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Labview: Getting Started With Labview
Labview: Getting Started With Labview
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Contents
About This Manual
Conventions ...................................................................................................................ix
Contents
Controls and Indicators ................................................................................... 2-13 Saving Data ..................................................................................................... 2-14 Errors and Broken Wires................................................................................. 2-14
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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 FilePage SetupOptions 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 in the software, such as menu items and dialog box options. Bold text also denotes parameter names, controls and buttons on the front panel, dialog boxes, sections of dialog boxes, menu names, and palette names.
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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. 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, programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, functions, operations, variables, filenames and extensions, and code excerpts. Bold text in this font denotes the messages and responses that the computer automatically prints to the screen. This font also emphasizes lines of code that are different from the other examples.
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LabVIEW programs are called virtual instruments, or VIs, because their appearance and operation imitate physical instruments, such as oscilloscopes and multimeters. LabVIEW contains a comprehensive set of tools for acquiring, analyzing, displaying, and storing data, as well as tools to help you troubleshoot your code. In LabVIEW, you build a user interface, or front panel, with controls and indicators. Controls are knobs, push buttons, dials, and other input devices. Indicators are graphs, LEDs, and other displays. After you build the user interface, you add code using VIs and structures to control the front panel objects. The block diagram contains this code. Use LabVIEW to communicate with hardware such as data acquisition, vision, and motion control devices and GPIB, PXI, VXI, RS-232, and RS-485 instruments.
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3.
Select VI from TemplateTutorial (Getting Started)Generate and Display in the Create new list. This template VI generates and displays a signal. Notice that previews of the template VI appear in the Front panel preview and the Block diagram preview sections. Figure 1-3 shows the New dialog box and the Generate and Display template VI.
4.
Click the OK button to open the template. You also can double-click the name of the template VI in the Create new list to open the template.
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Examine the front panel of the VI. The user interface, or front panel, appears with a gray background and includes controls and indicators. The title bar of the front panel indicates that this window is the front panel for the Generate and Display VI.
Note
If the front panel is not visible, you can display the front panel by selecting WindowShow Front Panel. 6. Examine the block diagram of the VI. The block diagram appears with a white background and includes VIs and structures that control the front panel objects. The title bar of the block diagram indicates that this window is the block diagram for the Generate and Display VI.
Note
If the block diagram is not visible, you can display the block diagram by selecting WindowShow Block Diagram. 7. 8. In the front panel toolbar, click the Run button, shown at left. Notice that a sine wave appears on the graph. Stop the VI by clicking the STOP button, shown at left, on the front panel.
Throughout these exercises, you can undo recent edits by selecting EditUndo or pressing the <Ctrl-Z> keys. 1. If the Controls palette, shown in Figure 1-4, is not visible on the front panel, select WindowShow Controls Palette to display it.
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Move the cursor over the icons on the Controls palette to locate the Numeric Controls palette. Notice that when you move the cursor over icons on the Controls palette, the name of that subpalette appears in the gray space above all the icons on the palette. When you idle the cursor over any icon on any palette, the full name of the subpalette, control, or indicator appears.
3. 4.
Click the Numeric Controls icon to access the Numeric Controls palette. Select the knob control on the Numeric Controls palette and place it on the front panel to the left of the waveform graph. You will use this knob in a later exercise to control the amplitude of a signal.
5.
Select FileSave As and save this VI as Acquiring a Signal.vi to an easily accessible location.
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Select Sawtooth from the Signal type pull-down menu. Notice that the waveform on the graph in the Result Preview section changes to a sawtooth wave. The Configure Simulate Signal dialog box should appear similar to Figure 1-5.
4. 5. 6.
Click the OK button to apply the current configuration and close the Configure Simulate Signal dialog box. Move the cursor over the down arrows at the bottom of the Simulate Signal Express VI. When a double-headed arrow appears, shown at left, click and drag the border of the Express VI until the Amplitude input appears. Notice how you expanded the Simulate Signal Express VI to display a new input. Because the Amplitude input appears on the block diagram, you can configure the amplitude of the sawtooth wave on the block diagram. In Figure 1-5, notice how Amplitude is an option in the Configure Simulate Signal dialog box. When inputs, such as Amplitude, appear on the block diagram and in the configuration dialog box, you can configure the inputs in either location.
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The cursor does not switch to another tool while an object is selected. 5. When the Wiring tool appears, click the arrow and then click the Amplitude input of the Simulate Signal Express VI, shown at left, to wire the two objects together. Notice that a wire appears and connects the two objects. Data flows along this wire from the terminal to the Express VI. 6. Select FileSave to save this VI.
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Running the VI
Running a VI executes your solution. Complete the following steps to run the Acquiring a Signal VI. 1. Display the front panel by selecting WindowShow Front Panel or by clicking the front panel.
Tip
Press the <Ctrl-E> keys to switch from the front panel to the block diagram or from the block diagram to the front panel. 2. 3. Click the Run button. Move the cursor over the knob control. Notice how the cursor becomes a hand, or the Operating tool, shown at left. Use the Operating tool to change the value of a control or select the text within a control. 4. Using the Operating tool, turn the knob to adjust the amplitude of the sawtooth wave. Notice how the amplitude of the sawtooth wave changes as you turn the knob. Also notice that the y-axis on the graph autoscales to account for the change in amplitude. To indicate that the VI is running, the Run button changes to a darkened arrow, shown at left. You cannot edit the front panel or block diagram while the VI runs. 5. Click the STOP button, shown at left, to stop the VI.
Note
Although the Abort Execution button looks like a stop button, the Abort Execution button does not always properly close the VI. National Instruments recommends stopping your VIs using the STOP button on the front panel. Use the Abort Execution button only when errors prevent you from terminating the application using the STOP button.
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2. 3.
4.
Select the Scaling and Mapping Express VI, shown at left, on the Arithmetic & Comparison palette and place it on the block diagram inside the loop between the Simulate Signal Express VI and the Waveform Graph terminal. If there is no room between the Express VI and the terminal, move the Waveform Graph terminal to the right. Notice that the Configure Scaling and Mapping dialog box automatically opens when you place the Express VI on the block diagram.
