TechBlog

In the process of updating a variety of computer systems and hardware configurations, the plant manager of a Midwest manufacturer needed a centralized network that would connect three buildings within three quarters of a mile, plus a couple more several miles away.

The integration of legacy serial equipment into modern Industrial Networks presents some unique challenges; among these are reliability, connectivity, and limited range. These issues can be easily resolved.

With a wide array of legacy equipment, primarily utilizing serial connections, the need presented a rather complex challenge, especially since serial connections are limited in terms of distance and networking.

Continue reading ‘The Serial Revolution: Establishing Global Access to Serial Ports’ »

Industry:
Research, Machines/Mechanics

Products:
Data Acquisition, Real-Time Module, R Series, LabVIEW, SoftMotion Controllers, PXI/CompactPCI, FPGA Module

The Challenge:
Measuring and controlling, in real time, the position of bulk components to absorb energetic particles out of the nominal beam core with high reliability and accuracy at the world’s most powerful particle accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

The Solution:
Using LabVIEW, the LabVIEW Real-Time Module, the LabVIEW FPGA Module, and NI SoftMotion software with NI R Series reconfigurable I/O hardware for PXI to develop an FPGA-based motion control system capable of intercepting misguided or unstable particle beams.

“We selected the LabVIEW and PXI solution for the deployment platform due to the small size, ruggedness, and cost savings over the traditional VME and programmable logic controller-based model. “

Continue reading ‘CERN Uses NI LabVIEW Software and PXI Hardware to Control World’s Largest Particle Accelerator’ »

Power, performance and portability

Quickly capture, view, measure and store signals with the PicoScope 3224. This high precision, high resolution, PC oscilloscope and spectrum analyzer is quick and easy to use. The USB connection ensures a fast screen update rate, while making the scope simple to set up. The powerful PicoScope oscilloscope software lets you measure and evaluate complex signals with ease.

With the PicoScope 3224 you can replace many traditional test equipment tools with one lightweight, portable, and economical instrument — giving you a powerful, integrated test and measurement solution with all the functions of traditional equipment, at a fraction of the cost.

Continue reading ‘PicoScope 3224 PC Based Oscilloscope’ »