Redefining test development, productivity and efficiency.

Milestone with enhanced Ai for Flagship Test and Measurement software platform.

An updated version of NI Nigel™ AI, the industry’s first test-optimised AI technology, as well as new capabilities across its NI LabVIEW+ Suite have been announced by Emerson. This iteration of Nigel AI introduces code completion and contextual awareness of test projects and local hardware to further accelerate test development. Nigel AI is available through the LabVIEW+ Suite, a complete set of purpose-built tools created to aid test engineers with built-in expertise at their fingertips.

“We recognise that the role of an engineer is far more than just programming,” said Rudy Sengupta, vice president and general manager, NI test and analytics software, Emerson. “That’s why we created the LabVIEW+ Suite, to serve test professionals in a more comprehensive and intuitive way. The suite lets engineers carry context, configurations and data with them as they switch from task to task, saving significant time and empowering them to focus on the most valuable parts of their role."

The new technology reflects Emerson’s vision of reimagining productivity in the age of AI, empowering test engineers to keep pace with rising expectations for speed and efficiency while unlocking new levels of innovation through tools designed expressly for their work. This iteration builds on the initial release of Nigel AI last year with new capabilities. To better serve engineers, it has been taught test system design, test methodologies and test data analysis.

Nigel AI now has a code completion feature that suggests several intelligent next-step options during development, helping engineers select the best choice for their workflow while saving valuable programing time and avoiding potential errors. Nigel AI also gains contextual awareness of NI LabVIEW™ projects and the ability to review NI TestStand™ sequences and access local hardware, giving engineers context-rich support that accelerates development and improves accuracy.

Further enhancements to the LabVIEW+ Suite are designed to serve the large, global community of users with new features that enhance productivity and help to meet the most challenging test requirements.

New features in this release include:

• Modern user interfaces leveraging new web technologies in LabVIEW and TestStand.
• Improved debugging workflows in LabVIEW with better source code control integration.
• Containerisation through Docker Desktop™ support for Windows™ improving CI/CD pipelines.
• Installer enhancements for faster set-up.

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@EmersonExchange @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation @NIglobal #TandM #Ai

More accessible centralised test management.

Simplified set-up and remote connectivity

A new edition of NI SystemLink™ software platform has been launched by Emerson. This empowers teams of engineers to collaborate more effectively by remotely configuring and monitoring test systems comprised of NI PXI, NI CompactRIOTM, and data acquisition devices connected to PCs.

NI SystemLink connects test facilities to improve the quality, uptime and reliability of critical test programs by allowing engineers to track software revisions, device calibration and system utilisation across various environments. This new version simplifies set-up and installation while maintaining a feature-rich environment tuned to the needs of most labs and test facilities, eliminating the long setup times and heavy IT involvement typically required by similar solutions.

Using built-in remote software deployment capabilities, device calibration reports, live data dashboards and more, NI SystemLink helps engineers working in validation labs and production facilities to save time and resources without the usual overhead of an IT enterprise infrastructure.

“Product validation is moving faster than ever, and teams need quick, reliable access to data and tools that help them make decisions with confidence,” said Jim Schwartz, director of software for Emerson’s test and measurement business. “This new version puts the power of NI SystemLink into the hands of teams of all sizes. Native integration with NI TestStand, LabVIEW, and FlexLogger means less time setting up and more time getting results.”

Centralised test machine management allows engineers to securely index and store measurement data, accelerate root cause analysis, and monitor KPIs with out-of-the-box dashboards. By connecting people, processes and data, NI SystemLink enables collaboration across different departments and geographies, streamlining workflows and providing actionable insights. Designed for small labs, the new version delivers the same core functionality and superior benefits for as few as two test systems at a lower cost than previous editions.

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@EmersonExchange @NIglobal @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation @NIglobal @HHC_Lewis

High fidelity software validation at faster speeds.

Embedded Software Test for Hardware-in-the-Loop Engineers improves time-to-market while reducing costs.

The launch of the NI LabVIEW+ Suite for HIL has been annoinced by Emerson. This is a powerful new software solution designed to address the growing needs of engineers developing and testing embedded software. Tailored specifically for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) customers, LabVIEW+ Suite for HIL brings together test, validation and data analysis tools in a unified platform to streamline workflows and accelerate time-to-market.

“This suite delivers the most comprehensive software stack available on the market for HIL engineers” said Rudy Sengupta, vice president and general manager of test and analytics software at Emerson’s test and measurement business. “Using the NI LabVIEW+ Suite for HIL, users can achieve greater test coverage, reduce development time, and lower costs – all while ensuring the flexibility to adapt to future testing requirements.”

NI LabVIEW+ Suite for HIL is a comprehensive software bundle that provides engineers with the essential tools to simulate complex conditions that would otherwise be difficult to replicate. The suite enables engineers to reuse modular components and leverage NI’s Switch Load and Signal Conditioning hardware for edge case detection across test systems. Engineers can easily upgrade their systems as new technologies emerge and customize software models to meet ever-changing requirements.

