National Instruments's Business Segments

National Instruments Corporation designs, manufactures and sells systems to engineers and scientists that accelerate productivity, innovation and discovery. Our software-centric platform provides integrated software and modular hardware that speeds the development of systems needing measurement and control. We believe our long-term vision and focus on technology supports the success of our customers, employees, suppliers and stockholders.

We are based in Austin, Texas, were incorporated under the laws of the State of Texas in May 1976 and were reincorporated in Delaware in June 1994. In March 1995, we completed an initial public offering of our common stock. Our common stock, $0.01 par value, is quoted on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the trading symbol NATI.

Engineers and scientists use instrumentation to observe, understand, and manage the real-world phenomena, events and processes related to their industries or areas of expertise. Instrumentation systems measure and control electrical signals, such as voltage, current and power, as well as temperature, pressure, speed, flow, volume, torque, and vibration. Common general-purpose instruments include voltmeters, signal generators, oscilloscopes, data loggers, spectrum analyzers, cameras, and temperature and pressure monitors and controllers. Some traditional instruments are also highly application-specific, designed with fixed functionality to measure specific signals for particular vertical industries or applications. Instruments used for industrial automation applications include data loggers, strip chart recorders, programmable logic controllers (“PLCs”), and proprietary turn-key devices or systems designed to automate or control specific vertical applications.

Systems that perform measurement and control can be generally categorized as test, measurement, and embedded systems. Technology is moving at a very fast pace. Engineers and scientists across many industries are experiencing technology convergence, resulting in increased complexity of their systems. This convergence is evidenced in numerous devices such as cars, smartphones, semiconductors and smart factories.

More and more of the functionality of advanced technologies is being defined in software; therefore, system capabilities are rapidly changing. Engineers designing and testing highly complex systems are striving to create monitoring, control, and test systems that can improve at the rapid rate of technologies and take advantage of industry trends in a way that enables them to get their jobs done faster and more efficiently.

NI has been addressing these industry challenges by creating highly productive systems that can access real world phenomena and can be used through the research, design, test, manufacture, and service phases of a wide variety of products and applications. We believe that by making engineers and scientists more productive, our systems can have a great impact on their businesses.

National Instruments Corporation (NI) is a prominent player in the field of test, measurement, and automation solutions. The company provides a broad array of segments, products, and services that cater to various industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, education, and manufacturing. Below is an extensive overview of the key segments, products, and services offered by National Instruments.

Segments

1. Automotive:
- NI delivers solutions for automotive testing and validation, particularly in vehicle dynamics, battery testing, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). This segment is critical for companies focusing on developing efficient and reliable automotive technologies.

2. Aerospace & Defense:
- Solutions tailored for the aerospace and defense industry include high-performance testing environments for radar systems, communication systems, and avionics. These solutions are vital in ensuring compliance with stringent safety and operational standards.

3. Industrial IoT (IIoT):
- NI provides tools and platforms that help industries implement IoT solutions for smarter manufacturing, predictive maintenance, and real-time data analytics. The focus includes integrating sensors, devices, and automation systems to improve operational efficiency.

4. Education:
- NI’s educational initiatives promote hands-on learning experiences in engineering and technical disciplines. Products and services under this segment are designed to provide students and educators with the tools necessary for teaching and learning in laboratory settings.

5. Electronics and Semiconductor:
- NI offers comprehensive solutions for characterizing and testing electronic devices and semiconductor components. This segment is crucial to ensuring that products meet performance specifications and industry standards.

Products

1. Hardware:
- Data Acquisition (DAQ) Devices: These devices are essential for collecting data from sensors and other input sources. NIs DAQ devices facilitate measurements in various applications, from basic lab experiments to complex industrial systems.
- Test and Measurement Equipment: This includes oscilloscopes, multiplexers, and signal generators used across different industries for performance validation and troubleshooting.
- Software-Defined Radios (SDRs): NI’s SDRs provide flexible and reconfigurable platforms for developing a variety of communication systems.

2. Software:
- LabVIEW (Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench): This is an acclaimed graphical programming language used for data acquisition, instrument control, and industrial automation. LabVIEW enables engineers and scientists to create complex measurement and control systems.
- TestStand: A test management software that helps automate the testing process, manage test sequences, and integrate with existing IT and factory automation systems.
- FlexLogger: This software allows engineers to quickly develop test applications without extensive programming, ideal for capturing and logging sensor data from various sources.

3. Embedded Systems:
- NI offers customizable embedded system solutions for applications ranging from autonomous vehicles to industrial automation. These systems combine NI hardware with their embedded software architecture to provide real-time processing capabilities.

Services

1. Consulting Services:
- NI provides expert consulting services to help businesses design and implement measurement and automation systems optimized for their specific operational needs. This includes system architecture design, integration, and technical support.

2. Training and Education:
- The company offers extensive training programs for users of their products, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. This ensures that engineers can maximize the potential of NI tools effectively.

3. Technical Support:
- NI offers comprehensive technical support services, including troubleshooting assistance, software updates, and hardware maintenance to ensure customer satisfaction and system reliability.

4. Community and Collaboration:
- NI maintains active forums and user communities where engineers, educators, and researchers can share expertise, best practices, and innovative solutions. This aspect fosters collaboration and advances technological progress through shared knowledge.

Industry Solutions

National Instruments is also known for its industry-specific solutions that address unique challenges. They create tailored applications for sectors including renewable energy (like wind and solar), healthcare (such as medical device testing), and more.

By offering an extensive suite of segments, products, and services, National Instruments empowers businesses to innovate continuously, ensuring they remain competitive in their respective fields. The combination of advanced hardware, software, and customer-focused services reinforces NI’s role as a leader in the field of engineering and technology.