Exploiting LabVIEW Libraries

Have you ever viewed a LabVIEW VI Hierarchy and become frustrated with not being able to locate a VI you needed to open?
Do you have large applications composed of similar modules but fear to jump, with both feet, into the learning curve of LVOOP?
Did you ever try to duplicate a sub-VI at the start of a new set of functions and find yourself deep in a nest of cross-linked VIs, or save a VI only to realize that the most suitable name has already been used?
Then using LabVIEW Libraries may be useful to you
Libraries are a feature available in the LabVIEW project or they can be created stand-alone*. They have a number of features that allow you to specify shared properties and attributes of related VIs and custom controls.
In short, many of the features of LVOOP are available without the complications required for Dynamic Dispatching. The remainder of this document will serve as a tutorial that demonstrates how to create, define, and clone a library. Additional notes are included to illustrate how these features can be exploited to help you develop more robust applications that are easier to support than applications that do not use libraries.
*Libraries can be created stand-alone from the LabVIEW splash screen using the method:
File >>> New … >>> Other Files >>> Library
You can create a new library from the project by right-clicking the “My Computer” icon and selecting “New >>> Library”. Save it to a unique folder that will contain all of the files associated with the library.
Open the properties screen and then open the icon editor) to compose a Common Icon for the library and its members.
Take a little time to create the icon because it will be shared by all of the members of the library. Do not get carried away and fill-up the entire icon. Leave some white space so that the icons of the component VIs can be customized to illustrate their role in the functionality of the library.
Create virtual folders in the library to help organize the VIs contained in it. I usually use three folders but you can use more or less depending on your needs and preferences. I use one to hold the controls, and another pair for the public and private VIs. I do not use auto-populating folders for a number of reasons.
I can control which VIs are included and which are not. Occasionally temporary VIs are created to do some basic testing and they are never intended to be part of the library. If functionality changes and the temporary VI breaks due to the change, the library may cause a build to fail due to the broken VI.
I can easily move a VI from private to public without having to move the VI on disk and then properly updating source code control to reflect the change.
I can keep the file paths shorter using the virtual folders while maintaining the structure of the project.
Additional virtual folders can be added if you want to further break-down the organization of the VIs in the library. If developing a library that will be used by other developers and or be as a tool for others, you may want to include a folder for the VIs that define the API your library offers. The API can also be divided into additional virtual folders to break-down the interface into functional areas if you wish. Implement the Logical Grouping of sub-VIs as needed for your library.
Set the Access Scope of the private virtual folder to private. While the private folder and the setting of the access scope can be optional, taking advantage of this options will help you and the users of your library identify which VIs are not intended for use outside of the library. Attempting to use a VI with a private scope from outside the library itself will break the calling VI and make it very obvious that the VI is not intended for public use.
Developing applications using libraries differs little from developing without libraries with one exception; there is no additional work to use them. The exception is illustrated in Figure 8 where the name of the VI is highlighted. While the VI named in the project is shown as “Init_AI.vi” the actual name of the VI is “DAQ.lvib:AI.lvlib:Init_AI.vi”. The difference is the result of what is called “Name Mangling”. The actual name of the VI is prefixed by the library names that own the VI. This is a powerful feature that goes a long way toward avoiding cross-linking and will let us easily clone a library to be used as the starting point of a similar library.
The Save as the screen for the library will not only let us define the library name but also where in the project the library will be placed. This is handy for nested libraries but not critical. The libraries can be moved around in the project or between libraries as need using the project window. When a library is cloned using the Save As an option, all of the VIs contained in the original library are duplicated and re-linked to the VIs in the new library. There is NO chance of cross-linking when Cloning a library!
Libraries can help in all phases of an application from initial development to long-term support through to knowledge transfer. Remember, “Libraries” are your friend!

IoT: Standards, Legal Rights; Economy and Development

It is safe to say that, at this point, the fragmented nature of IoT will hinder, or even discourage the value for users and industry. If IoT products happen to be poorly integrated, or inflexible regarding connectivity or are complex to operate, these factors can drive users as well as developers away from IoT. Also, poorly designed IoT devices can have negative consequences for the networks they connect to. Therefore, standardization is a logical next step as it can bring appropriate standards, models, and best practices. The standardization can, in turn, bring about user benefits, innovation and economic benefits.

 

Moreover, a widespread use of IoT devices brings about many regulatory and legal issues. Yet, since IoT technology is rapidly changing, many regulatory bodies cannot keep up with the change, so these bodies also need to adapt to the volatility of IoT technologies. But one of the issues which frequently comes in action is what to do when IoT devices collect data in one jurisdiction and transmit it to another jurisdiction with, for example, more lenient laws for data protection. Also, the data collected from IoT devices are often times liable to misuse, potentially causing legal issues for some users.

 

Other burning legal issues are the conflict between lawful surveillance and civil rights; data retention and ‘the right to be forgotten’; and legal liability for unaware users. Although the challenges are many in number and great in scope, IoT needs laws and regulations which protect the user and their rights but also do not stand in the way of innovation and trust.

 

Finally, Internet of Things can bring great and numerous benefits to developing countries and economies. Many areas can be improved through IoT: agriculture, healthcare, industry, to name a few. IoT can offer a connected ‘smart’ world and link aspects of people’s everyday lives into one huge web. IoT affects everything around it, but the risks, promises and possible outcomes need to be talked about and debated if one is to pick the most effective ways to go forward.

