per bit. As inputs only, they can be read with the high-speed burst and stream modes.

The remaining 16 digital I/O are accessed through the DB-25 connector and controlled/read in command/response mode at up to 50 Hz per bit. These channels can sink or source up to 25 mA each (total sink or source current of 200 mA max for all 16), allowing direct interface to many relays.

Counter:

There is one 32-bit counter available on the LabJack U12 (screw terminal CNT), capable of counting frequencies up to 1 MHz. The counter is read in command/response mode at up to 50 Hz or up to 300 Hz in hardware timed stream mode.

Watchdog Timer Function for Unattended Operation:

The LabJack U12 also has a watchdog timer function available which can change the states of digital I/O if the LabJack does not successfully communicate with the PC within a specified timeout period. This function could be used to reboot the PC allowing for reliable unattended operation.

Portable Data Acquisition and Control:

When used with a notebook PC, the LabJack U12 becomes a convenient portable data acquisition and control system. The watchdog timer function allows the development of a system which has the reliability of a datalogger with the power of a PC. The low-power design of the LabJack U12 allows it to draw all it's power from the USB port. Also, no UPS is needed when using a LabJack U12 with a notebook PC. In the event of power loss, both the LabJack and the notebook will continue to operate.

High Channel Count Applications:

By using USB hubs, up to 80 LabJacks can be connected to a single USB host, providing an inexpensive solution for low-speed high channel count applications.

• 20 Digital I/O-Use our CB15 Terminal Board for access to all DIO
• Supports SPI, I2C, and more... (Master Only)
• up to 9 PWM Outputs with individual phase control
• up to 9 Pulse Outputs with configurable number, frequency, and width
• up to 9 Frequency Inputs returning both frequency and period
• up to 9 Pulse Width Inputs measuring time spent high and low as well as duty cycle
• up to 3 pairs Line-to-Line Inputs measuring the time between edges on 2 different lines
• up to 8 High-Speed Counters
• up to 16 Software Counters with debounce capabilities
• up to 8 Pairs of Quadrature Inputs

Many of these DIO Extended Features share pins and cannot be used at the same time. See the DIO Extended Features section of the T8's datasheet

• 8 Fully Isolated, differential Analog Inputs built in
• 1kV channel-to-channel and channel-to-ground isolation
• 24-bit high-speed ADC (up to 40,000 samples per second per channel) (Appendix A-1)
• Simultaneous, independent ADC per channel
• Software Configurable Resolution Settings
• Voltage Ranges: ±11V, ±9.7V, ±4.8V, ±2.4V,±1.2V, ±0.6V, ±0.3V, ±0.15V,±0.075V, ±0.036V, and ±0.018V (Appendix A-3-3)
• All analog input features are software programmable by configuring the Analog Input Registers
• High speed sampling configurable by using Stream Mode. Speeds up to 40kS/s/Ch
• Low Latency Sampling and Control (less than 1ms) is made easy with Command-Response Modbus messages
• Easy integration with sensors like thermocouples, load cells, bridges, and more Explore LabJack's Sensor App-Notes

Free Example Application Software:

Includes various example applications, including LJlogger and LJscope. LJlogger provides datalogger type functionality. It reads all inputs, controls all outputs, writes real time data to disk, and sends email when events are triggered. LJscope is a simple virtual oscilloscope program. This software is free and can be downloaded from the U12 Library page for evaluation.

Free Driver Software:

Drivers are provided as a DLL which can be called from most programming languages. Also included are an ActiveX wrapper and LabVIEW VIs which call all the functions in the DLL. Most driver functions have a demo input, so applications can be developed and tested without hardware.

Includes Everything for Out-of-the-Box Operation:

Everything needed (software, screwdriver, and USB cable) is included with the LabJack U12. Installation is very simple and takes just a few minutes:

1. Connect to the USB port on a PC running Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Vista/7/8 using the included cable. The low-level drivers, which come with Windows, will be installed automatically.
2. Run the LabJack installation program to install the high-level drivers and example applications.

Optional Accessories

The LabJack U12 comes complete, but we do offer a few optional accessories.

The CB25 provides screw-terminal connections and short-circuit/overvoltage protection for the 16 I/O which are accessed through the DB25 connector.

The RB16 provides sockets for industry standard miniature I/O modules (solid state relays).

The EI-1022 is an inexpensive and easy to use temperature probe.

The EI-1040 is a single-supply dual instrumentation amp that provides high impedance and high gain.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Everything we sell has a 30-day money back guarantee. If, for any reason, you are not satisfied with a product, contact us to arrange your choice of a refund or replacement. In addition, the LabJack U12 is covered by a 1-year limited warranty.

Technical Support

All LabJacks include lifetime technical support. Support resources include forum, FAQs, email, and telephone.

Drivers and Examples:

The U12 Quickstart page describes software options. LabJack provides drivers for the three major operating systems, and examples for most common programming languages.

Basics: Individual digital I/O lines can be set to digital input or digital output. DIO is a generic name used for all digital I/O.

Common Uses: For wiring information on open-collector signals, driven signals, controlling relays, and mechanical switches, see the Digital I/O (App Note).

How to read and write DIO: See 3.0 Communication for communication basics. Also, LabJack Kipling's Dashboard tab shows live DIO values.

DIO Extended Features: T-series DIO Extended Features expose more complicated features such as:

• Timers, Counters, PWM, Quadrature Input, and more.

Digital Communication Protocols: T-series DIO lines can also be used to communicate with a large number of sensors that require the use of various digital communication protocols. The T-series devices implement the following protocols:

• I2C - Also reference the I2C Lua Library and Lua I2C Sensor examples.
• SPI
• SBUS
• 1-Wire
• Asynchronous Serial (UART)

• 2 analog outputs (16-bit, 0-10V)
• Waveform generation via Stream Out
• Source Impedance/Load Current compensated up to 20mA
• Vout Min -0.0 Vout Max 10.0

The DACs on the T8 use additional power systems to output voltage levels above and below the supply. This allows the T8 to output approximately -0.1 to 10 V as long as the supply voltage is within the valid operating range.

The DACs on the T8 have good load regulation. Very little voltage drop is expected up to 20mA, usually 1-2 mV.

See Appendix A-4 for more information.

High Voltage Analog Inputs

Flexible I/O:

Digital I/O:

Analog Outputs:

Timers:

Counters: