RT Series DAQ Device User Manual

RT Series
DAQ Device User Manual
RT Series DAQ Device User Manual
April 2001 Edition
Part Number 322635B-01
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© Copyright 1999, 2001 National Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved.
Important Information
Warranty
The RT Series DAQ hardware is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date
of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace equipment
that proves to be defective during the warranty period. This warranty includes parts and labor.
The media on which you receive National Instruments software are warranted not to fail to execute programming instructions,
due to defects in materials and workmanship, for a period of 90 days from date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other
documentation. National Instruments will, at its option, repair or replace software media that do not execute programming
instructions if National Instruments receives notice of such defects during the warranty period. National Instruments does not
warrant that the operation of the software shall be uninterrupted or error free.
A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from the factory and clearly marked on the outside of
the package before any equipment will be accepted for warranty work. National Instruments will pay the shipping costs of
returning to the owner parts which are covered by warranty.
National Instruments believes that the information in this document is accurate. The document has been carefully reviewed
for technical accuracy. In the event that technical or typographical errors exist, National Instruments reserves the right to
make changes to subsequent editions of this document without prior notice to holders of this edition. The reader should consult
National Instruments if errors are suspected. In no event shall National Instruments be liable for any damages arising out of
or related to this document or the information contained in it.
EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN, NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CUSTOMER’S RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR
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performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control. The warranty provided herein does not cover damages, defects,
malfunctions, or service failures caused by owner’s failure to follow the National Instruments installation, operation, or
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LabVIEW™, MITE™, National Instruments™, ni.com™, NI-DAQ™, PXI™, RTSI™, and SCXI™ are trademarks of
National Instruments Corporation.
Product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
WARNING REGARDING USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS
(1) NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS AND TESTING FOR A LEVEL
OF RELIABILITY SUITABLE FOR USE IN OR IN CONNECTION WITH SURGICAL IMPLANTS OR AS CRITICAL
COMPONENTS IN ANY LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS WHOSE FAILURE TO PERFORM CAN REASONABLY BE
EXPECTED TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT INJURY TO A HUMAN.
(2) IN ANY APPLICATION, INCLUDING THE ABOVE, RELIABILITY OF OPERATION OF THE SOFTWARE PRODUCTS
CAN BE IMPAIRED BY ADVERSE FACTORS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN ELECTRICAL
POWER SUPPLY, COMPUTER HARDWARE MALFUNCTIONS, COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE
FITNESS, FITNESS OF COMPILERS AND DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE USED TO DEVELOP AN APPLICATION,
INSTALLATION ERRORS, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS, MALFUNCTIONS OR
FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING OR CONTROL DEVICES, TRANSIENT FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC
SYSTEMS (HARDWARE AND/OR SOFTWARE), UNANTICIPATED USES OR MISUSES, OR ERRORS ON THE PART OF
THE USER OR APPLICATIONS DESIGNER (ADVERSE FACTORS SUCH AS THESE ARE HEREAFTER
COLLECTIVELY TERMED “SYSTEM FAILURES”). ANY APPLICATION WHERE A SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD
CREATE A RISK OF HARM TO PROPERTY OR PERSONS (INCLUDING THE RISK OF BODILY INJURY AND DEATH)
SHOULD NOT BE RELIANT SOLELY UPON ONE FORM OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEM DUE TO THE RISK OF SYSTEM
FAILURE. TO AVOID DAMAGE, INJURY, OR DEATH, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER MUST TAKE
REASONABLY PRUDENT STEPS TO PROTECT AGAINST SYSTEM FAILURES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
BACK-UP OR SHUT DOWN MECHANISMS. BECAUSE EACH END-USER SYSTEM IS CUSTOMIZED AND DIFFERS
FROM NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS' TESTING PLATFORMS AND BECAUSE A USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER
MAY USE NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER PRODUCTS IN A MANNER NOT
EVALUATED OR CONTEMPLATED BY NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER IS
ULTIMATELY RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING AND VALIDATING THE SUITABILITY OF NATIONAL
INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS WHENEVER NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE INCORPORATED IN A
SYSTEM OR APPLICATION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE APPROPRIATE DESIGN, PROCESS AND
SAFETY LEVEL OF SUCH SYSTEM OR APPLICATION.
Compliance
FCC/Canada Radio Frequency Interference Compliance*
Determining FCC Class
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has rules to protect wireless communications from interference.
The FCC places digital electronics into two classes. These classes are known as Class A (for use in industrialcommercial locations only) or Class B (for use in residential or commercial locations). Depending on where it is
operated, this product could be subject to restrictions in the FCC rules. (In Canada, the Department of
Communications (DOC), of Industry Canada, regulates wireless interference in much the same way.)
Digital electronics emit weak signals during normal operation that can affect radio, television, or other wireless
products. By examining the product you purchased, you can determine the FCC Class and therefore which of the two
FCC/DOC Warnings apply in the following sections. (Some products may not be labelled at all for FCC, if so the
reader should then assume these are Class A devices.)
