LabVIEW is a visual programming language: it is a system-design platform and development

environment that was aimed at enabling all forms of system to be developed.

LabVIEW was developed by National Instruments as a workbench for controlling test

instrumentation. However its applications have spread well beyond just test instrumentation
to the whole field of system design and operation.

History of LabVIEW
LabVIEW was first launched 1986 as a tool for scientists and engineers to facilitate
automated measurements - the aim was that it would be a tool that would be as productive for
scientists and engineers as spreadsheets were for financial analysts.

Says Jeff Kodowsky of National Instruments who came up with the initial idea and developed
it: ”We weren’t seeking to create a language but that’s what we ended up doing because we
needed that level of flexibility and control in order to deal with the kinds of IO and
processing required.”

In addition to this, Kodowsky had been using an early Apple Mac which utilised graphics
more than any other computing system. Kodowsky wanted to be able to utilise this capability
to enable quicker programming of the control for instruments.

What is LabVIEW?

LabVIEW uses a graphic interface that enables different elements to be joined together to
provide the required flow.

LabVIEW is essentially an environment that enables programming in G – this is a graphical

programming language created by National Instruments that was initially developed to
communicate via GPIB, but since then it has been considerably updated. Nowadays, G can be
used for automated test applications, general data acquisition, programming FPGAs, etc . . . .

LabVIEW is essentially the user interface for G. However as the software has developed, the
term LabVIEW is now synonymous with the G language. LabVIEW also provides a host of
other facilities including debugging, automated multithreading, application user interface,
hardware management and interface for system design.

In this way, LabVIEW acts as a portal for a variety of facilities, bring them together under a
single element that is easy to manage.

LabVIEW runs on Windows, OS X (Apple) and Linux platforms, making it suitable for most
computing systems.

LabVIEW key concepts

Within LabVIEW there are several elements and concepts that are key to the format and
operation of the environment. These include:

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  LabVIEW environment: The LabVIEW environment consists of LabVIEW VI
manager (project explorer), the programming tools, debugging features, templates and
ready built sample examples, and an easy interface to the hardware drivers. Read
more about LabVIEW environment.

 LabVIEW VIs: The LabVIEW VI is a “Virtual Instrument” that enables a user

interface to be built and it contains the programming code. Read more about
LabVIEW Virtual Instruments, VIs.

 LabVIEW G programming: This is the graphical programming language where the

functional algorithms are built using “drag and drop” techniques. Read more about
LabVIEW programming.

 LabVIEW dataflow : This is the core concept that determines the running order for
the programme.

LabVIEW applications
LabVIEW provides a powerful platform for undertaking a wide variety of different
applications. It started as an environment for managing test programming, but since its
inception, the applications for which it can be used have considerably expanded. It has
expanded from being a graphical test management language to become a graphical system
design environment.

This means that it can be used for an enormous variety of interesting and diverse applications.
Not only can it be used for equipment control (including the control of the large Hadron
Collider at CERN) and a variety of data acquisition applications (including car development
simulation where Big Data monitoring is undertaken) to the system design arena where it has
been used for development of projects from RF circuitry to biomedical equipment, green
technology and much more.

LabVIEW advantages / disadvantages

Like any product or platform, LabVIEW has its advantages and disadvantages. These must be
carefully considered before starting its use.

LabVIEW advantages

1. Graphical interface is flexible and simple to use. Most engineers and scientists can
learn to use it quickly.
2. LabVIEW provides a universal platform for numerous applications in diverse fields.
3. LabVIEW can be used with 3rd party hardware: it can be interfaced with C/C++, VB,
Fortran etc etc.
4. Easy to interface to many hardware items like data acquisition and test equipment
products.
5. It has excellent customer support and a large active community forum.

LabVIEW disadvantages

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 1. LabVIEW is single sourced and some companies may not like to use a product that is
single sourced and not standardised by the industry.
2. Cost of ownership – although in line with many other industry products of a similar
nature, its cost should be considered before it is introduced.
3. For those more accustomed to text programming, graphical programming can take a
little familiarisation time.

Like any product, LabVIEW has some disadvantages, but many who use it find it particularly
effective. In view of this, LabVIEW should be carefully assessed before its use is introduced.

LabVIEW environment tools

Within the LabVIEW environment there is a good selection of tools to assist the development
of the overall programmes.