Embodying Emerson’s open, software-defined, intelligent test approach using modular hardware, NI LabVIEW+ Suite for HIL enables customers to adapt quickly to new challenges. As product designers shift functionality away from electromechanical systems toward embedded software, there is a greater requirement for rigorous testing through a continuous integration process. The HIL strategy enables significant savings in both time and resources while enhancing product reliability across industries such as automotive, aerospace and electronics.

The new suite adds value to Emerson’s existing HIL user base and new adopters of the platform by streamlining their workflows and future-proofing their designs against the evolving complexity of next generation products. It includes key development software such as NI VeriStand, NI LabVIEW, NI LabVIEW Real-Time, and NI LabVIEW FPGA, which have been available in previous bundles, and adds two software products with new native integration capabilities launched in 2025: NI TestStand, enables automation of complex test systems to meet the rising demand for efficient and scalable testing solutions.

NI DIAdem, allows advanced post-process data review and analysis, ensuring engineers can make informed decisions quickly.

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@EmersonExchange @Emerson_News @EMR_Automation @NIglobal @Publitek #TandM #PAuto

Test to improve business performance.

Turn test performance into business performance.

A significant upgrade has been announced by NI to its flagship product LabVIEW. For nearly 40 years, LabVIEW has been the industry-standard product in the field of data acquisition, instrument control and automation. These latest improvements further enable engineers in their use of test insights and data to drive product and business performance. 

The latest improvements include:

• Zoom for Block Diagram
• Quick change for faster object creation
• Double-click to create control or indicator from a wire
• Visual improvements to Highlight Execution and option for execution speeds
• Faster re-building of applications and packed project libraries
• Virtual environment support for Python and LabVIEW users (announced Q1 2023) 

“It was exciting to see the appreciation from the audience at NI Connect when we demonstrated the upcoming, ease-of-use improvements with this new version of LabVIEW,” says Eric Reffett, Director of Product Management at NI. “Additions like Zoom and quick change are meaningful in a graphical development environment, and we are energized by both the engagement we got from the community during design, as well as the impact we know it will have.”

In addition, NI and JKI entered a long-term collaboration to focus on improving package-related workflows in LabVIEW. This included expanding VI Package Manager (VIPM) features, making it more robust and versatile for developers, as well as the addition of Dragon. This initial release is focused on using projects and packages, and the relationship will continue to improve the way developers share and re-use code.

“I’m thrilled to work with NI,” says Jim Kring, CEO of JKI. “JKI first created VIPM to help LabVIEW developers build and reuse LabVIEW code libraries, and it has since helped developers for over a decade. This collaboration with NI expands both the functionality available to all LabVIEW developers in VIPM, as well as the access developers have to resources available in VIPM.io, but this initiative is just the beginning.”

The new LabVIEW features have made it more user-friendly, efficient and powerful for helping test professionals and engineers focus on turning test performance into business performance.

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@niukie @NIglobal @jkisoftware @Publitek #TandM #Automation (National Instruments)

Update enhances developer productivity.

National Instruments (NI) has announced the latest release of LabVIEW 2019 and LabVIEW NXG. These releases are proof of NI’s continued investment in the next generation of LabVIEW and systems engineering software. NI continues to focus efforts around optimisation in the test and measurement processes in key areas of test development integration, efficient automated testing, and access to data & systems.

The latest release of LabVIEW 2019 increases developer productivity through improved visibility in the IDE, powerful enhancements in debugging, and new datatypes to the G-language. Additionally, LabVIEW 2019 addresses a critical pain point for engineers: managing dependencies and versioning with fragmented, non-standardised methods, which perpetuate as challenges in code deployment. With the new distribution option of package installers in LabVIEW 2019, users can now implement a standardised distribution method with inherent version management and automatic dependency management to confidently replicate and share system software.

The newest version of LabVIEW NXG simplifies the most time-consuming tasks in automated test and automated measurement applications, from deploying and distributing code faster than before, importing and exporting MATLAB® data (. mat) for improved interoperability with third-party software, and additional capabilities added to Web VIs to give users better interaction and control with their applications. These enhancements help engineers meet challenging time-to-market requirements by reducing time-intensive set-up through rapid connectivity to instrumentation, removing integration bottlenecks that traditionally arise in bringing in 3rd party IP through native interoperability with other programming languages and toolkits, and increasing access to important data by lowering the barrier of entry to web technology.

"Using WebVIs allows us to provide our users an interface to the test management database from anywhere, anytime, and we were able to develop the web interfaces using just our core LabVIEW skills. We saved development time and the users have instant access to review data or change test criteria.” said Jeremy Marquis, Engineering Team Leader at G Systems, Inc.

As NI builds on its more than 30-year investment in software, these LabVIEW releases continue the fast-paced updates aimed to expand engineering capabilities from design to test. Whether an engineer is using LabVIEW for the first time or has been on an active user for years, LabVIEW 2019 and LabVIEW NXG are immediately accessible and will make an immediate impact.

@niukie  #PAuto #TandM @EdelmanUK

Deployed systems management.

