How to Integrate Validyne Pressure Sensors With NI, LabVIEW & Dewesoft

Many pressure measurement applications rely on software ecosystems like NI LabVIEW, NI DAQ hardware, or Dewesoft acquisition systems. Validyne VR sensors integrate seamlessly into these environments — but successful integration starts with understanding signal conditioning and proper wiring. This guide covers what you need to know.

Why VR Sensors Require Signal Conditioning

VR transducers operate on AC excitation and output a low-level AC signal. That signal needs to be converted into a usable DC engineering value before it reaches your DAQ system. That’s the job of the signal conditioner.

Validyne offers several options depending on your application:

• CD280 — general purpose, rack-mount
• CD23 — compact, single-channel
• CD15 — high-accuracy laboratory use
• CD379 — multi-channel configurations

All Validyne conditioners provide AC excitation, carrier demodulation, analog output filtering, zero/span adjustments, and a standard DC signal output ready for any DAQ input.

Connecting to NI DAQ Hardware

Wiring

Connect the conditioner’s DC output to any NI analog input channel (AI0, AI1, etc.) with a common ground reference. One important note: the Validyne DC output is single-ended relative to the – output terminal. If you’re wiring into a differential input on your DAQ system, you must tie the Validyne DC – output to signal ground — otherwise you’ll get a floating reference and unreliable readings.

Recommended NI Hardware

• NI USB-6000/6001 for basic single-channel setups
• NI cDAQ modules for multi-channel systems
• NI PXI systems for high-channel-count or aerospace test environments
• Any system accepting ±DC single-ended inputs

LabVIEW Configuration

1. Install NI-DAQmx
2. Create a DAQ Assistant block
3. Select Analog Input → Voltage
4. Set scale and offset based on your Validyne calibration sheet
5. Apply digital filtering as needed for your environment

Connecting to Dewesoft

Dewesoft is a natural fit for Validyne sensors — its fast sampling rates, built-in filtering, graphical visualization tools, and custom math channels make it well-suited for dynamic pressure measurement applications.

Wiring is straightforward: connect the conditioner’s DC analog output to any Dewesoft DC analog input module.

Configuration steps:

1. Set input type to DC Voltage
2. Enter the calibration factor from your Validyne sheet (e.g., mV/psi or psi/V)
3. Add a scaling channel
4. Enable low-pass filtering if you’re operating in a noisy environment

Best Practices for Reliable Integration

Use shielded cable. Shielded cable significantly reduces EMI pickup, especially in test cell environments. Connect cable shields to earth ground — not signal ground.

Keep cable runs short. Longer runs increase resistance and introduce noise. Route cables as directly as possible between conditioner and DAQ input.

Match your diaphragm to your pressure range. A diaphragm that’s too stiff will reduce sensitivity and resolution. One that’s too thin will clip or saturate at your target pressure. When in doubt, consult Validyne’s diaphragm selection guide or contact our engineering team.

Always use a Validyne signal conditioner with Validyne VR sensors. VR sensors are designed around Validyne’s conditioning electronics. Third-party conditioners may not provide the correct excitation frequency or demodulation, leading to inaccurate output or sensor damage.

Integrating Validyne VR pressure sensors with NI DAQ, LabVIEW, or Dewesoft is straightforward when you have the right signal conditioning in place. Whether you’re running a university lab setup or a full aerospace test cell, VR technology delivers stable, accurate pressure data with the modern acquisition systems engineers already rely on.

Have questions about your specific setup?

Our engineering team is available to help you select the right conditioner, choose the correct diaphragm, and get your system configured correctly the first time. [Contact Validyne Engineering →]