Tech Tips

Tech Tip – Understanding LVDT Position Measurements

Position and displacement measurements proportional to the excitation signal. the excitation signals of multiple channels. are growing in popularity. Here are some You may set the excitation voltage at a 5. There is a difference between AC helpful tips if you are using LVDTs in your level below the manufacturer’s specified LVDTs and DC LVDTs. Most LVDTs present or future applications. maximum and still expect linear operation. are AC LVDT, requiring an external AC 1. Understand your LVDTs configuration You may use a different frequency also, excitations source. However, there are for your application. LVDTs are available but expect the sensitivity and null voltage versions of LVDTs known as DC LVDTs. for use in either a 4 or a 5-wire configuration. to change. These sensors have built-in conditioning While the number of wires describes the 3. Stay within the recommended travel and generate a DC signal corresponding to number of physical connections between your specification of your LVDT. LVDTs their position. While DC LVDTs do not LVDT and your measurement system, it also are available in a variety of lengths and require external conditioning, they do have describes how the measurement system sizes. However, all LVDTs come with a limited temperature range specifications of interprets the signals from the LVDT. In a specified distance of travel. Outside of operation and are more expensive. 4-wire configuration, the measurement this range, the LVDT begins to behave in If you are looking to implement a circuitry uses the onboard excitation signal a non-linear fashion, creating measure- position measurement system, we to demodulate the incoming signal from ment errors. Therefore, always choose an recommend the SCXI-1540 LVDT module. the LVDT. In a 5-wire configuration, the LVDT with the travel needed for your This module offers all of the critical features measurement system ignores the excitation application, and operate the LVDT inside you require for your position measurement signal, and uses the common-mode voltage of those specifications. systems, along with the power of signal from the LVDT for demodulation. 4. Beware of excitation signal cross talk measurement ready SCXI.1 While some LVDTs can operate in either between channels. For many applications, mode, you must use other LVDTs in one it is convenient to wire multiple LVDTs For more information on our SCXI-1540 configuration or the other. Therefore, it is to one multiconductor cable. In those LVDT module, check the SCXI-1540 data beneficial to choose an LVDT measurement instances, it is possible for the excitation sheet on the reply card or visit system that handles both configurations. signals of different LVDTs to couple ni.com/info/news 2. LVDTs may operate at other excitation through the lead wires causing small amplitudes and frequencies than those periodic variations in your readings. listed by the manufacturer. An LVDT is To eliminate this affect, choose an LVDT ni.com/scxi a ratiometric device. The output signal is measurement system that can synchronize

Time Stamping Digital Events

Time stamping is the ability to record absolute Sample System Additional Functions and/or relative time information together with For this example system, we are using the In addition to time stamping, you can use a measurement sample or simultaneous PCI-6533 high-speed digital I/O device these devices to perform these operations: digital event. With time stamping, you can together with a PCI-6602 counter timer device. • Monitor up to thirty-two signal events and recreate your acquired signal or event history You can use the high-speed digital I/O record their relative times – helps you accurately with respect to time. A free running device in change-detection mode. It monitors reconstruct the event history counter, whose value is latched every time the up to thirty-two digital input lines and creates • Perform up to thirty-two channels of monitored event or measurement happens, a digital pulse on the request line every time high-speed continuous frequency, period, takes the time stamp. If you cannot share a one of these lines changes state. The counter or pulse-width measurements clock to synchronize multiple measurements timer device performs event counting on one • Correlate digital events with analog input, or events, time stamping is the only way to of its counters to latch a counter value in a analog output, and counter measurements – post-correlate measurement or event data. buffer every time it receives notification from for example position stamping in which the the request line of the digital I/O device. counter records position every time a digital The request line of the digital I/O device event happens1 internally routes to the source of the counter using the RTSI timing and synchronization For more information, view the PCI-6602 bus found on all National Instruments data data sheet at ni.com/info/news acquisition devices. ni.com/scxi

National Instruments ■ (512) 794-0100 ■ ni.com 13 Instruments

Arbitrary Waveform Generators Address Complex Applications with Deep Memory

Deep fast access onboard memory you can increase is a feature that distinguishes the and decrease the National Instruments arbitrary frequency of the waveform generators from others. waveform. The update rate is the Onboard Memory rate at which data Standard onboard memory for our 40 MS/s is read from the arbitrary waveform generator, the NI 5411, buffer and sent to is 4 MB and 16 MB for our high-accuracy the arb output. analog video signal generator, the NI 5431, 2. Setting the which translates to storage of 2 million waveform data samples and 8 million samples on the value and the gain instruments respectively. You can also of the output purchase the NI 5411 with the larger amplifier controls 16 MB onboard memory option. the output amplitude Deep memory makes possible the storage of the waveform. of large and complex user-defined waveforms Take the or waveforms digitized from deep memory following scenario. The figure illustrates the concepts of waveform samples, buffer, stage, staging list, and linking and looping. digital storage oscilloscopes on the The update rate is instrument. As a result, you can output specified as 10 KHz; waveforms at very high speeds (40 MS/s) 10 Ksamples/s. A waveform is stored in store in memory. In the above example, because there is no need for continuous memory where 256 samples are used to Waveform Buffer/Segment 1 represents a waveform memory transfers from computer represent the unit cycle of the waveform. single cycle of a sine wave, and the waveform memory to the instrument during waveform The output is a waveform with a frequency samples in Sample A are 12-bit samples. generation. Typically, this causes latencies of 39.065 Hz. 39.065 Hz <––––––>10Ksamples/s Waveform Stage 1 shows a stage created in high-speed waveform generation. In ÷ 256 samples/cycle = 39.065 cycles/s. from Buffer 1. addition, the onboard memory consists of 1. Stage 1 is Buffer 1 with three cycle optimized fast access memory modules. Sequencing, Linking, and Looping iterations. Waveform Sample B shows It is true that fast access memory on the arb samples for Waveform Buffer/Segment 2, Waveform Generation is valuable in providing speed and precision which represents a triangular waveform. An arb addresses the user-defined waveform when generating arbitrary waveforms. But You create Waveform Stage 2 using two data stored in onboard memory buffers many applications, such as communications iterations of Buffer 2. and converts each waveform data point, and disk drive testing, use complex signals 2. Finally, you can link or sequence all a (16-bit digital word) in memory to an that require many data points to define, and three stages to create your final waveform. thus large amounts of Deep memory is essential for creation memory. Because fast of long and complex waveforms, and Deep memory makes possible the access memory for arbs waveform linking and looping is a critical storage of large and complex waveforms. is not cheap, we use feature for optimization of generating very memory access long arbitrary waveforms, making efficient analog voltage via a digital to analog techniques to define complex signals from a use of the available onboard memory.1 converter (DAC). Only the 12 most limited set of data points, thus optimizing significant bits are sent to the DAC. Thus memory usage. These techniques include Lokesh Duraiappah, Computer-Based the analog output of the NI 5411/NI 5431 waveform sequencing, linking, and looping. Instruments Product Manager has 12-bit vertical resolution. By sequencing, linking, and looping, sample E-mail [email protected] The waveform is amplified and output data does not have to be repeated in a buffer. through an analog amplifier. You can replay This would waste valuable memory space. For more information, view the NI 5411 this waveform continuously or operate it as You only need to include this data once, and NI 5431 data sheets at ni.com/info/news a triggered, gated, or burst waveform. and if it is needed again, you can link the 1. By controlling the update rate (sampling waveform back to this data. If needed frequency), and the total number of repetitively, you can loop the data, also ni.com/instruments points cycled (start to stop addresses), reducing the amount of data you need to