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Define the value of the scaling factor by entering 10 in the Slope (m) text box. The Configure Scaling and Mapping dialog box should appear similar to Figure 1-7.
6. 7. 8.
Click the OK button to apply the current configuration and close the Configure Scaling and Mapping dialog box. Move the cursor over the arrow on the Sawtooth output of the Simulate Signal Express VI. When the Wiring tool appears, click the arrow and then click the arrow on the Signals input of the Scaling and Mapping Express VI, shown at left, to wire the two objects together.
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Using the Wiring tool, wire the Scaled Signals output of the Scaling and Mapping Express VI to the Waveform Graph terminal. Notice the wires connecting the Express VIs and terminals. The arrows on the Express VIs and terminals indicate the direction that the data flows along these wires. The block diagram should appear similar to Figure 1-8.
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Using the Wiring tool, wire the Sawtooth output to the Waveform Graph terminal. The Merge Signals function, shown at left, appears where the two wires connect. This function takes the two separate signals and combines them so that both can be displayed on the same graph. The block diagram should appear similar to Figure 1-9.
3. 4.
Select FileSave to save this VI. You also can press the <Ctrl-S> keys to save a VI. Return to the front panel, run the VI, and turn the knob control. Notice that the graph plots the sawtooth wave and the scaled signal. Also notice that the maximum value on the y-axis automatically changes to be 10 times the knob value. This scaling occurs because you set the slope to 10 in the Scaling and Mapping Express VI.
5.
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The Knob Properties dialog box should appear similar to Figure 1-10.
3.
Click the Scale tab and in the Scale Style section, place a checkmark in the Ramp Visible checkbox. Notice how the knob on the front panel instantly updates to reflect these changes.
4. 5.
Tip
Click the OK button to apply the current configuration and close the Knob Properties dialog box. Save this VI.
As you build your VIs, you can experiment with different properties and configurations. You also can add and delete objects. Remember you can undo recent edits by selecting EditUndo or pressing the <Ctrl-Z> keys. 6. Experiment with other properties of the knob by using the Knob Properties dialog box. For example, try changing the colors for the Marker Text Color by clicking the color box located on the Scale tab. Click the Cancel button to avoid applying the changes you made while experimenting. If you want to keep the changes you made, click the OK button.
7.
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Right-click the waveform graph and select Properties from the shortcut menu to display the Graph Properties dialog box. On the Plots tab, select Sawtooth from the pull-down menu. Click the Line Color color box to display the color picker. Select a new line color. Select Sawtooth (Scaled) from the pull-down menu. Place a checkmark in the Dont use waveform names for plot names checkbox. In the Name text box, delete the current label and change the name of this plot to Scaled Sawtooth.
5. 6. 7.
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Click the OK button to apply the current configuration and close the Graph Properties dialog box. Notice how the plot color on the front panel changes. Experiment with other properties of the graph by using the Graph Properties dialog box. For example, try disabling the autoscale feature located on the Scales tab.
9.
10. Click the Cancel button to avoid applying the changes you made while experimenting. If you want to keep the changes you made, click the OK button. 11. Save and close this VI.
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Summary
The following topics are a summary of the main concepts you learned in this chapter.
Front Panel
The front panel is the user interface of a VI. You build the front panel by using controls and indicators, which are the interactive input and output terminals of the VI, respectively. Controls and indicators are located on the Controls palette. Controls are knobs, push buttons, dials, and other input devices. Controls simulate the input devices on a physical instrument and supply data to the block diagram of the VI. Indicators are graphs, LEDs, and other displays. Indicators simulate the output devices on a physical instrument and display data the block diagram acquires or generates.
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Block Diagram
The block diagram contains the graphical source code for how the VI runs. Front panel objects appear as icon terminals on the block diagram. Wires connect control and indicator terminals to Express VIs. Data flows from controls to Express VIs, from Express VIs to Express VIs, and from Express VIs to indicators through the wires.
Express VIs
Use Express VIs located on the Functions palette for common measurement tasks. When you place an Express VI on the block diagram, the dialog box you use to configure that Express VI appears by default. Set the options in this configuration dialog box to specify how an Express VI behaves. Express VIs appear on the block diagram as expandable nodes with icons surrounded by a blue field. You can resize an Express VI to display its inputs and outputs. Inputs accept data, and outputs return data. The inputs and outputs for the Express VI depend on how you configure the VI.
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LabVIEW includes a set of Express VIs to help you analyze signals. This chapter teaches you how to use LabVIEW to perform a basic analysis of a signal and how to save the analyzed data to a file.
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Note
You also can access the New dialog box by clicking the arrow on the New button and selecting New from the New pull-down menu or by selecting FileNew from the front panel or block diagram menu bar. 2. Select the VI from TemplateTutorial (Getting Started)Generate, Analyze, and Display template in the Create new list. The template VI simulates a signal and analyzes it for its root mean square (RMS) value. 3. Click the OK button to open the template. You also can double-click the name of the template VI in the Create new list to open the template. Display the block diagram by pressing the <Ctrl-E> keys. If the Context Help window, shown in Figure 2-2, is not visible, select HelpShow Context Help from the block diagram menu bar to display the Context Help window.
4. 5.
Note
You also can press the <Ctrl-H> keys to display the Context Help window.
6.
Move the cursor over the Amplitude and Level Measurements Express VI, shown at left. Notice when you move the cursor over the Express VI, the Context Help window displays information about the Express VI, including information about how it is configured.
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Keep the Context Help window open and notice how it provides useful information as you complete the rest of this exercise.
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Click the OK button to save the current configuration and close the Configure Simulate Signal dialog box. Display the front panel by pressing the <Ctrl-E> keys. Run the VI. Notice that the signal appears in the graph and the RMS value for the signal appears in the digital indicator.
8. 9.
Click the STOP button. Select FileSave As and save this VI as Analysis.vi to an easily accessible location.
Press the <Ctrl-B> keys to delete all broken wires on the block diagram.
