ni.com

6 Introducing Industry’s First PXI Vector Network Analyzer

8 Simple, Complete Ethernet Data Acquisition

10 Improved Real-Time Testing with NI VeriStand 2010

11 DIAdem 2010 Reduces Time Between Acquiring Data and Making Decisions

12 New Expansion Options for NI RIO and High-Channel-Count C Series Applications

15 You Asked for It: Community-Driven Features in LabVIEW 2010

16 Special Focus: Top Technologies in LabVIEW 2010

18 LabVIEW 2010 and NI RIO – More Connected Than Ever

20 Real-Time Digital Filter Design with PXI and LabVIEW

22 X Series Multifunction DAQ Now on USB

26 The LabVIEW Compiler – Under the Hood

28 Engineering the Human Anatomy – How Software Programmers Are Enhancing Medical Device Design

The Worldwide Publication for Measurement and Automation l Third Quarter 2010

InstrumentationNewsletter

page 3

Inside NI

InstrumentationNewsletter

Instrumentation Newsletter is published quarterly by National Instruments Corporation, 11500 N Mopac Expwy, Austin, TX 78759-3504 USA.

©2010 National Instruments. All rights reserved. ActiveMath, AutoCode, BioBench, BridgeVIEW, Citadel, CompactRIO, Crashbase, CVI, DAQCard, DAQ Designer, DAQPad, DAQ-STC, DASYLab, DIAdem, DIAdem CLIP, DIAdem-INSIGHT, DocumentIt!, Electronics Workbench, FieldPoint, Flex ADC, FlexDMM, FlexFrame, FlexMotion, HiQ, HS488, IMAQ, Instrumentation Newsletter, Instrupedia, LabVIEW, LabVIEW Player, Lookout, MANTIS, MATRIXx, Measure, Measurement Ready, Measurement Studio, MITE, Multisim, MXI, NAT4882, NAT7210, NAT9914, National Instruments, National Instruments Alliance Partner, NI, NI-488, ni.com, NI CompactDAQ, NI Developer Suite, NI FlexRIO, NI-Motion, NI Motion Assistant, NI SoftMotion, NI TestStand, NI VeriStand, NIWeek, RIDE, RTSI, SCXI, Sensors Plug&Play, SignalExpress, SystemBuild, The Software is the Instrument, The Virtual Instrumentation Company, TNT4882, TNT4882C, Turbo488, Ultiboard, VAB, VirtualBench, VXIpc, and Xmath are trademarks of National Instruments. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Other product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.

A National Instruments Alliance Partner is a business entity independent from National Instruments and has no agency, partnership, or joint-venture relationship with National Instruments.

Volume 22, Number 3 Third Quarter 2010

Time is a fundamental concept that we are all familiar with, and as engineers, we often talk explicitly about time and its effects. We constantly hear phrases such as “time to market,” “development time,” “production time,” “processing time,” “cycle time,” and many others. But if you simplified all these phrases, it often comes down to what Ben Franklin pointed out long ago: “Time is money.”

At National Instruments, we put a significant amount of focus on a very important aspect of time: your time. Consider five fundamental ways in which we approach time.

Getting Started and Configuration TimeWe know that you do not want to spend most of your time setting up and configuring our products, so we continue to look for ways to improve the initial setup and ongoing maintenance and configuration of our products. In addition to these development efforts, we provide a wide variety of options to work smarter – not harder – through training, which many of you have found to be a valuable time investment.

Development TimeWhether you are developing applications for automated test or embedded control, you need tools that help you rapidly design, prototype, and deploy your full systems. The fundamental premise of graphical programming is exactly this, and we believe it is one of the reasons that customers have so widely adopted NI LabVIEW software throughout the years.

Execution TimeOnce you develop your system, you need to ensure that its execution or performance meets or exceeds the requirements of your application. Our software-based approach demonstrates significant benefits by taking advantage of the rapid computational performance improvements with multicore processors and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

Our Focus on Your Time

– John Graff john.graff@ni.com

John Graff has been with National Instruments since 1987 and is the vice president of marketing and customer operations. He received a bachelor‘s degree in electrical engineering from The University of Texas at Austin.

Executive Editor John GraffEditor in Chief Andria ElliottManaging Editor Jenn Giles Associate Editors Jontel Moran, Brittany WilsonContributing Editors Johanna Gilmore, Maegan Quejada

Creative Manager Joe SilvaArt Director Adam HampshireProject Manager Pamela MapuaIllustrator Justin OwensPrint Production Art Manager Laura Thompson

Production Artists Fatos Shita, Justin OwensPhoto Editors Nicole Kinbarovsky, Allie VerlanderImage Coordinator Kathy BrownProduction Specialists Richard Buerger, Robert BurnetteCirculation Coordinator Joseph McDonald, Emily Sorenson

Time in the LanguageMost of you have I/O-based applications in which timing – both visibility into timing concepts and meeting timing constraints and targets – is crucial. This is another area in which LabVIEW is unique – “time” is actually built into the graphical programming environment as a first-class citizen. The ability to integrate and trigger on time-based events is a part of every relevant function from programming structures, such as Timed Loop constructs, to signal processing and math.

System TimingA final – and critical – aspect in many systems is the need for timing and synchronization between various components. In both NI hardware and software, we provide a variety of approaches to address specific timing constraints, from different processors in the same machine to globally synchronized distributed systems.

Time is an essential part of your success, and at NI, we value the need to find ways to help you make the best use of the time available to you. As Ben Franklin also pointed out, “Lost time is never found again.”

Figure 1. LabVIEW 2010 delivers up to 20 percent run-time improvement compared to LabVIEW 2009.

0% 50% 100% 150% 200%

Run-Time Performance Improvement in LabVIEW 2010 versus LabVIEW 2009

Complex MathBlack Scholes PDE Solver

Data AcquisitionDigital and Analog Waveform Reads

Real-Time Math (NI PXI-8196)LabVIEW MathScript Heat Equation

Bit ManipulationUnpackBits

Real-Time Control (NI cRIO-9022)Advanced PID

Real-Time Control (NI cRIO-9022)Single-Channel PID

Parallel For LoopMandelbrot

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Time is important whether you need to acquire data faster, accurately represent real-world signals in software, synchronize remote systems, or simply finish your job faster. NI LabVIEW software is uniquely helpful in both saving you time and representing time with the G programming language. The graphical approach makes you more productive by focusing on data and the operations performed on that data and by abstracting much of the administrative complexity of computer programming such as memory allocation and language syntax. LabVIEW also contains advanced timing mechanisms and APIs to define timing constraints and relationships between hardware and software.

National Instruments has prioritized key LabVIEW 2010 features that are all about time. The latest version is a platform-wide software update with new features driven directly by customer requests, new field-programmable gate array (FPGA) intellectual property (IP) blocks, enhanced timing and synchronization capabilities, and an improved back-end compiler that generates optimized machine code, providing up to 20 percent faster run-time execution.

The LabVIEW CompilerThe LabVIEW compiler is a key technology that drives the productivity you receive from abstraction. It handles tasks such as memory allocation and thread management while providing edit-time feedback when you cannot execute block diagram code. Ultimately, the sophisticated set of

Cover

LabVIEW 2010 – It’s About TimeFor engineers, time is a valuable commodity in every way.

compilation and optimization passes takes your high-level design and renders efficient machine code.

Over the years, the compiler has become smarter and more optimized, adding inplaceness, type propagation, clumping algorithms, virtual registers, textbook compiler optimizations, and many other smart processes from the NI compile developers’ think tank. Whether it is a new feature, bug fix, or compiler enhancement, each evolution has resulted in an updated compiler that affects how your code performs. One of the primary focuses for the 2010 release was VI run-time performance – that is, improving how quickly your VI executes without any changes to the code itself.

Optimizing Your Code for Run-Time Performance – NI developers have introduced two “layers” into the compiler hierarchy to improve how quickly your code executes – without requiring any changes from you. LabVIEW 2009 introduced the dataflow intermediate representation (DFIR), a high-level framework for transformations that happen on a dataflow graph generated from your block diagram. LabVIEW 2010 adds a Low-Level Virtual Machine (LLVM)-based back end, allowing a new suite of standard compiler optimizations. DFIR and LLVM work in tandem to provide high- and low-level intermediate representations that the compiler can use to decompose and optimize LabVIEW code. Having intermediate representations means the compiler optimizations do not affect the actual block diagram, but generate optimized machine code,

providing up to 20 percent faster run-time execution for your applications in LabVIEW 2010. See pages 26 and 27 for more information on the LabVIEW compiler.

Easing Pain Points for Large Application Development – LabVIEW 2010 includes new features that assist you with large applications by helping manage your source code and develop more modular software architectures. LabVIEW 2010 can improve developer workflow by separating the compiled objects from the actual source code that you write in LabVIEW. With this new setting turned on, a VI does not show up as modified after being recompiled, which eliminates the need to resave and resubmit files to source code control, unless you have changed the graphical source.

4 Q3 2010

The new packed project library offers a more modular software design and development process, shorter build times, and easier deployment. LabVIEW packed project libraries are a new LabVIEW file type that combines a project library and all of its referenced VIs into a single file. The exported VIs contained within this file behave like other VIs saved without block diagrams, but their hierarchy is completely hidden. They are created via a build specification in which an existing .lvlib file is selected to define which VIs are being incorporated into the packed project library and which VIs are public/exported.

Community-Driven FeaturesThe LabVIEW community has a profound effect on how successful you can be with LabVIEW. Members provide support to others in the NI Discussion Forums (ni.com/forums), upload example code to the NI Developer Zone Community (ni.com/community), and/or lead user groups. Additionally, the LabVIEW community has made a decisive impact on LabVIEW 2010.

LabVIEW Idea Exchange – In August 2009, National Instruments announced the LabVIEW Idea Exchange, a product feedback forum designed to help prioritize new features for each release by connecting the LabVIEW community with the LabVIEW development team. LabVIEW 2010 includes 14 of these features, implemented directly from community members’ feedback. See page 15 for more information on some of these new community-driven features.

Top Support Issues – The community also provides feedback through the support issues that NI engineers handle daily. National Instruments has seen that getting systems set up correctly is the first – and, oftentimes, most daunting – challenge. LabVIEW 2010 introduces an improved installer that prompts you to enter your serial numbers first and then uses that information to determine which software you should install. Once you have properly installed the software, locating palette

items, help topics, or examples can be challenging. NI developers integrated a comprehensive searching technology into the LabVIEW 2010 integrated development environment (IDE) that helps you easily locate this information. You can choose among the search locations, which include the in-product help, palettes, support forums, community entries, or product information.

Because LabVIEW is most often used in combination with hardware, the top support issue for distributed hardware is configuration. You can install the new Web-Based Monitoring and Configuration utility on a distributed device and receive router-like access for configuring your device directly through a browser. You also can monitor security and memory information, file browsers, and interact with the real-time OS directly.

Partner Add-Ons for LabVIEW – LabVIEW 2010 introduces numerous enhancements to strengthen the building and distributing of third-party add-on products. For code development, you now have access to LabVIEW Scripting, an API that automates the creation of LabVIEW code. Additionally, licensing and activation help developers create evaluation software and ensure authorized use of add-on toolkits and applications built with LabVIEW. For packaging an add-on, the VI Package Manager from JKI Software provides a streamlined build process and is tightly integrated with the licensing/activation feature. See page 21 for more information about add-ons.

Open FPGA IP Integration – The new IP Integration Node in the LabVIEW FPGA Module directly supports .xco files from the Xilinx Core Generator design tool. Much like the DLL import node for processor-based systems, Xilinx IP can be imported easily into LabVIEW FPGA. The new node also creates a behavioral model for the IP block, so you can simulate the block on the desktop along with the rest of the LabVIEW FPGA code. Although there are special mechanisms to accept Xilinx Core Generator IP, they can also accept any general HDL with all the same features. A new NI Labs (ni.com/labs) entry for Xilinx IP takes this concept a step further with more integration of Xilinx IP into LabVIEW FPGA.

Inherent Timing and SynchronizationMost computer applications must satisfy timing constraints determined by the requirements of the physical system with which they interact. It can be difficult to write a program with timing constraints if the environment you are using does not explicitly have a concept of time. Fortunately, LabVIEW has many mechanisms to uniquely deal with time. The Timed Loop structure, for instance, is a well-defined API for specifying timing constraints in your application. In addition, you can use the Timed Loop to configure priority, processor affinity, and timing sources. You can synchronize multiple Timed Loops to each other within a single system or as part of a distributed real-time system. LabVIEW 2010 introduces a new time-based synchronization technique to further extend the capabilities of LabVIEW programs to synchronize across wide areas on different Figure 2. The Web-Based Monitoring and Configuration utility

simplifies remote hardware management.

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LabVIEW Real-Time targets over standard Ethernet LabVIEW 2010 has incorporated the software IEEE 1588 implementation as an additional timing source for Timed Loops, providing an absolute time within a millisecond resolution. Additionally, LabVIEW 2010 introduces a new internal mechanism to control the timing primitives and functionality, helping you scale across multiple timing resolutions. By using the Timed Loop, you can keep the same programming paradigm to develop code that scales from milliseconds on a desktop processor to nanoseconds on an FPGA backplane.

It’s Time for LabVIEW 2010LabVIEW 2010 tackles top technical support issues with streamlined software installation, Web-based hardware configuration, and in-product searching while incorporating direct user feedback and taking advantage of partnerships to make your programming life richer. Additionally, LabVIEW 2010 features an improved back-end compiler that generates optimized machine code, providing up to 20 percent faster run-time execution. With inherent timing mechanisms and simplified hardware synchronization technologies, LabVIEW 2010 improves your productivity whether you are a first-time user or long-time expert.

– Jeffrey Phillips jeffrey.phillips@ni.com

Jeffrey Phillips is a product manager for LabVIEW at National Instruments. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from The University of Tennessee.

– Joseph DiGiovanni joseph.digiovanni@ni.com

Joseph DiGiovanni is a group manager for LabVIEW at National Instruments. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from Boston University and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.

To learn more about LabVIEW 2010, visit ni.com/labview/whatsnew.

Tim

e Sc

ale

FlexibilityMilliseconds

Nanoseconds

Microseconds

Backplane Timing

Software-Programmed FPGAs

I/O Synchronized with a Global Clock

Timed Loops

Software Constructs – FIFOs/Queues

Software-Structured Data Flow

Figure 4. The LabVIEW platform scales across many resolution levels to provide inherent control for both software and hardware timing and synchronization.

Figure 3. You can import Xilinx Core Generator digital signal processing IP into the LabVIEW 2010 development environment.

6 Q3 2010

Introducing Industry’s First PXIVector Network AnalyzerAdd vector network analysis to your automated design validation and production test systems with new PXI Express RF instrumentation.

Since the introduction of its first RF vector signal analyzer (VSA) in 2002, NI has continued to deliver fast, flexible, and accurate PXI instruments at a fraction of the cost of traditional box instruments. Today, the NI RF product portfolio has grown to include multichannel RF signal generators and analyzers, USB power meters, PXI RF conditioning modules, and numerous software toolkits that support the growing number of unique wireless standards.

This year, NI adds a new product family to the PXI RF portfolio with the NI PXIe-5630 vector network analyzer (VNA). Shown in Figure 1, the NI PXIe-5630 is a 6 GHz, two-port VNA with support for vector measurements of transmission and reflection (T/R) coefficients, also represented as the forward S-parameters S11 and S21. The 10 MHz to 6 GHz frequency range, a wide dynamic range of more than 110 dB, and sweep speeds of less than 400 μs/point over 3,201 points, make the new VNA ideally suited for automated design validation and production test. In addition, with the flexible architecture and small footprint of the NI PXIe-5630 VNA, you can incorporate vector network analysis into your design validation and production line test systems without incurring the high costs and large footprints of traditional VNAs. The strengths of the PXI platform combined with the flexible NI LabVIEW API, which is optimized for multicore processing, facilitate parallel test of multiple RF components.

RF Component Characterization Requires a Unique InstrumentThe demand for higher wireless data rates without compromise to power consumption or occupied bandwidth requires that special attention is paid to RF component design, characterization, and end-of-line testing. Complex modulation schemes that rely heavily on the successful detection of subtle variations of the magnitude and phase of an RF signal create stringent requirements on each component in the signal chain, from baseband to RF.

One of the most common functions of a VNA is to quantify the impedance mismatch between two components. Each time an RF signal leaves one component and enters another, a portion of that signal is reflected back. Consider when you look out a window. While most of the light passes through the window to make you visible to those outside, you can typically see your reflection in the window as a portion of that light is reflected back toward you. In an RF system, this reflection translates to power lost and can result in higher power consumption, unwanted heat, and distortion.

To fully characterize the signal path through the device under test (DUT), three signals must be measured: the incident signal, the reflected signal, and the transmitted signal. Figure 2 illustrates the basic design of a VNA that makes these accurate measurements possible. A signal generator is connected to the DUT through Port 1. Directional couplers give Receiver R the ability to measure only the reference or incident signal. They also provide Receiver A with the ability to measure only the reflected signal. Receiver B then measures the transmitted signal to

Figure 1. The 6 GHz NI PXIe-5630 VNA is an industry first for PXI.

Feature

Vector Network Analyzer (VNA)

R

B

1 2

A

DUT

Figure 2. The unique design of a VNA makes highly accurate RF measurements possible.

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produce the common VNA measurements of insertion loss, return loss, voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), and group delay.

Select the Right Tool for the JobNo single RF instrument can be used to fully characterize a wireless system. Wireless devices comprise linear and nonlinear components and each component must be correctly characterized to understand its contribution to overall system performance. A linear component, or a component operating within its linear range, does not introduce any additional frequency components to the RF signal. Although a linear component affects both magnitude and phase, any frequency component introduced at the input appears at the same frequency at the output. Examples of typically linear components are filters and transmission lines. Nonlinear components, on the other hand, are components that change the frequency behavior of a signal. Although the input signal may be a single tone, the output signal of a nonlinear device could contain distortion in the form of harmonics or other spurs. Common components that introduce nonlinear behavior are power amplifiers and mixers.

VSAs and vector signal generators (VSGs), such as the NI PXIe-5663E and NI PXIe-5673E, are exceptional instruments for making nonlinear measurements, such as calculating the 1 dB compression point of an amplifier or identifying unwanted harmonics in a mixer. However, for making linear measurements, such as the reflection and transmission coefficients of a filter, or characterizing highly accurate phase and magnitude behavior over the frequency range of interest, a VNA, such as the NI PXIe-5630, is the more suitable instrument. Table 1 shows the recommended PXI RF instrument for a number of common linear and nonlinear measurements.

Perform Parallel and Flexible VNA Test with LabVIEW and PXIThe NI PXIe-5630 VNA provides impressive value and flexibility in a small form factor. With a mature feature set, including automatic precision calibration, full vector analysis, and reference plane extensions, it offers an ideal vector network analysis solution for your validation and production operations without the tradeoffs of high cost and large footprints associated with a traditional benchtop VNA. With the flexible LabVIEW API, you can perform true parallel testing using a single controller with multiple VNAs for multisite test operations. In addition, with the open PXI platform, you can seamlessly integrate additional RF or mixed-signal I/O instruments into your test system.

With this first addition to a new NI RF class of instrumentation, National Instruments continues to deliver new functionality to the PXI modular instruments platform for you to incorporate into design validation and production line testers to keep pace with the demanding performance requirements of the latest RF components.

– David Broadbent david.broadbent@ni.com

David Broadbent is a product manager for RF and wireless test at National Instruments. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from Brigham Young University.

