LabVIEW: A guide to strengths and uses

presented by Dummies

Michael Flynn

&

Florent Brondolo

Why dummies?

• Self- taught

• LabVIEW is a (massive) package

• Our programs have been designed for our use

Would LabVIEW be useful for you application?

• If you want to centralize your data collection and your device control

• Easier to expand

• You’ve got - exactly - what you need

• Essentially if you are running any experiment and want to save time/money

What is LabVIEW?

Wiki definition: LabVIEW is a system-design platform and development environment for a visual programming language from National Instruments.

• Principle:

What is LabVIEW?

Pressure

What is LabVIEW?

Any sensors – devices – or other pieces of equipment

Computer side

What is LabVIEW?

• LabVIEW will allow you to :

• Gather data

• Display them

• Record them

• Manipulate them as much as you want…

The computer side

User interface

Graphical code

The computer side

Graphical interface Coding interface

The computer side

Actual examples

4DRP project GeoMeChem project

Limitations

• Licenced

• Not real stand-alone application

• Easy to get lost with a graphical language

• Multi-core machine required

• Knowledge of programming basics is a (big) plus

• No zoom function (that’s the worst)

Our expertise

What we can do:• Instrument connection

• Sequential coding

• Parallel execution (a bit…)

• Handle queues (for finely timed software)

But LabVIEW is way more than that:• Remote control your devices (from a phone/tablet, etc…)

• Can be combined with other languages

• Plenty of open libraries

Funny way of using LV

“I am in the process of connecting an original Nintendo controller to a custom built high power laser system […] moreover I am thinking of upgrading to a Super Nintendo controller for more buttons.”

“All I need now is for someone to give me lots of money so I can build this laser system on a moving vehicle! Every gamers' dream.”

IEC – a NI forum member

Any questions ?