FCC Class A products only display a simple warning statement of one paragraph in length regarding interference and
undesired operation. Most of our products are FCC Class A. The FCC rules have restrictions regarding the locations
where FCC Class A products can be operated.
FCC Class B products display either a FCC ID code, starting with the letters EXN,
or the FCC Class B compliance mark that appears as shown here on the right.
The curious reader can consult the FCC web site http://www.fcc.gov for more
information.
FCC/DOC Warnings
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in strict accordance with the
instructions in this manual and the CE Mark Declaration of Conformity**, may cause interference to radio and
television reception. Classification requirements are the same for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
and the Canadian Department of Communications (DOC).
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by National Instruments could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment under the FCC Rules.
Class A
Federal Communications Commission
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in
which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Canadian Department of Communications
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du
Canada.
Class B
Federal Communications Commission
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However,
there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Canadian Department of Communications
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du
Canada.
European Union - Compliance to EEC Directives
Readers in the EU/EEC/EEA must refer to the Manufacturer's Declaration of Conformity (DoC) for information**
pertaining to the CE Mark compliance scheme. The Manufacturer includes a DoC for most every hardware product
except for those bought for OEMs, if also available from an original manufacturer that also markets in the EU, or
where compliance is not required as for electrically benign apparatus or cables.
* Certain exemptions may apply in the USA, see FCC Rules §15.103 Exempted devices, and §15.105(c). Also
available in sections of CFR 47.
** The CE Mark Declaration of Conformity will contain important supplementary information and instructions for
the user or installer.
Contents
About This Manual
Conventions ...................................................................................................................ix
Related Documentation..................................................................................................x
Chapter 1
Introduction
About the RT Series.......................................................................................................1-1
What You Need to Get Started ......................................................................................1-2
Unpacking ......................................................................................................................1-3
Software Programming Choices ....................................................................................1-3
Chapter 2
Installation and Configuration
Installing the Hardware..................................................................................................2-1
PCI Installation................................................................................................2-1
PXI Installation................................................................................................2-2
Board Configuration ......................................................................................................2-2
Chapter 3
Hardware Overview
Processor Board .............................................................................................................3-2
DAQ Daughterboard......................................................................................................3-4
Host to RT Series DAQ Device Communication ..........................................................3-4
RTSI...............................................................................................................................3-4
LEDs ..............................................................................................................................3-5
Chapter 4
LabVIEW RT Programming
Targeting LabVIEW RT and Downloading VIs............................................................4-1
Resetting the RT Series DAQ Device .............................................................4-2
Creating Stand-Alone Executables ................................................................................4-2
Embedded Applications...................................................................................4-2
Command-Line Arguments .............................................................................4-2
Programming LabVIEW RT..........................................................................................4-3
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Contents
Real-Time Programming ............................................................................................... 4-4
Running a VI at Time-Critical Priority without the RT
Development System ................................................................................... 4-4
Use of Shared Memory ................................................................................... 4-4
Configuration Issues ....................................................................................... 4-4
RT Series DAQ VIs....................................................................................................... 4-5
Appendix A
Specifications
Appendix B
Technical Support Resources
Glossary
Index
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About This Manual
This manual contains information about the RT Series Data Acquisition
(DAQ) devices and working with LabVIEW Real-Time (RT). The RT
Series DAQ hardware consists of the following devices:
•
PCI-7030/6040E
•
PCI-7030/6030E
•
PCI-7030/6533
•
PXI-7030/6040E
•
PXI-7030/6030E
•
PXI-7030/6533
The RT Series DAQ family of devices are multifunction I/O boards with an
embedded processor. Use LabVIEW RT and NI-DAQ to create embedded,
real-time applications that run on the RT Series DAQ device.
Conventions
The following conventions appear in this manual:
»
The » symbol leads you through nested menu items and dialog box options
to a final action. The sequence File»Page Setup»Options directs you to
pull down the File menu, select the Page Setup item, and select Options
from the last dialog box.
This icon denotes a tip, which alerts you to advisory information.
This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.
bold
Bold text denotes items that you must select or click on in the software,
such as menu items and dialog box options. Bold text also denotes
parameter names.
italic
Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross reference, or an introduction
to a key concept. This font also denotes text that is a placeholder for a word
or value that you must supply.
monospace
Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should enter from the
keyboard, sections of code, programming examples, and syntax examples.
This font is also used for the proper names of disk drives, paths, directories,
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About This Manual
programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, functions, operations,
variables, filenames and extensions, and code excerpts.
Related Documentation
The following documents contain information that you might find helpful
as you read this manual:
•
LabVIEW Real-Time User Manual
•
LabVIEW Real-Time Release Notes
•
LabVIEW Real-Time Help, available by selecting Help»LabVIEW
Real-Time Help
•
Getting Started with LabVIEW
•
LabVIEW User Manual
•
LabVIEW Measurements Manual
•
LabVIEW Help, available by selecting Help»Contents and Index
•
LabVIEW Application Builder Release Notes
•
PID Control for G Reference Manual
Refer to the hardware user manual for the specific I/O device attached to
your RT Series device for more information about the I/O portion of your
hardware. For example, if you are using the PXI-7030/6040E, refer to the
PXI E Series User Manual for information on the 6040E daughterboard.