14 National Instruments ■ (512) 794-0100 ■ ni.com Ethernet

Endless Possibilities Exist for Ethernet-Based Instrument Control Systems

Traditionally, networked applications have utility. No dip switches or been useful for overcoming physical jumpers are required, and limitations, such as hazardous environments, the controller offers flexible cabling setup restrictions, or simply the installation options control of systems in different locations. including rack mounting, Many engineers are now realizing that DIN rail mounting, wall networked instrumentation systems not mounting, and stackable only help overcome these limitations, but stand-alone use. By offer easier and more efficient integration combining the Ethernet- for their systems. to-GPIB or the Ethernet-to- With Ethernet networking, you can Serial controllers with create one system in which all the pieces National Instruments are easily integrated together – you control software, the possibilities instruments, acquire data, process it, send are endless. Following are With the GPIB-ENET/100, you can easily access remote equipment via TCP/IP. it to databases, analyze it, and present it some examples: efficiently by having immediate access to You can monitor and control your creating Web pages and controlling your it from virtually anywhere. With National remote instrumentation systems in several system within minutes. Instruments Ethernet-to-GPIB and ways. You can directly connect a (remote) You can control new Ethernet-based Ethernet-to-Serial controllers, you can computer to an instrumentation system. instruments with existing NI-VISA™ code. easily network your existing GPIB or serial If this computer is running any of our Our latest version of NI-VISA works with equipment into one application located development environments, such as the VXI-11 protocol for control of Ethernet- anywhere in the world accessible via TCP/IP. LabVIEW or Measurement Studio, you based instruments, in addition to working The ability to connect all the components can use a second (local) computer at a with the control of VXI, GPIB, and serial of your instrumentation system into one completely different location to control the instruments interchangeably. Thus, the high- central network application brings endless software running on the remote computer. level software provides you with tools to Or, you could replace the develop bus-independent instrument drivers remote computer with efficiently. The VXI-11 protocol defines how With National Instruments Ethernet-to- the Ethernet-to-GPIB to control Ethernet-based instruments that GPIB and Ethernet-to-Serial controllers, or the Ethernet-to-Serial were designed to respond to SCPI-style you can easily network your existing controllers and have commands. If you are using an Ethernet- complete control of the based instrument for which there are VISA GPIB or serial equipment into one instrumentation system drivers available (such as VXIplug&play application via TCP/IP. from your local computer. drivers), you can use existing code simply by The latter method does specifying at the beginning of the program possibilities to engineers looking for better not require you to write any extra code. that you are using the Ethernet instrument and more efficient ways to develop and test You can create Web pages that control interface instead of a GPIB or serial products. By combining a new architecture, remote GPIB instruments without writing interface. 100BaseT networking capabilities, and a single line of code. You can use With the Ethernet-to-GPIB and the high-speed HS488™ protocol, you can Measurement Studio to create Web pages Ethernet-to-Serial controller, you now have enhance performance by more than 10X based on ActiveX controllers by using a the freedom to access and control your test as compared to existing GPIB controllers, wizard that does not require any code and measurement instrumentation from any making performance comparable to that of development. In addition, Interchangeable remote location.1 GPIB plug-in controllers with the flexibility Virtual Instrumentation (IVI™) ActiveX of Ethernet GPIB control. controls provide us with instrument soft Vanessa Trujillo, GPIB Product Manager The GPIB-ENET/100 is easy to use front panels that you can place in a Web E-mail [email protected] and configure. Any program previously page for interactive control of the written for other National Instruments instruments. Finally, because you can For more information, check GPIB interfaces runs unmodified. You configure the GPIB-ENET/100 in IVI as GPIB-ENET/100 data sheet on the reply can configure the GPIB-ENET/100 with an interface for controlling a specific card or visit ni.com/info/news dynamic host configuration protocol instrument, integration of all pieces provides ni.com/gpib (DHCP) or with a simple configuration you with a simple yet powerful method for

National Instruments ■ (512) 794-0100 ■ ni.com 15 GPIB

Increased Performance with New GPIB-USB Controller

With our latest USB-to-GPIB converter, GPIB-USB-A, we have enhanced performance by a factor of 20x for typical applications. The GPIB-USB-A works with the latest operating systems, including Windows 2000/98 and Windows Millennium Edition (Me). The GPIB-USB-A is the easiest way to get up and running with your instrumentation application. The Universal Serial Bus (USB) Specification has grown steadily in popularity because of its wide availability and ease of use. However, USB technology has been limited primarily to control of peripheral devices. Since 1998, we have offered a USB-to-GPIB converter, so you can take advantage of the USB bus for controlling GPIB systems. We now offer a high-performance USB-to- GPIB converter that takes advantages of features of the newest operating systems. GPIB-USB-A enhances by a factor of 20X from typical applications. The new GPIB-USB-A offers several convenient features to the user. On connec- The user does not need an extra power to-GPIB conversion is transparent and the tion to the USB port of a computer, cable because the controller is bus powered, NI-488.2™ API does not change.1 devices are automatically recognized by the and they do not need an additional GPIB computer’s operating system. Also, you cable because the controller plugs directly For more information, check GPIB-USB-A can exchange USB-based equipment to the instrument. Also, the user does not data sheet on the reply card or visit freely without turning off the computer. need to deal with dip switches or open the ni.com/info/news Our external USB-to-GPIB converter takes computer to install a board. Furthermore, advantage of these features and facilitates you do not need to modify existing software ni.com/gpib rapid automation of GPIB instruments. for GPIB applications because the USB-