These tools include:

 Templates & sample projects: This is a tool that features some of the common
templates that can be used for starting projects along with some fully formed projects
that can be used to see how projects may work, or to be customised for particular
applications.
 Example finder:This has many hundreds of code snippets that illustrate the
methodology behind a huge variety of different tasks. These can be used or
customised as appropriate.
 Debugging tools: As with any project, debugging is an essential element of any
development. The LabVIEW environment provides some comprehensive tools to
assist with the speedy debug of programmes. The tools include elements like probes,
breakpoints,, single step, highlighting execution (the ability to slow execution to see
how the system operates and thereby isolate issues in a dynamic manner).
 Hardware manager(Measurement & Automation Explorer): This is a complementary
tool to LabVIEW. It enables drivers to be managed – updated and monitored. It also
allows the monitoring of validity of the connection to hardware before running the
programme.
 Source control: The LabVIEW environment has several tools to provide configuration
management. This enables larger teams to work together on an applications whilst
still retaining proper configuration management to be undertaken.
 LabVIEW tools network: This element of the LabVIEW environment enables the
downloading of specialised toolkits for specific applications. Some are provided by
National Instruments, whereas others may be provided by NI partners.

LabVIEW VIs
The Virtual Instrument or VI is an integral element of the LabVIEW environment. VIs are
individual code modules that make up a complete application.

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An application could be as simple as a single VI, but normally many more are included and
some applications may utilise hundred of VIs or possibly more dependent upon the particular
application.

LabVIEW VI basics
The LabVIEW VI consists of two main elements:

Front Panel: The LabVIEW front panel is what the user of the completed application will
see. It enables them to interact with the VI, inputting controls and also seeing results. It can
be likened to the font panel of a test instrument or other piece of equipment.

The LabVIEW VI front panel can be built up from scratch using the palette of different
controls, indicators and data types.

LabVIEW VI front panels can be completely customized. By having a totally customized

front panel, it is possible to simplify the operation to provide exactly what is needed without
unnecessary controls that may not be required.

Block Diagram: The LabVIEW VI block diagram is where the functionality of the VI is
programmed in G. The block diagram defines the functionality whilst also providing a visual
representation of it. In this way the block diagram is similar to a flow diagram within a
programme.

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There is an associated functions palette within the block diagram space where all the
elements needed to build the programme can be found. This enables swift accurate
programming to be achieved.

9.FUNDAMENTALS OF LAB VIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Differentiate between Data flow and control flow programming

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2.Differentiate between Graphical and text based programming

3.VI in system control

 PC – software flexibility and capability
 PLC – ruggedness and reliability
 More complex, dynamic, adaptive and algorithm based control
,Programmable Automation Controllers (PAC) – multi-domain
functionality, multiple I/O types.

4.Advantages of LabVIEW
 Graphical user interface, Drag-and-drop built-in functions

 Modular design and hierarchical design

 Multiple high level development tools

 Professional development tools and Multi platforms

 Reduces cost and preserves investment, Flexibility and scalability

 Connectivity and instrument control, Open environment

 Distributed development, Visualization capabilities

 Rapid development with express technology

 Compiled language for fast execution, simple application distribution

 Target management, Object-oriented design, Algorithm design

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5.Graphical System Design

 Design

Mathematical model simulation,validating model performance and

optimization.Hardware in Loop tests, high performance computing, use of
GPU, multi-core processors and parallel programming

 Prototype

Test a prototype in lab, signal processing and analysis. Modify and optimize
the original model based on experimental results.Use of RTOS, FPGA, DSP,
GPU processors.

 Deployment

PC or dedicated embedded controller – standalone and real time

(deterministic) mode. Use of LabVIEW real time module, symmetric
multiprocessing techniques, RF vector signal analyzers, dynamic signal
acquisition devices, etc.GUI or operator interfaces (OI) are needed. Data
logging and supervisory control module Applications of Virtual
Instrumentation in Modeling and Simulation

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6. Historical perspective and development of VI
 Analog measurement devices.
 Data acquisition and processing devices.
 Digital processing based on general purpose computing platform.
Distributed virtual instrument

7. Applications of VI in Biomedical systems

 Basic and Clinical research and instrumentation

 Diagnostic and treatment equipment
 Imagining techniques
 Bio informatics
 Outcome analysis and patient monitoring
 Telemedicine
 Information retrieval and hospital information management
 Commercial medical devices testing and development
 Space medicine

8.LabVIEW Front Panel and Block Diagram

 Front Panel  to create GUI

 Block Diagram  to create code/logic that makes the program work
 Front Panel  Controls Palette. All necessary elements needed to create GUI.
 Block Diagram  Functions Palette. All functions needed to create the logic
in the program.
 Explanation of Tool bar elements.

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 Figure 3. strain gauge load cell.

It comprises of cylindrical tube to which strain gauges are attached. A load applied on the
top collar of the cylinder compress the strain gauge element which changes its electrical
resistance. Generally strain gauges are used to measure forces up to 10 MN. The non-linearity
and repeatability errors of this transducer are ±0.03% and ±0.02% respectively.

List of various modes of chart and waveform–LABVIEW

Graphs and Charts

Use graphs and charts to display plots of data in a graphical form.

Graphs and charts differ in the way they display and update data. VIs with graphs usually
collect the data in an array and then plot the data to the graph, which is similar to a
spreadsheet that first stores the data then generates a plot of it. In contrast, a chart appends
new data points to those already in the display. On a chart, you can see the current reading or
measurement in context with data previously acquired.