To learn more about the NI PXIe-5630 VNA, visit ni.com/vna.

Table 1. Choose the appropriate PXI RF instrument for common linear and nonlinear RF measurements.

NI PXIe-5630Vector Network Analyzer

NI PXIe-5663EVector Signal Analyzer

Insertion Loss üReflection Coefficient üVoltage Standing Wave Ratio üThird-Order Intercept üError Vector Magnitude üS-Parameters üGroup Delay ü1 dB Compression Point üHarmonic Distortion ü

The NI USB-5681 is a true RMS RF power meter with a wide 60 dB dynamic range extending to +20 dBm over the full 10 MHz to 18 GHz frequency range. It has scope and time slot modes to measure burst waveforms such as WiMAX and LTE and multislot waveforms such as GSM and EDGE.

To view specifications and pricing for the USB-5681, visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0301.

NI USB-5681 18 GHz Power Meter

8 Q3 2010

Feature

Simple, Complete Ethernet Data AcquisitionSince 2006, NI CompactDAQ has continued to simplify measurement applications on the benchtop, in the field, and on the production line – without compromising on system performance or flexibility.

With the new NI cDAQ-9188 Gigabit Ethernet chassis, NI CompactDAQ extends the reach of PC-based data acquisition to remote sensor and electrical measurements – from across the lab to around the world.

Designed for performance, a single NI CompactDAQ chassis can measure up to 256 channels of electrical, physical, mechanical, or acoustic signals. By combining more than 50 sensor- specific NI C Series I/O modules with patented NI Signal Streaming technology, the NI CompactDAQ platform delivers high-speed data and ease of use in a flexible, mixed-measurement system.

Long-Distance Data AcquisitionThe convenience and reliability of Ethernet technology is as familiar to most as USB. For data acquisition, however, Ethernet offers two advantages: long cabling lengths and distributed infrastructure. Ethernet is ideal for taking measurements at distances beyond the 5 m limit of a USB cable. A single CAT 5E cable can reach 100 m before needing a switch or router to carry the signal farther. Furthermore, many IT departments have standardized on Gigabit Ethernet (IEEE 802.3ab) as the backbone for their corporate networks. With NI CompactDAQ, you can take advantage of that existing infrastructure and additional network bandwidth for your remote or distributed measurement applications. One host computer can manage multiple test stations within the same facility or across various sites.

More Than 50 C Series ModulesBecause few applications require a homogeneous set of I/O channels, NI CompactDAQ is designed as a mixed-measurement system capable of integrating multiple signal types into a single chassis. Each C Series module combines sensor connectivity, signal conditioning, and ADCs into

a small 2.8 by 3.5 in. package. With more than 50 different C Series I/O modules and eight slots to fill per chassis, you can tailor each NI CompactDAQ system to the unique needs of your application. Also, with advanced NI-STC3 timing and synchronization technology, NI CompactDAQ can manage up to seven separate timing engines for multiple analog, digital, and counter I/O measurement

Figure 1. The NI cDAQ-9188 Gigabit Ethernet chassis expands the NI CompactDAQ platform to remote or distributed measurement applications.

The NI 9223 simultaneous analog input C Series module can acquire data from four channels at up to 1 MS/s with 16-bit resolution. At 10 times the sampling rate of the NI 9215 simultaneous input module, the NI 9223 expands the capability of the C Series hardware family with a new high-speed option for NI CompactDAQ and CompactRIO measurement and control systems.

To view specifications and pricing for the NI 9223 and other simultaneous sampling C Series modules, visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0303.

New Megasample NI C Series Module

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tasks. For example, you can install a 16-channel thermocouple module next to a four-channel accelerometer module and acquire from both simultaneously at different rates.

NI Signal Streaming TechnologyTo take advantage of the 1,000 Mbits/s of bandwidth on a Gigabit Ethernet network, NI CompactDAQ chassis implement a TCP/IP version of the same patented NI Signal Streaming technology found on high-performance NI USB data acquisition (DAQ) products. With this technology, new high-speed C Series modules, such as the NI 9223, can continuously acquire up to 1 MS/s of simultaneous 16-bit data on each of four channels. Using a sophisticated software architecture, NI-DAQmx driver software maintains a double-buffered transfer mechanism between the chassis and host computer capable of sustaining several bidirectional continuous waveforms. At the same time, the driver monitors the state of the network to adjust for unexpected delays or temporary interruptions. All of this is abstracted from the user, so you can focus on the measurement application and not the network.

Zero Configuration NetworkingThe process of network configuration and administration requires experience. To make networking technology more accessible to the non- IT professional, NI CompactDAQ uses the Zero Configuration Networking (Zeroconf) collection of standards. With Zeroconf technology, you can plug an NI CompactDAQ system directly into your computer or local subnet, and it appears automatically in NI Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) without any network setup or configuration. In addition, you can use the new Web-Based Monitoring and Configuration utility built into the NI cDAQ-9188 to manage your system through a Web browser without installing any software on your host machine.

Software FlexibilityRecognizing the diversity of measurement applications, NI approaches programmatic data acquisition independent of specific PC bus technologies. You can use the same NI-DAQmx driver software to communicate with DAQ hardware across PCI, PCI Express, PXI, PXI Express, USB, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. You can use an application developed for an NI CompactDAQ USB system with an NI CompactDAQ Ethernet system without making any changes to your software. Furthermore, the NI-DAQmx API is consistent across multiple programming platforms, so you can develop an application for NI CompactDAQ in NI LabVIEW, ANSI C/C++, C#, or Microsoft Visual Basic .NET.

By combining the power of NI hardware technologies and the flexibility of NI-DAQmx driver software, the NI CompactDAQ platform can help you collect simple experimental data on the benchtop or deploy a distributed test system across the factory floor.

– Charlie Stiernberg charlie.stiernberg@ni.com

Charlie Stiernberg is the product manager for wireless and Ethernet data acquisition at National Instruments. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from The University of Texas at Austin.

To view an out-of-box video demonstration of an NI CompactDAQ Ethernet system, visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0302.

Figure 3. With an embedded Web server on the NI cDAQ-9188 chassis, you can remotely configure your NI CompactDAQ system from a Web browser.

Figure 2. You can choose from more than 50 C Series I/O modules with integrated signal conditioning to create custom, mixed-measurement systems.

10 Q3 2010

Product In-Depth

Improved Real-Time Testing with NI VeriStand 2010NI VeriStand provides a flexible, multicore-ready framework for configuring real-time test systems. Common tasks, such as hardware I/O interfacing, real-time stimulus generation, and data logging, used in these types of applications are implemented and optimized inside the NI VeriStand engine, ready to configure and use. This out-of-the-box functionality gets your real-time test system up and running faster and reduces application maintenance cost.

Although NI VeriStand provides most of the capabilities required by a real-time testing application, you can customize and extend the open environment using NI LabVIEW, ANSI C/C++, and other software environments to ensure it always meets your application requirements. NI VeriStand 2010 provides significant advances in functionality, performance, and extensibility.

FunctionalityFor creating applications with multiple real-time execution targets, such as systems integration testers, NI VeriStand 2010 provides system-level management of multiple real-time target configurations. It can specify synchronization and deterministic data sharing between the real-time targets, including the automatic creation and routing of reflective memory channels. NI VeriStand also simplifies test system operation by communicating with all of the real-time targets from a single user interface.

Additionally, support for the NI Real-Time Execution Trace Toolkit and a new system health monitor provides tools for detailed observation and analysis of NI VeriStand applications. For applications requiring CAN, LIN, and FlexRay networks, NI VeriStand 2010 includes enhanced support for NI-XNET vehicle bus interfaces, which provides easier configuration

of these networks and adds capabilities such as rest-bus simulation, file playback, data-frame and signal-based communication, and onboard processing of configurable cyclic redundancy codes (CRCs) and counters.

PerformanceNI VeriStand engine optimizations have improved execution performance and memory footprint, making it possible to run NI VeriStand applications on NI CompactRIO and NI Single-Board RIO targets with 128 MB DRAM or more. Other optimizations have dramatically improved edit-time tasks such as model importing and channel browsing.

ExtensibilityYou can now export LabVIEW subVIs and subsystems for use in NI VeriStand applications with a simple utility. The NI VeriStand System Explorer API is also exposed, so you can create custom configuration tools and implement system configuration automation. The NI VeriStand ecosystem at ni.com/veristand/addons.htm has also grown significantly, including community submissions that provide NI EtherCAT and NI motion control hardware interfaces.

NI VeriStand greatly reduces real-time test system development cost and risk without sacrificing flexibility. Applications built on this framework also benefit from the quality, performance, and functionality improvements added with each revision of the product.

To view short demonstration videos on developing real-time test applications with NI VeriStand, visit ni.com/veristand/gettingstarted.

Figure 2. NI VeriStand 2010 adds system-level management tools to specify timing, synchronization, and deterministic data sharing between real-time execution targets.

Figure 1. NI VeriStand provides a flexible environment for efficiently creating real-time test systems.

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NI DIAdem software is part of a data management platform that includes tools that help you find, visualize, analyze, and report on measurement data. The latest version, DIAdem 2010, adds even more value to the platform by expanding your options for visualizing and understanding measurements.

Synchronize GPS DataIn DIAdem 2010, you can synchronize global positioning system (GPS) data collected simultaneously with measurement data to play back on the new map display area. With a valid Internet connection, map images automatically stream from a Web-based mapping tool, providing instant access to the most up-to-date images. When working offline, you can cache map images for visualization without network access. By synchronizing playback of GPS and measurement data, you can gain a precise understanding of the geographical context of your measurements.

Play Sound DataDIAdem 2010 introduces the capability to play sound data audibly in the Data Portal and on the DIAdem VIEW axis systems. Because you can synchronize all display areas in DIAdem VIEW, you can coordinate the playback of sound and measurement data to more effectively visualize and characterize the measurement as a whole.