RT Series DAQ Device User Manual
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1
Introduction
This chapter describes the RT Series DAQ devices, lists what you need
to get started, explains how to unpack your RT Series DAQ device, and
describes the software you need to use.
About the RT Series
The RT Series DAQ devices are multifunction DAQ devices with an
embedded processor. The RT Series DAQ device, LabVIEW Real-Time
(RT), and NI-DAQ provide an easy-to-use system for real-time
applications.
Each RT Series DAQ device is made up of the following parts: a processor
board and a DAQ daughterboard. The processor board contains a
microprocessor that runs real-time, embedded LabVIEW RT applications.
The RT Series DAQ device provides the same high-performance data
acquisition as other National Instruments DAQ devices. For example,
the PXI-7030/6040E contains a DAQ device that is equivalent to the
PXI-6040E.
This manual does not contain detailed information about the DAQ
component of the RT Series DAQ devices. Refer to the appropriate DAQ
hardware user manual for more information about optional equipment and
custom cabling for your DAQ device. Table 1-1 lists the appropriate DAQ
device user manual for each of the RT Series DAQ devices.
© National Instruments Corporation
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Chapter 1
Introduction
Table 1-1. RT Series DAQ Device and Corresponding DAQ Device Manual
RT Series DAQ Device
DAQ Manual
PXI-7030/6040E
PXI E Series User Manual
PXI-7030/6030E
PXI E Series User Manual
PXI-7030/6533
DIO 6533 User Manual
PCI-7030/6040E
PCI E Series User Manual
PCI-7030/6030E
PCI E Series User Manual
PCI-7030/6533
DIO 6533 User Manual
What You Need to Get Started
To set up and use your RT Series DAQ device, you need the following:
❑ One of the following devices:
–
PXI-7030/6XXX
–
PCI-7030/6XXX
❑ This manual
❑ Hardware user manual for your DAQ daughterboard,
shown in Table 1-1
❑ LabVIEW RT
❑ LabVIEW Real-Time User Manual
❑ LabVIEW Real-Time Release Notes
❑ NI-DAQ and the NI-DAQ documentation installed with the software
❑ Your computer
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Chapter 1
Introduction
Unpacking
Your RT Series DAQ device is shipped in an antistatic package to prevent
electrostatic damage to the device. Electrostatic discharge can damage
several components on the device. To avoid such damage in handling the
device, take the following precautions:
•
Ground yourself by using a grounding strap or by holding a grounded
object.
•
Touch the antistatic package to a metal part of your computer chassis
before removing the device from the package.
•
Remove the device from the package and inspect the device for
loose components or any other sign of damage. Notify National
Instruments if the device appears damaged in any way. Do not install
a damaged device into your computer.
•
Never touch the exposed pins of connectors.
Software Programming Choices
Use the RT Series DAQ devices with LabVIEW RT and NI-DAQ. Because
NI-DAQ is included with LabVIEW RT, install NI-DAQ during the
LabVIEW RT installation. Refer to the LabVIEW Real-Time Release Notes
for specific information about LabVIEW RT and NI-DAQ version
compatibility. Refer to Chapter 2, Installation and Configuration,
for information about installing your RT Series hardware.
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Installation and Configuration
2
This chapter explains how to install and configure your RT Series DAQ
hardware.
Installing the Hardware
You can install the RT Series DAQ device in any available expansion slot
in your computer or PXI chassis. To reduce noise, however, leave as much
room as possible between the RT Series DAQ device and other devices and
hardware. The following are general installation instructions. Refer to your
computer user manual or technical reference manual for specific
instructions and warnings about installing hardware.
Install LabVIEW Real-Time (RT) and NI-DAQ before you install your RT Series
DAQ device. Refer to Chapter 2, Installation, of the LabVIEW Real-Time User Manual for
information about installing LabVIEW RT and NI-DAQ.
Note
PCI Installation
Complete the following steps to install your RT Series PCI device.
1.
Turn off and unplug your computer.
2.
Remove the cover to your computer.
3.
Make sure there are no lighted LEDs on your motherboard. If any are
lit, wait until they go out before continuing your installation.
4.
Remove the expansion slot cover on the back panel of the computer.
5.
Insert the RT Series DAQ board into a 5 V PCI slot. Gently rock the
board to ease it into place. It might be a tight fit, but do not force the
board into place.
6.
Screw the mounting bracket of the RT Series DAQ board to the back
panel rail of the computer.
7.
Visually verify the installation. Make sure the board is not touching
other boards or components and is fully inserted in the slot.
8.
Replace the cover.
9.
Plug in and turn on your computer.