National Instruments (NI) has announced SystemLink, application software for distributed systems management. SystemLink helps improve operational efficiency and decrease maintenance costs through a centralized interface for automating tasks such as software deployment, remote device configuration and system health performance monitoring.

Trends like the Industrial Internet of Things, 5G and the electrification of vehicles, coupled with existing realities like maintaining distributed legacy systems, are inspiring companies to seek new approaches to systems management. The push towards connected and centrally coordinated systems has transformed theories and pilot projects into large-scale, distributed deployments with impactful business returns. Companies derive these returns from the actionable, data-driven insights that help them maximize uptime, increase efficiency and drive future product innovation. At the same time, companies need to balance their adoption of new, connected technologies while preserving support for valuable legacy assets with long life cycles.

Systems that manage, maintain and extract insight from small-scale pilots or groups of systems are relatively straightforward to implement. However, attention now shifts toward the next challenge, which is scaling and managing large deployments, varying life cycle stages and distributed testers and nodes across entire plants, fabs and factories. This challenge includes tasks like remote software and system configuration as well as data management and performance monitoring, and applies to industries such as aerospace and defense, transportation and manufacturing.

SystemLink enables engineers to connect, deploy, and manage distributed systems, both NI and third-party, through a centralized interface accessible from anywhere, making it possible for them to remotely configure and deploy software, monitor the health and performance of their equipment, manage alarms, and visualize application parameters. Additionally, engineers can automate the communication of data to customer-defined dashboards and remote operator interfaces.

“SystemLink substantially reduces the administration time necessary to deploy software and manage configurations on test systems,” said Daniel Huang, head of testing technology at Siemens AG. “This enables our engineering teams to focus on higher value tasks.”

To meet demands like testing higher complexity DUTs and shorter timeframes, engineers need tools tailored to their needs that they can efficiently use through their workflow, helping them to meet their exact application requirements. SystemLink is the latest addition to NI’s software-centric platform that features products tailored to needs within distinct stages of their workflow – products that have been adopted in whole or in part by more than 300,000 active users. With LabVIEW engineering system design software at its core and TestStand test management software handling overall execution, this workflow helps to improve the productivity of test and validation labs across many industries. Each piece of the workflow is also interoperable with third-party software to maximize code/IP reuse and draws on the LabVIEW Tools Network ecosystem of add-ons and tools for more application-specific requirements.

@NIukie #PAuto #IIoT

Developing, deploying and managing automated T+M systems upgrade!

A new release of LabVIEW NXG, the next generation of LabVIEW engineering system design software is now available. Engineers can now test smarter with LabVIEW NXG - quickly set up your instruments, customize tests to your device specifications, and easily view results from any web browser, on any device.

This new version of LabVIEW NXG introduces key functionality and reinvents long-standing benefits, particularly for engineers developing, deploying and managing automated test and measurement systems. This release introduces the WebVI, a VI type for building web-based user interfaces (UIs) that can be deployed to any web browser – PC, tablet or phone – with no plug-ins or installers. Additionally, to reduce hardware configuration time, the new SystemDesigner feature automatically discovers connected hardware, displays installed drivers and directly links to available NI and third-party instrument drivers if they are not yet installed.

Furthermore, this latest release expands hardware support to thousands of box instruments and NI’s high-performance PXI modular instrumentation. Now, LabVIEW NXG also delivers programming capabilities such as object-oriented programming and integration with the industry-leading TestStand test management software.

NI designed several features in LabVIEW NXG, such as the WebVI, for use with existing LabVIEW applications without the need for extensive software refactoring. Engineers can reuse test code, including code written with LabVIEW NXG or LabVIEW, through a new package manager interface built on industry-standard package formats.

“By building test systems using LabVIEW and LabVIEW NXG, I can work with both versions and take advantage of the unique strengths of each,” said Brian Hoover, test software architect at Samsung SDI. “With this next phase of LabVIEW NXG, I can integrate new ways to visualize data, either on the desktop with vector-based UI graphics or in the browser for secure hosting, into my existing LabVIEW applications to simplify reporting test results.”

As NI builds on its more than 30-year investment in software, this latest update to the next generation of LabVIEW continues a series of fast-paced releases aimed to expand engineering capabilities from design to test. Whether you are buying LabVIEW for the first time or have been on an active service contract for years, you can access both the new version of LabVIEW NXG and LabVIEW 2017. From simple DAQ applications to building complex test systems and smart machines, LabVIEW helps reduce time to market and accelerate engineering productivity.

@niukie #TandM #Pauto @NIGlobal

MAC layer support!

National Instruments (NI) has announced MAC layer support for its LabVIEW Communications 802.11 Application Framework*. Wireless researchers can take advantage of the new multiuser MAC layer enhancements to the 802.11 Application Framework to go beyond the PHY layer to address complex network-level problems that must be solved to make the 5G vision a reality.

5G brings the promise of unseen services and a broad range of use cases such as powering autonomous vehicles, smart factories and eHospitals. While many of these applications will be delivered over cellular links, many will also be served by private networks based on WiFi, which will make 5G a combination of both licensed and unlicensed wireless protocols.

