At the recent annual NI Connect conference, Emerson announced significant hardware and software enhancements to its portfolio that address the growing complexity in test.
During the opening keynote, the test & measurement business announced the release of NI Nigel AI Advisor for NI LabVIEW and NI TestStand in July 2025. A single intelligence trained across the NI software suite and built on Emerson’s secure cloud network, the NI Nigel AI Advisor can analyze code, offer suggestions for changes, and allow users to ask questions in plain language to surface the correct tools across more than 700 functions.
“For over five decades, we have delivered advanced innovations in test that simplified and redefined what is possible, becoming the gold standard by reducing complexity and delivering long term value,” said Test & Measurement Group President Ritu Favre. “I am more confident than ever that our approach to delivering the most open, flexible, modular platform is essential for moving into the next generation of technology innovation.”
Providing engineers with a wider selection of hardware, the company expanded its robust data acquisition (NI DAQ) portfolio with the introduction of three new solutions: NI FieldDAQ for extreme environments, USB-C NI CompactDAQ chassis for greater flexibility, and a new connector for C Series Modules to make signal connection easier.
Emerson also announced an update to its third-generation NI PXIe-5842 Vector Signal Transceiver (VST3) with a new 4 GHz bandwidth option, and the ability to combine the bandwidth of two VST3s for up to 7 GHz of instantaneous bandwidth via its proprietary spectrum stitching.
Emerson unveiled numerous software enhancements including a broad base version of NI SystemLink, third-party signal source support for NI InstrumentStudio via custom plugins, and many new NI LabVIEW features. These features include improved debugging workflow for wires and probes, support for .NET 8.0 and Python 3.12, better VI comparison, connectivity to Docker containers and more. More than a dozen suggestions from users via the online Ideas Exchange portal were implemented in product updates.
Commitment to global users continues with the launches of an open-source GitHub repository for NI FlexLogger plugins, expansion of its free LabVIEW Community Edition to macOS for university students, and dedicated support for over 80 user groups worldwide.
The conference featured demonstrations of new products, technical expert panel sessions, and a renewed focus on technology innovation that included academic research presentations.
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Emerson Announces Major Updates to Flagship Software at NI Connect
Nigel AI Advisor coming to NI LabVIEW and NI TestStand
- Emerson revealed several software announcements at the NI Connect conference, including its anticipated Nigel AI Advisor for LabVIEW and TestStand.
- Built on Emerson’s secure cloud network, the Nigel AI Advisor can analyze code, offer suggestions for changes, and allow users to ask questions in plain language.
- Able to help find the correct tools across more than 700 functions.
- The new feature will be integrated into LabVIEW and TestStand by July 2025.
- Included into most existing licenses providing significant new functionality at no extra cost.
- Other LabVIEW features announced:
- Improved debugging workflow for wires and probes
- Support for .NET 8.0 and Python 3.12
- Better VI comparison
- Connectivity to Docker containers
- Expansion of its free LabVIEW Community Edition to macOS
- Emerson also announced the upcoming release of a new, broad base version of SystemLink software and third-party hardware support for InstrumentStudio via custom plugins.
“We’ve been working on integrating AI and machine learning into our software for many years now,” said Austin Hill, Section Manager of Test Software at Emerson. “Our users will see a clear difference from general purpose AI assistants due to the test specific expertise with which we have trained the Nigel AI Advisor. We expect to see a step change in productivity for our users from this release, and this is just the beginning – Nigel will just keep getting smarter and better in years to come.”
To learn more about Emerson’s portfolio of NI software, visit ni.com/software.
Emerson Adds to Data Acquisition Portfolio
Rugged and compact options reinforce commitment to precision and reliability
- Emerson announced the expansion of its data acquisition (DAQ) portfolio at the NI Connect conference with three new solutions that enable engineers and technicians to capture critical measurements with superior quality, adaptability and efficiency.
- These additions enhance Emerson’s ability to meet the evolving needs of industries that rely on precise data collection, such as aerospace and automotive testing, and combine durability, ease of use and advanced data processing capabilities.
- NI FieldDAQ is designed for use in extreme environments. Its rugged specifications and IP67-rated waterproof housing make it a necessary tool for engineers who need to capture data outside of the test lab.
- NI CompactDAQ is being upgraded for greater flexibility with the new USB-C standard for streamlined connectivity and is available in three options: 1-slot, 4-slot, and 8-slot, all at a lower price point.
- C Series Modules feature an entirely new connector type named the snap-in-connector to provide easier, tool-free signal connection to Compact DAQ and CompactRIO systems.
“With our DAQ product lines, we’re working with our customers to improve on the features they need the most,” said Brett Burger, Chief Product Marketer at Emerson Test & Measurement. “We’re very excited to get these devices into the hands of engineers and plan to announce even more updates to the portfolio in the coming months.”
Emerson Strengthens Software-Defined Advanced RF Platform
New upgrades double bandwidth and expand measurements
- Emerson unveiled significant hardware and software enhancements to its PXI portfolio at the NI Connect conference, including the 3rd Generation PXIe-5842 Vector Signal Transceiver (VST3), which combines a vector signal generator and vector signal analyzer into a single four-slot PXI Express instrument.
- New features include:
- A new 4 GHz bandwidth option.
- NI’s proprietary spectrum stitching can combine the bandwidth of two VST3s for up to 7 GHz instantaneous bandwidth.
- This update enables challenging use cases such as ultra-wide bandwidth (UWB) research, testing 5G/6G wireless communication, and next-generation radar systems.
- Emerson is also continuing its investment in RF with feature enhancements to 5660 Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) and updates to its RFmx measurement application software for technologies like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 7.
“With this upgrade, advanced RF users can now do wideband signal generation and analysis with a single instrument while also enjoying the flexibility and extensibility of the PXI software-driven platform,” said Sarah LaSelva, Chief Product Marketing Manager at Emerson Test & Measurement.
