Emerson Announces New Increases in Test and Measurement Investments at NI Connect 2025
April 29, 2025
News
FORT WORTH, Texas -- Today at the annual NI Connect conference, Emerson announced hardware and software enhancements to its portfolio that address complexity in test applications.
Emerson's (NI) platform-based approach focuses on data, open software, modular hardware, and ecosystem/community support. The company's foundation of open software, modular designs, and overall flexibility is shown through platform advancements in NI LabVIEW, NI DAQ, NI PXI, and more.
"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 and 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."
Test and Measurement Group President, Ritu Favre
During the opening keynote, the test and measurement business announced the release of NI Nigel AI Advisor for NI LabVIEW and NI TestStand, available by July 2025, and built on Emerson's secure cloud network with new functionality at no additional cost.
With NI TestStand, users can ask Nigel for domain-specific information about TestStand, receive guidance on step settings, and get help with finding functions and examples. Nigel's use in NI LabVIEW is similar, with VI descriptions and guidance.
Designed as 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.
Alejandro Barreto, NI Distinguished Engineer at Emerson, and Asrar Rangwala, NI Principal Engineer at Emerson
NI Nigel AI Advisor (Source: Emerson)
.jpg)
Alejandro Barreto, NI Distinguished Engineer at Emerson, and Asrar Rangwala, NI Principal Engineer at Emerson
NI Nigel AI Advisor (Source: Emerson)
Providing engineers with a wider selection of hardware, the company expanded its robust data acquisition (NI DAQ) portfolio with three new solutions to support precise data collection.
The NI FieldDAQ is designed for remote data capture in extreme environments, with a rugged design and IP67-rated waterproof housing.
Emerson NI FieldDAQ (Source: Emerson)
The USB-C NI CompactDAQ is a flexible chassis for seamless connectivity with three available options: 1-slot, 4-slot, and 8-slot.
Emerson NI USB-C DAQ Lab Desk (Source: Emerson)
For the C Series Modules, there is a new connector type (snap-in connector) designed for easier signal connections with tool-free signal connections to CompactDAQ and CompactRIO systems.
Emerson NI USB-C DAQ Product Photo (Source: Emerson)
Kevin Schultz, CTO at Emerson Test & Measurement, and Michelle Denny, Director of R&D, NI DAQ at Emerson
Emerson also announced an update to its third-generation NI PXIe-5842 Vector Signal Transceiver (VST3) for challenging ultra-wide bandwidth, 5G/6G wireless communication, and next-gen radar systems. The update includes 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.
“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.
Emerson NI PXI RF (Source: Emerson)
Kevin Schultz, CTO at Emerson Test & Measurement, and Sarah LaSelva, Chief Product Marketing Manager of RF & Wireless at Emerson Test and Measurement.
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.
Emerson also announced the upcoming release of a new version of SystemLink software and third-party hardware support for InstrumentStudio via custom plugins.
The conference featured live demonstrations, new products, technical expert panel sessions, and a renewed focus on technology innovation, including academic research presentations.
Tiera Oliver, Assistant Managing Editor for Embedded Computing Design, is responsible for web content edits, product news, and constructing stories. She develops content and constructs ECD podcasts, such as Embedded Insiders. Before working at ECD, Tiera graduated from Northern Arizona University, where she received her B.S. in journalism and political science and worked as a news reporter for the university’s student-led newspaper, The Lumberjack.
