What Is Labview And How To Use It
LabVIEW is one of the key components of many of the essential devices we use every day. From the perfect packaging of snacks to lab tests, collecting electric signals from ECG machines to testing the safety of toys and cars, it is behind most of the major machines, making many things in our lives work smoothly and safely. Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench has revolutionized the way engineers and scientists interact with machines and data. What is LabVIEW? LabVIEW is a software development environment developed by National Instruments. However, unlike traditional text-based programming languages, it offers a graphical programming environment. In LabVIEW, Instead of writing lines of code, you need to create programs by connecting functional blocks (like icons) with wires, similar to a flowchart. This visual approach makes it intuitive for users who may not have extensive coding experience. Most people often consider it a programming language. While it is a development environment that uses the coding language called “G”. What is LabVIEW NXG? LabVIEW NXG (Next Generation) is the latest version of LabVIEW, introducing a modernized interface and improved development tools. It offers: What is the LabVIEW+ Suite? The LabVIEW+ Suite is a package that includes this software along with additional software from NI. This collection offers specialized tools for automating measurements, analysis, and testing, all working together to save you time. The puls suite brings together the best NI test software to optimize engineers’ workflows and save time. Each software has features designed to speed up testing: 1. LabVIEW: It stands for National Instruments LabVIEW, which is the full name of the software developed by National Instruments.This is the top-notch environment for developing automated test systems. 2. TestStand: Used globally in validation labs and on manufacturing floors to automate and sequence tests. 3. DIAdem: Saves engineers time by automating data analysis and report creation. 4. FlexLogger and InstrumentStudio: Speed up measurement and instrument configuration processes. Benefits of LabVIEW+ Suite The plus Suite is designed for test professionals in electronics and electromechanical testing. It offers software solutions to reduce development time, increase data usage, and prevent rework. Learn how the LabVIEW+ Suite can benefit you. 1. Create Electronic Validation Test Systems: It helps you configure, visualize, and automate measurements, analyze your data, and share reports. Increase test coverage and decrease development time. 2. Build Electronic Production Test Systems: It assists in building measurements and test steps into comprehensive test sequences. Meet challenging test coverage requirements despite tight schedules. 3. Set Up Electromechanical Validation Test Systems: It helps you set up large data logging systems with custom functionality and share the produced data, making everyone in your lab more productive. What is LabVIEW Used For? This software is mostly used by scientists and engineers to make the machines and systems around us work better. It helps doctors take care of us, makes sure our food is safe and tasty, and helps companies design better products. Even though we might not see it, LabVIEW is an important part of making our lives easier and safer! It has become the de facto standard in automated testing and lab instrument measurements but with its growing popularity, it is being used in industrial monitoring and control. LabVIEW is used for: There are 4 main purposes of this software: From automating test benches to analyzing medical data, this software finds application in diverse fields like: You should use LabVIEW, if: How to Use LabVIEW: As LabVIEW is a graphically-based programming environment, it works on a simple principle of dragging various building blocks and connecting them in a data flow architecture. Think of it as a block diagram that we use to draw during our school days. Only, in these blocks are codes that you are connecting to other codes. It is very easy in comparison to the text based languages such as C# and VHDL. Learning this software involves understanding its unique concepts: This is not the end of the list. Learning LabVIEW is an endless process. However, National Instruments offers various resources, including tutorials, online courses, and a vibrant community, to help you learn this software. How Much Does LabVIEW Cost? LabVIEW comes in various editions with different functionalities and pricing structures. National Instruments offers trial versions for exploration, and paid options range from student licenses to professional editions catering to different needs. Price Plans: Plans: Price Base: INR 45,600.00/year Full: INR 143,700.00/year Professional: INR 239,300.00/year How to Install LabVIEW: Installing LabVIEW involves downloading the software from National Instruments’ website and following the on-screen instructions. It’s recommended to check the system requirements to ensure your computer meets the minimum specifications. 1. After downloading LabVIEW, double click on the .exe file inorder to start the installation process, now select a save location for 2015LV-WinEng.exe 2. Once the LabVIEW downloader downloading has completed, click “Open” 3. Select a location to unzip the folder and then click on “Unzip” 4. After extracting the file, click “OK“ 5. Accept the “User Account Control” and select “Next” 7. Fill in User information 8. Fill in Serial numbers 9. Select the primary installation directory 10. Select the features to install 11. Accept all software license agreements to proceed and Click on “Next” 13. LabVIEW installation is complete How to Completely Uninstall LabVIEW: The uninstallation process varies depending on your operating system. You can typically find LabVIEW in the “Add or Remove Programs” section (Windows) or “Applications” section (Mac) and follow the uninstallation wizard. Additionally, National Instruments provides specific instructions on their website. LabVIEW Advantages and Disadvantages: Advantages: Disadvantages: Examples of LabVIEW Applications Automated Test System: Temperature Monitoring and Control: Machine Vibration Analysis Robotics Control: LabVEIW Review: Having spent years using LabVIEW for conducting laboratory experiments, I can confidently say that it has impressive capabilities and versatility. LabVIEW has consistently proven itself as my preferred software for data collection, offering a seamless experience with a user-friendly interface. One of the standout features of LabVIEW is its adaptability, allowing users to create customized solutions for a wide array of applications.