There are many challenges that wireless researchers must address when working toward a more optimal delivery of joint WiFi and 5G cellular services. One is the ability of 5G network slicing to seamlessly deliver end-to-end orchestration across different radio access technologies. Wireless researchers can pair the 802.11 Application Framework with NI software defined radio hardware to rapidly conduct network-level, real-time, over-the-air prototyping experiments for a wide range of WiFi and 5G MAC/PHY research.

The 802.11 Application Framework also supports up to 80 MHz of real-time bandwidth and full bidirectional communications and includes MAC layer features including CSMA/CA, RTS, CTS, NAV and retransmission. Because the MAC layer is implemented on an FPGA, the 802.11 Application Framework meets the strict timing requirements of the 802.11 specification to form a complete real-time solution. With these new capabilities, users can take advantage of the 802.11 Application Framework out of the box to conduct a wide range of WiFi experiments and seamlessly integrate custom signal processing algorithms and MAC layer protocols in a fraction of the time compared to other approaches.

As participants in NI’s RF/Communications Lead User program, wireless researchers at Texas A&M University use NI’s flexible prototyping solutions for implementing and validating novel MAC-layer algorithms that can improve performance of WiFi, WiGig and 5G protocol stacks operating in unlicensed spectrum.

“The efficiency of MAC protocols is absolutely critical to the performance of wireless networks,” said P.R. Kumar, IEEE fellow and College of Engineering Chair in Computer Engineering at Texas A&M University. “We have been working on MAC protocols to accommodate the increasingly dense wireless deployments while meeting the system performance demands for the next-generation of wireless networks. However, to have confidence in these protocols, we must implement them on hardware. NI’s 802.11 Application Framework provided us with the tools required to verify the performance of these MAC protocols experimentally under real world conditions.”

* Overview of the LabVIEW Communications Application Frameworks.

@niukie #Pauto @labview

Next generation system design software.

National Instruments (NI) has announced LabVIEW NXG 1.0, the first release of the next generation of LabVIEW engineering system design software. LabVIEW NXG bridges the gap between configuration-based software and custom programming languages with an innovative new approach to measurement automation that empowers domain experts to focus on what matters most – the problem, not the tool.

Jeff Kodosky - Father of Labview

“Thirty years ago, we released the original version of LabVIEW, designed to help engineers automate their measurement systems without having to learn the esoterica of traditional programming languages. LabVIEW was the ‘nonprogramming’ way to automate a measurement system,” said Jeff Kodosky, NI cofounder and business and technology fellow, known as the ‘Father of LabVIEW.’ “For a long time we focused on making additional things possible with LabVIEW, rather than furthering the goal of helping engineers automate measurements quickly and easily. Now we are squarely addressing this with the introduction of LabVIEW NXG, which we designed from the ground up to embrace a streamlined workflow. Common applications can use a simple configuration-based approach, while more complex applications can use the full open-ended graphical programming capability of the LabVIEW language, G.”

The 1.0 release of LabVIEW NXG helps engineers performing benchtop measurements drastically increase their productivity with new nonprogramming workflows to acquire and iteratively analyze measurement data. These nonprogramming workflows simplify automation by building the necessary code behind the scenes. For instance, engineers can drag and drop a section of code equivalent to 50 lines of text-based code. This is just one of the many ways LabVIEW NXG helps engineers focus on innovation rather than implementation.

“As business has increased, the NI platform has allowed our software to scale up to meet the rising demand,” said Casey Lamers, senior controls engineer at Phoenix Nuclear Labs, which provides the world’s strongest commercial neutron generators for industries such as medicine, energy and material processing. “Developing custom software for a new accelerator used for the medical imaging isotope industry has gone from taking months to weeks, and software build times have gone from hours to just 30 minutes. As a participant in NI’s lead user program, we’ve been using early versions of LabVIEW NXG over the last year and are confident it will further reduce our development time and improve our ability to deliver new features faster.”

LabVIEW NXG introduces a re-engineered editor with functionality that experienced LabVIEW users often request, but it still offers a user experience similar to complementary software in the market. The refreshed editor further extends the openness of LabVIEW to integrate with a broader set of languages. The modernized editor improves programming productivity by streamlining the editor micro-interactions, user interface objects based on vector graphics and zooming capabilities.

As LabVIEW NXG 1.0 revolutionizes benchtop measurements, new capabilities in LabVIEW 2017 target the development, deployment and management of large, complex and distributed test and embedded applications. These include features that enhance interoperability with standard IP and standard communications protocols such as IEC 61131-3, OPC UA and the secure DDS messaging standard.

Testing the Internet of Things!

An efficient all-in-one solution for testing today's low cost Internet of Things devices.

Konrad Technologies has  announced the KT-RFCT 2400 Gen II – an RF communications test system designed with convenience in mind. The low price point creates a cost effective means for testing wireless communication units, while generating a favorable cost to performance ratio.

The test system has a small footprint, integrating seamlessly into test system infrastructures via a single Ethernet connection. GPIOs can control the DUT and peripherals. The test system enables communication interfaces like SPI, I2C, UART and CAN. Simple Go/No-Go tests can be performed in parallel. The KT-RFCT 2400 Gen II features a 70 MHz to 6 GHz frequency range and includes non-signaling and signaling connections.