Translate Formulas into GraphicsWhen communicating analysis results, it is important to clearly depict the formula used in a given calculation. In DIAdem 2010, you can include the new Formula Graphic in your reports, which translates even complex formula strings into aesthetically formatted mathematical graphics,

simplifying the way reports are displayed. The graphical representation of formulas makes them easier to comprehend by increasing report readability and clarity, helping you focus on results – not formatting.

To view a webcast on how DIAdem 2010 simplifies data visualization, analysis, and reporting, visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0304.

Figure 2. The new DIAdem Formula Graphic is the first NI software tool that translates formula strings into formatted mathematical graphics for report creation.

DIAdem 2010 Reduces Time Between Acquiring Data and Making Decisions

Figure 1. With DIAdem 2010, you can synchronize GPS and measurement data to gain a detailed understanding of the geographical effect of your measurements.

Product In-Depth

NI has addressed file I/O with the Technical Data Management Streaming (TDMS) format. With the release of NI LabVIEW 2010 and DIAdem 2010 software, TDMS makes it even easier and faster for you to write data to file. With new features in TDMS, you can configure logging to a TDMS file directly from the NI DAQ Assistant, double-click TDM/TDMS files to directly load in Microsoft Excel or DIAdem, and eliminate buffering to stream data as fast as hardware using the new TDMS Advanced API. NI continues to recommend TDMS for saving and sharing data.

To learn more about the benefits of TDMS, visit ni.com/tdms.

TDMS File Format – Easier and Faster

12 Q3 2010

Product In-Depth

New Expansion Options for NI RIO and High-Channel-Count C Series ApplicationsTwo new NI C Series expansion chassis, NI MXI-Express RIO and Ethernet RIO, join the EtherCAT RIO chassis to expand the high-channel-count reconfigurable I/O (RIO) solutions from National Instruments.

Develop High-Channel-Count Applications with C Series RIOThe C Series module platform provides integrated signal conditioning and connection terminals, making it an efficient solution for large, mixed I/O systems without the need for external custom circuitry and wiring. Each expansion chassis also contains a Xilinx field-programmable gate array (FPGA) compatible with the NI LabVIEW FPGA Module, giving you regulation over high-speed and customizable I/O timing, inline processing, and control.

Implement Custom Measurements with MXI-Express RIOThe NI 9157 and NI 9159 14-slot chassis can communicate with any compatible controller over a x1 MXI-Express connection. Each chassis contains two MXI-Express ports, so you can daisy chain multiple chassis to the same controller with a maximum cable length of 7 m between each system component. Due to the MXI-Express bus and high-performance FPGA, these chassis are best suited for local high-speed control or monitoring applications that require data streaming capabilities over large numbers of channels and the ability to implement custom measurements with intensive processing. Example applications include advanced

research and big physics, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, and machine condition monitoring.

Add Distributed I/O to Your Network with Ethernet RIOYou can use the rugged NI 9148 eight-slot Ethernet chassis to add distributed I/O to your network. With standard CAT 5 Ethernet cabling, it communicates with any NI CompactRIO, real-time PXI, NI industrial controller, or networked PC. The NI 9148 is an ideal choice for seamlessly adding expansion I/O to an existing network topology. With an onboard FPGA, you can implement custom signal analysis, control, and safety interlocks locally to each chassis, creating a truly modular system.

Communicate Over Ethernet with EtherCATThe NI 9144 eight-slot chassis implements communication over Ethernet with the deterministic EtherCAT (real-time Ethernet) protocol. The NI 9144 is ideal for distributed, single-point control and motion applications that require hard determinism over multiple synchronized chassis. You can use real-time Ethernet for structural monitoring of wind turbines, synchronized test rigs, and long-distance control applications.

To view product specifications and comparisons, visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0305.

MXI-Express RIOHighest Throughput

EtherCAT RIOTightest Determinism

Ethernet RIOMost Flexible

NI CompactRIO

Hub/Switch

NI 9148NI 9148 NI 9148

Fast Ethernet

PXI Chassis

NI 9159

NI 9159

NI 9159

Cabled PCI Express

NI 9148

IndustrialController

NI 9144

NI 9144

NI 9144

EtherCAT

Wireless 802.11 Interface

RIO expansion I/O provides solutions for high-performance rack-mount test, distributed deterministic control, and more.

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FPGA Programming Is Now Easier on NI Single-Board RIONI Single-Board RIO now supports NI Scan Mode and hybrid scan with NI LabVIEW FPGA programming modes for the onboard field-programmable gate array (FPGA), making programming easier than ever. Essentially, Scan Mode is a preconfigured FPGA personality that supports accessing I/O on most NI C Series modules without compiling.

Advanced FeaturesScan Mode support on NI Single-Board RIO includes several advanced features in addition to easy I/O access. Without recompiling FPGA logic, you can configure eight-channel digital I/O modules with specialty digital functionality, such as quadrature encoder, counters, or pulse-width modulation (PWM) output. These specialty digital functions run deterministically on the FPGA without adding overhead to the real-time system. Scan Mode also includes I/O test panels and I/O forcing in the NI Distributed System Manager. Test panels provide a quick and easy way to verify wiring, sensor functionality, and signal integrity.

Scan Mode is most effective when combined with LabVIEW FPGA in hybrid scan. Use this mode to implement advanced control, custom timing, synchronization, and inline signal processing with LabVIEW FPGA for some I/O, and use Scan Mode for lower-speed and simple I/O.

To evaluate NI Single-Board RIO and Scan Mode, visit ni.com/embeddedeval.

Two new Local Interconnect Network (LIN) interfaces expand NI LIN products to include the PCI and PXI buses. These interfaces support importing LIN definition

files (LDFs), along with onboard hardware scheduling of messages. As part of the NI-XNET platform, these interfaces reduce system latency with device-driven DMA and take advantage of a common API used to program CAN, LIN, and FlexRay devices.

To view specifications and learn more about the NI LIN product family, visit ni.com/lin.

With the new Instrument Driver Finder (IDFinder) in NI LabVIEW 2010 software, you

can quickly search the Instrument Driver Network and download different LabVIEW Plug and Play instrument drivers for your benchtop instruments. You can reduce time spent searching for or developing drivers from scratch using SCPI commands. The IDFinder scans your system for connected instruments, downloads the appropriate drivers, and asks if you want to open the included examples – all right from the wizard.

To learn how to access the IDFinder in LabVIEW 2010, visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0306.

New PXI and PCI LIN Interfaces for Embedded Network Communication

New IDFinder in LabVIEW 2010

Product In-Depth

NI Single-Board RIO

Real-Time Processor I/O Modules

LabVIEW Real-Time

NI Scan Engine

I/O UsingLabVIEW FPGA

FPGA

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RIO ScanInterface

I/O UsingScan Mode

Scan Mode is a preconfigured FPGA personality that supports I/O access on most NI C Series modules without compiling.

14 Q3 2010

NI in Academia

Preparing Students for Innovation with Real-World Circuits ApplicationsToday’s students will be the future engineers and scientists in the workplace who tackle society’s increasingly large and complex challenges. The electronics and telecommunications (EET/TET) program at Texas A&M University (TAMU) is developing courses with an emphasis on innovation and a holistic approach to product development. By selecting industry-accepted software including NI Multisim, Ultiboard, and LabVIEW, TAMU is creating a dynamic learning environment in a range of classes, starting in the sophomore year with the Circuits Analysis II course and culminating with the senior design Capstone project.

A recent TAMU Capstone project team, FourTel, recognized the need for quick and reliable public communication when emergency situations arose. They designed an operational product prototype called Interactive FM Radio Messaging Service (InFoRMS), which an operator uses to send real-time text messages to remote and mobile LED marquees using high-definition (HD) FM transmission. The team won first place in a campus-wide competition and received a cash prize and legal assistance to obtain a provisional patent for their idea. A local company is in the process of licensing the intellectual property (IP) for commercialization.

Every year university teams worldwide participate in the Formula Student competition run by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). Student teams are given the challenge of designing, building, marketing, and racing a single-seat race car. Students at the University of Manchester chose Multisim software to simulate the entire wiring loom and power

distribution circuits of a vehicle prior to buying any components or printed circuit boards (PCBs), which saved the team time and unnecessary cost.

Students in these programs are graduating prepared for the workforce with an in-depth understanding of innovation, system-level thinking, and entrepreneurship – a solid foundation in engineering and product design principles.

To explore solutions for teaching circuits and preparing students to innovate visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0307.

Students at the University of Manchester practiced professional design principles using Multisim software.

In April, NI employees joined 20,000 FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) students, mentors, and volunteers in Atlanta, Georgia, for the FIRST World Championships. The event drew 500 teams that competed in three levels of robotics challenges from 30 countries. This marked the sixth year National Instruments has supported FIRST by providing financial and product donations, team mentors, and technical support throughout the competition season.

To learn more about the NI collaboration with FIRST, visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0309.

Circuits conveys timeless theories and problem-solving techniques while linking the subject matter to the contemporary field of electrical engineering, from carbon nanotubes to synthetic biology. The textbook addresses many of the issues that instructors face when teaching introductory circuit

courses – lack of real-world motivation, dry presentation of material, and unimaginative problems. This book reminds students of what they can achieve as future engineers.

To learn more about Circuits, visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0308.

Students Celebrate Science and Technology at FIRST Championship

Updated Textbook Features Contemporary Applications

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LabVIEW Everywhere

You Asked for It: Community-Driven Features in LabVIEW 2010

NI LabVIEW 2010 software includes features requested by users via the LabVIEW Idea Exchange (ni.com/ideas), where LabVIEW programmers can submit new ideas, comment on existing ideas, and vote on their favorites. For this latest version, LabVIEW R&D implemented 14 of the most popular ideas from the LabVIEW Idea Exchange. Find out more about five of the most popular new features, submitted by fellow LabVIEW users.