USB 2.0 Specification Released

In April at the Windows Hardware Engineering around the same time; however, broad USB National Instruments currently has USB Conference (WinHEC) in New Orleans, the 2.0 availability is aimed for mid-2001. solutions for GPIB (see above) and data release of the final version of the Universal Serial With its greatly increased bandwidth, ease acquisition. Because USB 2.0 is backwards Bus (USB) 2.0 specification was announced. of use, and support from PC industry leaders, compatible, National Instruments current USB The new specification boosts the maximum such as Microsoft and Intel, USB 2.0 should products are already compatible with the USB bit rate from the previous USB 1.1 specification be an attractive interface for a wide range of 2.0 specification. National Instruments is 40 times – from 12 to 480 Mbs – while peripherals. With USB 2.0, printers and committed to providing more powerful and maintaining backwards compatibility with the scanners are faster than those with traditional innovative USB solutions for the test and USB 1.1 specification. That is, a USB 2.0 host serial and parallel port connections. With a measurement world.1 or hub is required to handle USB 1.1 devices bandwidth of 480 Mbs, USB 2.0 gives mass that operate at 1.5 Mbs (low speed) and storage devices such as hard drives and zip For more information, visit ni.com/usb 12 Mbs (full speed) along with devices drives a simple and inexpensive hot-pluggable operating at 480 Mbs (high speed). interface. Therefore, hard drives can be This past May at the USB 2.0 Developers’ portable and slotless computers can expand Conference in Anaheim, Microsoft reiterated with greater ease. Streaming multimedia that it aims for USB 2.0 to work with devices such as video cameras that have Windows 2000 by Q4 2000. We expect some mediocre performance at 12 Mbs can have ni.com/usb peripheral devices to be in the market-place outstanding performance at 480 Mbs.

16 National Instruments ■ (512) 794-0100 ■ ni.com Test

Ethernet and GPIB Controllers in One Plug-In Board Expand Your System

The PCI-8212 combines a PCI-GPIB other National Instruments GPIB interfaces controller and a standard Ethernet runs unmodified on the PCI-8212 board. interface in a single PCI slot, providing The Ethernet controller is the new Intel you with additional slots for your 82559 Fast Ethernet controller. This instrumentation system. This board controller is compatible with both 10BaseT combines the functionality of two key and 100BaseTX networks, automatically components on today's instrumentation connecting at the highest speed available. systems, while maintaining their high- By combining National Instruments GPIB performance capabilities. expertise with industry-leading performance The PCI-GPIB circuitry on the Ethernet controller technology, the PCI-8212 uses the MITE™ and TNT4882™ PCI-8212 provides the performance and ASICs for high performance. The hardware functionality that you need to control your is completely software-configurable and protocol for data transfers up to 8 Mbytes/s. networked instrumentation systems.1 compatible with the Plug and Play The PCI-8212 board preserves your standard for easy hardware installation. software investments, and includes For more information, check PCI-8212 data The PCI-GPIB can sustain data transfer rates NI-488.2™ and NI-VISA™ application sheet on the reply card or visit up to 1.5 Mbytes/s using the IEEE 488.1 program interface (API) software for ni.com/info/news 3-wire handshake. The PCI-GPIB also Windows 2000/NT/9x. Any software ni.com/gpib implements the high-speed HS488 GPIB program previously written in either API for

Real-Time Octave Analysis Software Expands Functionality of the NI 4551 Dynamic Signal Analyzer

Applications in the fields of audio, acoustic, We designed the National Instruments analysis. One shot and auto restart linear and environmental noise use octave analysis Real-Time Octave Analysis Software for use (Leq) averaging modes are also available. to obtain meaningful measurements and with the National Instruments NI 45xx You can start and stop your averaging at time results. Federal aviation regulations require dynamic signal analyzers. When combined intervals determined by you, as well as rearm the use of real-time octave analyzers for data with the NI 45xx dynamic signal analyzer, the averaging automatically with the auto analysis. Appliance and office equipment you can perform full, 1/3, and 1/12 real-time restart mode. manufacturers test their products for octave analysis according to ANSI S1.11 The Real-Time Octave Analysis Software environmental noise levels and often specify and IEC 1260 standards. An onboard is an excellent addition to the existing sound power levels for them. Octave analysis processor, part of the NI 45xx dynamic signal functionality of the NI 45xx for PCI dynamic is also used to measure sound levels inside analyzer, enables the real-time processing. signal analyzer. You can perform octave rooms or concert halls in order to determine The number of channels available for your analysis and level measurements with proper construction materials. application depends on the dynamic signal a choice of averaging modes and weighting analyzer that you choose. In conjunction filters. With this software add-on, the with LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI, a NI 45xx dynamic signal analyzer has the component of Measurement Studio, and functionality of an FFT analyzer, swept sine the examples that ship with the Real-Time analyzer, and octave analyzer.1 Octave Analysis Software, you can quickly develop your application. For more information, check Real-Time Because of the level measurements Octave Analysis Software data sheet on the functionality of this software, you can reply card or visit ni.com/info/news quickly turn your NI 45xx dynamic signal analyzer into a flexible sound level meter. You can acquire up to 16 selectable level measurements simultaneously with or without NI 45xx Dynamic Signal Analyzer ni.com/dsa weighting along with your real-time octave

