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Preface
It's not just phones and computers that can communicate wirelessly with the outside world. Wireless
sensors appear both in medicine, in buildings and especially in industrial applications.
It is developed more standardized radio network for wireless sensors. Zigbee is probably the most
famous, where more than 300 large and small companies working to develop solutions. For industrial
use requires special safety requirements. Radio network must have sufficient coverage to obtain an
acceptable error rate. The network should have redundancy so that the random outcome can be
repaired automatically. It is achieved in that messages can go several ways from the sensors to the
centers. Also, the network for error handling and error correction so that random errors are
corrected. Because of these requirements it has been shown that ZigBee is not always suitable for
use in the industrial context. This particularly applies it in process control, where resistance to
electromagnetic noise and encryption of the signals is important.
A wireless standard specifically designed to satisfy industrial requirements is Wireless HART. This is
based on the same physical radio technology such as ZigBee, but specifies additional frequency
hopping to mitigate interference, better encryption and that provides for lower power consumption.
Currently, the wireless sensors have been used for monitoring, where a human operator must decide
whether the process parameters should be changed or not. The objective is that the technology will
prove to be robust enough to also be used to process control where the changes in the industrial
processes should happen automatically without human intervention. This will be the next major
challenge for systems based on wireless technology.
Wireless technology has many potential benefits for remote monitoring applications; however, it has
been slow to see adoption in industry because of the complexities of programming and deploying a
reliable, secure, and high-performance wireless system. NI Wi-Fi data acquisition (DAQ) devices meet
these challenges by combining IEEE 802.11 wireless or Ethernet communication, direct sensor
connectivity, and the flexibility of NI LabVIEW software.
Some Application Areas for Wireless technology such as Wi-Fi monitoring:
ii
National Instruments (NI), the vendor of the LabVIEW programming environment delivers several
solutions for wireless monitoring and data acquisition.
NI Wi-Fi data acquisition (NI Wi-Fi DAQ) devices combine IEEE 802.11b/g wireless or Ethernet
communication, direct sensor connectivity, and the flexibility of NI-DAQmx software for remote
monitoring of electrical, physical, mechanical, and acoustic signals
Faculty of Technology,
Tel: +47 35 57 50 00
Fax: +47 35 57 54 01
This document introduces wireless data acquisition features and teaches you how you can simplify
wireless remote measurements without compromising on the security or performance of a cabled
data acquisition solution.
Faculty of Technology,
Tel: +47 35 57 50 00
Fax: +47 35 57 54 01
Table of Contents
Preface......................................................................................................................................................ii
Table of Contents .....................................................................................................................................v
1
Bluetooth ................................................................................................................................. 2
1.2
Wireless USB............................................................................................................................ 3
1.3
1.4
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
WirelessHART .................................................................................................................. 3
2.2
3
3.2
Graphical programming........................................................................................................... 6
3.3
Benefits.................................................................................................................................... 7
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.1.3
4.1.4
4.2
vi
Table of Contents
4.3
NI-DAQmx .............................................................................................................................. 12
4.3.1
6.1
NI WLS-9234 .......................................................................................................................... 18
6.2
NI WAP-3701 ......................................................................................................................... 19
6.3
NI UES-3880 ........................................................................................................................... 20
6.4
Devices................................................................................................................................... 24
7.1.1
7.1.2
7.1.3
7.2
1 Wireless Technology
Wireless technology and wireless networks are widely used today, but its quite new in industrial
automation systems.
Bluetooth
Wireless USB
ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4)
Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11)
Wireless Technology
Wi-Fi and ZigBee are the primary wireless technologies for measurement and control systems.
1.1 Bluetooth
Tutorial: Wireless Data Acquisition in LabVIEW
Wireless Technology
Wireless Technology
Wireless Technology
The applications for WSNs are varied, typically involving some kind of monitoring, tracking, or
controlling. Specific applications include habitat monitoring, object tracking, nuclear reactor control,
fire detection, and traffic monitoring. In a typical application, a WSN is scattered in a region where it
is meant to collect data through its sensor nodes.
HART Protocol and is specifically designed for Industrial applications like Process Monitoring and
Control.
2.1.3 WirelessHART
WirelessHART is an open-standard wireless networking technology developed by HART
Communication Foundation.
Developed as a multi-vendor, interoperable wireless standard, WirelessHART was defined specifically
for the requirements of Process field device networks
Read more about WirelessHART:
HART Communication Foundation: http://www.hartcomm.org/
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WirelessHART
each other is a fully connected network. Mesh networks differ from other networks in that the
component parts can all connect to each other via multiple hops.
