Graphical System Design for Machine by National Instruments

Embedded System Development for Machine Control Using a Single, Automated Graphical Programming ToolChain and Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs)

By Control Engineering Staff April 16, 2007

Embedded System Development for Machine Control Using a Single, Automated Graphical Programming ToolChain and Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs). The traditional process for designing embedded machine control systems typically involves multiple stages of development that each requires specialized electronic design automation (EDA) tools such as state-diagram and flowcharting tools, SPICE circuit simulation, board layout and routing, control design tools, finite element analysis(FEA), C and VHDL languages, multiple target-specific compilers, and human-machine interface (HMI) tools. New highly automated graphical system design (GSD) tools and PAC hardware systems can help you streamline themachine control development process. These new GSD tools offer complete customization of reconfigurable FPGAs, real-time processors, and industrial I/O modules using the National Instruments LabVIEW graphical programming language. With NI LabVIEW tools, you have open access to low-level resources while taking advantage of easy embedded programming and hundreds of built-in functions for automating common machine control tasks. PAChardware systems, such as the low-cost CompactRIO embedded system, are designed for seamless integration with theLabVIEW GSD tool chain. With PACs, you can build advanced systems incorporating software capabilities such as advanced control, communication, data logging, and signal processing with a rugged controller performing logic, motion, process control, and vision.

Graphical System Design for MachineControl (16 page pdf)