National Instruments ■ (512) 794-0100 ■ ni.com 17 Analysis

New Measurement Analysis Capability of LabVIEW 6i Gives You Flexibility

The new measurement analysis tools in the discrete nature of the LabVIEW 6i are a set of more than 30 tools Discrete Fourier Transform (VIs) that can speed up development because (DFT). The same tone you avoid coding and testing these routines detection algorithm is also yourself. In addition, by using the new the basis for new Harmonic waveform data type, the routines Distortion Analyzer and automatically associate signal samples with SINAD (Signal + Noise + timing information, making them more Distortion) tools. powerful and easier to use. 3. Averaged frequency analysis – perform spectral Measurement Analysis Highlights analysis with three types of Highlights of these new routines fall into averaging, including RMS, six categories: vector, and peak hold. 1. DC/RMS measurements – take both By applying averaging, averaged and non-averaged DC and RMS you can reduce signal This limit mask test checks the input signal (green) against high and measurements. A key capability of these VIs is fluctuations, improve the low limits (yellow). This particular signal fails because some their flexibility, by modifying parameters you signal to noise ratio (SNR), portions of the input exceed or go below these limits (red squares). can tradeoff between speed and accuracy in and extract spectral peaks. your measurements. Example parameters These new routines also use an updated FFT method of choosing an IIR filter is to select algorithm that speeds up an order and a set of cutoff frequencies. You calculations for common array can also have the filter automatically choose LabVIEW 6i now includes both high sizes (non-power of two). an optimal order based on passband and and low-level analysis tools, giving Most users will see speedups stopband widths and gains that you specify. you both efficiency and fl exibility. of 20 percent or more over the 6. Signal generation – generate standard FFT found in LabVIEW 5.1. signals (sine, square, triangle, etc.) for the 4. Limit mask testing – setup new waveform datatype. You can also include measurement time, averaging type pass/fail type tests quickly with results that generate multitone signals with user control (exponential or linear), an exponential depend on the time or frequency content of over the gain and phase of each component averaging time constant, and a window type. a signal. Commonly applied in telecom and signal. With such signals, you can run 2. Tone detection and distortion machine conditioning applications, these frequency response tests in parallel, rather measurements – extract peak parameters, tools compare a test signal with a predefined than one at a time, which can shorten test such as frequency, amplitude, and phase from mask that specifies high and low values as a time. Other applications include generation a time domain signal. The new VI includes a function of time or frequency. Pass and fail of DTMF test signals for telephony and proprietary algorithm that compensates for states are output during a test depending on implementation of test stations that comply inaccuracies because of spectral leakage and whether or not a test signal exceeds or goes with standards that require multitone test. below these mask values at a LabVIEW 6i now includes both high and particular frequency. To ease low-level measurement analysis tools, giving the creation of masks, the you both the efficiency of common analysis measurement analysis routines and the flexibility of building your library includes two own custom analysis with a wide variety of methods of specifying a lower-level tools.1 mask; either as a set of arrays or as a function. Sam Shearman, Signal Processing and 5. Filtering – apply infinite Analysis Software Product Manager impulse response (IIR) and E-mail [email protected] finite impulse response (FIR) digital filters to input For more information, visit ni.com/analysis signals. These tools feature the flexibility to design a By setting parameters, you can balance measurement speed and filter in several different accuracy requirements with the new DC/RMS measurement analysis VIs. ni.com/analysis ways. For instance, one

18 National Instruments ■ (512) 794-0100 ■ ni.com Customer Solutions

LabVIEW 6i, Infrared Imaging, and Ultrasonic Stimulation Combine to Deliver ThermoSoniX™ by Dino J. Farina, President, The ThermoSoniX Image Therm Engineering, Method Dr. Austin Richards, Applications Engineer, ThermoSoniX works by Indigo Systems Corporation, and synchronizing ultrasonic Prof. Xiaoyan Han, Professor, stimulation with infrared Wayne State University imaging to identify cracks and defects in ferrous and The Challenge: Integrating and building non-ferrous metals, ceramics, an easy-to-use and cost-effective system for and composite parts. When non-destructive identification of cracks and exposed to ultrasonic energy defects in cast parts. (typically 20 to 40 kHz), cracks or defects in a part The Solution: Developing the ThermoSoniX can vibrate differentially Test Station using an Indigo Systems inducing localized heating. Corporation infrared camera, an ultrasonic ThermoSoniX uses an Indigo excitation source, and custom pneumatically infrared camera to effectively actuated hardware with LabVIEW, image image this induced heating, ThermoSoniX Software Interface incorporates intuitive icons for file acquisition (IMAQ), and data acquisition which is typically only I/O, camera control, and test set-up. (DAQ) hardware and software. a fraction of a degree. By combining LabVIEW with IMAQ and synchronization of IMAQ and DAQ Cracks and defects in parts used in a variety DAQ, ThermoSoniX analyzes the synchro- events radically simplified the hardware of applications ranging from mission-critical nized digital images acquired from the implementation and cabling. aerospace and automotive parts to household Indigo infrared camera through an IMAQ The Indigo Systems Merlin camera fixtures can cause catastrophic failures when board and analog signals from the integrated family uses a modular electronics frame- the parts are stressed during use. Using ultrasonic excitation source through a DAQ work to give optimal performance in many National Instruments LabVIEW software board, then automatically produces intuitive different IR spectral bands while keeping and hardware, Image Therm Engineering images that highlight the cracks and defects the digital output on the cameras identical. and Indigo Systems created an innovative in the part. solution, ThermoSoniX (patent pending), Summary to find these cracks and defects quickly and System Implementation and Setup ThermoSoniX delivers radically improved accurately. Image Therm and Indigo The software design of the ThermoSoniX part inspection performance by replacing Systems plan to upgrade ThermoSoniX system is inherently modular and is based many of the expensive, time-consuming, to LabVIEW 6i because of the improved on a LabVIEW state-machine architecture. and environmentally unfriendly techniques execution performance, including increased We chose this approach because we could currently used in the non-destructive testing speed, smaller memory footprint, and tighter rapidly develop the system using time- (NDT) market.1 integration of DAQ and IMAQ available tested tools and functions and leverage in LabVIEW 6i. advances in hardware and driver software For more information, contact Dino Farina, performance while keeping the overall President, Image Therm Engineering Inc., Manufactured Parts software simple and easy to use. The 142 North Rd, Suite 100, Sudbury, MA The physical microstructure of all modularity of the Test Station makes it 01776, tel (978) 371-8822 x201, e-mail manufactured parts contains microscale well suited for custom integrated systems [email protected] or Dr. Austin cracks and defects. Various manufacturing for production and online applications. Richards, Applications Engineer, Indigo steps, such as heat-treating, melting, casting, We chose LabVIEW for ThermoSoniX Systems Corporation, 5385 Hollister Ave and cold-working, can alter these cracks system development because it offered us #103, Santa Barbara, CA 93111, and defects because they can change the the best mix of rapid prototyping tools, tel (805) 964-9797, e-mail internal stresses in the part. These so- built-in support for synchronized IMAQ [email protected] called compression cracks are particularly and DAQ using the RTSI bus, and a troublesome for manufacturers because they modular framework that would enable us are difficult to detect by visual inspection to offer cost-effective, custom integrated and can cause premature failures in parts versions of the system. In addition, the without warning. built-in support for RTSI-based ni.com/success