IoT: Summary

The Internet of Things (or shortened ‘IoT’) is a hot topic in today’s world which carries extraordinary significance in socio-economic and technical aspects of everyday life. Products designed for consumers, long-lasting goods, automobiles and other vehicles, sensors, utilities and other everyday objects are able to become connected among themselves through the Internet and strong data analytic capabilities and therefore transform our surroundings. Internet of Things is forecast to have an enormous impact on the economy; some analysts anticipate almost 100 billion interconnected IoT devices. On the other hand, other analysts proclaim that IoT devices shall input into the global economy more than $11 trillion by 2025.

However, the Internet of Things comes with many important challenges which, if not overcome, could diminish or even put a stop to the progress of it thus failing to realize all its potential advantages. One of the greatest challenges is security: the newspapers are filled with headlines alerting the public to the dangers of hacking internet-connected devices, identity theft and privacy intrusion. These technical and security challenges remain and are constantly changing and developing; at the same time, new legal policies are emerging.

This document’s purpose is to help the Internet Society community find their way in the discourse about the Internet of Things regarding its pitfalls, shortcomings and promises.

Many broad ideas and complex thoughts surround the Internet of Things and in order to find one’s way, the key concepts that should be looked into as they represent the foundation of circumstances and problems of IoT are:

- Transformational Potential: If IoT takes off, a potential outcome of it would be a ‘hyperconnected world’ where limitations on applications or services that use technology cease to exist.

- IoT Definitions: although there is not one universal definition, the term Internet of Things basically refers to several connected objects, sensors or items (not considered computers) which create, exchange and control data with next to none human intervention.

- Enabling Technologies: Cloud computing, data analytics, connectivity and networking all lead to the ability to combine and interconnect computers, sensors and networks all in order to control other devices.

- Connectivity Models: There are four common communication models and are as following: Device-to-Device, Device-to-Cloud, Device-to-Gateway, and finally Back-End Data-Sharing. These models show how flexible IoT devices can be when connecting and when providing value to their respective users.

LabVIEW Projects you should Know

STÄUBLI LABVIEW INTEGRATION LIBRARY

The DSM LabVIEW-Stäubli Control Library is created to simplify communications between a host PC running LabVIEW and a Stäubli robotic motion controller so as to control the robot from the LabVIEW environment. 

Stäubli Robots are usually found in the automation industry. The standard Staubli programming language, VAL3, is an adjustable language allowing for a wide variety of tasking. Although the VAL3 language works well in its environment, there are limited options for connecting the robot to an existing PC-based test & measurement system. The LabVIEW language, on the other hand, has been created from the start to run systems found in a research environment. The DSM LabVIEW-Staubli Integration Library lets the user promptly create applications for a Staubli robot using the familiar LabVIEW programming language.

 

 

AUTOMATED CRYOGENIC TEST STATION

A test station was built with the intent in mind to automate cyclic cryogenic exposure.  A LabVIEW program was inserted to automate the process and collect data. The software featured:

• Checked the temperature of up to 8 thermocouples

• Checked the life status of test specimens twice per cycle

• Automated backups to allow for data recovery

• System was integrated with a pneumatic control board and safety features

 

 

TENSILE TESTER CONTROL PROGRAM

This system is able to record high-resolution x-ray imagery of test subjects of aerospace alloys while they are under tensile and cyclic fatigue tests.  This capability can improve understanding of how grain refinement is used to enhance material properties.  The tensile tester can function in multiple modes of operation. The sample can be fully rotated within the tester, permitting three-dimensional imagery of samples.

 

DYNAMOMETER TEST STATION

A test station designed to characterize piezoelectric motors was built, with programmable current source and a DC motor integrated into the system to apply a range of resistive torque loads to the tested motor.  A torque load cell and a high-resolution encoder were used to measure torque and speed, which is collected at each resistive torque level, forming a torque curve. A LabVIEW project was programmed to run the test. Test settings were configured in the program and data was collected by an NI DAQ card. The program also included data manipulation and analysis.

 

OPEN-LOOP ACTUATOR CONTROLLER

The goal is to characterize the actuator's performance in open-loop so that a closed-loop control scheme can be developed. This program can output voltage waveforms as well as voltage steps up to 40V. Voltage duration is programmable down to the millisecond and an encoder is integrated into the system and readings are real time. The encoder features resolution on a micron level and experiences exceptional noise due to the vibrations present in the system. The data is filtered after the test to report accurate, low-noise data.

Automation to Replace Human Hands?

As we move deeper into the technologically advanced methodologies and manufacturing processes, we realize the power of the human mind. The mind which has developed a new league of technical procedures which have made our lives easy and working easier. Manual labor is on the way to extinction in a few years from now, thanks to the highly advanced machinery and automation industry. Automation, combined with the words automatic and execution have enabled a major chunk of processes to be executed without the human component. And with the amount of innovation taking place around the globe, it is surprising how robots and machinery have taken over the daunting human tasks.

But why do we support the intrusion of automation into our development process and how is it benefiting the industries? There is no doubt in the fact that machines can outperform humans in every aspect.