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7.
Select WindowsShow Error List to display the Error list window. Now there are no errors listed in the Errors and Warnings listbox.
Note
You also can press the <Ctrl-L> keys to display the Error list window. 8. Click the Close button to close this window. Notice that the Run button is no longer broken.
Tip
You also can double-click the Express VI to open the Configure Amplitude and Level Measurements dialog box. 2. 3. Remove the checkmark in the RMS checkbox in the Amplitude Measurements section. Click the Help button, shown at left, in the bottom right corner of the Configure Amplitude and Level Measurements dialog box to display the LabVIEW Help topic for this Express VI. The help topic describes the Express VI, the inputs and outputs for the Express VI, and the configuration options. Each Express VI has a corresponding help topic accessible by pressing the Help button. 4. In the Amplitude and Level Measurements topic, find the output parameter whose description indicates that it takes a measurement from the maximum peak to the minimum peak of the signal. Minimize LabVIEW Help to return to the Configure Amplitude and Level Measurements dialog box.
5.
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Select the input or output you decided to use. Notice how the option you selected, Peak to Peak, appears in the Results section with the corresponding value of the measurement.
7.
Click the OK button to close the Configure Amplitude and Level Measurements dialog box and return to the block diagram. Notice that the RMS output in the Amplitude and Level Measurements Express VI changed to reflect the new Peak to Peak parameter, shown at left.
2. 3. 4.
Right-click the LED and select Properties from the shortcut menu to display the Button Properties dialog box. Change the label of the LED to Warning. Click the OK button to save the current configuration and close the Button Properties dialog box. You will use this LED in a later exercise to signal when a value has exceeded its limit.
5.
Select FileSave As and save this VI as Warning Light.vi to an easily accessible location.
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2. 3. 4.
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3.
Display the front panel. Notice how a numeric indicator also appears on the front panel labeled Peak to Peak. This indicator displays the peak to peak value of the signal.
4.
Run the VI. Notice that when the peak to peak value exceeds 0.195, the Warning indicator lights up.
5. 6.
Click the STOP button to stop the VI. Select FileSave to save this VI.
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is a LabVIEW measurement data file, which LabVIEW places in the default LabVIEW Data directory. LabVIEW installs the LabVIEW Data directory in the default file directory of the operating system. When you want to view the data, use the file path displayed in the File name text box to access the test.lvm file. 2. In the Configure Write LabVIEW Measurement File dialog box, select the Append to file option in the If a file already exists section. By selecting Append to file, LabVIEW writes all the data to the test.lvm file without erasing the existing data in the file if a file by that name exists already. 3. 4. 5. Select the One header only option in the Segment Headers section. Enter the following text in the File Description text box: Sample of
peak to peak values.
Close the Configure Write LabVIEW Measurement File dialog box and return to the block diagram.
2. 3. 4.
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5. 6.
To view the data you saved, open the LabVIEW Data\test.lvm file with a spreadsheet or word processing application. Close the file when you finish looking at it and return to the Save Data VI.
2. 3. 4.
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5.
Right-click the Comment input of the Write LabVIEW Measurement File Express VI. Select Select Input/OutputEnable from the shortcut menu to insert the Enable input. In the previous exercise you learned to add inputs and outputs by expanding the Express VI using the down arrows. Notice that this method is a different way of displaying and selecting the inputs and outputs of an Express VI. The inputs and outputs of an Express VI appear in a predetermined order when you add new inputs and outputs. To select a specific input, you may need to add an input first, then change the input to the specific one you want to use.
6. 7.
Move the Write to File terminal to the left of the Write LabVIEW Measurement File Express VI. Wire the Write to File terminal to the Enable input of the Write LabVIEW Measurement File Express VI. The block diagram should appear similar to Figure 2-6.
8. 9.
Display the front panel and run the VI. Click the Write to File button several times. Click the STOP button on the front panel.
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10. To view the data you saved, open the Selected Samples.lvm file with a spreadsheet or word processing application. Notice how the Selected Samples.lvm file differs from the test.lvm file. test.lvm recorded all the data generated by the Save Data VI, whereas Selected Samples.lvm only recorded the data when you pressed the Write to File button. 11. Save and close this VI.
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Summary
The following topics are a summary of the main concepts you learned in this chapter.
The Context Help window displays basic information about LabVIEW objects when you move the cursor over each object. To access the Context Help window, select HelpShow Context Help. You also can press the <Ctrl-H> keys to display the Context Help window. The LabVIEW Help contains reference information about LabVIEW Express VIs, controls, indicators, palettes, menus, tools, VIs, and functions. This help file also includes step-by-step instructions for using LabVIEW features. To access help information for Express VIs, click the Help button, shown at left, in the configuration dialog box while configuring an Express VI. You also can access the LabVIEW Help by selecting HelpVI, Function, & How-To Help or pressing the <Ctrl-?> keys.
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Saving Data
The Write LabVIEW Measurement File Express VI saves data that a VI generates and analyzes to a data file. The LabVIEW measurement data file (.lvm) is a tab-delimited text file you can open with a spreadsheet application or a text-editing application. In addition to the data an Express VI generates, the .lvm file includes headers that contain information about the data, such as the date and time the data was generated. To store the data files LabVIEW generates, LabVIEW installs the LabVIEW Data directory in the default file directory of the operating system to help you organize and locate the data files LabVIEW generates.
Note Refer to the LabVIEW Help for information about saving data to and retrieving data from a .lvm file.
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You can choose one of many LabVIEW VI templates to use as a starting point. However, sometimes you need to build a VI for which a template is not available. This chapter teaches you how to build and customize a VI without using a template.
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Opening a Blank VI
If no template is available for the task you want to create, you can start with a blank VI and add Express VIs to accomplish the specific task. Complete the following steps to open a blank VI. 1. In the LabVIEW dialog box, click the arrow on the New button and select Blank VI from the shortcut menu or press the <Ctrl-N> keys to open a blank VI. Notice that a blank front panel and block diagram appear.