National Instruments ■ (512) 794-0100 ■ ni.com 19 Start-Up Kits

Start-Up Kits – A Faster Way to Your Solution

Busy test professionals need to complete An Architecture for Expandability tests quickly for numerous and often unique If the start-up kit example code meets your applications. Computer-based measurement application needs, then you are ready to run. and automation brings the flexibility you If you need additional functionality, use the need and, now, start-up kits get you modular example code as a starting place started quickly. for straightforward modification. Typically the code is based on a “state-machine” What is a Start-Up Kit? architecture that provides segmentation A start-up kit is a combination of ready- of major functions. This helps in locating to-run example code, a list of suggested functional modules for modification. A Start-Up Kit Example A Start-Up Kit is a combination of The frequency detector is a ready-to-run example code, a list of start-up kit currently available suggested hardware, a specification from National Instruments. of the data and audible playback through With it, you can enter a standard PC sound card. sheet, and setup instructions. frequency ranges and Currently, National Instruments and amplitudes. If a frequency Alliance Program members develop start- hardware, a specification sheet, and setup and/or amplitude is exceeded, the kit up kits. You can download them from instructions. We designed the kit to be a stores the data segment containing that the National Instruments Web site at starting point, and for some, complete information to hard disk. An included data ni.com/auto, part of the National functionality if it meets the specific reviewer provides post acquisition viewing Instruments Solutions Exchange on application need. Together with your NI Developer Zone™. The Solutions computer and sensors, these kits create Exchange is a forum for you to get the a quick solution. Currently, National latest computer-based measurement and Instruments has several start-up kits automation-based solution examples so available. These include: you have your tests running quickly.1 • Dynamometer Controller • Transient Noise Detector (Engine For more information, visit NI Developer Knock Detector) Zone Solutions Exchange at ni.com/auto • Frequency Detector Use these kits along with standard National Instruments hardware and software, such as ni.com/auto LabVIEW and data acquisition products.

Dell and NI Workstations Are Ready for Order

National Instruments and Dell your most challenging These value added offerings are not Computer Corporation are measurement and standard Dell factory options, but you can pleased to announce immediate automation applications. order them to be factory installed on your availability in the U.S. of the The Measurement Dell Precision 420 Workstation through new “Measurement Ready” Ready Precision 420 DellPlus.1 and “Instrument Ready” Workstation bundle Precision 420 Workstations. (MSRWS) includes Visit the National Instruments Web site at Measurement Ready and LabVIEW Full ni.com/dell to learn more about the Instrument Ready systems come direct Development System, PCI-6052E multi- Measurement Ready and Instrument Ready from Dell with National Instruments function board, and PCI-GPIB board. Workstations and the National Instruments DAQ and GPIB hardware, and LabVIEW The Instrument Ready Precision 420 and Dell Strategic Alliance. software installed, configured, and ready to Workstation bundle (INSTWS) includes run on a high-performance Dell Precision the LabVIEW Full Development System ni.com/dell 420 WorkStation – capable of handling and a PCI-GPIB board.

20 National Instruments ■ (512) 794-0100 ■ ni.com Web

This Quarter at ni.com™ NI Developer Zone – Learn More about Networked All Meat, No Fluff Measurements at ni.com NI Developer Zone is a valuable resource This issue of Instrumentation Newsletter for building measurement and automation focused on networked measurements. systems. It contains more than 1,600 The NI Developer Zone Product instrument drivers, 1,200 example programs, Resource Library contains a variety of 400 tutorials, 100 presentations, and a material on this topic, including: Measurement Glossary with more than 2,500 • Developing Networked Data Acquisition definitions. Bookmark zone.ni.com now! Systems with NI-DAQ – Learn how you In August, we also unveil the NI can take advantage of your existing Developer Zone eZine, an online collection network infrastructure and your existing of articles with a decidedly technical focus. programming investment to install a The NI Developer Zone technical newsletter features four monthly columns focusing on remote data acquisition system. LabVIEW techniques (contributed by LTR • How to Network Two PCs for Remote LabVIEW Remembering Control Values magazine), DAQ, automated test, and Data Acquisition – Learn how to install DAQ System Calibration Reduces general software.1 a two-station Ethernet LAN and Measurement Uncertainty configure Windows to implement Test Choice of Spectrum Analyzer remote data acquisition when there is Determined by Choice of Measurements no network in place. Software Curve-Fitting in LabVIEW 6i zone.ni.com • Developing Distributed GPIB Test Systems Using GPIB-ENET and Existing Ethernet Networks – Learn Online Demos Now Available • Weather Station – Check weather the basics of implementing distributed Take advantage of the Internet capability conditions around the world with the test applications using an Ethernet-to- of NI products by experimenting with FieldPoint™ weather network. Each GPIB controller. Includes three them via your Web browser. New online location transmits temperature, humidity, example applications in source code to demos include: wind speed and direction, and other help you develop your own distributed • Inverted Pendulum – Download a weather conditions via the LabVIEW test applications. LabVIEW VI and control an inverted Web Server to a PC in Austin, Texas for • Building an Interactive Web Page with pendulum using LabVIEW RT from display on the Web.1 DataSocket – Learn how to create a anywhere in the world. The demo software component that you can includes a QuickCam broadcasting ni.com/info/news insert in a Web page to read, write, or images of the pendulum live on the Web. share data with other applications across the Internet. • Performing Remote Measurements – Camera Advisor™ Helps Complete Camera Advisor, at ni.com/camera, users can Examine several remote measurement Your Image Application compare camera features and specifications scenarios, including how to deal with Engineers and scientists now have a one- for more than 100 cameras. Camera Advisor firewalls and how to communicate stop resource on the Internet for selecting also explains how various cameras work with with remote measurement nodes over a scientific imaging or industrial machine National Instruments software and hardware. different transport media. 1 vision camera. With National Instruments Users who visit this new section of the National Instruments Web site can compare Find links to all of these materials and different models and makes of cameras, more at ni.com/info/news such as line scan, area scan, progressive scan, color, and digital and analog cameras. They can also use Camera Advisor to compare technical details of the cameras.1

