Collection: LabJack UD Devices

U3-LV (Low Voltage) 0-2.4V or 0-3.6V
U3-HV (High Voltage) 0-10V or -10V-20V
U6 & U6-Pro
UE9 (End of Life 2021)

The U3 is our lowest cost device and great for the most cost sensitive applications where 12-bit analog inputs are adequate. The U6 is in the same family but has a greatly improved analog input system. Both of these devices are supported on Windows by our 2nd generation UD library and on Linux and Mac by our low-level Exodriver.

LabJack U6-Pro

$490

View Product

Price

$260

$550

$1,400

Analog Input Range

Yes

Analog Inputs

Yes

Yes-PoE Compatible

Analog Inputs w/ Mux80

±10V (AIN0-3), 0-2.5V (AIN4-11)

±10V, ±1V, ±0.1V and ±0.01V

±11V, ±9.7V, ±4.8V, ±2.4V,±1.2V, ±0.6V, ±0.3V, ±0.15V,±0.075V, ±0.036V, and ±0.018V

Effective Resolution [1]

12-bit

16-bit

24 bit

Digital I/O

up to 12

Analog Outputs

Unsupported

Analog Outputs w/ LJTDACs [4]

Yes

Counters

Yes

Maximum Sample Rate

50 kSPS

100 kSPS

40 kSPS per ch

USB

1kV

Ethernet

Yes

Built-in WiFi

Up to 16

Modbus TCP

10/2

10/5

16/9

On-board Lua Scripting

2x 10-bit

2x 12-bit

2x 16-bit

Thermocouple Ready [2]

Up to 16

Up to 19

Up to 20

OEM Version

Calibration Service with Cert

Yes

View Details Details

[1] According to actual measured data, see related Noise and Resolution (App Note).
[2] If not thermocouple ready, can purchase an amplifier like the LJTick-InAmp, see related Thermocouples (App Note).
[3] The T4 has 4 high voltage (±10V) analog inputs plus 8 low voltage (0-2.5V) analog inputs. The U3-HV has 4 high voltage (±10V) analog inputs plus 12 low voltage (0-2.4V) analog inputs.
[4] Use LJTick-DACs to add 16-20 analog outputs.

The U12 is an older devices and are not recommended for most new applications. Consider using the T4, T7, U3, or U6.

Data Acquisition Applications

Measuring Temperatures

Applications include thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors (RTDs), thermistors and silicon analog sensors.

A single LabJack can measure up to 84 analog temperature sensors and 20+ digital sensors.

Temperature Sensors (App Note)

Testing Embedded Systems

LabJack data acquisition hardware can be used for countless applications including automated testing and validation of a wide array of electronic components and systems.

LabJack offers a good mix of I/O capability, software flexibility, and performance, all at a cost which makes it possible to instantiate several copies of the system without breaking the bank.

Read Case Study

Reading Encoders

LabJack will read all major types of encoders including absolute, incremental and rotary. Our encoder app note features a general overview on different types of encoders, how to properly wire them to a LabJack, and different ways to read and record data from encoders.

DAQ with LabJack

Controlling Motors

LabJack devices can be used to control various types of motors, including stepper motors and PID controllers. In addition, LabJack devices can output PWM signals for accurate duty cycle control, voltage regulation and motor speed control for maximum torque at low speeds.

Stepper Motor (App Note)

Relay Control

Being able to control relays offers an easy way to add safety shut-offs in high voltage/power applications.

LabJack devices have 5 different relay control options:

One LabJack customer used a LabJack to help charge his Tesla with Bitcoin payments

Relay Control (App Note)

Precision Weights & Measures

Strain guages, load cells and pressure sensors are all challenging to take quality measurements with.

Since raw bridge circuits produce very small voltages and are inherently differential, they will typically need to be amplified to get useful readings.

The LabJack U6 and T7 & T8 series of devices can acquire small differential bridge signals directly.

Bridge Circuits (App Note)

Automotive Dynomometers

LabJack hardware is used by automotive engineers and technicians around the world to collect data and tune engine performance

Torque sensors combined with rotarty encoders can help calculate horsepower

DAQ Device FAQs

New to Data Acquisition (DAQ)? Not Sure Where to Start?

Talk to an experienced LabJack staff member or engineer at a mutually convenient time. Or try chatting online right now! Our engineers provide real-time live chat Monday-Friday between 9AM-11AM and 2PM-4PM Mountain Time. Click the chat bar in the bottom right of any page. Not online? Email Support@LabJack.com or call us at +1(303)942-0228

Optional Accessories:

The CB15 is a simple screw terminal breakout for the DB15 connector.

The CB37 is a simple screw terminal breakout board for the DB37 connector. It only works with the U6 and T7 devices and can also be paired with the Mux80 for high channel application up to 84 AINs.

The Mux80 is an Analog Input Expansion board for the T7 and U6. Connected directly to the DB37 connector is can allow a single device to read up to 84 AINs.

The RB12 Relay Board provides a convenient interface for the LabJack to industry standard relays to interface a LabJack with high voltages/currents. The RB12 relay board connects to the DB15 connector on the LabJack. Output or input

The LJTick-Divider (LJTD) signal-conditioning module is designed to divide 2 single-ended higher voltage analog signals down to 0-2.5 volt signals.

The 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 device to add 20 analog outputs.

The LJTick-InAmp (LJTIA) signal-conditioning module 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.

The LJTick-RelayDriver (LJTRD) allows 2 digital I/O lines to each control a relay or other moderate load up to 50V/200mA.

The LJTick-CurrentShunt (LJTCS) signal-conditioning module is designed to convert a 4-20 mA current loop input signal into a 0.47-2.36 volt signal.

The LJTick-Proto (LJTP) consists of an 8x8 grid of holes for prototyping custom signal-conditioning modules.

Drawings, Dimensions, 3D Models, CAD Models

LabJack enclosure and OEM drawings and models are provided in several neutral file formats. Please see the links below to navigate to the correct LabJack.

DAQ Definition: What Is A DAQ System?

DAQ is short for data acquisition which is short for data acquisition and control. The term describes the process of acquiring readings from sensors and transducers (temperature, pressure, strain, etc.), and controlling actuators (relays, solenoids, etc.). In our case the emphasis is on computer-based DAQ, where the LabJack is the interface that allows a computer to read from sensors and control actuators.

What is an analog input? (AI, AIN, ADC)

AI or AIN = Analog Input
ADC = Analog to Digital Converter

An analog input converts a voltage level into a digital value that can be stored and processed in a computer. Why would you want to measure voltages? There are a multitude of sensors available which convert things like temperature, pressure, etc. into voltages. The voltages can then be easily measured by various kinds of hardware, such as a LabJack U3-HV, and then read into a computer. The computer can then convert the voltage value into it's original type (temperature, pressure, etc) and the value can then be stored in a file, emailed to someone, or used to control something else outside of the computer.

Example:

Example

Get temperature from a sensor using an analog input.

Wire the output of the analog temperature sensor to a U3-HV as shown.
Read the voltage on the computer to know the current temperature.
This particular sensor outputs 0.01 volts per °F, so 0.76V corresponds with 76°F.

Explore LabJack's Analog Input App Note