The precision and efficiency of an automatic machine are way better than a hundred humans working together. This is the most important reason as to why people prefer machines over man. While a human would numerous hours to assemble a product, a machine can manufacture and assemble the same within minutes. This not only saves a lot of time but expense as well. Automation in industries is a one-time investment which gives you long term benefits and efficient output. No doubt the machines demand maintenance, but it is still economical when compared to manual labor.

In huge manufacturing units, automation is a widespread concept which has taken over the human hand mainly because of the demand and supply chain where there is an excessively large need for manufactured goods.

But, it should also be noted that with an efficient hardware that goes into automating a factory, compatible and complementing software is also necessary. It is an intelligent software system that makes the machine efficient in providing optimum output. For this reason, ReadyDAQ your one stop shop for all the development needs has been created. It offers solutions to your software problems and is programmed to handle all operational devices such as pumps, motors, and sensors. A plug and play medium for devices, it helps the automation process in factories and industries by allowing the users to connect devices and without any major configuration or development operating it. It comes with a 30-day trial version to get a feel of the working before you actually make a purchase. So get yours today!

CompactRIO Scan Mode Tutorial

This section will teach a person how to create a basic control application on CompactRIO using scan mode. One should see the LabVIEW FPGA Tutorial if the choice is to use the LabVIEW FPGA Interface. One should then have a new LabVIEW Project that consists of the existing CompactRIO system, including the controller, C Series I/O modules, and chassis. An NI 9211 Thermocouple input module will be used in this tutorial; nonetheless, for any analogue input module, the process can be followed.

1.       The project is saved by selecting File»Save and entering Basic control with scan mode. Click OK.

2.       This project will only consist of one VI, which is the LabVIEW Real-Time application that runs installed on the CompactRIO controller. Right-clicking on the CompactRIO real-time controller in the project and selecting New»VI saves the VI as RT.vi.This one is created by the VI.

3.       Three routines are included in the key operation of this application: start up, run, and shutdown. An effortless way to accomplish this order of operation is a flat sequence structure. Place with three frames on the existing RT.vi block diagram a flat sequence structure.

4.       Then, a timed loop to the Run frame of the sequence structure should be inserted. The capability to synchronise code to various time basis, including the NI Scan Engine that reads and writes scan mode I/O is provided by timed loops.

5.       If the timed loop is to be configured, one should double-click on the clock icon on the left input node.

6.       Now, select Synchronise to Scan Engine as the Loop Timing Source. Click OK. This will cause the code in the timed loop to execute once, instantly after each I/O scan, assuring that any I/O values used in this timed loop are the most recent ones.

7.      To run synchronised to the scan engine, the step before constructed the timed loop. Now, by right-clicking on the CompactRIO real-time controller in the LabVIEW Project and picking Properties, one should configure the rate of the scan engine itself.

8.       Then, choose Scan Engine from the categories on the left and enter 100ms as the Scan Period and all the I/O in the CompactRIO system to be updated every 100ms (10Hz). From this page, the Network Publishing Period can also be set, which regulates how often the I/O values are published to the network for remote monitoring and debugging. After that, click OK.

9.       Now that one has constructed the I/O scan rate, it is time to add the I/O reads to the existing application for control. One can simply drag and drop the I/O variables from the LabVIEW Project to the RT block diagram when using CompactRIO Scan Mode. Expand the CompactRIO real-time controller, chassis, and the I/O module the one would like to log. By clicking on it, select AI0, then drag and drop it into the timed loop on your RT.vi diagram.

10.   Now, in this project for speciality digital Pulse Width Modulated output, one should configure the digital module so the one can use a PWM signal to control the imaginary heater unit. Right click on the existing digital module in the project and select Properties, to do this. Select Specialty Digital Configuration and a Speciality Mode of Pulse-Width Modulation in the C Series Module Properties dialogue. Speciality Digital mode allows the existing module to perform to pattern based digital I/O at rates significantly faster than is available with the scan interface. Click OK and the existing module will now be in PWM mode.

11.   Then a person is ready to add the actual PWM output to the block diagram. To do so, widen the Mod2 object in the project and drag and drop the PWM0 item to the block diagram as it has been done with the AI0 I/O node in the previous step.

12.   After that, somebody will want to join the PID control logic to this program. Right click the block diagram to open the functions palette and click on the Search button in the top right of the palette, if one wants to do such a thing.

13.   Scan for PID and pick PID.vi in the Control Design and Simulation Palette and drag it to the actual block diagram of the timed loop and wire the PID VI.

14.   The set point input is not wired now. That is because it is best practice to keep user interface (UI) objects out of actual high priority control loop. If someone wants to interact with and adjust the actual set point at the run time, the one will want to create a control that can be interacted with in the lower priority loop. Also, if someone wants to create single process shared variables for I/O in the already existing high priority control loop, two controls in our application (set point and stop) are needed to create two new single process shared variables.

A single process is created and the variable is shared by right click on the actual RT CompactRIO Target in the LabVIEW Project and New >> Library should be selected. Rename the library into something perceptive like RTComm. Then, one should right click on the new library and select New>>Variable. That will open the Shared Variable Properties dialogue. The variable should be named SetPoint (for example, the name depends on person’s imagination) and “Single Process” should be selected for the variable type in the Variable Type drop down box. Finally, click on the RT FIFO option in the left-hand tree and click the Enable RT FIFO check box.