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Chapter 2
Installation and Configuration
Your RT Series DAQ device is installed. You are now ready to configure
your software.
PXI Installation
Complete the following steps to install your RT Series PXI board.
1.
Turn off and unplug your computer.
2.
Choose two adjacent unused PXI slots in your system.
3.
Remove the filler panels for the slots you have chosen.
4.
Insert the RT Series DAQ board into the 5 V PXI slots. Use the
injector/ejector handle to fully insert the board into the chassis.
5.
Screw the front panel of the RT Series DAQ board to the front panel
mounting rail of the system.
6.
Plug in and turn on your computer.
Your RT Series DAQ device is installed. You are now ready to configure
your software.
Board Configuration
Because of the National Instruments standard architecture for data
acquisition and the PCI and PXI bus specifications, the RT Series DAQ
devices are completely software configurable.
The PCI RT Series DAQ devices are fully compatible with the industry
standard PCI Local Bus Specification Revision 2.0. The PXI RT Series
DAQ devices are fully compatible with the PXI Specification Revision 1.0.
This compatibility allows the PCI or PXI system to automatically perform
all bus-related configurations and requires no user interaction.
DAQ-related configuration includes such settings as analog input polarity
and range, analog input mode, and so on. You also can configure virtual
channels, SCXI, and DAQ accessories. You can modify these settings
through Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) or through
LabVIEW RT and NI-DAQ.
After you install your RT Series DAQ device, double-click the
Measurement & Automation Explorer icon on your desktop. MAX finds
the RT Series DAQ device and any other DAQ devices you have in your
system and assigns device numbers to them. The RT Series DAQ device
appears in MAX as shown in Figure 2-1.
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Chapter 2
Installation and Configuration
Figure 2-1. Measurement & Automation Explorer
Notice that MAX assigns separate device numbers to the PCI/PXI-7030
device and the DAQ daughterboard, as shown in Figure 2-1. The DAQ
daughterboard is shown as a separate device under the 7030 processor
board. However, the daughterboard has a device number that is different
from the 7030 processor board.
You need the device numbers of your RT Series DAQ hardware to
download and run LabVIEW RT VIs to your RT Series DAQ devices.You
can change device numbers and other configuration settings for the devices
using MAX. Changes to these settings do not take effect on the RT Series
DAQ device until you reset the device.
You can test the resources of the 7030 processor board using MAX.
However, you cannot test resources or run test panels for the DAQ
daughterboard. Even though the daughterboard is configured using the host
PC, the daughterboard is actually located on the local PCI bus of the RT
Series processor board. Therefore, only LabVIEW RT applications targeted
to the 7030 processor board can access the DAQ daughterboard, and the
resource configuration of the daughterboard cannot be tested from the host
PC. You do not need to test the resource configuration, because National
Instruments configures the DAQ daughterboard, and the resources do not
change. In addition, applications run on the host PC cannot access the DAQ
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Chapter 2
Installation and Configuration
daughterboard directly, even though the DAQ daughterboard is configured
as a separate device. Only LabVIEW RT applications targeted to the
RT Series DAQ device can access the DAQ daughterboard.
If you want to test whether the DAQ daughterboard is working, run any DAQ example
that ships with LabVIEW RT.
Tip
To save the configuration information, select Tools»NI-DAQ
Configuration»Save Configuration As. Then close MAX.
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3
Hardware Overview
This chapter describes the PCI and PXI RT Series DAQ hardware. You can
find most of the hardware information you need in your DAQ device user
manual. Table 1-1, RT Series DAQ Device and Corresponding DAQ
Device Manual, lists the DAQ device user manuals for the RT Series DAQ
devices.
As shown in Figures 3-1 and 3-2, a DAQ daughterboard attaches to the
processor board, and together they form the RT Series DAQ hardware. The
following sections describe the components that make up the RT Series
DAQ hardware.
1
2
1
Processor Board
2
DAQ Daughterboard
Figure 3-1. PCI RT Series Data Acquisition Hardware
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Chapter 3
Hardware Overview
1
2
1
Processor Board
2
DAQ Daughterboard
Figure 3-2. PXI RT Series Data Acquisition Hardware
Processor Board
The 7030 processor board contains a microprocessor and support circuitry,
as shown in Figure 3-3. The support circuitry includes a chipset with PCI
controller and ISA bridge, main memory (DRAM), L2 cache (SRAM), and
BIOS. The RT Engine software uses this embedded processor system for
its execution platform.
The DAQ daughterboard resides on the embedded PCI bus, as shown in
Figure 3-3, providing a high-performance system for communication
between the software running on the processor and the DAQ
daughterboard.
The processor board also holds the shared memory that communicates
between the host system and the embedded processor. Refer to the Host to
RT Series DAQ Device Communication section of this chapter and to
Chapter 3, Software Overview, of the LabVIEW Real-Time User Manual,
for more information about using shared memory in your applications.