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The graphs and charts located on the Controls»Graph palette include the following types:

• Waveform Chart and Graph—Displays data acquired at a constant rate.

• XY Graph—Displays data acquired at a non-constant rate, such as data acquired when a

trigger occurs.

• Intensity Chart and Graph—Displays 3D data on a 2D plot by using color to display the
values of the third dimension.

• Digital Waveform Graph—Displays data as pulses or groups of digital lines. Computers

transfer digital data to other computers in pulses.

• (Windows) 3D Graphs—Displays 3D data on a 3D plot in an ActiveX object on the front

panel.

You customize the appearance of graphs and charts by showing or hiding options. Right-click
the graph or chart and select Visible Items from the shortcut menu to display or hide the
following options:

• Plot Legend—Defines the color and style of the plot(s). Resize the legend to display
multiple plots.

• Scale Legend—Defines labels for scales and configures scale properties.

• Graph Palette—Changes scaling and formatting while a VI is running.

• X Scale and Y Scale—Formats the x- and y-scales.

• Cursor Legend (graph only)—Displays a marker at a defined point coordinate. You can
display multiple cursors on a graph.

• Scrollbar (chart only)—Scrolls through the data in the chart. Use the scroll bar to view data
that the buffer does not currently display.

National Instruments charts, in both LabVIEW and Measurement Studio, have three different
modes to scroll data. These three update modes are Strip Chart, Scope Chart, and Sweep
Chart. These update modes can be configured using chart properties. To do this, right-click
on the chart indicator and select Properties » Appearance; select the Update Mode pull
down menu and select Strip Chart, Scope Chart, or Sweep Chart.

Strip Chart: This mode has a scrolling display that is similar to a paper tape strip chart
recorder. This mode first plots values from left to right. From here, it continues to plot new
points at the rightmost point and shifts old values to the left.

Scope Chart: This mode has a retracing display similar to an oscilloscope. As it receives
each new value, it plots the value to the right of the last value. When the plot reaches the right
border of the plotting area, it erases the plot and begins plotting again from the left border.

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Sweep Chart: This mode acts much like the scope chart, but the plot is not erased when the
plot hits the right border. Instead, a moving vertical line marks the beginning of new data and
moves across the display from left to right as it adds new data.

CLUSTERS

Clusters group data elements of mixed types.

● Elements of clusters must be all controls or all indicators or constants.

● The size of components in a cluster is fixed.
● Cluster elements are accessed through the cluster order.
● If a front panel contains more than 28 controls and indicators that you want to use
programmatically, group some of them into a cluster and assign the cluster to a terminal on
the connector pane to eliminate clutter on the block diagram.
● To create a cluster control or indicator, select a cluster on the Functions»All
Functions»Array & Cluster palette, place it on the front panel, and drag controls or indicators
into the cluster shell.
● Use the cluster functions located on the Functions»All Functions»Cluster palette to create
and manipulate clusters.
● Error checking tells you why and where errors occur.
● The error cluster reports the status, code and source of the error.
● Use the error cluster controls and indicators to create error inputs and outputs in subVIs.
● Arrays and clusters are inter-convertible but only under certain conditions.

STRUCTURES

Structures are graphical representations of the loops and case statements of text-based
programming languages. There are cases when a decision must be made in a program. In
text-based programs, this can be accomplished with statements like if-else, case and so on.
LabVIEW includes many different ways of making decisions. The simplest of these methods
is the select function located in the functions palette. This function selects between two
values dependent on a Boolean input. Use structures on the block diagram to repeat blocks of
code and to execute code conditionally or in a specific order. Like other nodes, structures
have terminals that connect them to other block diagram nodes, execute automatically when
input data are available, and supply data to output wires when execution is complete. Each
structure has a distinctive, resizable border to enclose the section of the block diagram that

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executes according to the rules of the structure. The section of the block diagram inside the
structure border is called a subdiagram. The terminals that feed data into and out of structures
are called tunnels. A tunnel is a connection point on a structure border. Use the following
structures located on the Structures palette to control how a block diagram executes
processes:

● For Loop—Executes a sub diagram a set number of times.

● While Loop—Executes a sub diagram until a condition occurs.
● Case structure—Contains multiple sub diagrams, only one of which executes depending on
the input value passed to the structure.
●Sequence structure—Contains one or more sub diagrams that execute in sequential order.
● Event structure—Contains one or more sub diagrams that execute depending on how the
user interacts with the VI.
● Timed Structures—Execute one or more sub diagrams with time bounds and delays.
● Diagram Disable Structure—Has one or more sub diagrams, or cases, of which only the
enabled subdiagram executes.
● Conditional Disable Structure—Has one or more sub diagrams, or cases, exactly one of
which LabVIEW uses for the duration of execution, depending on the configuration.

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