15.   In the library that has just been created, another single-process shared variable should be made. This variable is for the Stop control that is going to be created that will stop the program when it is needed. All the same settings as the previous Set Point variable except for the type this new variable should possess, and it should be Boolean.

16.   Next, some user interface should be created. Such a thing is done in Slide control, Waveform Chart, Numeric control, and Stop (Boolean) control.

17.   This program is supposed to be finished now by creating a secondary (non-timed) loop for the actual UI objects and finishing wiring the existing block diagram.

18.   Note the extension of I/O to the configuration and shutdown states to ensure that already existing I/O is in a known state when the program begins and ends. The basic control application should be ready to run.

Getting Started with CompactRIO - Performing Basic Control

 

The National Instruments Compact

An advanced embedded data and control acquisition system created for applications that require high performance and reliability equals RIO programmable automation controller. The system has open, embedded architecture, extreme ruggedness, small size, and flexibility, that engineers and embedded planners can use with COTS hardware to instantly build systems that are custom embedded. NI CompactRIO is powered by National Instruments LabVIEW FPGA and LabVIEW Real-Time technologies, it gives engineers the ability to program, design, and customize the CompactRIO embedded system with handy graphical programming tools.

This controller fuses a high-performance FPGA, an embedded real-time processor, and hot-swappable I/O modules. Every I/O module that grants low-level customization of timing and I/O signal processing is directly connected to the FPGA. The embedded real-time processor and the FPGA are connected via a high-speed PCI bus. A low-cost architecture with direct access to low-level hardware assets is shown by this. LabVIEW consists of built-in data transfer mechanisms that pass data from both the FPGA and the I/O modules to the FPGA to the embedded processor for real-time post-processing, analysis, data logging, or communication to a networked host CPU.

FPGA

A reconfigurable, high-performance chip that engineers may program with LabVIEW FPGA tools is the installed FPGA. FPGA designers were compelled to learn and use complex design languages such as VHDL to program FPGAs, and now, any scientist or engineer can adapt graphical LabVIEW tools to personalize and program FPGAs. One can implement custom triggering, timing, control, synchronization, and signal processing for an analog and digital I/O by using the FPGA hardware installed in CompactRIO.

C Series I/O Modules

A diversity of I/O types are accessible including current, voltage, thermocouple, accelerometer, RTD, and strain gauge inputs; 12, 24, and 48 V industrial digital I/O; up to ±60 V simultaneous sampling analogue I/O; 5 V/TTL digital I/O; pulse generation; counter/timers; and high voltage/current relays. People can frequently connect wires directly from the C Series modules to their actuators and sensors, for the modules contain built-in signal conditioning for extended voltage ranges or industrial signal samples.

Weight and Size

Demanding design requirements in many embedded applications are size, weight, and I/O channel density. A four-slot reconfigurable installed system weighs just 1.58 kg (3.47 lb) and measures 179.6 by 88.1 by 88.1 mm (7.07 by 3.47 by 3.47 in.).

Computerized Outputs

Digital Outputs require a similar investigation and large portions of indistinguishable contemplation from advanced data sources. These incorporate watchful thought of yield voltage go, greatest refresh rate, and most extreme drive current required. In any case, the yields likewise have various particular contemplations, as portrayed beneath. Relays have the benefit of high off impedance, low off spillage, low on resistance, irresoluteness amongst AC and DC flags, and implicit segregation. Be that as it may, they are mechanical gadgets and consequently give bring down unwavering quality and commonly slower reaction rates. Semi-conductor yields regularly have a favorable position in speed and unwavering quality.
Semiconductor changes additionally have a tendency to be littler than their mechanical reciprocals, so a semiconductor-based advanced yield gadget will commonly give more yields per unit volume. When utilizing DC semiconductor gadgets, be mindful so as to consider whether your framework requires the yield to sink or source current. To fulfill varying necessities,

Current Limiting/Fusing

Most yields, and especially those used to switch high streams (100 mA or something like that), offer some kind of yield security. There are three sorts most normally accessible. The first is a straightforward circuit. Cheap and dependable, the primary issue with circuits, is they can't be reset and should be supplanted when blown. The second sort of current constraining is given by a resettable breaker. Ordinarily, these gadgets are variable resistors. Once the current achieves a specific edge, their resistance starts to rise rapidly, at last constraining the current and stopping the current.
Once the culpable association is evacuated, the resettable circuit returns to its unique low impedance state. The third kind of limiter is a real current screen that turns the yield off if and when an overcurrent is recognized. This "controller" limiter has the upsides of not requiring substitution taking after an overcurrent occasion. Numerous usage of the controller setup additionally permits the overcurrent outing to be determined to a channel by channel premise, even with a solitary yield board.