Note You also can open a blank VI by selecting Blank VI from the Create new list in the New dialog box or by selecting FileNew VI from the front panel or block diagram menu bar.
2.
If the Functions palette is not visible, right-click any blank space on the block diagram to bring up the temporary version of the Functions palette. Click the thumbtack, shown at left, in the upper left corner of the Functions palette to place the palette on the screen.
Note
You can right-click on a blank space on the block diagram or the front panel to bring up the Functions or Controls palettes.
2.
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per second (Hz). Read the information that appears in the Context Help window. 6. 7. 8. 9. Configure the Simulate Signal Express VI to generate a sine wave with a frequency of 10.7 and amplitude of 2. Notice how the signal displayed in the Result Preview window changes to reflect the configured sine wave. Close the Configure Simulate Signal dialog box. Move the cursor over the Simulate Signal Express VI and read the information that appears in the Context Help window. Notice that the Context Help window now displays the configuration of the Simulate Signal Express VI. 10. Save this VI as Reduce Samples.vi to an easily accessible location.
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3. 4.
Tip
You can right-click any wire and select Clean Up Wire from the shortcut menu to have LabVIEW automatically arrange the wires for you.
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7.
Display the front panel. Notice that the controls and indicators you added automatically appear on the front panel with labels that correspond to their function.
8.
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Click and drag the cursor diagonally to enclose all the Express VIs and wires, as shown in Figure 3-3.
Figure 3-3. Placing the While Loop around the Express VIs
Notice that the While Loop, shown at left, appears with a STOP button wired to the condition terminal. This While Loop is configured to stop when the user clicks the STOP button. 5. Display the front panel and run the VI. Notice that the VI now runs until you click the STOP button. A While Loop executes the functions inside the loop until the user presses the STOP button.
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6.
Click the Enable switch and notice the change on the graph. Notice how if the Enable switch is on, the graph displays the reduced signal. If the Enable switch is off, the graph does not display the reduced signal.
7.
2.
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6. 7.
Display the front panel and run the VI. Click the Enable switch. The table displays the mean values of every 25 samples of the sine wave. Notice if the Enable switch is off, the table does not record the mean values.
8. 9.
Stop the VI. Experiment with properties of the table by using the Table Properties dialog box. For example, try changing the number of columns to one.
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Summary
The following topics are a summary of the main concepts you learned in this chapter.
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This chapter introduces you to the Express VIs you use for data acquisition and instrument communication on a PC running Windows. Refer to the LabVIEW Measurements Manual for information about data acquisition and instrument communication on all platforms.
Acquiring a Signal
In the following exercises, you will use the DAQ Assistant Express VI to create an NI-DAQmx task. Refer to the Taking an NI-DAQmx Measurement in LabVIEW help tutorial for information about additional methods you can use to create NI-DAQmx tasks. To launch this help tutorial, select HelpTaking an NI-DAQmx Measurement in LabVIEW. The following exercises require that you have installed NI-DAQmx and an NI-DAQmx-supported device. Refer to the National Instruments Web site at ni.com/daq for the list of NI-DAQmx-supported devices. If you do not have NI-DAQmx installed or an NI-DAQmx-supported device, refer to the LabVIEW Measurements Manual for information about using Traditional NI-DAQ for data acquisition.
Note
Complete the following exercises to create an NI-DAQmx task that continuously takes a voltage reading and plots the data on a waveform graph.
You can complete the exercises in approximately 30 minutes.
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6. 7. 8.
In the Input Range section of the Settings tab, enter 10 for the Max value and enter -10 for the Min value. In the Task Timing tab, select the Acquire N Samples option. Enter a value of 1000 in the Samples To Read input box.
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Tip
You also can select the name of the channel and press the <F2> key to access the Rename a channel or channels dialog box. 7. 8. 9. In the New Name text box, enter First Voltage Reading, and click the OK button. Click the OK button to apply this configuration and return to the block diagram. Display the front panel and run the VI. Notice that First Voltage Reading appears in the waveform graph plot legend. 10. Save this VI.
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Selecting an Instrument
Before communicating with an instrument, you must select the instrument with which you want to communicate. Complete the following steps to select an instrument using the Instrument I/O Assistant Express VI. 1. 2. 3. Make sure you turn on the instrument you want to use. The instrument must be powered on to use the Instrument I/O Assistant Express VI. Select the Instrument I/O Assistant Express VI on the Input palette and place it on the block diagram. Click the Show Help button, shown at left, in the upper right corner of the Instrument I/O Assistant dialog box. Notice how the Show Help button displays the help to the right of the dialog box. The help window on top contains procedural information about using the Instrument I/O Assistant. The help window below
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provides context-sensitive help about various controls and indicators in the dialog box. 4. 5. 6. Follow the procedures in the help window on top to select the instrument with which you want to communicate. If necessary, configure the properties of the instrument. Click the Hide Help button, shown at left, in the upper right corner of the Instrument I/O Assistant dialog box to minimize the help window.
identification number string that describes the instrument. If the instrument does not accept this command, refer to the reference manual for the instrument for a list of commands the instrument does understand. 3. Click the Run Sequence button. The Instrument I/O Assistant sends the command to the instrument, and the instrument returns its identification information. 4. 5. 6. 7. Parse the instrument name as an ASCII string. You also can use Instrument I/O Assistant to parse ASCII numbers and binary data. Click the Parsing help button, shown at left, in the Instrument I/O Assistant dialog box for more information about parsing data. Assign a name to the token in the Token name text box. A token is a parsed data selection. Click the OK button to return to the block diagram. Notice that the name that you entered in the Token name text box is the output of the Instrument I/O Assistant Express VI, shown at left.
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Chapter 4
Summary
The following topics are a summary of the main concepts you learned in this chapter.
Tasks
In NI-DAQmx, a task is a collection of one or more channels, timing, triggering, and other properties that apply to the task itself. Conceptually, a task represents a measurement or generation you want to perform. For example, you can configure a collection of channels for analog input operations. After you create a task, you do not have to configure the channels individually to perform analog input operations but instead access the single task. After you create a task, you can add or remove channels from that task. Refer to the Channels Versus Tasks section of Chapter 5, Creating a Typical Measurement Application, of the LabVIEW Measurements Manual for more information on channels and tasks.