“We developed the new KT-RFCT 2400 Gen II to fulfill the demand for low cost RF modules, making it an excellent system for IoT test,” said Dr. Marcus Schramm, Head of RF Development for Konrad Technologies. “Based on a software defined radio approach, the instrument can be adapted to upcoming standards for non-signaling tests and gives the customer full control over signal evaluation. The KT-RFCT 2400 GEN II currently supports signaling test for WIFI, BT and BT-LE. In order to adapt to other communication standards, the instrument can be upgraded with external add-ons. These capabilities make the KT-RFCT 2400 GEN II an optimal test system to cover current and future test applications.”

The test system is fully controllable by LabVIEW and offers a soft-front-panel for simple interaction with the instrument. The LabVIEW API can be used together with most of NI’s versatile software packages, such as the Bluetooth Toolkit, GNSS Toolkit and many others. A wide range of software packages are also available. Included is the ability to use text based languages, such as C/C++, Python, etc.

WIFI and Bluetooth signaling test can be performed in the default configuration of the KT-RFCT 2400 Gen II. The WIFI test software enables the instrument to act as an access-point or as a client. Signaling tests are supported for WIFI a, b, g, n and ac and up to 4.1 and LE for Bluetooth. In Bluetooth test, the instrument offers NAP and PANU profiles in its default configuration and can be used to share an internet connection. In both cases, the instrument offers a wide power tuning range of more than 60 dB.

The KT-RFCT 2400 GEN II is extensible with additional software plug-ins and hardware add-ons for signaling and non-signaling. Signaling software options include BT, BT-LE and WIFI. Those options are open to be customized according to specific requirements. Konrad Technologies offers different software modules for LabVIEW to cover non-signaling applications such as Keyless Entry. In order to ensure a future-proof invest, the KT-RFCT 2400 GEN II supports the use of external add-ons, which broadens the signaling support to include protocols like ZWave, ZigBEE, LoRa and SigFox.

@konradGmbh #TandM #PAuto #IoT

Infrared measurement enhance with software feature.

Infrared measurement adds important and often revealing data to certain types of R&D analysis, but it hasn’t always been easy to incorporate these measurements into experiments and reports.

Fluke has introduced a new software feature to close that gap. This integrates high-resolution thermal data from the company’s TiX580 and TiX560 infrared cameras with National Instruments’ LabVIEW and MathWorks’ MATLAB software, leveraging the strength of those powerful platforms and making it easy to add high-resolution infrared data, video and images to R&D analysis and reporting. More information can be found on their website here which also provides links to the two cameras.

Once installed, the software allows continuous download of pixel-by-pixel, high-resolution radiometric data. R&D professionals can now use any of these two highest-resolution Fluke infrared cameras to thermally capture video and port the video data frame-by-frame into their MATLAB or LabVIEW software, and monitor it over time, identifying very small temperature changes that could indicate problems.

The TiX580 Infrared Camera, the newest addition to the Fluke high-resolution line of cameras, features 640 x 480 resolution for high measurement accuracy and an intuitive interface, making it easy to use for electronic design and validation, material science evaluations, and thermal modeling. Designed for exacting R&D engineers, scientists, and researchers, the TiX580 features a 240-degree rotating screen that allows R&D professionals to easily perform non-destructive testing over, under, and around objects to preview and capture images with ease.

 @FlukeCorp  #PAuto #Temperature #RandD

Learn Labview from a distance!

National Instruments has launched a series of new live webcasts called: Live Webinar - LabVIEW Introduction and Demonstration -19th April 2016. The 1-hour long live webinars are intended for all engineers and researchers that feel like they are spending too much time on implementation instead of innovation.

In this live webinar, an NI engineer will walk attendees through the world of LabVIEW and the graphical system design approach. Attendees will learn how LabVIEW can help them in their daily tasks while developing any measurement or control system.

Webinar contents
Designing and testing today’s complex systems requires companies and individuals to rapidly prototype and deploy new applications flawlessly. LabVIEW is a unified graphical platform for designing, prototyping, and deploying applications. Attendees will learn about the LabVIEW platform: how to approach graphical system design for the first time and how to start programming exactly the way you think. Through live demonstrations, attendees will learn about LabVIEW features and functions, and how these will enable them to create their first program. Attendees will be introduced to the different levels of complexity of LabVIEW through quick live demos.

Webinar format
Listening to NI experts in a live session of one hour, asking questions directly and interacting with NI during the presentation on a live chat or after the presentation. The session are held in English.

@Labview @niukie #PAuto #Training

pH Process Modeling and Control Simulation in Industry 4.0.

CyboSoft has released a Real-Time pH Process Modeling and Control Simulation Software package. It is the first in CyboSoft's virtual plant software family to help engineers learn how a pH process behaves, and how to effectively control this extremely nonlinear process to comply with EPA wastewater discharge codes and save chemical reagent.