“Other” types of DAQ I/O Hardware - Part 1

This article portrays the "other normal" sorts of DAQ I/O — gadgets, for example, Analog Outputs, Digital Inputs, Digital Inputs, Counter/Timers, and Special DAQ capacities, which covers such gadgets as Motion I/O, Synchro/Resolvers, LVDT/RVDTs, String Pots, Quadrature Encoders, and ICP/IEPE Piezoelectric Crystal Controllers. It likewise covers such themes as interchanges interfaces, timing, and synchronization capacities.
Analog Outputs Analog or D/A yields are utilized for an assortment of purposes in data acquisition and control systems. To appropriately coordinate the D/A gadget to your application, it is important to consider an assortment of determinations, which are recorded and clarified beneath.

Number of Channels 

As it's a genuinely clear necessity, we won't invest much energy in it. Ensure you have enough yields to take care of business. On the off chance that it's conceivable that your application might be extended or adjusted, later on, you may wish to determine a system with a couple "safe" yields. In any event, make certain you can add yields to the system not far off without significant trouble.
Resolution As with A/D channels, the resolution of a D/A yield is a key particular. The resolution depicts the number or scope of various conceivable yield states (regularly voltages or streams) the system is equipped for giving. This detail is all around given as far as "bits", where the resolution is characterized as 2(# of bits). For instance, 8-bit resolution relates to a resolution of one section in 28 or 256. So also, 16-bit resolution relates to one section in 216 or 65, 536. At the point when joined with the yield go, the resolution decides how little an adjustment in the yield might be summoned. To decide the resolution, essentially separate the full-scale scope of the yield by its resolution. A 16-bit yield with a 0-10 Volt full-scale yield gives 10 V/216 or 152.6 microvolts resolution. A 12-bit yield with a 4-20 mA full scale gives 16 mA/212 or 3.906 uA resolution.

Accuracy 

Despite the fact that precision is frequently compared to resolution, they are not the same. An analog yield with a one microvolt resolution doesn't really (or even regularly) mean the yield is precise to one microvolt resolution. Outside of sound yields, D/A system precision is commonly on the request of a couple LSBs. Be that as it may, it is critical to check this detail as not all analog yield systems are made equivalent. The most noteworthy and basic error commitments in analog yield systems are Offset, Gain/Reference, and Linearity errors.

Be Careful With Registrations

We found a memory development in their application which utilized client occasions for interprocess correspondence. The issue we found was that any client occasions which are enrolled however unhandled by an occasion structure will expand your application's memory use when produced.
A fundamentally the same as the issue was raised at the 2011 CLA summit that produced CAR 288741 (settled for LabVIEW 2013). This CAR was recorded in light of the fact that unhandled enlisted occasions really reset the timeout in occasion structures. There was a great deal of good dialog over at LAVA with clients estimating approaches to utilize this new component however what I didn't see raised anytime was the way that producing client occasions which are not taken care of in an occasion structure will bring about a memory development in your application notwithstanding resetting the occasion timeout.
From my understanding, we see this conduct on the grounds that the enlist occasions hub will make a post box for occasions to be placed in but since there is not a case in the occasion structure to deal with this particular occasion, it is never removed from the letter box. This will prompt an expansion in the application's memory each time that occasion is produced. I have backpedaled and forward between this being normal conduct and a bug. At the season of composing this I trust it not out of the ordinary conduct yet there are sure things that are either inconsistencies in LabVIEW or demonstrate my misconception of how LabVIEW occasions function.
One of these irregularities and a reason this issue can be so hard to find is the way unhandled occasions are shown in the Event Inspector Window.
The issue I have is that albeit "Some Event" is not dealt with in the occasion structure, it doesn't appear in the rundown of Unhandled Events in Event Queue(s). Curiously, the occasion shows up in the occasion log with the occasion kind of "Client Event (unhandled)" which implies LabVIEW knows the occasion is not taken care of in this specific occurrence but rather still keeps it in the post box. What is confounding, to me in any event, is that despite the fact that nothing appears in the occasion monitor's rundown of unhandled occasions, flushing the occasion line discards these occasions (additionally counteracting memory development).

The LabVIEW Real-Time Module

As you already know, ReadyDAQ is developing a program for real-time systems. ReadyDAQ for real-time will be based on the LabVIEW Real-Time Module which is a solution for creating reliable, stand-alone embedded systems with a graphical programming approach. In other words, it is an additional tool to the already existing LabVIEW development environment. This module helps you develop and debug graphical applications that you can download to and execute on embedded hardware devices such as CompactRIO, CompactDAQ, PXI, vision systems, or third-party PCs.
Why should you consider real-time module? Well, there are three advantages that will change your mind:

1. Stretch out LabVIEW Graphical Programming to Stand-Alone Embedded Systems 

LabVIEW Real-Time incorporates worked in builds for multithreading and real-time string planning to help you productively compose strong, deterministic code. Graphically program remain solitary frameworks to run dependably for developed periods. ReadyDAQ Real-time has utilized this choice splendidly and it is actualized in the arrangement we offer.

2. Exploit a Real-Time OS for Precise Timing and High Reliability 

Universally useful OSs are not enhanced to run basic applications with strict planning necessities. LabVIEW Real-Time underpins NI installed equipment that runs either the NI Linux Real-Time, VxWorks, or Phar Lap ETS real-time OS (RTOS).

