Developing Embedded Applications Using CompactRIO and LabVIEW Real-Time Course Overview

Introduction to Embedded Measurement, Control, and Monitoring Using LabVIEW Real-Time

Explore an embedded application requiring data logging, control, and monitoring capabilities.

• Overview of System Commonalities
• Real-Time Processor Overview
• Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Overview
• Human-Machine Interface (HMI) Overview

Identifying Application Requirements

Explore the considerations when designing and developing an embedded application.

• Identify I/O and I/O Rate Requirements.
• Exploring Common Application Processes
• Investigating Process Timing
• Exploring Data Transfer Types
• Identifying Performance and Reliability Requirements

Document Your Design

Explore the use of diagrams to aid in system design. Implement the design for the CompactRIO-based course project.

• Identifying Diagram Types and Benefits
• Creating a Communication Diagram
• Exploring Common Embedded Applications System Diagrams

Configure Your Hardware

Set up real-time HW and install the necessary SW to work with the CompactRIO.

• Setting Up Hardware and PC
• Configuring RT System Settings and Software
• Configuring Network Settings

Accessing Your I/O in LabVIEW

Explore the methods available to use the I/O channels of your hardware.

• Configuring RT Targets through the LabVIEW Project
• Comparing I/O Methods
• Accessing I/O Using DAQmx
• Accessing I/O Using Scan Engine
• Accessing I/O from FPGA

Programming Using LabVIEW Real-Time

Learn how to access the inputs and outputs of your RT target in your application.

• Real-Time VI Architecture Overview
• Multitasking and Multithreading Overview
• Scheduling Overview
• Investigating Priority Levels of Processes
• Setting Priority Levels of VIs
• Yielding Execution in Deterministic Loops
• Timing Loops in LabVIEW Real-Time
• Improving Speed and Determinism

Inter-Process Communication in LabVIEW Real-Time

Learn how to transfer data between multiple loops on your Real-Time VI.

• Introduction to Inter-Process Communication in Real-Time
• Transfer Data between Deterministic and Non-deterministic Loops
• Transfer Data between Non-deterministic Loops
• Introduction to Channel Wires

Communicating between the Real-Time Target and Host PC

Explore how to transfer data and communicate between a host PC and an RT Target.

• Front Panel Communication versus Programmatic Network Communication
• Transferring Latest Values (Tag)
• Transferring Buffered Values (Stream, Message)
• Investigating Standard Protocols
• Embedded UI Overview

Managing Memory and Monitoring System Health

Explore best practices for monitoring RT system health, memory, and CPU usage to mitigate potential issues during application execution.

• Exploring Impacts of Memory Usage
• Investigating Memory Pre-Allocation
• Minimizing Dynamic Memory Allocations
• Exploring System Monitoring

Creating Reliable RT Applications

Learn about the techniques available to improve the reliability of your RT system and application

• Reliability Overview
• Safe Shutdown Overview
• Comprehensive Error Handling
• Watchdogs Overview
• Redundancy Overview
• C-Series Functional Safety Module

Debugging, Benchmarking, and Testing

Explore methods for debugging, benchmarking, and testing your real-time application.

• Debugging Real-Time VIs
• Benchmarking the Performance of a Real-Time System
• Testing the Code Functionality

Deployment and Replication

Deploy a stand-alone RT application and replicate it on multiple RT targets.

• Introduction to RT Deployment
• Communicating with Deployed Applications
• Replicating RT Systems