NIWeek: Software Boosts Vector Signal Transceiver
Austin, TX. In keeping with NIWeek tradition, Jeff Kodosky, NI cofounder and business and technology fellow, kicked off Wednesday's keynote address. He reviewed the history of LabVIEW, emphasizing the importance that structured dataflow concepts had in LabVIEW's development. LabVIEW is an example of graphical structured dataflow programming.
Referring to the Vector Signal Transceiver (VST), the PXIe 5644R, introduced Tuesday, Kodosky drilled down into the software architecture to explain how some of the user benefits are achieved. The architecture is based on a series of self-contained libraries–they represent a complete disaggregation of the components found in a conventional instrument. Each library is open and can be altered by the user without affecting other libraries. In addition, because the functions associated with the libraries are distinct, only certain libraries are required for a particular job. A few ready-to-run configurations ship with the instrument. These provide test-related capabilities as well as general-purpose streaming.
Shelley Gretlein, director of software marketing, then introduced several LabVIEW applications. Many of the demos and presentations had a renewable energy/green technology theme. For example, representatives from the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore described how a large grid of irradiance sensors has been developed that measures and aggregates irradiance data across the entire Singapore area. The goal is to be better able to predict power availability in spite of frequent cloud cover. This is important because of the area's proximity to the equator and the corresponding high temperatures and humidity leading to frequently changing irradiance levels.
The response of NI's Japan office to the tsunami and earthquake in March 2011 was highlighted. In particular, NI helped facilitate replication and deployment of radiation monitoring equipment that is today active in the affected areas.
Cold fusion was the focus of yet another discussion, perhaps more precisely described as anomalous heat generation. Although claims about cold fusion continue to be actively disputed, there is no doubt that some kind of excess heat effect is real. Today, the challenge is to extend our understanding of the effect through both better modeling and better measurements. LabVIEW and NI's range of PXI-based instruments are applicable in both respects.
Finally, Kodosky demonstrated some of the things that future versions of LabVIEW may incorporate. Primarily, he said he had been working with a physics-based editor. This is an editor that applies rules of physics to the individual elements of a LabVIEW VI as though they were solid objects. For example, adding a new icon causes existing icons to move apart elastically and assume a new stable position. The wiring similarly adjusts itself, also observing the convention of inputs on the left and outputs on the right. Aside from the obvious attractiveness the concept had for the attendees, simplifying the use of LabVIEW is part of a much larger NI initiative to further the language's penetration among non-technical users. In a complementary initiative, the company is encouraging present users to become accredited.
See previous posts on NIWeek:
LabVIEW 2012 shares stage with vector signal transceiver
See earlier Online Exclusive: “New Breed of Semiconductors Demands New Breed of Semi Characterization and Test Solutions.”