How to Create Global Virtual Channel in NI-MAX

Updated May 25, 2026

Environment

Hardware

  • DAQ (Legacy)

Software

  • Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX)

Driver

  • NI-DAQmx

I want to create a Global Virtual Channel in NI-MAX, how can I do it?

virtual channel is a collection of settings such as a name, a physical channel, input terminal connections, the type of measurement or generation, and can include scaling information. A virtual channel created outside a task is a Global Virtual Channel. For detailed definitions and example codes, refer to Creating a Virtual Channel in NI-DAQmx and Using it in LabVIEW

 

Steps to create a Global Virtual Channel in NI MAX

 

  • Open Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) from your programs.
  • Right-click on Data Neighborhood and select Create New.
  • Choose NI-DAQmx Global Virtual Channel to open the wizard.
  • Follow the prompts to configure the channel:
    • Select an I/O type (e.g., analog input). 
    • Choose the measurement or generation to perform. 
    • Select the applicable sensor for that measurement. 
    • Choose the physical channel from which to create the global virtual channel. 
    • Name your new global virtual channel. 
    • Configure any additional settings as necessary. 
  • Save your configuration.
  • Optionally, verify your data in the window that opens after saving.