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Hardware Overview
Processor Board
CPU
Embedded CPU Bus
BIOS
SRAM/DRAM
Cache Memory
PCI Controller
Host PCI Bus
Embedded ISA Bus
MITE
Shared Memory
Interface
Embedded PCI Bus
ISA Bridge
Controller
BIOS
Extension
Shared
Memory
I/O Daughterboard
Figure 3-3. RT Series Processor Board Diagram
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Chapter 3
Hardware Overview
DAQ Daughterboard
The daughterboard in the RT Series system provides the DAQ
functionality. Each daughterboard is a National Instruments DAQ device
with some mechanical modifications to allow it to connect to the processor
board. You can expect the same high performance and specifications from
the daughterboard that you do from the standard version of the device.
For example, the PCI/PXI-7030/6040E boards have the same DAQ
characteristics as the PXI-6040E. Refer to the appropriate daughterboard
manual for specifications, cabling requirements, and accessory
information. Table 1-1, RT Series DAQ Device and Corresponding DAQ
Device Manual, lists the corresponding manual for each available
daughterboard. Refer to the DAQ section of the LabVIEW Help, available
by selecting Help»Contents and Index in LabVIEW, for more
information about hardware and software configuration.
Host to RT Series DAQ Device Communication
The computer where you install the RT Series DAQ device is the host
computer. The RT Series DAQ device communicates to the host computer
where it resides through shared memory on the 7030 processor board. Both
the host computer and the embedded processor have access to the shared
memory. The memory is allocated for various tasks. For example, the RT
Development System on the host uses part of the shared memory for
downloading software to the device. Some memory space also is allocated
to the user for passing data between the host computer and the processor
board.
RTSI
The real-time system integration (RTSI) bus directly connects DAQ
devices for precise synchronization of functions. The RT Series DAQ
devices provide all RTSI functionality. The RTSI bus allows you to
connect RT Series DAQ devices to any other DAQ device regardless of
whether the other device is an RT Series device or standard DAQ device.
The RTSI connections are made across the PXI trigger bus for the PXI RT
Series devices. For PCI RT Series devices, the connection is made with a
connector on the top edge of the device and a RTSI cable available from
National Instruments. Refer to your daughterboard user manual for
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Hardware Overview
information about how to use the RTSI signals. Table 1-1, RT Series DAQ
Device and Corresponding DAQ Device Manual, lists the corresponding
manual for each available daughterboard.
LEDs
The RT Series processor board has two LEDs. You can use these LEDs to
indicate the state of your running application. On the PXI-7030 device, the
LEDs are visible on the front panel. Because the LEDs are located along
the top edge of the device on the PCI-7030, you must remove the cover
from the case of your computer to view them.
The red LED turns on during a portion of the reset of the RT Series DAQ
device. Also, the red LED turns on and remains lit if the RT Engine detects
an internal error. You can control both the red LED and a second green LED
from LabVIEW RT applications to provide status information.
You can use the RT Board LEDs VI located on the Functions»RT»RT
Series DAQ»RT Board Utilities palette in your application to control each
LED independently. You can turn each LED on, off, or toggle its state.
Refer to the LabVIEW Real-Time Help, available by selecting
Help»LabVIEW»Real-Time Help, for more information about the RT
Board LEDs VI.
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4
LabVIEW RT Programming
This chapter provides an overview of using LabVIEW Real-Time (RT) and
your RT Series DAQ hardware.
Targeting LabVIEW RT and Downloading VIs
In LabVIEW RT, select Operate»Switch Execution Target to access the
Select Target Platform dialog box, shown in Figure 4-1.
Figure 4-1. Select Target Platform Dialog Box
Use the pull-down menu to select where you want to run VIs. When you
select a target platform, the RT Development System downloads any
VI you subsequently run to that target platform. Selecting Host PC
(LabVIEW for Windows) makes LabVIEW RT behave like LabVIEW
for Windows on the host PC.
Any RT Series DAQ device that you configure with Measurement &
Automation Explorer (MAX) appears in the pull-down menu. The menu
selection for each device displays the device number, for example,
DAQ::1, where 1 is the device number. Click the Reset device checkbox
in the Select Target Platform dialog box to reset the RT Series DAQ
device. Any VIs you previously downloaded to the RT Series DAQ device
are aborted and unloaded from memory. Click Configure in the
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Select Target Platform dialog box to launch MAX and configure your RT
Series DAQ devices.
Resetting the RT Series DAQ Device
Resetting the RT Series DAQ device is necessary only after you first turn
on the system or if communication with the RT Engine cannot be
established or has been lost. Also, reset the device when you change the
DAQ configuration information for the RT Series DAQ device.
Creating Stand-Alone Executables
Use the Application Builder, included in the LabVIEW RT Professional
Development System, to create stand-alone LabVIEW RT applications.
Refer to the LabVIEW Real-Time User Manual and the LabVIEW
Application Builder Release Notes for more information about the
Application Builder.
If you have the LabVIEW RT Full Development System, you can purchase the
Application Builder upgrade.