3. Utilize a Wide Variety of IP and Real-Time Hardware Drivers 

Utilize several prewritten LabVIEW libraries, similar to PID control and FFT, in your remain solitary frameworks. Real-time equipment drivers and LabVIEW APIs are likewise accommodated most NI I/O modules, empowering deterministic data obtaining.
According to the points made above, you realize that real-time module can only bring benefit for you and your company. In the upcoming weeks, you can read about common problems user experience using LabVIEW Real-time module as well as solutions to those problems from our professional LabVIEW experts.

What is a Spectrophotometer?

Did you know the color can be measured? Spectrophotometers are devices made for that purpose--  to capture and assess color. As a portion of a color control program, product owners and inventors use them to stipulate and connect colors, and industrialists use them to screen color correctness through manufacture. Spectrophotometers are able to measure almost anything, from liquids and plastics, to paper, metal, and fabrics. These devices help on a mission to make sure that color stays consistent from the beginning to delivery
There are three main types of spectrophotometers, the one you should choose depends on the reason you need it for.

0º/45º (or 45º/0º)

The most widely recognized spectrophotometer, this instrument measures light reflected at a settled point to the example, generally 45˚, and can avoid gleam to most nearly recreate how the human eye sees shading. They are regularly utilized for measuring shading on smooth or matte surfaces.

Spherical

Round instruments can quantify light reflected at all points to ascertain shading estimations that nearly coordinate what a human eye would see. They are normally utilized for measuring shading that has been connected to finished surfaces, for example, materials, floor coverings and plastics, and additionally sparkling or reflect like surfaces, including metallic inks, printing overthwart, and other very lustrous surfaces.

Multi-Angle

A multi-point instrument sees the shade of an example as though it is being moved forward and backward, similarly as you would curve a specimen to see the shading on different edges. Today's multi-point instruments are utilized for uniquely covered shades and enhancement hues with added substances, for example, mica and pearlescent, for example, nail clean and car coatings.

DAQ Dictionary: E-F

The new part of DAQ dictionary brings the terms starting with E and F. Enjoy!

Electromotive Force 

Alteration of potential created by sources of electrical energy that can be used to drive currents through external circuits. The unit is volt.

Endurance limit

In fatigue testing, the amount of cycles which may be endured without failure at a specific level of pressure.

EIA

Electronic Industries Association.

Ethernet

A local area network through which you may connect your data acquisition devices.

E-Type Thermocouple

Chromel-constantan thermocouple with a temperature variety of 0 to 800 C.

Excitation

The voltage or current smeared to a transducer.

External Trigger

The trigger causes the beginning of data acquisition. External triggers let you synchronize data acquisition with outside events.

Fall Time

The time needed for a signal to alter from a indicated high value to a stated low value. Typically measured as the time to fall from 90% to 10% of the step height or full amplitude.

Farad

Unit of capacitance.

Farenheit

A temperature scale where the freezing point of water is 32 degrees and the boiling point 212 degrees. Outdated for scientific purposes by Celsius. Symbol is F.

Fast Fourier Transfer (FFT)

An examination algorithm - given a finite set of data points, the FFT expresses the data in terms of its constituent incidences.

FIFO buffer

A first in, first out, store. The first value placed in the queue is the first value later read.

Filtering

Weakens components of a signal that are unwanted: decreases sound faults in a signal.

Frequency

Measured in hertz (cycles per second), degree of recurrence of alterations.

Frequency Counter

Totals numerical pulses over a defined entry time. A typical entry time is amid 0.1 and 10 seconds.

Front panel

The front exterior of a unit, usually having switches and indicator lights.

Full Scale Output

The alteration between the minimum output (normally zero) of a data acquisition device and the valued volume.

DAQ Dictionary – A

In this new series, we’re going to go through the alphabet of data acquisition and try to closely explain the terms used in the field. The articles with new terms will be published twice a week, so make sure you don’t miss any of them if you want to learn the “language” of data acquisition. First things first, we start with A.

Absolute Accuracy

How close the measured value is to the real value.

Acquisition Time

Also known as Sample and Hold Acquisition Time, this term is for the time taken for the sampling circuit to settle to the input voltage.

A/D, A-D, ADC, Analogue-to-Digital Converter

Changes an analog signal into a digital signal appropriate for input to a computer.

Alternating Current (AC)

Electric current whose flow alternates the direction. The number of times the direction changes in one second is called the frequency. The usual waveform of AC is sinusoidal.

Alias

A representation of a high-frequency waveform that has been sampled at a very low rate. Take a look at  anti-alias filter for further understanding.

Ampere (A)

SI unit of electric current.

Amplifier

A circuit that creates a greater output power, voltage or current than was applied at the input.

Amplitude

The size of a signal.

Analogue-to-Digital (A-D) Converter

Changes an analog signal to a digital signal suitable for input to a computer.

Analogue Input

A substantially flexible signal going into a data acquisition device. This is usually a voltage signal. In this case, the data acquisition device will convert the current to a voltage before accepting it.

Analogue Output

A control signal produced by the data acquisition and control equipment.

Anti-Alias Filter

An anti-alias filter that allows passing through the lower occurrence components of a signal but not higher frequencies signals from introducing distortion. Anti-alias filters are indicated agreeing to the sampling rate of the system and there must be one filter per input signal.

Argument

Input parameter to a program.

ASCII

American Standard Code for Information Interchange.
We’re done with the terms from daq starting with A, the following article will be on B-C. Stay tuned and follow the whole series!

