This document discusses a hands-on training session for NI LabView Core 1. It covers setting up DAQ hardware, including terminal blocks, cables, DAQ devices, and computer connections. It also discusses using the Measurement & Automation Explorer software to configure and test DAQ devices and GPIB instruments. Additional topics include instrument control using GPIB and serial communication, and how to automate processes and integrate multiple instrument types using a single computer platform.

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NI LabView Core 1 Hands On Session
Charbel Naddaf

2. TOPICS
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Lesson 1
Setting Up Hardware
A. DAQ Hardware
B. Using DAQ Software
C. Instrument Control
D. GPIB
E. Serial Port
Communication
F. Using Instrument Control
Software

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A. DAQ Hardware
1. Signal
2. Terminal Block
3. Cable
4. DAQ Device
5. Computer

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DAQ Hardware – Terminal Block & Cable
DAQ BNC 2120 — Terminal block used in this course

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DAQ Hardware – DAQ Device
• Most DAQ devices have four standard elements: analog
input, analog output, digital I/O, and counters
• You can transfer the signal you measure with the DAQ
device to the computer through a variety of different bus
structures

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DAQ Hardware – Analog Input
The process of measuring an analog signal and transferring
the measurement to a computer for analysis, display, or
storage
• An analog signal is a signal that varies continuously
• Analog input most commonly measures voltage or current

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DAQ Hardware – Analog Output
The process of generating analog signals from your computer
• Performing digital-to-analog (D/A)
conversions generates analog output
• The available analog output types
are voltage and current
• To perform a voltage or current
output, a compatible device must be
installed that can generate that
type of signal

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DAQ Hardware – Digital I/O
• Digital signals:
− Electrical signals that transfer digital data (on/off, high/low, 1/0)
using a wire
− Used to control or measure digital or finite state devices, such
as switches and LEDs
− Used to transfer data
• program devices
• communicate between devices
− Use digital signals as clocks or triggers to
control or synchronize other measurements

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DAQ Hardware – Counters
• A counter is a digital timing device typically used for event
counting, frequency measurement, period measurement,
position measurement, and pulse generation
• A counter has a fixed number it can count to as determined
by the resolution of the counter
• For example, a 24-bit counter
can count to:
2(Counter Resolution) – 1 = 224 – 1 = 16,777,215

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B. Using DAQ Software – Configuration
• Configure and test your DAQ device using the Measurement
& Automation Explorer (MAX)

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Simulating a DAQ Device
• Using NI-DAQmx simulated devices, you can try NI products
in your application without the hardware
• With NI-DAQmx simulated devices, you also can export a
physical device configuration onto a system that does not
have the physical device installed

12. GOAL
Exercise 1-1
Concept: Measurement and Automation Explorer
Use MAX to examine, configure, and test a DAQ device.

13. DISCUSSION
Exercise 1-1
Concept: Measurement and Automation Explorer
• What is a possible real-world application using DAQ?

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C. Instrument Control
• Use software on a PC to control an instrument over an
instrument control bus
• Mix and match instruments from various categories
• Understand the properties of the instrument, such as the
communication protocols to use

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C. Instrument Control
Benefits of Instrument Control
• Automate processes
• Save time
• One platform for multiple tasks
• Ease of use
• Many types of instruments available

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D. GPIB
GPIB (general purpose
interface bus) is a
standard interface for
communication between
instruments and controllers
from various vendors

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GPIB
• The bus supports one system controller, usually a computer,
and up to 14 additional instruments
• Controller:
− Defines the communication links
− Responds to devices that request service
− Sends GPIB commands
− Passes/receives control of the bus

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E. Serial Port Communication
Serial communication
• Transmits data between a computer and a peripheral
device, such as a programmable instrument or another
computer
• Uses a transmitter to send data one bit at a time over a
single communication line to a receiver
• Best method when data transfer rates are low, or you must
transfer data over long distances
• Most computers have one or more serial ports, so you do
not need any extra hardware other than a cable

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F. Using Instrument Control Software
• Interface Drivers: Instrument interfaces such as GPIB
include a set of drivers for the interface
• Configuration: Use MAX to configure the interface

20. GOAL
Exercise 1-2
Concept: GPIB Configuration with MAX
Learn to configure the NI Instrument Simulator and use MAX
to examine the GPIB interface settings, detect instruments,
and communicate with an instrument.

21. DISCUSSION
Exercise 1-2
Concept: GPIB Configuration with MAX
• What is a possible real-world application using instrument
control?

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Summary—Quiz
1. You can use the Measurement & Automation Explorer
(MAX) to examine, configure, and test your DAQ device
and GPIB instruments.
a) True
b) False

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Summary—Quiz Answer
1. You can use the Measurement & Automation Explorer
(MAX) to examine, configure, and test your DAQ device
and GPIB instruments.
a) True
b) False

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Summary—Quiz
2. Which of the following are benefits of instrument control?
a) Automate processes
b) Save time
c) One platform for multiple tasks
d) Limited to only one type of instrument

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Summary—Quiz Answers
2. Which of the following are benefits of instrument control?
a) Automate processes
b) Save time
c) One platform for multiple tasks
d) Limited to only one type of instrument