1 Reduce Your Block Diagram “Footprint” with New Cluster ConstantChris Bolin, Texas, USA (NI)The new cluster constant is another space-saving feature in LabVIEW 2010. After defining the elements in a cluster constant, right-click on it to replace it with a small icon on your block diagram to clear up space and improve code readability.

2 Decrease Block Diagram Clutter with Redesigned Boolean Constant and Local Variable TerminalChristian Altenbach, California, USASeveral user-submitted ideas focused on reducing object size on the block diagram. The new Boolean constant is half its previous size and the new local variable icon is also smaller.

3 Make Your Code Easier to Read with New Wire Labels Paul Falkenstein, Pennsylvania, USATracking data connections across long wires in your LabVIEW code can be difficult. Improve code readability by adding labels to long wires and make it easier to know which wires belong to which terminals.

4 Streamline Your Block Diagram with the Flexible Merge Errors NodeDany Allard, Montreal, CanadaInstead of using a handful of merge error nodes to combine error data, the new node expands to collect as many error wires as your code requires, reducing clutter on your block diagram.

5 Edit SubVI Wire Connections FasterYair Neeman, IsraelChanging wire terminals for subVIs via the connector pane used to require excessive mouse clicks. Now you can change connections faster with a keyboard shortcut.

To browse user-submitted LabVIEW features, submit your own, or vote for the best, visit ni.com/ideas.

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16 Q3 2010

Special Focus

Top Technologies in LabVIEW 2010Staying current with evolving trends often requires knowledge of disparate

toolchains and incomplete APIs. NI LabVIEW exposes engineers to once

daunting technologies such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs)

and multicore processors through a single programming paradigm. The

LabVIEW 2010 platform puts the following features at your fingertips.

Inherent Timing and SynchronizationConfigure execution timing, from setting simple loop rates to synchronizing software operations, with hardware signals in a straightforward and intuitive way using the LabVIEW Timed Loop. In addition, the Timed Loop can take advantage of the IEEE 1588 protocol to provide automatic synchronization across multiple targets.

Xilinx Core Generator IP IntegrationSave development time by integrating existing Xilinx Core Generator digital signal processing intellectual property (IP) into LabVIEW.

Parallel For Loop EnhancementsSpecify how loop iterations are scheduled across processor cores.

LabVIEW CompilerRun your code faster in LabVIEW 2010 with new backend compiler technologies and custom code optimizations.

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To learn more about the top technologies in LabVIEW 2010, visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0310.

NI Real-Time Hypervisor 2.0Assign OSs to CPU cores with more flexibility and achieve high-throughput data transfer between LabVIEW Real-Time and a host OS via shared memory with the NI Real-Time Hypervisor 2.0.

LabVIEW FPGA Cloud CompilingOffload the processor-intensive task of compiling a bitfile for the LabVIEW FPGA Module by pointing the FPGA compiler to the compile cloud.

Web-Based Monitoring and Configuration UtilityBrowse files, configure, and maintain your remote hardware with a router-like experience.

Peer-to-Peer Streaming Continuously transfer data to and from PXI Express NI FlexRIO FPGA modules at rates higher than 800 MB/s with minimal latency using NI peer-to-peer data streaming technology.

18 Q3 2010

Feature

LabVIEW 2010 and NI RIO – More Connected Than Ever For today’s embedded designers, even the most capable engineering tools sometimes fall short.

Increasingly complex devices and pressure to reduce time to market mean that code reuse and sharing across teams is critical. As the number of Internet-connected embedded devices grows, the design software that engineers use must aid in providing connectivity for monitoring and configuring those devices from anywhere in the world, at any time. To meet these challenges, engineering tools need to not only have a central focus on rapid development of error-free code but also provide access to a broad ecosystem of intellectual property (IP), drivers, complementary tools, and more. In other words, it is all about connections.

Since the inception of NI LabVIEW software, National Instruments has been working to create an open platform capable of integrating existing code and IP, communicating via the Web, and interfacing with a wide array of hardware targets and I/O. New features in LabVIEW 2010 expand on these areas to provide more connectivity options than ever before.

Seamlessly Incorporate Xilinx Core Generator Libraries in LabVIEW FPGAImplementing fixed-point algorithms on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) can be challenging and time-consuming, especially when you need to perform multiple design iterations. Therefore, reuse of existing IP should be a central focus. In the past, LabVIEW has made it possible to integrate HDL code using the HDL Interface Node and Component-Level IP (CLIP) Nodes; in the LabVIEW 2010 FPGA Module, you can also

seamlessly integrate standard Xilinx Core Generator IP libraries via the IP Integration Node to complete your complex designs in less time.

For example, digital signal processing (DSP) projects can take advantage of libraries such as the popular multiply-accumulator (MAC), finite impulse response (FIR) filter, fast Fourier transform (FFT), and even audio and video processing cores. There are hundreds of cores available, and many of the IP cores are highly customizable to match your application requirements. Ultimately, with the addition of the IP Integration Node in LabVIEW 2010, you can reuse more code, use common algorithms across platforms, and connect to a growing source of IP so you can focus on the original code that differentiates your application.

Configure and Monitor Embedded Hardware Targets from Your Web BrowserAs engineering teams work together globally, it is important that a wide variety of individuals in different locations can access and change settings on embedded hardware targets. With LabVIEW 2010, you can now monitor and configure a wide variety of NI hardware devices, including NI CompactRIO, NI Single-Board RIO, PXI, and wireless sensor network (WSN) gateways, from any computer with a supported Web browser and with zero installation required. National Instruments is committed to making interaction with your networked control and monitoring systems as straightforward and intuitive as configuring a common network router.

Once you download the Web interface components to your network device, you can access it by IP address. In addition, any host computer on the same network can automatically detect it. Depending on the device and its capabilities, different options – including file browsing, network configuration, console output, and more – are available. With LabVIEW 2010, you, your colleagues, and even your customers have better visibility into deployed embedded systems. That means being able to connect no matter where you are located or which applications you have installed.

Acquire More Data in Less Time with New C Series I/O Modules and Ethernet ExpansionMore than 100 third-party and NI C Series modules have been designed for measuring or generating a wide variety of signals, or communicating with your bus of choice. Several options have been added for accessing C Series I/O from PCI FPGA devices, USB, wireless, and more. With the release of LabVIEW 2010, you can now take simultaneous C Series analog measurements at higher speeds than ever before. You can access

Figure 1. With the new IP Integration Node in the LabVIEW 2010 FPGA Module, you can take advantage of Xilinx Core Generator libraries and reduce your development time.

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your C Series modules from more places with a new reconfigurable Ethernet expansion chassis.

The new NI 9222 and NI 9223 analog input modules offer 16-bit measurement of four channels at 500 kS/s and 1 MS/s, respectively. And, these new modules feature simultaneous ADCs, so the per-channel sample rate does not decrease when taking measurements on multiple channels. To access remote C Series I/O, you can also use the new NI 9148 Ethernet expansion chassis, which contains a reconfigurable onboard FPGA. By connecting one or more NI 9148 expansion chassis with a host system over a standard Ethernet network, you can perform

custom high-speed signal processing on the FPGA while executing your control or monitoring applications from one central location. With LabVIEW 2010, you can connect to more I/O from more places than previously possible, so you can be confident that a configuration exists to meet your application requirements.

With increased access to existing IP, Web-based access to embedded devices, and additional I/O and expansion options, LabVIEW 2010 is the most connected version NI has ever created. So, when you purchase LabVIEW, you are gaining access to much more than a programming environment – you are connecting to a growing network of code libraries, tools, and I/O that reduces time to market and helps you stay competitive.

– Casey Weltzin casey.weltzin@ni.com

Casey Weltzin is a product manager for LabVIEW Real-Time at National Instruments. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

To explore the benefits of LabVIEW for your embedded designs, visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0311.

Figure 2. With LabVIEW 2010 Web monitoring and configuration, you can view or update network settings, transfer files, and see console output on embedded hardware targets.

Figure 3. Combine LabVIEW 2010 with new C Series I/O modules and expansion options to build flexible, scalable embedded systems in less time.

With the LabVIEW FPGA Cloud Compile Service Beta, National Instruments is providing field-programmable gate array (FPGA) programmers access to

compile VIs in the “cloud,” completely off-loading them from the development computer. By default, they can target high-RAM, 64-bit machines that churn on FPGA compilations with the latest computing technology. Additionally, developers can compile many VIs in parallel to test different versions of a code fix.

To sign up for this high-security cloud service, visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0312.

Before joining the NI Discussion Forums, Ben Rayner often struggled with text-based programming early in his career due to his dyslexia. But recently, Ben became the third “Knight of NI” by creating 10,000 posts in the NI Discussion Forum. To celebrate, Ben held a knighting ceremony at his home.

To congratulate Ben, visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0313.

LabVIEW FPGA Cloud Compile Service Beta

Ben Rayner Becomes the Third “Knight of NI”

20 Q3 2010

Test Techniques

Real-Time Digital Filter Design with PXI and LabVIEW

With the power of customizable field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and peer-to-peer data streaming technology, you can add custom hardware processing to existing modular instrumentation to implement application-specific features on your test hardware.

For example, you need your acquisition system to trigger on a tone at a specific frequency, but the signal also contains tones at other frequencies. These interfering tones could come from ground loops or electromagnetic coupling. Regardless, they present a challenge for the typical amplitude trigger found in most modular digitizers. However, filtering out these unwanted tones with real-time digital signal processing before the trigger logic makes amplitude triggering a valid technique.

The first step in implementing a real-time digital filter in hardware is designing the filter. The NI LabVIEW Digital Filter Design Toolkit simplifies both floating and fixed-point digital filter design. The filter described here will be implemented on an FPGA, so a fixed-point design is more appropriate. You can configure common low, high, and bandpass filters with an Express VI. The toolkit also includes a

library of VIs for more advanced filter types. After designing the filter, you can export the coefficients to begin FPGA implementation.