Tips for Improving Spectrum Measurement – Part 2

We've started a new series of articles, this time about spectrum measurement. The second part brings four more tips to ease your everyday tasks with spectrometers. Enjoy!

4. Locating signals can be crucial

Utilizing a directional radio wire, the signal quality capacity on analyzers can empower you to characterize a particular signal inside a band of intrigue. As the level expands, the capable of being heard tonnes can permit you to boost the line of bearing. Urban areas are a specific issue since they are loaded with reflections. An ideal approach to adapt is to continue moving and to get however many lines of bearing as could be expected under the circumstances. The more lines of bearing, the littler the measure of vulnerability.

5. GPS Receiver is not the same as GPS Mapping

Attempting to make sense of where a signal or clamor is originating from can take quite a while. Geo-referenced estimations give situational information. With a GPS trigger motor, how regularly a signal happens and where it happens can be resolved to utilize either manual or mechanized drive estimations.

6. Signal identification can often not an easy task

A signal arrangement database can be utilized to recognize signals in light of their recurrence, involved transmission capacity and range signature, as appeared in the screen catch beneath, where the range analyzer could distinguish a signal as Bluetooth channel 39. Utilize the implicit library of signals and even modify it by adding your own signals to rapidly and unquestionably recognize signals.

7. Customizing your own signal database will spare you time in future

Attempting to distinguish a particular signal in a woodland of a spectrum is tough. A signal characterization database gives signal ID and also the way to stock your range data. You can stamp and recognize your range so that obscure emitters can be effectively identified.
No, we're not done with this! The third part is coming soon, make sure to check out our blog tomorrow!

Why Graphical Programming isn’t More Popular?

We’re facing an often asked, yet somehow a redundant question. Asking this is a little lie asking why picture books are less popular than books written using the alphabet.
The thing with programming is that once you have spent enough time learning it (the same applies for math or English) you realize that it is an extremely expressive and powerful tool that can express a large range of things in a precise way.
In fact, it's so great that once you are used to it, you can work so fast in it that visual tools are just the obstacles. Even with a language as simple as HTML, the one that actually CAN be visualized with editors like DreamWeaver, most professionals, and advanced amateurs tend to spend a huge amount of time in the textual part of the app.
We can program PCs utilizing different standards, and there are a few devices other than LabView. MIT's Scratch rings a bell and is a genuine endeavor at using a visual situation for programming. Sikuli is exceptionally fascinating, as it uses PC vision procedures to permit undertaking robotization on a desktop. Siri is additionally another endeavor at utilizing voice and could be utilized as a part without bounds as the reason for a programming domain.
Two things that strike a chord taking a gander at these option instruments is that they are displayed in the wake of something genuine and have a tendency to be area particular. I accept both elements are connected. LabView, for example, draws vigorously from this present reality equal parts from the logical and designing area. This includes some exchange offs that are not so much essential. I trust that in a leap forward is required, to perceive that present GUIs ought to include various types of connection than simply attempting to "imitate" something physical. I trust we'll see a greater amount of it coming as the tablets advance, and individuals begin to utilize a greater amount of the multitouch and accelerometer to permit control of the "virtual" environment. Individuals will outline new instruments and controls that are unrealistic in this present reality yet will carry on fine and dandy, and instinctively, in certain situations.

Quick Drop

What’s the tool in LabVIEW that most new users don’t even know about, and experienced LabVIEW developers don’t appreciate enough? It’s Quick Drop. Let us try to introduce the tool to you and change the way you work with LabVIEW, for better, of course.
Quick Drop was introduced in 2009 with a mission to improve our productivity. Those who are not familiar with the tool are probably placing every new element on Block Diagram or Front Panel through Control Palette. The whole experience of placing a new node is pretty long.
On the other hand, Quick Drop makes this process extremely simple and it takes only a few seconds to learn how to use it.
Here are the basic steps of using Quick Drop:
•    Go to the Block Diagram (or Front Panel in case you want to place a control or an indicator)
•    Press Ctrl + Space shortcut
•    Name the function and hit enter
•    Place it at the desired location
Yes, it’s that simple. Why not try it now?

Quick Drop Shortcuts

Quick Drop’s default settings come with some extra keyboard shortcuts, and all of the are thoroughly described in LabVIEW help section.
Although it is difficult to understand for most of the new users and even for some of the more experienced LabVIEW experts, the advantages of using these shortcuts are huge.
The strength of Quick Drop is huge, and we hope you find this introductory guide helpful. However, this is not the end of it. Quick Drop comes with dozens of other, useful features which we may preview in some of our future blog posts.
Until then, work hard on your way to becoming a professional LabVIEW expert, who knows, you may be soon working as a freelance LabVIEW consultant!

What Could Happen During an Attempt to Hire a LabVIEW Consultant – The Answer

Truth be told, after more than fifteen years required in the test and estimations industry, I do see that connection between's various LabVIEW developers. Presently, we should comprehend what this distinction means with more substantial numbers. For straightforwardness of examination, we might expect that a specialist in LabVIEW and test and estimations, in this alluded as Programmer An, is 10 times more effective than a lesser master, named Programmer B. How about we now expect that Programmer A's going rate is $150/h, though Programmer B charges $15/h for his time. These are numbers that are not absolutely out of reality, as one can conceivably discover seaward LabVIEW software engineers charging figures near $15/h.