CEO Dr. George Cheng said, "We are entering the era of the 4th Industrial Revolution, where everything is supposed to be 'smart'. Ironically, about 90% industrial wastewater pH processes are still controlled by on-off Bang-Bang control, resulting in chemical reagent wastes, equipment corrosion, and environmental pollution. It is our mission to provide software tools and control solutions to help the industry improve control systems and achieve better safety, higher quality, and lower costs."

The Real-Time pH Process Modeling and Control Simulation Software is built in National Instruments' LabVIEW platform and includes:

(1) pH process diagram,
(2) a strong-acid-strong-base pH model,
(3) a weak-acid-strong-base pH model,
(4) a strong-acid-weak-base pH model,
(5) a weak-acid-weak-base pH model,
(6) MFA control simulation for the 4 pH processes using an MFA pH controller,
(7) PID control simulation for the 4 pH processes,
(8) On-Off control simulation for the 4 pH processes,
(9) graphical interface with control faceplates and real-time trends,
(10) LabVIEW diagrams, and
(11) pH process model description, MFA controllers used, and recommended control strategy.

"Most process models are presented as mathematical equations or formulas, which are important but have limited usage. A real-time process model can be used as a virtual process to simulate a real process with minimal setup time and cost. Using a virtual plant software tool to solve real problems is a powerful and cost-effective way to help build a Smart Industry," Dr. Cheng added.

CyboSoft's pH process models are delivered as VIs (virtual instruments) in LabVIEW. The user can design and test their pH control systems using the pH process models running in real-time. For instance, a pH process model can run in a PC with real-time interface to a popular pH controller on the market or to an existing pH controller in service. The control results can be compared with the MFA pH control results obtained in MFA control simulations. The user can then take the results, estimate the chemical reagent savings, and show the potential return-on-investment (ROI) when applying for budget to buy the proper pH controller or control software to improve pH control performance.

CyboSoft will release a number of real-time process modeling and control simulation software products in its virtual plant software family that can be purchased from CyboSoft's online store. The pH Process Modeling and Control Simulation Software can also be purchased from National Instruments' Tools Network store, where a 30-day trial version is available. Customers can contact CyboSoft for various MFA control products or for consulting and engineering services. The pH control device vendors can contact CyboSoft for embedding MFA pH control software in their devices.

 @CyboSoftGCG #PAuto @labview

Prototyping and testing new 4G+ proposals.

National Instruments has announced a system for testing, experimenting on and prototyping new LTE Unlicensed (LTE-U) and/or License Assisted Access (LAA) wireless access technologies. Though 5G has generated significant interest and focus, new technologies such as LTE-U and LAA are needed today to enhance the 4G data experience and help close the gap until 5G arrives.

The real-time testbed includes an FPGA-based LTE physical layer in source code so that different scenarios of LTE-U and LAA can be tested, evaluated and potentially augmented to assess performance and increase data rates for systems built on existing LTE and 802.11 infrastructure.

Because both LTE-U and LAA use the 5.9 GHz unlicensed ISM band to augment the cellular spectrum, LTE-U and LAA capable devices must “share” the channel with WiFi equipment such as 802.11a and 802.11ac. The 3GPP Technical Specifications Group is focusing on LAA because it complies more universally with global spectrum regulations while LTE-U may be rolled out regionally. 

Based on the NI USRP RIO software defined radio and the LabVIEW Communications System Design Suite, the NI testbed provides a ready-to-run system composed of the following components:

•           LabVIEW Communications System Design Suite

•           LabVIEW Communications LTE Application Framework

•           Configurable LTE-U and LAA reference software

•           Two USRP-2953R FPGA-based software defined radios

“Several proposals have been incorporated in the proposed 3GPP standard to minimise interference with existing unlicensed band users,” said James Kimery, Director of RF Research and SDR Marketing at NI. “However, with any new standard, thorough prototyping and testing are necessary to ensure a smooth adoption. NI’s LTE-U/LAA testbed will help researchers assess the impact of the new standard in specific test scenarios.”

#PAuto @NIukie #TandM

Novel Solution for smarter, more cost- effective test instrumentation recognised!

Based on its recent analysis of the peripheral component interconnect or PCI eXtensions for instrumentation (PXI)-based instrumentation for electronic test applications market, Frost & Sullivan recognizes RADX Technologies (RADX) with the 2014 Global Frost & Sullivan Award for New Product Innovation. RADX entered the test and measurement market with the introduction of the LibertyGT COTS Software Defined Synthetic Instrument (SDSI) product line that synthesizes a wide range of instruments while enabling concurrent operation for high throughput to address key end-user demands. This product features an innovative touchscreen design that has been optimized for re-configurability, technology insertion and user programmability.

Using PXI hardware and LabVIEW, LabVIEW FPGA and TestStand software from National Instruments packaged in a touchscreen enclosure developed by RADX, the LibertyGT SDSI offers faster measurement speed than traditional instrumentation. Furthermore, the range of functionalities available from RADX Technologies (up to 32 instruments currently) translates to a significantly lower cost of ownership as the number of instruments it replaces increases.