Visit Camera Advisor at ni.com/camera

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National Instruments ■ (512) 794-0100 ■ ni.com 21 Alliance News

Motion Goto! Program Offers Standard Configurators

Viewpoint Systems, a National Instruments to suit a variety of needs. All standard For more challenging applications, you Select Integrator, announces the Motion configurations begin with National can order a custom motion control system Goto! program in which you can order Instruments FlexMotion™ 7344 available for with capabilities expanded beyond the standard and custom configurations based PCI, PXI, and FireWire buses. Small-motor standard configuration and designed to suit on National Instruments motion control applications use National Instruments MID your needs.1 hardware and mechanical hardware from power drives to provide the electrical needs of other major manufacturers. the motors. Large motor applications that For more information, contact Doug Femec There are standard system configurations require voltages exceeding 24 VDC are of Viewpoint Systems Inc, 800 West Metro for moving a conveyor belt as part of a handled using third-party drives interfacing to Parkway, Rochester, NY 14623, pick-and-place system, rotating a shaft in the NI 7344 motion control card via National tel (716) 475-9555, fax (716) 475-9645, an encoder-based test system, and moving Instruments Universal Motion Interface e-mail [email protected], or Web a camera over a large plate or sheet (UMI). Whether through a MID power drive viewpointusa.com/MotionGoto.html under inspection. or a UMI, all necessary motion signals are You can also mix and match components available to NI 7344 motion control cards.

General Vision Releases New Beam Analysis System

General Vision Inc. digital cameras with up user-unit. For optimization of the speed announces Beam Analysis to 16-bit pixel resolution performance, the user can select the list Version 5.8 for laser beam and unlimited spatial of measurements and display necessary diagnostics and profiling. resolution. For any information for the project. The definition Beam Analysis VI 5.8 is project, users can choose of a project can then be saved to disk and developed with National among three live beam retrieved at any time.1 Instruments LabVIEW analysis modes and two and IMAQ Vision Toolkit data logging options. For more information, contact General and interfaces with National To begin a new beam Vision Inc., 1150 Industrial Avenue, Instruments PCI-1407, experiment or project, the Suite C, Petaluma, CA 94952, PCI-1408, and PCI-1424. user defines video acquisition settings, chooses tel (707) 765-6150, fax (707) 765-6473, Version 5.8 can process video images from a method to delimit the beam edge, and e-mail [email protected], standard analog monochrome cameras and calibrates pixel and intensity dimensions in Web general-vision.com

Alfautomazione Introduces End-of-Line Tester for Automotive Telematic Systems

Car navigators and telematic systems are gyroscopes, and front panels. separation, and proper system design provide becoming the new frontier of car electronics, The system provides a dual fixture low system background noise and radiation. where many communication and multimedia turntable for testing of two stations The NAVTEST3000 fixtures and functions are integrated. Alfautomazione, a simultaneously. Tests are performed in parallel application software can be interchanged Select Integrator, introduces the on two UUTs for higher optimization of the in less than five minutes. Because of the NAVTEST3000, an open test platform for work cycle and higher throughput and mechanical design compactness and rugged- car telematics based on worldwide standards efficiency than a single fixture system. The ness, you can easily transport the system all and available parts for the global market. test application independently controls the over the world.1 NAVTEST3000 uses National system automation so operator safety is Instruments PXI, TestStand, and IMAQ ensured by design. Operator functions are For more information about NAVTEST3000, to perform telematic communication testing, separated from the system administration contact Alfautomazione at Via Magenta, audio testing, voice recognition testing, functions by separate hardware and software 12-20035, Lissone (Mi) Italy, and GPS testing. In addition, users can passwords, which safeguards system integrity tel +39 039 245 99 72, fax +39 039 245 99 80, test CD or DVD players, AM/FM radio, and ease of use. System shielding, grounds or Web alfautomazione.it