In considering the productivity calculate, an errand that would take Programmer A 100 hours and cost the organization a sum of $15,000, would be finished by Programmer B at 10 a.m. and cost the team the same $15,000. Presently, there are a few great contrasts in the yield of the two methodologies. The primary evident one is the open door cost. It would take the organization two and half weeks to achieve the right objective if utilizing Programmer A. It would take software engineer B more than six months to achieve the same purpose. In today's market surroundings of outrageous rivalry, this additional postponement in finishing a venture can cost an organization a huge number of dollars.

Another indicate that requirements are made the official establishment of the LabVIEW code base that is made by Programmer A versus the one created by Programmer B. Proficiency typically accompanies years of involvement in executing certain activities. An amazingly skilled software engineer realizes that a decent design is a thing that spares time toward the end. In this manner, Programmer A will in all probability convey something that is efficiently expandable, viable, particular and reusable. While, Programmer B will in all likelihood have burrow vision to the job needing to be done and will convey utilitarian code to the necessities, yet the code base will presumably not be as robust as the one created by his partner. The additional cost the organization will need to acquire with approach B will get to be evident in any overhaul or retrofit extend that obliges somebody to adjust the first code base.

What I am proposing here is that you get what you pay for. Hence, an hourly rate is not the most ideal approach to choose will's identify the best pick for a LabVIEW extend. Ensure you see how balanced the advisor is on test and estimations. In handy terms, take a gander at the expert's experience past simply the LabVIEW aptitudes. Comprehend the ventures the expert has encounter working with and also his investment administration abilities. Attempt to adjust your industry to an expert who took a shot at applications for the same business and ones who had the chance to work at a venture chief limit too. The most balanced experts will be the ones who will expand the arrival of the venture to the organization.

What Could Happen During an Attempt to Hire a LabVIEW Consultant – The Question

With LabVIEW rapidly turning into the standard application environment for test and estimations applications, clearly, a much higher number of LabVIEW software engineers are presently accessible to be procured than in past years. National Instruments has made an extraordinary showing with regards to in elevating LabVIEW to more active and more youthful children from school age the distance down to center school. The repercussion of that exertion is a much more noteworthy reception of LabVIEW by the up and coming era of researchers and architects.
This is admittedly impressive for the general test and estimations group as I am a major devotee to the force of solid rivalry as an approach to enhance an industry. Be that as it may, one quick propensity that is beginning to come to fruition is the commoditization of LabVIEW software engineers. This is fundamentals financial matters, the all the more something is made accessible, the less expensive it typically gets to be.
Also, with the lever globalization our reality has, and it will keep on achieving, it has gotten to be workable for individuals from all edges of the planet to associate by and by and professionally. The straightforwardness in association in addition to the way that LabVIEW has now an exceptionally solid worldwide client base have made accessible an incredible number of LabVIEW software engineers to organizations needing administrations.
So the question turns out to be how to procure the best LabVIEW software engineer for the occupation?
With LabVIEW turning into consistently and all the more capable programming dialect, it is reasonable for doing an examination of productivity in light of numbers from the Software building group. Numbers from the Software designing group recommend that a to a high degree capable master in a programming situation can be anyplace between 100-500 times more proficient than somebody who is only acquainted with the same environment.

The Traits of a Quality Software Engineer

Programming advancement (or PC writing computer programs) is much similar to understanding the Rubik's Cube. I'll clarify what I mean.
There are two sorts of "Rubik's Cubist." The first type likes to discover from others how to understand it (utilizing a standard arrangement of moves), yet then practices these moves until they can unravel it without fall flat unfailingly.
The second sort responds to the call of unraveling the confuse sans preparation without offer assistance. This is clearly entangled and requires some serious energy and tolerance.
Programming improvement is a blend of these two procedures. By far most of the projects require a considerable amount of standard capacities, for example, record taking care of functions. The engineer needs to know these, much the same as the first kind of cubist needs to know the standard moves.
Be that as it may, practically every program has highlights that are interesting to it, and that should be made sense of precisely. A case of this would be the abnormal state structure, which is typically extraordinary to every program. A decent designer knows the standard instruments and can utilize them fittingly, however, can likewise take care of precarious rationale issues that are exclusive to the program he or she is creating.
A few cubists of the first sort have taken things to extremes and unravel the 3D shape in only a few moments, the present world record being 4.9 seconds.
Correspondingly, the best engineers are constantly quick to do things in the speediest and most efficient way. Strangely, when speed cubists tackle the solid shape, they concentrate on it for maybe 20 or 30 seconds before beginning. Similarly, great engineers realize that a lot of planning, as outlined work, is required before jumping into coding.
Finally, the cubist works autonomously of others. However, the best programming engineers are great at teaming up with other individuals who are included in the venture in general, for example, advertising specialists, administration and at times clients and different designers.
So in rundown, my attributes of good programming engineers are:
•    A decent learning of their dialect, including the standard building pieces they will utilize
•    A capacity to tackle precarious rationale issues
•    A cointense work rapidly and efficiently
•    A capacity to work together adequately with different experts who are included in the venture