Note
Embedded Applications
Because the RT Series DAQ hardware has no media storage device, you
cannot permanently embed applications on the hardware. You must launch
applications on the host and target them to the RT Series DAQ device.
Command-Line Arguments
You can use command-line arguments to disable the Select Target
Platform dialog box and explicitly specify a target for the application. You
can use the parameters in a batch file, or shortcut, from your Windows
StartUp folder to automatically launch RT Engine VIs when your host PC
is booted. For example, create a Windows shortcut with the following
shortcut target:
c:\mybuiltapp.exe -target DAQ::1 -quithost
This command line automatically downloads and runs mybuiltapp on
device 1 and closes the RT Development System on the host PC.
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To disable the Select Target Platform dialog box, specify the target
platform in the command line argument of your built executable using
–target. For example,
c:\mybuiltapp_rtengine.exe -target DAQ::3 (for device 3)
or to run the application on the host PC,
c:\mybuiltapp_host.exe -target host
You also can reset the specified device using -reset. For example,
c:\mybuiltapp_rtengine.exe -target DAQ::3 -reset
To disconnect the host PC from the RT Engine after all VIs are downloaded
and leave the RT Engine VIs running, use -quithost. For example,
c:\mybuiltapp_rtengine.exe -target DAQ::3 -quithost
Programming LabVIEW RT
Because you run LabVIEW RT applications on hardware platforms that do
not have all the components of a computer, LabVIEW RT lacks some
LabVIEW features when targeted to the RT Engine. For example, there is
no disk drive on the RT Series DAQ device, therefore, the RT Engine does
not support file I/O when targeted to the RT Series DAQ device. The RT
Engine does not support the following LabVIEW features on RT Series
DAQ hardware:
•
ActiveX
•
Datalogging
•
Dialog boxes
•
Ethernet
•
File I/O
•
Instrument I/O: VISA, 488, RS-232/Serial
•
Printing
•
Profiler
•
Programmatic Menu Bar
If you attempt to download to and run on your target platform a VI that has any of
the unsupported functionality listed above, the VI still executes. Unsupported functions do
not work and return standard LabVIEW error codes.
Note
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Chapter 4
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Real-Time Programming
This section provides an overview of real-time programming using your
RT Series DAQ hardware.
Running a VI at Time-Critical Priority without
the RT Development System
Instead of using TCP/IP or VI Server to communicate data to a host PC
application, you can maximize real-time VI performance on RT Series
DAQ devices by peeking and poking data to shared memory. Peeking, or
reading directly from shared memory, and poking, or writing directly to
shared memory, are common programming techniques and do not require
the VI to yield significant processor time. You can create deterministic
control loops that run in excess of 1 kHz when you peek and poke data
to shared memory. Refer to Chapter 3, Software Overview, of the
LabVIEW Real-Time User Manual for more information about TCP/IP and
VI Server.
Windows NT does not support peeking and poking to shared memory on the PC.
However, because the shared memory is located on the RT Series DAQ device, Windows
NT does support peeking and poking to this shared memory.
Note
Use of Shared Memory
Using peek and poke VIs to write directly to shared memory offers the best
performance. Because you can access shared memory both from a host
LabVIEW application and from an embedded LabVIEW RT VI, you can
write a control loop program that does not have to slow down significantly
or yield to communicate with the host system. Many such examples are in
the examples\RT\RT Control (7030).llb library.
Configuration Issues
The RT Development System downloads the RT Engine to the RT Series
DAQ hardware and sends configuration information when you reset the
hardware. If you make any change to the device configuration information
from MAX, you must reset the RT Series DAQ hardware for the changes
to take effect.
LabVIEW RT also supports virtual channels, SCXI, and DAQ accessories
on the RT Series DAQ hardware, but their descriptions download to the
device when the device is reset. If you add a new channel or change the
parameters of a channel using MAX, you must reset the RT Series DAQ
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Chapter 4
LabVIEW RT Programming
hardware for these changes to take effect. However, unlike virtual
channels, you can set device parameters or accessory configuration
information programmatically inside a VI without running MAX.
Therefore, you can programmatically change these parameters in your VI
without resetting the hardware.
Refer to your NI-DAQ documentation and the DAQ section of the
LabVIEW Help, available by selecting Help»Contents and Index,
for more information about configuration.
RT Series DAQ VIs
RT Series DAQ VIs are available on the Functions»RT»RT Series DAQ
palette. Refer to the LabVIEW Real-Time Help, available by selecting
Help»LabVIEW Real-Time Help, for more information about the
LabVIEW RT VIs.
In addition to the RT Series DAQ VIs, LabVIEW RT includes the PID
Control Toolset, which includes functions for PID and Fuzzy Logic control.
The Fuzzy Controller VI requires information for a specific designed fuzzy
controller loaded from its corresponding data file (*.fc). Because the RT
Engine does not support file I/O, you must save this information as the
default values of the front panel controls of the Fuzzy Controller VI before
attempting to use it on the RT Series DAQ device. Refer to the PID Control
for G Reference Manual for more information about the PID Control and
Fuzzy Logic VIs.