There are a number of ways to build digital filters in LabVIEW FPGA, but the most up-to-date filter involves optimized Xilinx Core Generator intellectual property (IP), which is installed with LabVIEW FPGA. The Xilinx Core Generator provides a library of both free and licensed IP, including a finite impulse response (FIR) filter. Using the Xilinx FIR Compiler, you can import the filter coefficients designed in LabVIEW. After configuring other options, you can generate an IP core for use in LabVIEW FPGA.

A new feature in the LabVIEW 2010 FPGA Module is the IP Integration Node. Using the node’s wizard interface, you can import Xilinx IP and VHDL files. Importing IP with the IP Integration Node produces a block on the LabVIEW FPGA diagram that you can easily incorporate.

Once you design the filter, generate the FIR IP, and integrate it into LabVIEW FPGA, you can easily connect it to a PXI Express digitizer such as the NI PXIe-5122. Adding an amplitude trigger in LabVIEW FPGA is as simple as a comparison function, and with that, you have implemented a custom, real-time filter and trigger in hardware. Extending this same technology to other applications, you can implement triggers on spectral masks, multiple events, or with custom hysteresis, real-time signal modulation and demodulation, continuous bit-error-rate tests, test hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) functionality, and even device emulation.

To learn more about NI FlexRIO and LabVIEW FPGA technology, visit ni.com/flexrio.

Hardware Data Flow

Peer-to-Peer Streaming

PXI Express Digitizer NI FlexRIO FPGA Module

Figure 1. Use the LabVIEW Digital Filter Design Toolkit to create a custom bandpass filter and third-party IP to implement the filter. The IP Integration Node imports the IP onto the

LabVIEW FPGA block diagram.

Figure 2. After programming the FPGA, easy-to-use software on the host processor configures a peer-to-peer stream between a PXI Express digitizer and the NI FlexRIO FPGA module.

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Product Network

1. Browse – Visit the LabVIEW Tools Network and start your product search. You can search by LabVIEW product version, application area, Compatible with LabVIEW certification level, and more.

2. Download – Download the product for a seamless installation into your LabVIEW environment.

3. Manage – Use VI Package Manager from JKI to connect to the LabVIEW Tools Network directly from your desktop. VI Package Manager helps you search for and download the latest tools and receive updates for your add-ons already installed.

To get started at the LabVIEW Tools Network, visit ni.com/labviewtools.

Experiencing LabVIEW Add-Ons Like Never BeforeAlong with the debut of NI LabVIEW 2010 software is the release of the newly enhanced LabVIEW Tools Network, now offering both free and paid LabVIEW add-ons for download. This marketplace includes tight integration with VI Package Manager from JKI, which offers a seamless download experience from the Web to your palettes in LabVIEW.

Whether it is modern UI controls, software engineering tools, or OpenG reuse libraries, the LabVIEW Tools Network offers something for every LabVIEW developer looking to make productivity improvements and take application development to the next level. Learn how to take advantage of and easily browse, download, and manage your LabVIEW add-ons.

Your favorite programming environment is now being featured in the comfort of your own home. NI LabVIEW software has recently been featured on Spike TV shows including Deadliest Warrior, Crash Test, and MythBusters.

To go behind the scenes of these shows and learn from the engineers who developed the systems, visit ni.com/awesome.

LabVIEW on TV

Figure 1. The LabVIEW Tools Network is the central marketplace for NI and third-party add-ons.

Figure 2. VI Package Manager is the download vehicle for seamlessly installing add-ons into the LabVIEW environment and includes the Package Builder, which

you can use to contribute add-ons.

22 Q3 2010

Product In-Depth

X Series Multifunction DAQ Now on USB

In August 2009, National Instruments introduced a new generation of high-performance, multifunction data acquisition (DAQ) devices with analog I/O, digital I/O, four counters, and advanced onboard timing circuitry for PCI Express and PXI Express.

Now, NI is bringing these technologies to USB with eight new multifunction DAQ devices designed for a variety of test and measurement applications. NI X Series devices for USB include up to 32 analog inputs, four analog outputs, 48 digital I/O lines, four counters, and sampling rates from 500 kS/s to 2 MS/s.

Improved Mechanical EnclosureThe new X Series devices for USB introduce a redesigned, extruded aluminum enclosure with an easy-access magnetic lid. This keeps signal wiring secured and shielded and can be opened easily when needed. The underside of the lid has a device-specific pinout label so users can quickly determine the corresponding screw terminals for a given channel. The enclosure also includes a lockable USB port to prevent accidental removal during operation. Users can separately purchase DIN-rail and wall-mount accessories for these new devices.

NI-STC3 TechnologyAt the core of each X Series device is NI-STC3 timing and synchronization technology, which coordinates the timing and triggering of the analog, digital, and counter subsystems. This timing technology provides four improved 32-bit counters, which can each perform operations such as event counting, pulse generation, and frequency and encoder measurements. It also includes a 100 MHz timebase for generating sample clocks with five times better resolution than previous multifunction DAQ devices.

Patented NI Signal Streaming TechnologyX Series devices for USB include patented NI Signal Streaming technology, which uses message-based transfers and device-side intelligence to ensure high-speed, bidirectional data transfer over USB.

Using this technology, NI is making simultaneous sampling available in a multifunction USB device for the first time ever, with two devices that can sample at 1.25 MS/s and 2 MS/s on each of eight analog inputs and

include 32 or 64 MS of onboard memory. The high sampling rates on all channels make these devices ideal for portable ultrasonic test and transient recording applications. Long-term, continuous operation of these devices will be dependent on the host PC, sampling rate, and channel count. For example, a Dell Latitude D630 laptop with an Intel Core 2 Duo 2 GHz processor, 2 GB RAM, and Windows 7 can acquire all eight AI channels at 2 MS/s per channel (32 MB/s) indefinitely.

To see full specifications, pricing, and demonstration videos, visit ni.com/xseries/usb.

Figure 1. X Series devices for USB feature a completely redesigned mechanical enclosure and an easy-access lid with device-specific pinouts.

X Series DAQ for USB Functional Block Diagram

USBInterface

AnalogInputs

AnalogOutputs

Digital I/O

NI SignalStreamingController

Counters andTimers

NI-STC3 Timingand Synchronization

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Figure 2. X Series devices for USB incorporate NI Signal Streaming technology to help you stream data concurrently over USB from different I/O subsystems.

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Product In-Depth

NI SwitchBlock – Intelligent, Expandable Matrix SwitchingThe new NI SwitchBlock for PXI provides engineers with a clean, simple solution for creating matrices for large-scale applications. The NI SwitchBlock carrier occupies four PXI slots and holds up to six relay cards. Engineers can connect these relay cards via a carrier’s integrated analog bus to easily create large matrices with more than 2,000 cross points. For even larger matrices, engineers can link multiple carriers together to configure matrices with more than 8,000 cross points in a single PXI chassis. This integrated, expandable hardware design streamlines switching configurations in automated test systems and greatly reduces development time.

With NI Switch Executive switch management software, engineers can graphically configure and automatically route signals across multiple relay cards simply by specifying end points. This high level of abstraction helps engineers quickly begin applications. Groups of routes can then be stored, validated, maintained, and scaled from this single switch management interface. Engineers also have access to the NI Switch

Health Center, which increases long-term reliability by automatically running onboard diagnostics to verify relay continuity and to display relay count information.

To learn more about the NI SwitchBlock, visit ni.com/switchblock.

Engineers can use the NI SwitchBlock to streamline the configuration and programming of large switch matrices.

The NI HDD-8265 is a new high-speed external hard drive enclosure capable of reading or writing data to disk at

800 MB/s in RAID-0 mode with up to 12 TB of storage capacity. With the combination of high-performance PXI chassis and controllers, high-speed modular instruments, and the new NI HDD-8265 data storage system, the PXI platform offers an ideal solution for high-speed record-and-playback applications.

To view NI HDD-8265 options, specifications, and pricing, visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0314.

New High-Speed Data Storage Enclosures with up to 12 TB Capacity

The NI 5761 field-programmable gate array (FPGA) digitizer for NI FlexRIO couples excellent dynamic characteristics with fast sample rates to optimize performance in both time- and frequency-domain applications.

Four channels, 14-bit resolution, and a 250 MS/s sample rate make this module ideal for undersampling IF communications signals to the fourth Nyquist zone.

To learn more about NI FlexRIO and LabVIEW FPGA technology, visit ni.com/flexrio.

New NI FlexRIO Digitizer Delivers Best Combination of Features for PXI

24 Q3 2010

Product In-Depth

Optical Sensors – Breaking the Rules of Conventional SensingFor decades, electrical sensors have been the standard mechanism for converting physical and mechanical phenomena into an analog signal that a data acquisition system can measure. Despite their ubiquity, electrical sensors have numerous limitations that make them unsafe, impractical, or unusable in many applications. Their inherent electrical conductivity makes them susceptible to error-causing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and hazardous high voltages, and can trigger

explosions when installed near flammable substances. Many electrical sensors, such as thermocouples and strain gages, output low-level electrical signals that are susceptible to noise; and voltage drop resulting from the resistance of long lead wires makes it difficult to place the sensors far from the measurement system. Cable management can also be cumbersome for high-channel-count applications and is exacerbated by some sensors, such as strain gages, that require as many as 10 lead wires per measurement point.

Optical SensingOptical sensors eliminate many of the challenges associated with electrical sensors by using light and standard optical fiber instead of electricity and copper wire. Optical fibers are nonconductive, electrically passive, immune to EMI-induced noise, and can transmit data over long distances with little or no loss in signal integrity. Intrinsic optical sensors use the optical fiber itself not only for signal transmission but also as the sensing element to measure temperature, strain, pressure, or other parameters.