22 National Instruments ■ (512) 794-0100 ■ ni.com Perspective NIWeek

NIWeek 2000 Connects People and Solutions Join Us for NIDays 2000 to Here’s What An Inside Look at the LabVIEW Development Team On August 16-18th, more than 1,500 people Ethernet, and distribute your application Technology for their paper, “Instrumentation of You Missed... from around the world gathered in Austin execution. On Friday, a 3m Low Speed Wind Tunnel” • Learning about real-time control for NIWeek 2000 the Worldwide Conference Paul Saffo, Director at the Institute Automotive Dino Farina from Image Therm Get Connected to Technology! systems from design to deployment on Measurement and Automation. With for Future, discussed how to thrive during Engineering, Inc. for his paper, “ThermoSonix – • Knowing how to use stable timing the latest advances in PC technologies, there technology change. Throughout the week, A Novel Infrared and Ultrasonic-Based System and PXI phase-locking to take better are now more ways than ever to connect we explored how to make measurements in for Non-Destructive Testing Built with LabVIEW, NIDays are one-day technical conferences held worldwide from September to December 2000. This year, we are measurements your measurements to automate your tests our Internet and digital world, and how to get IMAQ Vision, and DAQ” conducting 73 NIDays events in 34 countries. Attend the conference nearest you to discover the advantages of • Discovering NI Developer Zone™ – and processes. the most out of state-of-the-art hardware and Automotive-Power Train Alfred Collins from the essential technical source for industry-leading software. Raeburn Technology for his paper, “Engine using the Web with emerging hardware, software, and networking technologies in your measurement and automation Knock Analyzer” measurement and automation systems. Get connected with industry experts to learn ...If You Missed the Last Issue. Make Plans to Join Us Next Time Biomedical Eric Nerhlich from San Francisco Make plans now to attend NIWeek 2001! Industrial Software for his paper, “Prototyping a how to increase your systems performance at a lower cost, while improving your For more information, check the Find out about the latest developments in Digital Flow Cytometer the NI Way” integration and reducing development time. appropriate past newsletter issue computer-based measurement and automation Maintenance/Field Test Lance Butler from on the reply card. while enjoying the festivities surrounding this B&B Technologies for his paper, “LabVIEW and ni.com/reference industry event. In the meantime, be sure to join NI Instrumentation Create an In Vehicle Thermal us for NIDays – one-day events that are held Monitoring System” The NIDays 2000 Technical Sessions* include: regionally around the world. Production and Manufacturing Greg Harasym, • Check Out the New Version of LabVIEW™ Steve Conquergood and Jeff Aitchitson from To register for NIWeek 2001, Advanced Measurements Inc. for their paper, • Monitoring and Control over the Web visit ni.com/niweek “Behlen Industries – LabVIEW RT Controller” R&D Carmen Maria Retevoi from the National • Distributed Measurement Systems Volume 12, Number 3 Third Quarter 2000 At NIWeek the LabVIEW engineering Best Application Contest Winners Institute for Research and Development For • Building a Network-Based Data Logger team unveiled the new LabVIEW 6i. 114 customers participated in the Best Cryrogenics and Isotope Separation for her Instrumentation Newsletteris published Dr. Truchard, President and CEO, followed Application Contest. Criteria for the contest paper, “Virtual Instrumentation for Monitoring the Software developers throughout our organization are committed to producing a quality product. quarterly by National Instruments with his presentation on “The Return of included technical challenge, innovation, and Purifying Installation from Cryrogenic Pilot Plant • Tackling High-Channel Count Applications in LabVIEW The core development team is pictured here. Corporation, 11500 N MoPac Expwy, Edison” proclaiming that with the advance- cost-effectiveness of the solutions. National with Remote Data Acquisition” • Machine Control and Monitoring Austin, TX 78759-3504 USA. ment in computer-based tools, we are again Instruments would like to recognize the Semiconductor S.B. Rajnarayanan from • Introduction to Measurement Studio™ Subscription is free upon qualification. As this issue goes to print, we are deep into different operating systems to ensure cross returning to the days of Edison – where a following people: Soliton Automation Pvt. Ltd. for his paper, Please send inquiries, submissions, the release process for LabVIEW 6i, our platform compatibility. Of course, over small band of researchers can once again “PC-Based System Results in Faster Testing of • Architecting Production Test Systems and requests for permission to newest version that offers many new the years, the size of the team has grown accomplish great things. On Thursday, Tim Best in Category Awards Electronic Components” Managing Editor. Send e-mail messages Internet-ready enhancements to increase significantly, and today their desks span from Dehne, Vice President of Engineering, gave Academic Mike Warren and Jay Porter from Texas Telecom Sundaram Raghuraman from VI • Creating Parallel Test Systems for Faster Test Throughput to [email protected] National your development productivity. Many one end of the building to the other. We also attendees a tour through our engineering A&M University for their paper, “A Low-Cost Engineering for his paper, “Radio Frequency Test • Measuring Strain and Displacement Accurately Instruments reserves the right to things have changed since the early years regulate our configuration much more tightly department and how we are leveraging Virtual Instrumentation Tester for Teaching Mixed Stands for Remote Controllers” publish or edit submissions. of LabVIEW development, but one thing now. In the early days configuration Internet and network technologies, so you can Signal Characterization Concepts” Test and Quality G. Abdulla from Soliton • The Basics of Making Frequency Domain Measurements that has not changed is our commitment to management was called “bowling” – they publish data to the Web, stream data between Aerospace/Defense Dr. Kamal Poddar and Automation Pvt. Ltd. for his paper, “Large Scale STAFF producing a quality product. People often used an orange Tupperware bowl on the top computers, make remote measurements over Dr. Sanjay Gupta from the Indian Institute of Battery Test System” 1 Who Should Attend? • Steps to Success with Vision Executive Editor, John Graff ask me what the LabVIEW team is really of a computer to denote who currently had • Engineers, developers, and • Designing Motion Control Systems Managing Editor, Kimber Richards like, so I wanted to give you a glimpse of control of the master source code! Consulting Editor, Lisa Block the loyal team that has created LabVIEW But some things remain the same; we all scientists involved in test, • Advanced LabVIEW Programming Techniques Creative Manager, Lara Farwell-Griffith for more than 17 years. For those of you who celebrate a great product. So what do they do LabVIEW Interface Now Available for Karl Suss Probe Systems measurement, data acquisition, Designers, Victor Elizalde, Melissa attended NIWeek™ 2000, hopefully you had to celebrate the release of each new version of • Introduction to Real-Time Control Maldonado, Martin Roesch, Tamara Waite a chance to meet some of the team. LabVIEW? They have an official toast to the Bloomy Controls, a Select Integrator, has developers are familiar. With the toolkit, For more information, contact Karl Suss, and automation. Photography Coordinator, Sarah Korthals Today, not only is Jeff Kodosky, often new version, not with beer or wine, but with developed the Suss Interface Toolkit for users can make wafer, microscope, and 228 Suss Drive, Waterbury Center, • Alliance Program members, * Sessions may vary depending on the location. Production Manager, Vern Harris referred to as the father of LabVIEW, still Grappa. Congratulations to the LabVIEW LabVIEW. With the toolkit, semiconductor programmable probehead stage movements, VT 05677, tel (802) 244-5181, © Copyright 2000 National Instruments Corporation. actively involved with LabVIEW development, team on the release of LabVIEW 6i, and test engineers now can seamlessly incorpo- make movements to the first die, and step fax (802) 244-5103, e-mail [email protected] , All rights reserved. Product and company names listed are consultants, and systems integrators trademarks or trade names of their respective companies. but also five of the original 11 developers enjoy a glass of Grappa!1 rate National Instruments LabVIEW into through the wafer map with a click of a Web suss.com or Bloomy Controls, • Educators Telephone: (512) 794-0100 who worked on the LabVIEW 1 project. Karl Suss manual, semiautomatic, and fully button. In addition, users now can easily 839 Marshall Phelps Rd., Fax: (512) 683-9300 Talk about job satisfaction! Since the John Graff, VP Marketing automatic probe systems to customize and create custom test system interfaces and link Windsor, Conn 06095, tel (860) 298-9925, • Instrument and systems manufacturers [email protected] beginning, the LabVIEW Development automate wafer-level test applications. to a much wider variety of test fax (860) 298-9535, e-mail ni.com Team has organized themselves in an open The Suss Interface Toolkit for LabVIEW instrumentation to the probe systems for [email protected], Web bloomy.com 1 room, no wall environment. Almost all desks ni.com has the look and feel of a standard LabVIEW their specific application. have at least two computers, often running instrument driver with which LabVIEW Check out ni.com/nidays for details on the NIDays nearest you! 2 National Instruments (512) 794-0100 ni.com National Instruments (512) 794-0100 ni.com 23 In This Issue NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS TM New Basic IVI Class Drivers NI DAYS Available FREE at ni.com 2000 Technical News from National Instruments Third Quarter 2000 Coincident with the release of the IVI Driver Toolset 1.1, National Instruments is making available a base version of the IVI class drivers for free download from the Instrument Driver Network Discover the Power of One-Day Technical Conferences on at ni.com/idnet With these drivers, you have instrument LabVIEW™ 6i – Internet- interchangeability but not any advanced simulation or enhanced Measurement and Automation debugging support. These drivers are available as LabVIEW programs Ready Measurement (VIs), LabWindows/CVI – a component of Measurement Studio – Applications function panel (.fp) files, and dynamic link libraries (DLLs) for other development environments such as Visual Basic and Visual C++. National Instruments tightly integrates We updated the IVI Driver Toolset Version 1.1 so the included Internet technologies into LabVIEW 6i, drivers are all compliant with revision 2.0 of the IVI Foundation making it possible to quickly build class API specifications for oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, DC high-performance measurement and power supplies, arbitrary waveform/function generators, and automation applications and easily switches/matrices. The IVI Driver Toolset includes class drivers that incorporate them throughout all support advanced class-level simulation, enhanced debugging through levels of an enterprise. integration into NI-Spy, support for more than 100 instrument Today, the Web is an models through instrument-specific IVI drivers, and IVI soft front essential part of the way panels for interactive control of instruments.1 a business operates. Get Connected Not only does the For more information, check IVI brochure on the reply card. Web provide you with a way to gain visibility, share Learn about the new Internet capability of LabVIEW 6i on page 1. ni.com/idnet information, and sell products, but it also gives you the power to This newsletter represents a commitment from National Instruments to the environment. Printed in the USA improve the way you design, Join us for NIDays 2000 and discover the manufacture, and test products. advantages of using the Web in your Look for the National Instruments booth at these upcoming trade shows: You can use the Web as a tool to decrease measurement and automation systems.