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4-9
The previous chapters in this manual introduce you to most of the LabVIEW features you need to build common measurement applications. As you familiarize yourself with the LabVIEW environment, you might find that you need to enhance your VIs or that you need more fine-grain control of the processes your VIs perform. This chapter introduces you to some of the concepts you should be familiar with as you start using other LabVIEW features. Refer to the LabVIEW User Manual for more information about these concepts.
NI Example Finder
The New dialog box contains many LabVIEW template VIs that you can use to start building VIs. However, these template VIs are only a subset of the hundreds of example VIs included with LabVIEW. You can modify any example VI to fit an application, or you can copy and paste from an example into a VI that you create. In addition to the example VIs that ship with LabVIEW, you also can access hundreds of example VIs on the NI Developer Zone at ni.com/zone. To search all examples using LabVIEW VIs, use the NI Example Finder. The NI Example Finder is the gateway to all installed examples and the examples located on the NI Developer Zone. To launch the NI Example Finder, select HelpFind Examples from the front panel or block diagram menu bar. You also can launch the NI Example Finder by clicking the arrow on the Open button on the LabVIEW dialog box and selecting Examples from the shortcut menu.
5-1
Chapter 5
by functionality instead of having a subpalette for controls and a subpalette for indicators. For example, the top level of the Controls palette has a Numeric Controls subpalette and a Numeric Indicators subpalette. On the All Controls subpalette, because these controls and indicators are all numeric objects, they are located on the Numeric subpalette. Complete the following steps to change the palette view and display the subpalettes from the All Controls subpalette at the top level of the Controls palette. 1. Click the Options button, shown at left, on the Controls palette toolbar to display the Controls/Functions Palettes page of the Options dialog box. Select Advanced from the Palette View pull-down menu. Click the OK button to apply the changes.
2. 3.
Refer to Chapter 4, Building the Front Panel, of the LabVIEW User Manual for more information about using the complete set of built-in controls and indicators available in LabVIEW.
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Chapter 5
the Functions palette. You do not need to complete the following steps to change the palette view. 1. Click the Options button, shown at left, on the Functions palette toolbar to display the Controls/Functions Palettes page of the Options dialog box. Select Advanced from the Palette View pull-down menu. Click the OK button to apply the changes.
2. 3.
LabVIEW uses colored icons to distinguish between VIs, functions, and Express VIs. Icons for VIs have white backgrounds, icons for functions have pale yellow backgrounds, and icons for Express VIs appear on the block diagram as expandable nodes with icons surrounded by a blue field. Unlike Express VIs, most functions and VIs on the block diagram appear as icons that you cannot expand by default.
VIs
When you place a VI on the block diagram, LabVIEW considers the VI to be a subVI. When you double-click a subVI, a front panel and block diagram appear, rather than a dialog box in which you can configure options. The front panel includes controls and indicators that might look familiar. The block diagram includes wires, front panel icons, functions, possibly subVIs, and other LabVIEW objects that also might look familiar. The upper right corner of the front panel and block diagram displays the icon for the VI. This icon is the same as the icon that appears when you place the VI on the block diagram. You can create a VI to use as a subVI. Refer to Chapter 7, Creating VIs and SubVIs, of the LabVIEW User Manual for more information about creating VIs and configuring them as subVIs. You also can save the configuration of an Express VI as a subVI. Refer to Chapter 5, Building the Block Diagram, of the LabVIEW User Manual for more information about creating subVIs from Express VIs.
Functions
Functions are the fundamental operating elements of LabVIEW. Functions do not have front panels or block diagrams but do have connector panes. Double-clicking a function only selects the function.
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Chapter 5
Data Types
As you build the block diagram for a VI, notice that the terminals for the front panel objects are different colors. The color and symbol of each terminal indicate the data type of the control or indicator. The colors also indicate the data types of the wires, inputs, and outputs. The color of the inputs and outputs on Express VIs indicate what type of data the input or output accepts or returns. Control terminals have a thicker border than indicator terminals. Also, arrows appear on front panel terminals to indicate whether the terminal is a control or an indicator. An arrow appears on the right if the terminal is a control, and an arrow appears on the left if the terminal is an indicator. Data types indicate what objects, inputs, and outputs you can wire together. For example, a switch has a green border so you can wire a switch to any input with a green label on an Express VI. A knob has an orange border so you can wire a knob to any input with an orange label. However, you cannot wire a knob to an input with a green label. Notice the wires are of the same color as the terminal. Refer to Chapter 5, Building the Block Diagram, of the LabVIEW User Manual for more information about data types.
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Chapter 5
Data dialog box appears. The Configure Convert from Dynamic Data dialog box displays options that let you specify how you want to format the data that the Convert from Dynamic Data Express VI returns. For example, if you acquired a sine wave from a data acquisition device, select the Single waveform option on the Configure Convert from Dynamic Data dialog box. Wire the Waveform output of the Convert from Dynamic Data Express VI to a function or VI that accepts the waveform data type. If you acquired a collection of temperatures from different channels using a DAQ device, select the 1D array of scalars most recent values and Floating point numbers (double) options. Then wire the Array output of the Convert from Dynamic Data Express VI to a function or VI that accepts a numeric array as an input. When you wire a dynamic data type to an array indicator, LabVIEW automatically places the Convert from Dynamic Data Express VI on the block diagram. Double-click the Convert from Dynamic Data Express VI to open the Configure Convert from Dynamic Data dialog box to control how the data appears in the array.
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Chapter 5
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
5-6
ni.com
Visit the following sections of the National Instruments Web site at ni.com for technical support and professional services: SupportOnline technical support resources include the following: Self-Help ResourcesFor immediate answers and solutions, visit our extensive library of technical support resources available in English, Japanese, and Spanish at ni.com/support. These resources are available for most products at no cost to registered users and include software drivers and updates, a KnowledgeBase, product manuals, step-by-step troubleshooting wizards, conformity documentation, example code, tutorials and application notes, instrument drivers, discussion forums, a measurement glossary, and so on. Assisted Support OptionsContact NI engineers and other measurement and automation professionals by visiting ni.com/support. Our online system helps you define your question and connects you to the experts by phone, discussion forum, or email.
