A new USB-based modular data acquisition system, designated NI CompactDAQ, is a new platform suitable for sensor and electrical measurements on the benchtop, in the field, and on the production line. The system offers an eight-slot chassis that accepts I/O modules capable of measuring up to 256 channels of electrical, physical, mechanical, and acoustic signals in a single system. By combining the plug-and-play simplicity of USB with the performance and flexibility of modular instrumentation, NI CompactDAQ provides fast and accurate measurements in a small, simple, and affordable system. The system delivers connectivity and signal conditioning for measurements including voltage, temperature, strain, sound, and vibration, as well as digital I/O and switching. All modules are hot-swappable and autodetectable for simplified setup.