AutoTestCon – Anaheim, CA Aug 19-21 High Technology – Toronto, Ontario Oct 3-4 design time, ensure quality, and share Sensors – Detroit, MI Aug 19-21 Vision Show – San Jose, CA Oct 3-5 information throughout the enterprise. Get connected with industry experts to Embedded Systems Conf – San Jose, CA Aug 26-28 International Test Conf – Atlantic City, NJ Oct 3-5 LabVIEW 6i continues to build on learn how to increase your systems Assembly Technology Expo – Chicago, IL Aug 26-28 China Hitech Fair – Shenzhen, China Oct 5-8 the measurement products of previous performance at a lower cost, while MessComp – Wiesbaden, Germany Sep 5-7 Het Instrument – Utrecht, Netherlands Oct 9-13 Network Measurements and the versions – with it you can now create improving your integration and reducing measurement and automation applications Komponent – Göteborg, Sweden Sep 5-8 Taitronics 2000 – Taipei, Taiwan Oct 9-13 development time. MICONEX 2000 – Beijing, China Sep 11-14 SEMIcon SW – Austin, TX Oct 17-18 Technical Enterprise faster and easier than ever before. Through the tight integration of Embedded Computing and RT Computer Show – Oslo, Norway Sep 13-18 Mexitronica – Guadalajara, Mexico Oct 17-19 Network technologies such as Ethernet, HTML, wireless SEP – Paris, France Sep 19-21 SMAU – Milan, Italy Oct 19-23 hardware and software, LabVIEW 6i Inter/electronic – Brussels, Belgium Sep 19-22 Embedded Computing and RT Computer Show -– Nice, France Oct 24 communication, and the Internet are changing our methods offers measurement intelligence that combines hardware configuration with Embedded Computing and RT Computer Show – Helsinki, Finland Sep 20 Matelec – Madrid, Spain Oct 24-28 for taking and automating measurements. Instrumentation – Sandown, UK Sep 27-28 Nepcon Texas – Dallas, TX Nov 1-2 powerful new measurement, analysis, Tekniikka 2000 – Jyväskylä, Finland Sep 27-29 Photonics – Boston, MA Nov 6-8 For years, National Instruments has incorporated network technologies into hardware and and display functions. LabVIEW 6i MT Austria – Viena, Austria Sep 27-29 Telecom – Tel Aviv, Israel Nov 6-9 software products, so you can exploit the benefits of networks and the Internet in your solution. also delivers significant advances in Embedded Computing and RT Computer Show – Utrecht, Netherlands Sep 28 BIAS 2000 – Milan, Italy Nov 7-11 (See Network Measurements – The Next Generation of Measurement Solutions, Instrumentation the areas of productivity, user interface ™ KES2000 – Seoul. Korea Oct 2-6 Electronica – Muenchen, Germany Nov 21-24 Newsletter Q3 1999). In this edition, we further explore the benefits of network measurement development, and performance. solutions and expand on how these new solutions will affect your enterprise. continued on page 6 Change Service Requested The Impact of the Internet To fully understand what the Internet brings to measurement solutions, we must first take a step back and consider the impact of the PC. The rapidly evolving PC industry delivered 11500 N Mopac Expwy high-performance processing power, fast and inexpensive memory and storage, high-speed Austin, TX 78759-3504 continued on page 4 ni.com/nidays ni.com