Document Type: Instrumentation Newsletter NI Supported: Yes Publish Date: Nov 11, 2011

LabVIEW: The Ultimate Toolbox

Table of Contents 1. Models of Computation 2. Tools of the Trade 3. Work Smarter, Not Harder NI LabVIEW is the ultimate system design software for several reasons. One of those reasons is that you can use many different models of computation to achieve your goals. By applying these different models of computation properly and in combination, you can be more productive by being more efficient.

Figure 1. You can use many different models of computation with LabVIEW. Models of Computation In 2009, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley coined the term models of computation to describe finding the most efficient path to a solution in software development. You can use several different software approaches to meet the same challenges. Approaches can include using different programming languages, different algorithms, or even varying levels of abstraction. A helpful analogy for models of computation is tools in a toolbox. The different models of computation are the tools and the integrated development environment is the toolbox because it houses all of the tools. Although you could possibly build an entire house using only one tool, it would be difficult to adapt the tool for every challenge. Instead, a proper engineer knows that for every task there is an appropriate tool. The knowledge of which tool to use for a given task is gained through training and experience and is crucial to effectively overcome any challenge. Tools of the Trade LabVIEW was developed 25 years ago with the new model of computation known as dataflow programming at its heart. Instead of sequential text-based operation, LabVIEW operations flow naturally with the data as the application moves through its paces. Dataflow programming is even more beneficial with parallel operations and multiprocessor environments. While traditional approaches require manual thread and memory management, dataflow programming and LabVIEW automatically handle this so you can take advantage of emerging technology trends without needing low-level knowledge or code changes. Varying levels of abstraction in LabVIEW can also help you be more productive. You can describe your application or system at a high level with G programming (the graphical language used in LabVIEW) or even statecharts. LabVIEW handles the low-level execution of these high-level abstractions. You can also dive down to program to the pin low-level callswhichever is most efficient for the job you are working on. A model of computation that you can use in LabVIEW is modeling and simulation. Modeling and simulating physical systems is a popular approach for designing complex systems that can be described by differential equations. Modeling and simulation can help you optimize the different variables of the system before implementing the design in the physical world. You can model and simulate systems in LabVIEW by using the LabVIEW Control Design and Simulation Module. To move past just theory-based solutions and into real-world engineering, you need physical hardware to test models and simulations. Modeling can get you close to the solution, but many surprises occur in the real world that you cannot account for in models and simulations. If simulations worked flawlessly, then weather forecasters would always be correct and financial markets would all be stable. Thats why we need engineers and scientists to help take theory into reality. If you have a working piece of code developed in another environment, then you do not need to waste that investment. You can use your existing IP inline by using the Call Library Function Node for libraries, .NET Constructor Node for assemblies, the LabVIEW MathScript RT Module for .m files, or even a Component-Level IP (CLIP) Node to bring in external FPGA IP using the LabVIEW FPGA Module. Work smarter, not harder is a common motto for engineers and scientists, and this is built into LabVIEW itself. Instead of using many closed environments to perform the separate functions of an application and struggling with getting them to work collectively, you can use LabVIEW to bring them all together in one environment (for example, the G programming section for DAQ, the .m file for text-based math analysis, and the CLIP Node for FPGA IP reuse).

1/2

www.ni.com

Figure 2. This Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) robotic system uses different models of computation. Work Smarter, Not Harder Engineers and scientists know that there are different approaches to meeting the same challenge. Knowledge and experience help determine which approach is the most efficient for a given challenge. Just as it would be difficult to build a house with only one tool, it would also be difficult to meet a programming challenge using only one model of computation. With LabVIEW, you can apply these different models of computation efficiently and effectively. Work smarter and not harder with LabVIEW. Grant Heimbach Grant Heimbach is a product manager for LabVIEW at National Instruments focusing on user proficiency and online resources. He holds a bachelors degree in aerospace engineering from Oklahoma State University. Learn how MIT students are using different models of computation in LabVIEW to quickly develop complex real-world robotic systems. This article first appeared in the Q4 2011 issue of Instrumentation Newsletter.

Legal This material is protected under the copyright laws of the U.S. and other countries and any uses not in conformity with the copyright laws are prohibited, including but not limited to reproduction, DOWNLOADING, duplication, adaptation and transmission or broadcast by any media, devices or processes.

2/2

www.ni.com