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A
Specifications
This appendix lists the specifications of the embedded processor system.
Processor
Processor ................................................ AMD 486 DX5
32-bit architecture
Processor clock speed ............................ 133 MHz
CPU bus speed ....................................... 33 MHz
Memory .................................................. 8 MB DRAM user-programmable
60 ns, EDO, 5 V,
72-Pin SODIMM
On-chip cache ........................................ 16 KB write-back
L2 cache ................................................. 256 KB write-back
Floating-point unit.................................. Yes
Host-Embedded Communication
Shared Memory
Type ....................................................... SRAM
Size......................................................... 1 KB user available
Bus Interface
Type ....................................................... PCI Slave
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Appendix A
Specifications
Power Requirement
PCI-7030 only
(without daughterboard) .........................1.9 A at +5 VDC (±5%)
PXI-7030 only
(without daughterboard) .........................2.0 A at +5 VDC (±5%)
To calculate the total power requirement, add the processor board requirement from
this section to the I/O board requirement given in the I/O board manual.
Note
Physical
Dimensions (Not Including Connectors)
PCI-7030.................................................312.9 by 160.5 cm
(12.3 by 4.2 in.)
One PCI slot
PXI-7030 ................................................16 by 10 cm
(6.3 by 3.9 in.)
Two PXI slots
Environment
Operating temperature ............................0 to 55 °C
Storage temperature ................................–20 to 70 °C
Relative humidity ...................................10% to 90% noncondensing
RTSI
Refer to the RTSI section of Chapter 3, Hardware Overview for
information about real-time system integration.
I/O Daughterboard Specifications
Refer to the appropriate I/O device manual, listed in Table 1-1, RT Series
DAQ Device and Corresponding DAQ Device Manual, for more
information about I/O daughterboard specifications.
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Technical Support Resources
B
Web Support
National Instruments Web support is your first stop for help in solving
installation, configuration, and application problems and questions. Online
problem-solving and diagnostic resources include frequently asked
questions, knowledge bases, product-specific troubleshooting wizards,
manuals, drivers, software updates, and more. Web support is available
through the Technical Support section of ni.com
NI Developer Zone
The NI Developer Zone at ni.com/zone is the essential resource for
building measurement and automation systems. At the NI Developer Zone,
you can easily access the latest example programs, system configurators,
tutorials, technical news, as well as a community of developers ready to
share their own techniques.
Customer Education
National Instruments provides a number of alternatives to satisfy your
training needs, from self-paced tutorials, videos, and interactive CDs to
instructor-led hands-on courses at locations around the world. Visit the
Customer Education section of ni.com for online course schedules,
syllabi, training centers, and class registration.
System Integration
If you have time constraints, limited in-house technical resources, or other
dilemmas, you may prefer to employ consulting or system integration
services. You can rely on the expertise available through our worldwide
network of Alliance Program members. To find out more about our
Alliance system integration solutions, visit the System Integration section
of ni.com
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Appendix B
Technical Support Resources
Worldwide Support
National Instruments has offices located around the world to help address
your support needs. You can access our branch office Web sites from the
Worldwide Offices section of ni.com. Branch office Web sites provide
up-to-date contact information, support phone numbers, e-mail addresses,
and current events.
If you have searched the technical support resources on our Web site and
still cannot find the answers you need, contact your local office or National
Instruments corporate. Phone numbers for our worldwide offices are listed
at the front of this manual.
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Glossary
B
BIOS
basic input/output system—BIOS functions are the fundamental level
of any PC or compatible computer. BIOS functions embody the basic
operations needed for successful use of the computer hardware resources.
bus
the group of conductors that interconnect individual circuitry in a computer.
Typically, a bus is the expansion vehicle to which I/O or other devices are
connected. Examples of PC buses are the ISA and PCI bus.
C
cache
high-speed processor memory that buffers commonly used instructions or
data to increase processing throughput
channel
Pin or wire lead to which you apply or from which you read the analog or
digital signal. Analog signals can be single-ended or differential. For digital
signals, you group channels to form ports. Ports usually consist of either
four or eight digital channels.
D
DAQ
data acquisition—(1) collecting and measuring electrical signals from
sensors, transducers, and test probes or fixtures and inputting them to a
computer for processing; (2) collecting and measuring the same kinds of
electrical signals with A/D and/or DIO boards plugged into a computer,
and possibly generating control signals with D/A and/or DIO boards in the
same computer
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Glossary
device
Instrument or controller that is addressable as a single entity and controls
or monitors real-world I/O points. A device is often connected to the host
computer through some type of communication network or can be a plug-in
device.
For data acquisition (DAQ) applications, a DAQ device is inside your
computer or attached directly to the parallel port of your computer. Plug-in
boards, PCMCIA cards, and devices such as the DAQPad-1200, which
connects to your computer’s parallel port, are all examples of DAQ devices.