A wireless mesh network (WMN) is a communications network made up of radio nodes organized in
a mesh topology. Wireless mesh networks often consist of mesh clients, mesh routers and gateways.
The mesh clients are often laptops, cell phones and other wireless devices while the mesh routers
forward traffic to and from the gateways which may but need not connect to the Internet. The
coverage area of the radio nodes working as a single network is sometimes called a mesh cloud.
Access to this mesh cloud is dependent on the radio nodes working in harmony with each other to
create a radio network. A mesh network is reliable and offers redundancy. When one node can no
longer operate, the rest of the nodes can still communicate with each other, directly or through one
or more intermediate nodes.
Wireless mesh architecture is a first step towards providing high-bandwidth network over a specific
coverage area. Wireless mesh architectures infrastructure is, in effect, a router network minus the
cabling between nodes. It's built of peer radio devices that don't have to be cabled to a wired port
like traditional WLAN access points (AP) do. Mesh architecture sustains signal strength by breaking
long distances into a series of shorter hops
Below we see an example of a Wireless Mesh Topology:
Wireless Mess Networks (WMN) is widely used in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN).
3 Introduction to LabVIEW
Sources: www.Wikipedia.org, www.ni.com
LabVIEW (short for Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation Engineering Workbench) is a platform and
development environment for a visual programming language from National Instruments. The
graphical language is named "G". Originally released for the Apple Macintosh in 1986, LabVIEW is
commonly used for data acquisition, instrument control, and industrial automation on a variety of
platforms including Microsoft Windows, various flavors of UNIX, Linux, and Mac OS X. The latest
version of LabVIEW is version LabVIEW 2009, released in August 2009. Visit National Instruments at
www.ni.com.
The code files have the extension .vi, which is a abbreviation for Virtual Instrument. LabVIEW
offers lots of additional Add-Ons and Toolkits.
Introduction to LabVIEW
create small applications. This is a benefit on one side, but there is also a certain danger of
underestimating the expertise needed for good quality "G" programming. For complex algorithms or
large-scale code, it is important that the programmer possess an extensive knowledge of the special
LabVIEW syntax and the topology of its memory management. The most advanced LabVIEW
development systems offer the possibility of building stand-alone applications. Furthermore, it is
possible to create distributed applications, which communicate by a client/server scheme, and are
therefore easier to implement due to the inherently parallel nature of G-code.
3.3 Benefits
One benefit of LabVIEW over other development environments is the extensive support for accessing
instrumentation hardware. Drivers and abstraction layers for many different types of instruments
and buses are included or are available for inclusion. These present themselves as graphical nodes.
The abstraction layers offer standard software interfaces to communicate with hardware devices.
The provided driver interfaces save program development time. The sales pitch of National
Instruments is, therefore, that even people with limited coding experience can write programs and
deploy test solutions in a reduced time frame when compared to more conventional or competing
systems. A new hardware driver topology (DAQmxBase), which consists mainly of G-coded
components with only a few register calls through NI Measurement Hardware DDK (Driver
Development Kit) functions, provides platform independent hardware access to numerous data
acquisition and instrumentation devices. The DAQmxBase driver is available for LabVIEW on
Windows, Mac OS X and Linux platforms.
LabVIEW is very powerful when it comes to creating DAQ applications. LabVIEW includes a set of VIs
that let you configure, acquire data from, and send data to DAQ devices. Often, one device can
perform a variety of functions, such as analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion, digital-to-analog (D/A)
conversion, digital I/O, and counter/timer operations. Each device supports different DAQ and signal
generation speeds. Also, each DAQ device is designed for specific hardware, platforms and operating
systems.
National Instruments, the inventor of LabVIEW, also make DAQ devices, so the integration with the
DAQ devices from NI and the LabVIEW software is seamless and makes it easy to do I/O operations
from the LabVIEW environment.
The DAQ system has the following parts involved, see Figure:
Analog input
Analog output
Digital I/O
Counter/timers
Desktop DAQ devices where you need to plug a PCI DAQ board into your computer. The
software is running on a computer.
Portable DAQ devices for connection to the USB port, Wi-Fi connections, etc. The software
is running on a computer
Distributed DAQ devices where the software is developed on your computer and then
later downloaded to the distributed DAQ device.