One of the most widely adopted optical sensing technologies is based on the fiber Bragg grating (FBG) technology. FBGs are intrinsic point sensors with a periodic refractive index variation within the fiber core. The FBG, typically 5 mm long, selectively reflects a narrow band of light centered on the Bragg wavelength while transmitting all other wavelengths. The reflected Bragg wavelength shifts as a function of temperature and strain, making it possible to use FBGs as sensors. You can daisy chain multiple FBG sensors along a single optical fiber because each FBG sensor is manufactured with a unique nominal Bragg wavelength, so it can operate within unique bands of the optical spectrum. Unlike electrical sensing systems, each optical channel can measure dozens of FBG sensors, greatly reducing the size, weight, and complexity of the measurement system. Furthermore, because FBG sensors modulate wavelength rather than light intensity, you can deploy them over long distances – up to 10 km – with virtually no impact on measurement accuracy.

To learn more about FBG optical sensing, visit ni.com/opticalsensing.

Figure 1. A wide variety of FBG sensors are available, including the FBG temperature sensor by Micron Optics Inc.

Optical Fiber

Fiber Bragg Grating

Broadband Light

Reflected Bragg Wavelength

Fiber Core

Bragg Wavelength

Figure 2. Interrogation of an FBG with a broadband light source results in the reflection of a specific wavelength.

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You can synchronize the NI PXIe-4844 optical sensor interrogator with more than 1,500 PXI modules.

Product In-Depth

New PXI Express Module Measures FBG Optical Sensors

New Software and Battery Simulator Complete PA and Handset Testing Solution

The NI PXIe-4844 optical sensor interrogator provides four optical input channels, simultaneously sampled at 10 Hz, with an 80 nm spectral range (1510 to 1590 nm). Because most fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors occupy only a 1 to 5 nm range, you can connect dozens of FBG sensors to each

Cellular device and component test produce some of the strictest measurement requirements in the wireless test industry. As a result, the instrumentation required for testing cellular power amplifiers (PAs) and handsets must be capable of fast measurement speed, exceptional accuracy, and the flexibility to support many measurement configurations.

New software toolkits for cellular standards, from Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) to Evolved High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA+), help you perform both fast and accurate cellular measurements. The NI GSM/EDGE and WCDMA/HSPA/HSPA+ measurement suites operate with the NI PXIe-5663E RF vector signal analyzer and the NI PXIe-5673E RF vector signal generator as part of a complete cellular test system. With the WCDMA/HSPA/HSPA+ measurement suite, you can measure ACLR performance down to -65 dBc and perform error vector magnitude (EVM) measurements less than 1 percent.

Furthermore, the new NI PXIe-4154 battery simulator provides a highly flexible power supply optimized for mobile communications test. The module includes a battery channel that can supply up to 3 A of current at up to 6 V, with a fast transient response to handle the dynamic current

optical channel. Wavelength accuracy, stability, and repeatability accounts for 1 pm, resulting in typical measurement accuracy of 1.2 microstrains and 0.1 °C for FBG strain and temperature sensors, respectively. The included NI-OSI Explorer driver software automatically detects all connected FBG sensors and provides scaling into appropriate engineering units. In addition, the NI-OSI Explorer simplifies configuration and measurement, making it easy to acquire, analyze, and present FBG sensor measurements in NI LabVIEW software.

The NI PXIe-4844 also benefits from the flexibility and scalability of the PXI platform. You can combine and synchronize it with more than 1,500 PXI modules for electrical sensor and signal measurement, real-time control, timing and synchronization, and other instrumentation.

For detailed specifications and pricing information on the NI PXIe-4844, visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0315.

draw from devices such as PAs and cellular handset radios. The two channels also feature timing and triggering capabilities, helping you correlate DC characteristics with RF and baseband measurements.

To learn more about new tools for cellular test, visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0316.

The new NI PXIe-4154 battery simulator provides a highly flexible power supply optimized for mobile communications test.

26

The LabVIEW Compiler – Under the Hood Compiler design is a complex topic, considered specialized knowledge even among professional software engineers.NI LabVIEW software is a multiparadigmatic graphical programming environment that incorporates a wide variety of concepts including data flow, object orientation, and event-driven programming. LabVIEW is also exceedingly cross-platform, targeting multiple OSs, chipsets, embedded devices, and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The LabVIEW compiler is a sophisticated system that has significantly evolved throughout the past 20 years. Explore the LabVIEW compile process and recent compiler innovations by National Instruments.

LabVIEW Compile ProcessFirst in the compilation of a VI is type propagation, which is responsible for resolving implied types for terminals that can adapt to type and detect syntax errors. After type propagation, the VI is converted from the editor model into the dataflow intermediate representation (DFIR) graph used by the compiler. The compiler executes several transforms, such as dead code elimination, on the DFIR graph to decompose, optimize, and prepare it for code generation. The DFIR graph is then translated into a Low-Level Virtual Machine (LLVM) intermediate representation (IR), and a series of passes is run over the IR to further optimize and lower it – eventually – to machine code.

DFIR Provides a High-Level Intermediate RepresentationDFIR is a hierarchical, graph-based IR of block diagram code. Similar to G code, DFIR is composed of various nodes with terminals that can be connected to other terminals. Some nodes, such as loops, contain diagrams, which may in turn contain other nodes.

Figure 1 shows an initial DFIR of a simple VI. When LabVIEW first creates a DFIR for a VI, it is a direct translation of the G code, and nodes in the DFIR graph have a one-to-one correspondence to nodes in the G code. As the compile progresses, DFIR nodes may be moved, split apart,

or injected, but the compiler will still preserve characteristics, such as parallelism, inherent in the developer’s G code.

DFIR offers two significant advantages to the LabVIEW compiler:1. DFIR decouples the editor from the compiler representation –

Before the advent of DFIR, LabVIEW had a single representation of the VI that was shared by both the editor and the compiler. This prohibited the compiler from modifying the representation during the compile process, which in turn made it difficult to introduce compiler optimizations. DFIR introduces a series of optimizations and decompositions that can drastically improve the performance of LabVIEW code but require block diagram nodes and wires to be disconnected and moved.

2. DFIR serves as a common hub for the multiple compiler front ends and back ends – Today, LabVIEW works with many dramatically different targets. Similarly, LabVIEW presents multiple models of computation to the user, such as LabVIEW MathScript, C integration, simulation diagrams, and statecharts. DFIR provides a common IR, which the front ends produce and the back ends consume, facilitating reuse between the various combinations.

DFIR Decompositions and OptimizationsOnce in DFIR, the VI runs through a series of decomposition transforms that reduce or normalize the DFIR graph. After the DFIR graph is thoroughly decomposed, the DFIR optimization passes begin. There are more than 30 decompositions and optimizations that can improve the performance of LabVIEW code. Examine the simple VI, shown in figures 2 and 3, which calls the Trim Whitespace VI (Trim Whitespace.vi) from vi.lib.

First, Trim Whitespace.vi is inlined into the caller VI, shown in Figure 4. Now the unreachable code and dead code elimination algorithms can simplify the code. The first case structure will always execute the same case

Developer’s View

For Loop

Diagram

LoopMax

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‘0’ Increment Multiply Tunnel SubVI

Indicator

Figure 1. View the initial DFIR graph of a simple VI.

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because the input is a constant. Therefore, the remaining cases can be removed with the entire second case structure because they never execute. Next, loop-invariant code motion will move the Match Pattern primitive out of the loop to ensure it executes only once, as shown in Figure 5.

DFIR Back-end TransformsAfter the DFIR graph is decomposed and optimized, the back-end transforms execute. These transforms evaluate and annotate the DFIR graph in preparation for ultimately lowering the DFIR graph to a LLVM IR. The clumper is responsible for grouping nodes into clumps, which can

run in parallel. The inplacer identifies when allocations can be reused and when a copy must be made. After the inplacer runs, the allocator reserves the memory that the VI needs to execute. Finally, the code generator is responsible for converting the DFIR graph into executable machine instructions for the target processor.

LLVM Provides a Low-Level Intermediate RepresentationLLVM is a versatile, high-performance open source compiler framework originally invented as a research project at the University of Illinois. The LLVM is now widely used both in academia and industry due to its flexible, clean API and nonrestrictive licensing. In LabVIEW 2010, the LabVIEW code generator uses LLVM to generate target machine code. After creating the code stream from the DFIR graph, LabVIEW visits each instruction and creates an equivalent LLVM representation. The software invokes various optimization passes, and, finally, the LLVM just-in- time (JIT) framework creates the executable machine instructions in memory. LabVIEW now uses LLVM to perform instruction combining, jump threading, scalar replacement of aggregates, conditional propagation, tail call elimination, loop invariant code motion, dead code elimination, and loop unrolling.

DFIR and LLVM Work in TandemWhile DFIR is a high-level IR that preserves parallelism and LLVM is a low-level IR with knowledge of target machine characteristics, the pair works in tandem to optimize the LabVIEW code developers write for the processor architecture on which the code executes.

– Chris Wood chris.wood@ni.com

Chris Wood is a senior software engineer for LabVIEW at National Instruments. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Texas A&M University.

– Craig Smith craig.smith@ni.com

Craig Smith is a principal software engineer at National Instruments. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science from Texas A&M University.

For a historical view on the evolution of the LabVIEW compiler and an in-depth discussion of the entire compile process, visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0317.

Figure 2. This is the VI prior to any DFIR decompositions.

Figure 3. Trim Whitespace.vi Block Diagram is defined above.

Figure 4. The subVI is inlined into the caller, resulting in a DFIR graph equivalent to this G code.

Figure 5. The one execution produces the optimized DFIR graph.

28 Q3 2010

Case Studies

Engineering the Human Anatomy – How Software Programmers Are Enhancing Medical Device Design

StudyINg HumaN LocomotIoN of amputeeS uSINg proStHeSeS wItH muLtISIm

A leader in the prosthetic industry, College Park Industries provides the most anatomically correct prosthetic feet using biomechanical design principles to mimic the human foot and incorporating high-tech composite materials into products to enhance function and durability.