TrainingVisit ni.com/custed for self-paced tutorials, videos, and interactive CDs. You also can register for instructor-led, hands-on courses at locations around the world. System IntegrationIf you have time constraints, limited in-house technical resources, or other project challenges, NI Alliance Program members can help. To learn more, call your local NI office or visit ni.com/alliance.
If you searched ni.com and could not find the answers you need, contact your local office or NI corporate headquarters. Phone numbers for our worldwide offices are listed at the front of this manual. You also can visit the Worldwide Offices section of ni.com/niglobal to access the branch office Web sites, which provide up-to-date contact information, support phone numbers, email addresses, and current events.
A-1
Glossary
A
autoscaling Ability of scales to adjust to the range of plotted values. On graph scales, autoscaling determines maximum and minimum scale values.
B
block diagram Pictorial description or representation of a program or algorithm. The block diagram consists of executable icons called nodes and wires that carry data between the nodes. The block diagram is the source code for the VI. The block diagram resides in the block diagram window of the VI. Front panel objects to manipulate and display Boolean (TRUE or FALSE) data. Button that replaces the Run button when a VI cannot run because of errors. VI that cannot run because of errors; signified by a broken arrow in the broken Run button.
G-1
Glossary
C
channel 1. Physicala terminal or pin at which you can measure or generate an analog or digital signal. A single physical channel can include more than one terminal, as in the case of a differential analog input channel or a digital port of eight lines. The name used for a counter physical channel is an exception because that physical channel name is not the name of the terminal where the counter measures or generates the digital signal. 2. Virtuala collection of property settings that can include a name, a physical channel, input terminal connections, the type of measurement or generation, and scaling information. You can define NI-DAQmx virtual channels outside a task (global) or inside a task (local). Configuring virtual channels is optional in Traditional NI-DAQ and earlier versions, but is integral to every measurement you take in NI-DAQmx. In Traditional NI-DAQ, you configure virtual channels in MAX. In NI-DAQmx, you can configure virtual channels either in MAX or in a program, and you can configure channels as part of a task or separately. 3. Switcha switch channel represents any connection point on a switch. It may be made up of one or more signal wires (commonly one, two, or four), depending on the switch topology. A virtual channel cannot be created with a switch channel. Switch channels may be used only in the NI-DAQmx Switch functions and VIs. checkbox Small square box in a dialog box you can place or remove checkmarks. Checkboxes generally are associated with multiple options that you can set. You can place a checkmark in more than one checkbox. Terminal of a While Loop that contains a Boolean value that determines if the VI performs another iteration. Window that displays basic information about LabVIEW objects when you move the cursor over each object. Objects with context help information include VIs, functions, constants, structures, palettes, properties, methods, events, and dialog box components. Front panel object for entering data to a VI interactively or to a subVI programmatically, such as a knob, push button, or dial. Palette that contains front panel controls, indicators, and decorative objects. VI whose front panel, block diagram, or Icon Editor is the active window.
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Glossary
D
DAQ DAQ Assistant DAQ device See data acquisition (DAQ). A graphical interface for configuring measurement tasks, channels, and scales. A device that acquires or generates data and can contain multiple channels and conversion devices. DAQ devices include plug-in devices, PCMCIA cards, and DAQPad devices, which connect to a computer USB or 1394 (FireWire) port. SCXI modules are considered DAQ devices. 1. Acquiring and measuring analog or digital electrical signals from sensors, acquisition transducers, and test probes or fixtures. 2. Generating analog or digital electrical signals. data flow Programming system that consists of executable nodes that execute only when they receive all required input data and produce output automatically when they execute. LabVIEW is a dataflow system. To acquire data and simultaneously store it in a disk file. LabVIEW file I/O VIs and functions can log data. Format for information. In LabVIEW, acceptable data types for most VIs and functions are numeric, array, string, Boolean, path, refnum, enumeration, waveform, and cluster. Preset value. Many VI inputs use a default value if you do not specify a value. An instrument or controller you can access as a single entity that controls or monitors real-world I/O points. A device often is connected to a host computer through some type of communication network. See also DAQ device and measurement device. To use the cursor on the screen to select, move, copy, or delete objects. Software unique to the device or type of device that includes the set of commands the device accepts.
default device
drag driver
G-3
Glossary
E
error message Express VI Indication of a software or hardware malfunction or of an unacceptable data entry attempt. A subVI designed to aid in common measurement tasks. You configure an Express VI using a configuration dialog box.
F
front panel function Functions palette Interactive user interface of a VI. Front panel designs imitate physical instruments, such as oscilloscopes and multimeters. Built-in execution element, comparable to an operator, function, or statement in a text-based programming language. Palette that contains VIs, functions, block diagram structures, and constants.
G
graph 2D display of one or more plots. A graph receives and plots data as a block.
I
I/O Input/Output. The transfer of data to or from a computer system involving communications channels, operator input devices, and/or data acquisition and control interfaces. Graphical representation of a node on a block diagram. Front panel object that displays output, such as a graph or LED. A set of high-level functions that control and communicate with instrument hardware in a system. Terminal of a For Loop or While Loop that contains the current number of completed iterations.
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Glossary
L
label LabVIEW Text object used to name or describe objects or regions on the front panel or block diagram. Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench. LabVIEW is a graphical programming language that uses icons instead of lines of text to create programs. Light-emitting diode. Object a graph or chart owns to displays the names and plot styles of plots on that graph or chart. Box within a dialog box that lists all available choices for a command. For example, a list of filenames on a disk.