Tutorial: Wireless Data Acquisition in LabVIEW
10
Wireless:
NI-DAQmx
NI-DAQmx Base
11
The DAQ Assistant, included with NI-DAQmx, is a graphical, interactive guide for configuring, testing,
and acquiring measurement data. With a single click, you can even generate code based on your
configuration, making it easier and faster to develop complex operations. Because DAQ Assistant is
completely menu-driven, you will make fewer programming errors and drastically decrease the time
from setting up your DAQ system to taking your first measurement.
NI-DAQmx Base offers a subset of NI-DAQmx functionality on Windows and Linux, Mac OS X,
Windows Mobile and Windows CE.
Real-time monitoring
Data analysis
Data logging
Control algorithms
Human machine interface (HMI)
In order to create your DAQ application you need a programming development tool, such as
LabVIEW.
In addition to the standard tools, MAX can expose item-specific tools you can use to configure,
diagnose, or test your system, depending on which NI products you install. As you navigate through
MAX, the contents of the application menu and toolbar change to reflect these new tools.
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4.3 NI-DAQmx
The NI-DAQmx Driver software is the layer of software for easily communicating with the hardware.
It forms the middle layer between the application software and the hardware. Driver software also
prevents a programmer from having to do register-level programming or complicated commands in
order to access the hardware functions.
13
NI Wi-Fi DAQ devices can stream data on each channel at up to 250 kS/s. In addition, built-in
NIST-approved 128-bit AES encryption and advanced network authentication methods offer the
highest commercially available network security.
With the flexibility of NI LabVIEW graphical programming and the ubiquity of 802.11 network
infrastructure, NI Wi-Fi DAQ makes it easy to incorporate wireless connectivity into new or existing
PC-based measurement or control systems.
14
15
Unlike most wireless sensors or wireless sensor networks, wireless data acquisition devices are
meant to stream data continuously back to a host PC or laptop.
A wireless sensor node is typically a low-power, autonomous battery-operated device intended for
long-term deployment in applications where measurements are needed only every few minutes,
hours, or even days.
Wi-Fi data acquisition devices, on the other hand, behave in much the same way as a USB data
acquisition device a host PC collects data continuously (in real time) as the device acquires it. The
data acquisition device may be battery-operated, but the focus is on the measurement versus the
battery life. Also, Wi-Fi data acquisition devices use the near-ubiquitous wireless networking
standard, IEEE 802.11 because of its higher bandwidth and broader applicability. Finally, because NI
Tutorial: Wireless Data Acquisition in LabVIEW
16
Wi-Fi data acquisition uses the same NI-DAQmx driver software as other NI data acquisition devices,
you can develop your applications using NI LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI; ANSI C/C++; or Microsoft
C#, Visual Basic, or Visual Basic .NET.
DAQ Devices
Wireless Access Points (WAP) or a Wireless Router
Network Switches
17
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6.1 NI WLS-9234
The NI WLS-9234 is a four-channel IEEE 802.11 wireless or Ethernet C Series dynamic signal
acquisition module for making high-accuracy audio frequency measurements from integrated
electronic piezoelectric (IEPE) and non-IEPE sensors.
4-Channel, 51.2 kS/s/ch, 24-Bit, 5 V IEPE Input
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The NI WLS-9234 is a four-channel IEEE 802.11 wireless or Ethernet C Series dynamic signal
acquisition module for making high-accuracy audio frequency measurements from integrated
electronic piezoelectric (IEPE) and non-IEPE sensors. The WLS-9234 delivers 102 dB of dynamic range
and incorporates software-selectable AC/DC coupling and IEPE signal conditioning for accelerometers
and microphones. The four input channels simultaneously digitize signals at rates up to 51.2 kHz per
channel with built-in antialiasing filters that automatically adjust to your sampling rate.
The WLS-9234 is well-suited for noise and vibration analysis applications. The NI Sound and
Vibration Measurement Suite, which specifically addresses these applications, has two components:
the NI Sound and Vibration Assistant and LabVIEW Analysis VIs (functions) for power spectra,
frequency response (FRF), fractional octave analysis, sound-level measurements, order spectra, order
maps, order extraction, sensor calibration, human vibration filters, and torsional vibration.
WLS-9234 has 4 BNC connectors. The BNC connector is used for RF signal connections. The BNC
connector is one of several radio frequency (RF) connectors on the market today.
6.2 NI WAP-3701
WAP Wireless Access Point
The NI WAP-3701 wireless access points (WAPs) add wireless connectivity to all Ethernet-based NI
programmable automation controllers (PACs). A WAP-37x1 can connect wireless devices to a wired
Tutorial: Wireless Data Acquisition in LabVIEW
20
network and has an IP address so other wireless clients can access the device. A WAP-37x1 can also
serve as a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server and configure other WAP-37x1 devices
as wireless clients. A single WAP-37x1 typically supports up to 30 client devices, with the range
depending on the wireless antennae selection. It also serves as a wireless bridge and allows two
devices to talk to each other.