It is a challenge to design products that meet the functional needs of the amputee as well as the profitability needs of the prosthetist – the practitioner who prescribes, manufactures, and fits the final device.

We wanted to provide a portable device that could offer the critical data acquisition functions of a gait analysis laboratory and that amputees could wear while performing normal daily activities or being fitted for their

prostheses. The device needed to be unobtrusive to the wearer in terms of weight and size to eliminate any biasing effect on the test results.

The iPecs is a measurement tool designed to support researchers and clinicians in the optimization of patient care by providing personalized, objective information on the effects of prosthetic component selection and alignment. Any prosthetist can visualize and directly measure and interpret the effects of prosthetic component selection and alignment.

We used Multisim and Ultiboard software to design the iPecs circuitry to take advantage of the cross compatibility of the two packages. The team used these dynamic tools to design, simulate, and visualize the circuitry through multiple iterations, which resulted in a major size reduction of the device and increased package size efficiency.

In the past, we would have needed an entire department to design the iPecs. Multisim and Ultiboard gave us access to a level of technology that was not previously available to small enterprises.

– MaryAnn Labant and Michael Leydet, College Park Industries

THE CHALLENGE:Creating a portable, wearable device to conduct gait analysis and study human locomotion of amputees using prostheses.

THE SOLUTION:Using NI Multisim and Ultiboard to design the Intelligent Prosthetic Endoskeletal Component System (iPecs).

Figure 1. The iPecs is a portable device that offers critical data acquisition functions of a gait analysis laboratory and that amputees can wear while performing daily activities.

‘‘ In the past, we would have needed an entire

department to design the iPecs. Multisim

and Ultiboard gave us access to a level of

technology that was not previously available

to small enterprises.’’

To learn more about medical device test, design, and the NI Medical Device Grant Program, visit ni.com/medical.

29888 279 9833 n ni.com

Engineering the Human Anatomy – How Software Programmers Are Enhancing Medical Device Design

creatINg aNd VaLIdatINg a LoNg-term teSt SyStem for artIfIcIaL HeartS wItH LabVIew

When testing artificial hearts, Data Science Automation puts the devices in flow systems that simulate arterial fluid flow. We test the hearts for months and years at a time to verify they can be used for months and years in a patient. We run up to 18 simultaneous loops, which requires data to be acquired, recorded, analyzed, and logged regularly. Because we need to perform centralized data gathering and require proprietary systems for flow probe measurements, we used a multiplexer system to route signals from sensors and serial communication to a single set of inputs. Each loop needs to reliably record 10 beats of data three times a day, one for each “mode” of the system, regardless of alarm conditions, user override, or interrupt.

Even though we gather data only three times a day, the system needs to continuously monitor the pressure, flow, and temperature of each loop. If these values exceed user-defined limits, an alarm condition is activated and the current automated progression through the loops and multiplexer is overridden. We gather and write additional diagnostic data to the alarm log and send the user a message, which must be cleared before accepting any other user input.

To meet the specifications for developing software for medical devices, each part of the program has to undergo validation testing. As we completed each VI, we had to test and validate it with an appropriate report generated as a record. While we could perform these validation tests manually, the LabVIEW Unit Test Framework Toolkit saved a lot of time and effort, especially for recursive tests, because we used it to efficiently produce the testing and documentation. In addition, software changes made during integration, retesting, and revalidation were simple. The flexibility and ease of use of the LabVIEW Unit Test Framework Toolkit provided faster and reliable completion of this portion of the project and has potentially saved hundreds of man-hours and thousands of dollars over the project life cycle.

– Timothy Nolan, Data Science Automation

THE CHALLENGE:Creating a program for extremely long-term testing of artificial heart simulated flow testing systems (SFTS) while verifying and validating the VIs for medical device applications.

THE SOLUTION:Using a parallel loop architecture with NI USB-based data acquisition (DAQ) and signal conditioning devices and using the NI LabVIEW Unit Test Framework Toolkit.

Figure 2. The artificial heart simulates arterial fluid flow.

To learn more about medical device test, design, and the NI Medical Device Grant Program, visit ni.com/medical.

30 Q3 2010

Services and Support

Training – To Invest or Not to Invest?The decision to either invest in formal technical training or to pursue a more informal approach can be likened to the decision to invest in stock. When you are evaluating a stock, you will likely assess the risk profile of the stock compared to the expected return. Similarly, you should assess the likelihood that a given training course or program will deliver on its objectives. Recently, NI surveyed more than 600 past NI training customers worldwide. Approximately 89 percent of respondents categorized the return on investment (ROI) for NI training courses as average to extremely high, which indicates that NI training almost always meets or exceeds expectations, making it a relatively low-risk investment.

While some investors adopt a short-term strategy with stocks, trading weekly or daily, others choose a more long-term, buy-and-hold strategy to maximize returns. With training, you must take a more long-term view to realize the value, assessing gains resulting from a training investment over the life of the project or projects for which it is being considered. In its survey, National Instruments asked respondents about the impact NI training had on their time spent learning, developing, and maintaining or modifying application code after deployment.

The results show that the average respondent spent 43 percent less time on code maintenance, developed their application 50 percent faster, and learned 66 percent faster than they would have without NI training. If you apply these gains to your anticipated project costs for the learning, development, and maintenance phases, you can assess the ROI that

NI training would provide by comparing it to the cost of training. You can find a modifiable sample ROI calculation for training that can help you structure your assessment on ni.com.

To learn more about the NI training customer survey results and to calculate your training ROI, visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0318.

On-demand training modules provide in-depth instruction on important features of NI software. These modules are included in your Standard Service Program (SSP) membership. The following modules are now available:

LabVIEW 2010 New Feature Series n

Advanced Troubleshooting Tools for n

NI LabVIEW Real-Time Applications

Scripting with NI Signal Generators n

Using the DAQ Assistant in Measurement Studio n

To access these and other training modules in the Services Resource Center, visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0319.

NI has two new instructor-led training courses: LabVIEW Performance and Sound and Vibration Fundamentals. Both courses are offered online, and LabVIEW Performance is also offered in the classroom. In addition, NI has revised the RF Measurement Fundamentals and RF Application Development courses with new topics and updated hardware.

To view course information and find a course near you, visit ni.com/training.

New On-Demand Training Modules

New and Updated Training Courses Now Available

FasterLearning

66%

Perc

enta

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f Im

prov

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70%

60%

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43%

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Gains Resulting from NI Training Courses

Compare average gains resulting from NI training courses.

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Web Connections

A More Streamlined Online LabVIEW Experience National Instruments has a new, more user-friendly NI LabVIEW webpage, including an interface with more intuitive navigation features. For example, the new design makes it easier for users to find LabVIEW resources and products by offering simple navigation and succinct, information-rich content.

The navigation bar, located on the left-hand side of the main LabVIEW page, covers a wide range of topics. Users can find product information and learn more about the specific benefits of LabVIEW. Other topics displayed in the navigation bar include application areas, purchasing options, and technical resources. With the navigation bar, users can browse these and other topics without navigating away from the page.

In addition to the enhanced navigation bar, National Instruments has redesigned other elements of the site to improve users’ browsing experiences. The home page displays videos, highlighted applications, and industry case studies with relevant and concise technical content.

The goal of this new interface is to create a more streamlined browsing experience, so users can effortlessly maneuver between LabVIEW resources. With many different types of LabVIEW users, this new design aims to address all of their browsing preferences. As you browse the new LabVIEW 2010 resources online, take note of your experience and provide feedback on the new design. Your input will help improve the experience for other users.

To explore the new LabVIEW experience or provide feedback, visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0320.

NI News in Real Time is a blog in the online NI Community that provides you with the latest information on NI products and technologies, events, customer stories, and corporate news.

To read the latest news, join the community group, and sign up for RSS notifications, visit ni.com/newsblog.

Get the Latest News from the NI News in Real Time Blog

1. The LabVIEW Guided Tour

2. Real-Time Testing Techniques

3. Connect LabVIEW to Any PLC Using OPC

4. Introduction to NI LabVIEW Robotics

5. NI Multisim Interactive Demonstration

To view these and other webcasts, visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0321.

Top Five ni.com Webcasts

The new user interface adds functionality with enhanced navigation and videos, applications, and case studies.

Technology Outlook

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Understanding the CloudEverywhere you turn, companies are promoting the potential benefits of the “cloud” for instrumenting the world. The cloud is simply interconnected

computer networks housed in large data centers all over the world. Some of the ideas for the cloud may seem as if they are from a science fiction novel or at least decades away from being in use. However, you could see actual productivity gains in the next few years in the following three areas: data aggregation, high-compute power, and unlimited access.

With the cloud, the amount of on-site server space you have at your facility does not confine you. As you collect and calculate data, you can store it to the cloud and aggregate it with other data sets. As the amount of data increases, additional space in the cloud is provisioned.

This scalability of resources also applies to compute power. The amount of data that you collect is growing while the computations you need to perform are becoming more complex. You can distribute advanced analysis over large data sets across multiple high-power server machines using cloud technology, freeing local resources.

Access data from anywhere using a Web browser or common communication technology. You can collect data deep in the rain forest but view it thousands of miles away on a mobile device.

To see a preliminary demo of LabVIEW in the cloud, visit ni.com/info and enter nsi0322.

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To view past issues of n Instrumentation Newsletter ; update your subscription preferences; or subscribe to the semimonthly NI e-mail newsletter, NI News, visit ni.com/newsletter.

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The cloud gives you the ability to access data from distributed devices using distributed clients.

Clients

Measurement Sources

DesktopComputer Laptop Mobile Device

WirelessSensors

EmbeddedLoggers

PC-BasedData Acquisition

The Cloud

Store your data to the cloud and aggregate it with other data sets.