M
measurement device DAQ devices such as the E Series multifunction I/O (MIO) devices, SCXI signal conditioning modules, and switch modules. Horizontal bar that lists the names of the main menus of an application. The menu bar appears below the titlebar of a window. Each application has a menu bar that is distinct for that application, although some menus and commands are common to many applications.
menu bar
N
NI-DAQ Driver software included with all NI measurement devices. NI-DAQ is an extensive library of VIs and functions you can call from an application development environment (ADE), such as LabVIEW, to program all the features of an NI measurement device, such as configuring, acquiring and generating data from, and sending data to the device.
G-5
Glossary
NI-DAQmx
The latest NI-DAQ driver with new VIs, functions, and development tools for controlling measurement devices. The advantages of NI-DAQmx over earlier versions of NI-DAQ include the DAQ Assistant for configuring channels and measurement tasks for your device for use in LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, and Measurement Studio; increased performance such as faster single-point analog I/O; and a simpler API for creating DAQ applications using fewer functions and VIs than earlier versions of NI-DAQ. Program execution element. Nodes are analogous to statements, operators, functions, and subroutines in text-based programming languages. On a block diagram, nodes include functions, structures, and subVIs. Front panel objects to manipulate and display numeric data.
node
O
object Operating tool Generic term for any item on the front panel or block diagram, including controls, indicators, structures, nodes, wires, and imported pictures. Tool to enter data into controls operate them.
P
palette panel window plot Positioning tool pull-down menus Displays objects or tools you can use to build the front panel or block diagram. VI window that contains the front panel, the toolbar, and the icon and connector panes. Graphical representation of an array of data shown either on a graph or a chart. Tool to move and resize objects. Menus accessed from a menu bar. Pull-down menu items are usually general in nature.
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Glossary
S
sample scale shortcut menu string structure subVI Single analog or digital input or output data point. Part of graph, chart, and some numeric controls and indicators that contains a series of marks or points at known intervals to denote units of measure. Menu accessed by right-clicking an object. Menu items pertain to that object specifically. Representation of a value as text. Program control element, such as a Flat Sequence structure, Stacked Sequence structure, Case structure, For Loop, or While Loop. VI used on the block diagram of another VI. Comparable to a subroutine.
T
task A collection of one or more channels, timing, triggering, and other properties in NI-DAQmx. A task represents a measurement or generation you want to perform. Object or region on a node through which data pass. Small yellow text banners that identify the terminal name and make it easier to identify terminals for wiring. Special cursor to perform specific operations. Bar that contains command buttons to run and debug VIs. An upgrade to the earlier version of NI-DAQ. Traditional NI-DAQ has the same VIs and functions and works the same way as NI-DAQ 6.9.x. You can use both Traditional NI-DAQ and NI-DAQmx on the same computer, which is not possible with NI-DAQ 6.9.x.
U
URL Uniform resource locator. A logical address that identifies a resource on a server, usually on the Web. For example, http://www.ni.com/ is the URL for the National Instruments Web site.
G-7
Glossary
V
VI virtual instrument (VI) See virtual instrument (VI). Program in LabVIEW that models the appearance and function of a physical instrument.
W
waveform waveform chart While Loop wire wire branch Multiple voltage readings taken at a specific sampling rate. Indicator that plots data points at a certain rate. Loop structure that repeats a section of code until a condition is met. Data path between nodes. Section of wire that contains all the wire segments from junction to junction, terminal to junction, or terminal to terminal if there are no junctions between. Point where three or more wire segments join. Single horizontal or vertical piece of wire. Tool to define data paths between terminals.
G-8
ni.com
Index
Symbols
.lvm file, 2-9, 2-14
A
Abort Execution button, 1-8 acquiring information for instruments, 4-7 signals, 4-1 adding controls, 3-4 controls to front panel, 1-4 graph indicator, 3-4 inputs to Express VIs, 1-6, 2-11, 3-4 new channels to tasks, 4-5 numeric indicators, 3-4 outputs to Express VIs, 2-11 visual cues on front panel, 2-6 warning light, 2-6 All Controls palette, 5-1 changing palette view, 5-2 All Functions palette, 5-2 changing palette view, 5-2 Amplitude and Level Measurements Express VI, 2-2 analyzing voltage, 2-5 analyzing signals, 2-5 Arithmetic & Comparison palette, 1-9
broken Run button, 2-4 wires, 2-4, 2-14 Build Table Express VI, 3-7 button Abort Execution, 1-8 place on block diagram, 3-9 Run, 1-4
C
calling code from text-based languages, 5-6 changing palette views, 5-2 signal type, 1-5 channels, 4-2 adding to tasks, 4-5 renaming, 4-4 communicating with instruments, 4-6, 4-9 with LabVIEW applications across networks, 5-6 Comparison Express VI setting warning level, 2-7 configuration dialog box, 1-17 contacting National Instruments, A-1 Context Help window, 2-2, 2-13, 3-2, 3-9 button, 3-2 display configuration of Express VI, 2-2 displaying errors, 2-14 controlling execution speed, 3-6, 3-10 controls, 1-16, 2-13 adding, 3-4 adding to front panel, 1-4 all, 5-1 configuring, 1-16