Based on patented technology licensed exclusively by RADX from BAE Systems, the LibertyGT features measurement science firmware and software (MSFS) that encompasses spectrum analysis, digital storage oscilloscope (DSO), Digital Multimeter (DMM), RF signal generation stimuli and comprehensive radio test. The LibertyGT includes an open source scripting language for local Test Program Set development and the system also supports Interchangeable Virtual Instrument (IVI) drivers for remote access. Apart from providing a wide range of intrinsic capabilities, the RADX LibertyGT SDSI also supports third-party measurement science and the company develops custom modules for customers. The solution is available with two software packages, the MSFS base bundle and the advanced measurement science software and firmware bundle (AMSB).

"While other companies have taken similar steps to provide program specific solutions using PXI hardware, RADX Technologies differentiates itself by integrating a turnkey, touchscreen, general purpose synthetic instrument that provides control of solution to customers, which is essential to add/modify functionality over time,” said Frost & Sullivan Industry Director Jessy Cavazos. "This is made possible by the innovative hardware and software design of the instrument, from the hinged front panel design of the enclosure to the modular software architecture that enables customer to tailor and maintain the system as their requirements dictate."

In addition to hardware re-configurability, the LibertyGT software architecture enables concurrent measurement capability, transforming the synthetic instrument into a compact, yet comprehensive test system, which, in turn, lowers costs. The product also offers cost-savings by isolating the hardware, software, and test program sets (TPS) from each other. This model allows hardware and software to be changed without affecting the TPS, eventually greatly reducing the need to rewrite and recertify TPS in military ATE applications.

RADX employed a number of experts in the LabVIEW and embedded systems ecosystem to develop LibertyGT, including JKI to help with the system’s intuitive LabVIEW user interface (UI) which features simple workflows, user and third party extensibility and powerful screen animations.

"The breadth of instrument personalities offered by the LibertyGT, coupled with the addition of a its python based local TPS framework and Test Management based on NI TestStand makes the system ideal for benchtop and automated test systems,” noted Cavazos. "Simultaneously, the company has strived to make its LibertyGT solution especially suited to the production test environment by providing the user programmability, front-to-back cooling, and modular power supply."

In addition to its use in military test and measurement applications, the LibertyGT SDSI is well suited for commercial applications in wireless infrastructure, wireless communication devices, commercial radios, and commercial avionics. Customers may employ its wide range of instrument personalities and/or develop and add their own measurement science to the instrument.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has developed an innovative element in a product by leveraging leading-edge technologies. The award recognizes the value-added features/benefits of the product and the increased ROI it offers customers, which, in turn, increases customer acquisition and overall market penetration potential.

Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for outstanding achievement in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research.

Instrumentation reshaped with software-based, all-In-one device!

Five essential instruments in a single device with an innovative software experience, creating new possibilities for engineers using benchtop test equipment.

VirtualBench, from National Instruments, is an all-in-one instrument that integrates a mixed-signal oscilloscope, function generator, digital multimeter, programmable DC power supply and digital I/O. Users interact with VirtualBench through software applications that run on PCs or iPads. The device provides the most common functionality affordably and opens up new possibilities for how engineers can use benchtop instruments. 

Key Benefits 

• Takes up minimal space on a desktop or benchtop 

• Simplifies instrument configuration through consistent, user-friendly interfaces 

• Offers new capability and convenience with a consolidated view of multiple instruments, visualisation on larger displays and quick functionality to save data and screenshots

• Integrates seamlessly with LabVIEW system design software

“Before, I didn’t have the room or budget to buy a full setup for each bench,” said Russell Stanphil, Electronics Advisor at TechShop ("America's 1st Nationwide Open-Access Public chain of member-based workshops!"). “I can now park one laptop and a VirtualBench on each seat, replacing four to five boxes.” 

Because VirtualBench uses today’s consumer computing platforms, engineers and scientists can take advantage of the latest technologies like multitouch displays, multicore processors, wireless connectivity and intuitive interfaces. The simplification and increased capability through software leads to more efficient circuit debugging and validation. 

“We are building on what NI does best, which is our software-based approach to test and measurement,” said Chad Chesney, Director of Data Acquisition Marketing at NI. “VirtualBench’s software user experience is more intuitive, creating efficiencies that go above and beyond simply having these five devices in a single device.” 

Fully compatible software With LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3!

The LabVIEW Module for LEGO MINDSTORMS puts powerful software in the hands of students preparing for engineering careers.

National Instruments has added the capability to use LabVIEW system design software to program the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 robotics platform. The LabVIEW Module for LEGO MINDSTORMS, a free download, is available for education and retail. The software helps students, engineers and hobbyists alike create programs that communicate with and control the EV3 brick with LabVIEW. Because LabVIEW has connectivity with thousands of sensors, devices and systems, users of all experience levels can quickly design complex and powerful robotics projects, which makes this platform ideal for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. 

“I use LabVIEW in my computing classes because it’s industry standard software, but also because it’s accessible to such a wide range of students, including those who have difficulty with reading and writing,” said Rob Torok, Mathematics and Robotics Instructor at Claremont College. “The added EV3 support means my students can continue using LabVIEW in their robotics projects, which is great.” 