6.3 NI UES-3880
UES Unmanaged Ethernet Switch
The NI UES-3880 is an eight-port unmanaged entry-level switch for networking between NI
Ethernet-based controllers and devices using standard Ethernet protocols. To network with NI
programmable automation controllers (PACs), the UES-3880 provides industrial features including
-40 to 70 C operating temperature; Class I, Division 2 and ATEX Class 1, Zone 2 certifications for
hazardous locations; and redundant dual 24 VDC power inputs.
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7 NI WSN Devices
A wireless sensor network (WSN) is a wireless network consisting of spatially distributed autonomous
devices that use sensors to monitor physical or environmental conditions. These autonomous
devices, or nodes, combine with routers and a gateway to create a typical WSN system. The
distributed measurement nodes communicate wirelessly to a central gateway, which provides a
connection to the wired world where you can collect, process, analyze, and present your
measurement data. To extend distance and reliability in a WSN, you can use routers to gain an
additional communication link between end nodes and the gateway.
The proprietary NI WSN protocol is based on IEEE 802.15.4 and ZigBee technology. The IEEE 802.15.4
communication standard defines the Physical and Medium Access Control layers in the networking
model, providing communication in three frequency bands including the 2.4 GHz ISM band. ZigBee
builds on the 802.15.4 standard with the network and application layers, offering features such as
device coordination, reliability through mesh networking topologies, and the functionality to create
user-defined profiles that allow for customization and flexibility within the protocol.
What is the difference between NI Wi-Fi data acquisition (DAQ) and NI WSN devices?
NI Wi-Fi DAQ devices combine IEEE 802.11b/g (Wi-Fi) wireless or Ethernet communication, direct
sensor connectivity, and the flexibility of NI-DAQmx software for a breadth of remote measurement
and control options. Externally powered, NI Wi-Fi DAQ devices can stream continuous waveform
data on each channel at more than 50 kS/s and offer the highest commercially available network
security (WPA2 Enterprise).
NI WSN devices deliver low-power measurement nodes that operate for up to three years on 4 AA
batteries and can be deployed for long-term, remote operation. The wireless measurement nodes
communicate with a central gateway using a protocol based on IEEE 802.15.4 (ZigBee) to offer mesh
routing capabilities that extend network distance and reliability. NI WSN systems support lower data
rates to preserve power, are easily programmed using I/O variables, and currently accommodate
thermocouple and 10 V measurements.
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23
NI WSN Devices
Many of the WSN systems today are based on ZigBee or IEEE 802.15.4 protocols due to their
low-power consumption. ZigBee builds on the 802.15.4 layers to provide security, reliability
through mesh networking topologies, and interoperability with other devices and standards.
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NI WSN Devices
7.1 Devices
7.1.1 NI WSN-9791 - WSN Ethernet Gateway
The NI WSN-9791 Ethernet gateway coordinates communication between distributed measurement
nodes and the host controller in your NI wireless sensor network (WSN). The gateway has a 2.4 GHz,
IEEE 802.15.4 radio based on ZigBee technology to collect measurement data from the sensor
network and a 10/100 Mbits/s Ethernet port to provide flexible connectivity to a Windows or
LabVIEW Real-Time OS host controller.
25
NI WSN Devices
The NI WSN-3212 measurement node is a wireless device that provides four 24-bit thermocouple
input channels and four bidirectional digital channels that you can configure on a per-channel basis
for input, sinking output, or sourcing output.
26
NI WSN Devices
With NI-WSN software you can easily configure your network in the Measurement & Automation
Explorer (MAX) utility. MAX provides an intuitive user interface to add and remove measurement
nodes and configure wireless settings.
NI-WSN software provides seamless LabVIEW integration so that you can quickly and easily extract
measurement data from your WSN. After adding the NI WSN Ethernet gateway to a LabVIEW Project,
the nodes configured with the gateway in MAX automatically populate in the LabVIEW Project, giving
you instant access to their I/O and properties. Simply drag and drop I/O variables from the LabVIEW
Project to a LabVIEW Block Diagram for data extraction, analysis, and presentation.
27
NI WSN Devices
National Instruments also offer WSN drivers for WSN equipments from other vendors:
http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/5435