B
block diagram, 1-4, 1-17 indicators, 2-13 modifying, 2-3 show, 1-5
I-1
Index
creating, 3-4, 3-9 customizing, 1-12 data type, 5-4 numeric, 1-5 palette, 1-4 Controls palette, 1-4 changing palette views, 5-2 conventions used in this manual, ix Convert from Dynamic Data Type Express VI, 5-4 Convert to Dynamic Data Type Express VI, 5-5 creating controls, 3-4, 3-9 graph indicator, 3-4 indicators, 3-9 NI-DAQmx tasks, 4-2 customer education, A-1 professional services, A-1 technical support, A-1 customizing block diagrams, 3-9 controls, 1-12 front panel, 3-4 indicators, 1-14 menus, 5-6 simulated signal, 2-3
displaying data from DAQ devices, 4-4 data in tables, 3-7, 3-10 signals in a graph, 1-11 documentation conventions used in this manual, ix introduction to this manual, ix online library, A-1 drivers, 4-6, 4-9 instrument, 4-6, 4-9, A-1 software, A-1 dynamic data type, 5-4 converting from, 5-4 converting to, 5-5
E
Error list window, 2-4, 2-14 errors, 2-14 displaying, 2-4 displaying in Context Help window, 2-14 list, 2-4, 2-14 window, 2-4, 2-14 example code, A-1 example VIs NI Example Finder, 5-1 Execution Control palette, 3-5, 3-10 execution speed controlling, 3-6 Express VI Convert to Dynamic Data Type, 5-5 Express VIs, 1-17 Amplitude and Level Measurements, 2-2, 2-5 Build Table, 3-7 Comparison, 2-7 configuration dialog box, 1-17 Convert from Dyanmic Data Type, 5-4 DAQ Assistant, 4-2, 4-8 dynamic data type, 5-4 inputs, 1-17
D
DAQ Assistant Express VI, 4-2, 4-8 DAQ device, 4-2 data flow, 1-7, 1-11, 1-17 data type dynamic, 5-4 data types, 5-4 deleting wires, 1-9 deselecting objects, 1-7 diagnostic resources, A-1
I-2
ni.com
Index
Instrument I/O Assistant, 4-6, 4-9 outputs, 1-17 Sample Compression, 3-3 Scaling and Mapping, 1-9 Simulate Signals, 1-5 Time Delay, 3-6 Write LabVIEW Measurement File, 2-9, 2-14
LabVIEW Help, 2-5, 2-13, 3-9 LabVIEW resources, 2-13, 3-9 professional services, A-1 technical support, A-1
I
indicators, 1-16, 2-13 adding numeric, 3-4 all, 5-1 configuring, 1-16 creating, 3-9 customizing, 1-14 data type, 5-4 removing, 2-4 Input palette, 3-2 instrument drivers, 4-6, 4-9, A-1 Instrument I/O Assistant Express VI, 4-6, 4-9 instruments acquiring information, 4-7 communicating, 4-6, 4-9 parsing information, 4-7 selecting, 4-6
F
frequently asked questions, A-1 front panel, 1-4, 1-16 adding controls, 1-4 controls, 1-16, 2-13 customizing, 3-4 indicators, 1-16 modifying, 2-4 show, 1-8 functions, 5-3 all, 5-2 Merge Signals, 1-12 merge signals, 3-4 Functions palette, 1-9 changing palette views, 5-2
K
KnowledgeBase, A-1
G
graph indicator adding, 3-4 creating, 3-4 graphing data from DAQ devices, 4-4 two signals, 1-11
L
LabVIEW dialog box, 1-2, 2-2 LabVIEW Help, 2-13, 3-9 searching for Express VI, 3-3 LabVIEW help resources using, 3-9 LEDs, 2-6 LEDs palette palette, 2-6
H
help button, 2-5 Context Help window, 2-2, 2-13, 3-2, 3-9
I-3
Index
M
manual. See documentation marquee, 3-7 Merge Signals function, 1-12, 3-4 modifying block diagram, 2-3 front panel, 2-4 signals, 1-9, 3-3
N
National Instruments customer education, A-1 professional services, A-1 system integration services, A-1 technical support, A-1 worldwide offices, A-1 New dialog box, 1-2, 1-16, 2-2 NI Example Finder, 5-1 NI Instrument Driver Network, 4-6, 4-9 NI-DAQmx creating tasks, 4-2 tasks, 4-2, 4-8 testing tasks, 4-4 Numeric Controls palette, 1-5
changing palette views, 5-2 Controls, 1-4 Execution Control, 3-5, 3-10 Functions, 1-9 Input, 3-2 Numeric Controls, 1-5 Text Indicators, 3-7 parsing information for instruments, 4-7 phone technical support, A-1 place on block diagram, 3-9 positioning tool, 1-7 professional services, A-1 programatically controlling VIs, 5-6 programming examples, A-1 property dialog boxes, 1-16 publishing VIs on the Web, 5-6
R
Run button, 1-4 broken, 2-4, 2-14 running, 1-8 running VIs, 1-8 continuously, 3-5
O
objects deselecting, 1-7 selecting, 1-7 online technical support, A-1 operating tool, 1-8
S
Sample Compression Express VI, 3-3 saving data to different file formats, 5-6 to files, 2-9, 2-14 when prompted by user, 2-10 Scaling and Mapping Express VI, 1-9 define slope, 1-10 selecting instruments, 4-6 objects, 1-7
P
palettes All Controls, 5-1 All Functions, 5-2 Arithmetic & Comparison, 1-9
Getting Started with LabVIEW I-4
ni.com
Index
signals acquiring, 4-1 analyzing, 2-5 changing type, 1-5 modifying, 1-9, 3-3 Simulate Signal Express VI, 1-5 sine wave, 1-5 software drivers, A-1 support technical, A-1 system integration services, A-1
V
virtual instruments. See VIs VIs, 1-1 all, 5-2 blank, 3-1, 3-2 building, 1-1, 2-1, 3-1 customizing menus, 5-6 examples, 5-1 icons, 5-3 new, 3-2 programmatically controlling, 5-6 publishing on the Web, 5-6 running, 1-8 subVIs, 5-3 template, 1-2, 1-16
T
table, 3-7 displaying data, 3-10 tasks adding new channels, 4-5 NI-DAQmx, 4-8 testing, 4-4 technical support, A-1 telephone technical support, A-1 template VIs, 1-2, 1-16 blank, 3-1 terminals, 1-7 Text Indicators palette, 3-7 text-based languages calling code, 5-6 Time Delay Express VI, 3-6 tools Operating, 1-8 Positioning, 1-7 Wiring, 1-7 training customer, A-1 troubleshooting resources, A-1
W
Web professional services, A-1 technical support, A-1 While Loop, 3-6 wires broken, 2-4, 2-14 deleting, 1-9 wiring objects on block diagram, 1-7 tool, 1-7 worldwide technical support, A-1 Write LabVIEW Measurement File saving data, 2-9 Write LabVIEW Measurement File Express VI, 2-9, 2-14
U
user interface. See front panel
I-5