The software included with EV3 products from LEGO is created by NI and is also based on LabVIEW. Users can connect to the industry version of LabVIEW for additional functionality with LEGO EV3. LabVIEW is the same programming software used in virtually every industry to power engineering challenges such as the Red Bull Stratos supersonic free fall project and the CERN Large Hadron Collider. Students who learn LabVIEW are using the same programming tools used by the world’s most innovative scientists and engineers.

Chris Rogers, a Tufts professor who worked with The LEGO Group and NI to develop ROBOLAB—the language that inspired NXT-G and LabVIEW for LEGO MINDSTORMS—still uses a robotics approach to teaching science and math in his classrooms.

“I use the LabVIEW Module for LEGO MINDSTORMS to start my robotics students off in the world of LEGO where they can see success easily and quickly, and then smoothly move them into the more advanced world of Linux microprocessors, FPGAs and even robot operating systems,” said Rogers. “We work with local high school students to help them develop complex code—from PID controllers to using different architectures for parallel thinking.”

Prototype wireless systems faster, significantly shorten time to results!

National Instruments has announced an integrated software defined radio solution for rapidly prototyping high-performance, multichannel wireless communication systems. The NI USRP RIO platform is built on the NI LabVIEW RIO architecture and combines a high-performance 2 x 2 multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) RF transceiver capable of transmitting and receiving signals from 50 MHz to 6 GHz with an open LabVIEW programmable FPGA architecture.

Wireless engineers can use this technology to rapidly prototype real-time wireless communications systems and test them under real-world conditions. They can also prototype more capable wireless algorithms and systems faster and reduce time to results using the only complete platform to take full advantage of a graphical system design approach. The USRP RIO family delivers high-performance, real-time processing capability with the Xilinx Kintex-7 Series FPGA, low latency with the PCI Express connection to a host computer and small size (1U half wide, 19 in. rack mountable).

USRP RIO is ideal for a wide range of application areas including 5G wireless communications research, active and passive radar development and exploration, communications intelligence, connected smart devices and more. NI USRP^™ (Universal Software Radio Peripheral) is already a popular platform for research spanning industry and academia as it empowers researchers to rapidly iterate on designs via programmable software. For example, a recent Lund University announcement highlights a 5G research application focusing on massive MIMO – a technology being considered for 5G communication.

Scrum mechanics study leads to rule changes by International Rugby Board!

As the entire island of Ireland prays for a favourable result in Paris for Brian O'Driscoll's last, and record breaking, appearance in the green jersey this story comes to us from National Instruments.

The man! The legend!

A three-year research project, completed by the Rugby Science Group at Bath University and funded by the International Rugby Board (IRB), has contributed to recent changes in the law of scrummaging, with a new ‘crouch, bind, set' engagement sequence. Data collected from cameras, player mounted pressure sensors and accelerometers, using National Instruments CompactRIO, show that this new engagement sequence reduces initial scrum forces by 25%, making scrummaging safer and less prone to collapsing with time-consuming restarts.

With a view to establishing safer engagement techniques, the IRB selected Bath University research team to investigate the forces and motion of scrum mechanics in order to determine the causes of injuries suffered throughout the sport. As a result, the findings supported the decision to change the laws of scrummaging and create the new engagement sequence which has now been implemented across all National and International rugby competitions, including the Rugby World Cup and European Six Nations Championship.

IRB Chief Executive Brett Gosper commented: "The feedback that we have been getting from coaches and players around the world is that this is a positive change that enhances player welfare and scrum stability”.

Using NI LabVIEW software, NI CompactRIO platform and the latest in scrum machine technology to acquire accurate synchronised measurements during live scrummaging, the University team tested and examined the physical demands on players in rugby teams, across playing levels from school age to International level.

The combination of LabVIEW Real-Time software and CompactRIO hardware proved ideal for this application because it offered deterministic triggering control across multiple devices, simulating both training and real-match conditions. The consistent data collection and full analysis of force, acceleration and movement patterns formed a quantitative basis for the new, improved law amendments.

"Give yourself an edge!" - Developer tour announced!

The National Instruments LabVIEW Developer Tour offers engineers and scientists the opportunity to learn programming skills from a range of technical sessions, product demonstrations and hands-on sessions, aimed at both the new and experienced user.

With the choice of two tracks, delegates can tailor the day to suit their individual needs and experience; with an introductory track for engineers who are new to LabVIEW, and a developer track for those who wish to further their knowledge of the award-winning software.

Delegates will learn best practices to save time and money when recording and analysing data, whilst also discovering the benefits that graphical programming offers through real-world application examples. NI's own engineers will unearth tips and tricks for locating and fixing programming issues for those adept in LabVIEW. In addition, delegates have the opportunity to register for the Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer Exam aiding their first steps to gain industry qualification.

England Newbury – 1st April  Bristol - 2nd April Fareham – 3rd April Cambridge - 8th April Birmingham - 9th April Manchester - 10th April  Scotland Glasgow - 15th April  Ireland Limerick - 23rd April Dublin - 24th April

Follow the event on twitter using hashtag  #devtouruk