SCXI modules are distinct from devices, with the exception of the
SCXI-1200, which is a hybrid.
DIO
digital input/output
DRAM
dynamic RAM
I
ISA
industry standard architecture
L
LED
Light-emitting diode.
R
resource locking
a technique whereby a device is signaled not to use its local memory while
the memory is in use from the bus
T
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
trigger
any event that causes or starts some form of data capture
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Glossary
V
VISA
virtual instrument software architecture—a new driver software
architecture developed by National Instruments to unify
instrumentation software GPIB, DAQ, and VXI. It has been accepted
as a standard for VXI by the VXIplug&play Systems Alliance.
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Index
B
E
board configuration, 2-2 to 2-4
bus interface specifications, A-1
embedded applications, 4-2
environment specifications, A-2
executables. See stand-alone executables,
creating.
C
command-line arguments, 4-2 to 4-3
communication
host-embedded communication shared
memory, A-1
host-to-RT Series DAQ device
communication, 3-4
configuration
board configuration, 2-2 to 2-4
real-time programming issues, 4-4 to 4-5
conventions used in manual, ix-x
customer education, B-1
H
hardware overview, 3-1 to 3-5
daughterboard, 3-4
host-to-RT Series DAQ device
communication, 3-4
LEDs, 3-5
PCI RT Series RT DAQ hardware
(figure), 3-1
processor board, 3-2 to 3-3
PXI RT Series RT DAQ hardware
(figure), 3-2
RTSI bus, 3-4 to 3-5
host-embedded communication shared
memory, A-1
host-to-RT Series DAQ device
communication, 3-4
D
DAQ devices. See RT Series DAQ devices.
daughterboard
hardware overview, 3-4
specifications, A-2
testing resources, 2-3 to 2-4
device number for RT Series DAQ devices, 2-3
documentation
about this manual, ix
conventions used in manual, ix-x
devices and corresponding manual
(table), 1-2
related documentation, x
downloading VIs, 4-1 to 4-2
I
installation, 2-1 to 2-2
PCI devices, 2-1 to 2-2
PXI devices, 2-2
software installation (note), 2-1
unpacking RT Series DAQ devices, 1-3
L
LabVIEW functions not supported on DAQ
hardware, 4-3
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Index
processor board, 3-2 to 3-3
board diagram, 3-3
description, 3-2
specifications, A-1
programming. See LabVIEW RT
programming.
PXI devices. See also hardware overview.
installation, 2-2
PXI RT Series RT DAQ hardware
(figure), 3-2
LabVIEW RT programming, 4-1 to 4-5
creating stand-alone executables,
4-2 to 4-3
downloading VIs, 4-1 to 4-2
LabVIEW functions not supported on
DAQ hardware, 4-3
real-time programming, 4-4 to 4-5
configuration issues, 4-4 to 4-5
running VI at time-critical
priority, 4-4
shared memory, 4-4
resetting RT Series DAQ device, 4-2
RT Series DAQ VIs, 4-5
targeting LabVIEW RT, 4-1 to 4-2
LabVIEW RT software
board configuration, 2-2 to 2-4
installing NI-DAQ, 1-3
LEDs, 3-5
R
real-time programming, 4-4 to 4-5
configuration issues, 4-4 to 4-5
running VI at time-critical priority
without RT Development System, 4-4
shared memory, 4-4
requirements for getting started, 1-2
resetting RT Series DAQ device, 4-2
RT Series DAQ devices. See also hardware
overview.
configuration, 2-2 to 2-4
device number, 2-3
devices and corresponding manual
(table), 1-2
installation, 2-1 to 2-2
overview, 1-1
programming. See LabVIEW RT
programming.
requirements for getting started, 1-2
software programming choices, 1-3
specifications, A-1 to A-2
unpacking, 1-3
RT Series DAQ VIs, 4-5
RTSI bus, 3-4 to 3-5
M
manual. See documentation.
Measurement & Automation
Explorer, 2-2 to 2-4
N
NI Developer Zone, B-1
NI-DAQ software, 1-3
P
PCI devices. See also hardware overview.
installation, 2-1 to 2-2
PCI RT Series RT DAQ hardware
(figure), 3-1
physical specifications, A-2
power requirement specifications, A-2
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Index
S
U
shared memory
host-embedded communication shared
memory, A-1
real-time programming, 4-4
software programming choices, 1-3
specifications, A-1 to A-2
stand-alone executables, creating, 4-2 to 4-3
command-line arguments, 4-2 to 4-3
embedded applications, 4-2
system integration, by National
Instruments, B-1
unpacking RT Series DAQ devices, 1-3
V
VIs
downloading VIs, 4-1 to 4-2
RT Series DAQ VIs, 4-5
W
Web support from National Instruments, B-1
Worldwide technical support, B-2
T
targeting LabVIEW RT, 4-1 to 4-2
technical support resources, B-1 to B-2
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