Stand-Alone NI CompactDAQ Embedded Measurement System

NI has expanded the NI CompactDAQ platform with standalone data acquisition systems for high-performance embedded acquisition and logging. The NI cDAQ-9138 and NI cDAQ-9139 chassis feature a built-in Intel Core i7 dual-core processor that enables NI CompactDAQ to run acquisition and analysis software while logging data to onboard memory. For the first time, NI CompactDAQ can run completely independent of an external computer, providing better performance and flexibility for embedded measurement and logging applications.

Product Overview

The high-performance cDAQ-9138 and cDAQ-9139 can be used as standalone instruments, bringing unprecedented capabilities to the NI CompactDAQ platform while taking advantage of the modularity and flexibility of the NIC Series platform and NI LabVIEW system design software. NI CompactDAQ standalone systems include an embedded controller, an 8-slot chassis, C Series I/O modules, an operating system, and software. The controller includes an advanced dual-core processor that can be used to run an embedded operating system and 32GB of nonvolatile memory for data logging. Standalone NI CompactDAQ systems offer signal conditioning module options for most sensor types and a variety of standard connections, such as USB, Ethernet, serial ports, etc., which can be used to expand I/O and connect other third-party peripherals.

Figure 1. A stand-alone NI CompactDAQ system includes a chassis, embedded controller, C Series I/O modules, operating system, software, and other optional peripherals.

High-performance multi-core processing

High-performance stand-alone NI CompactDAQ systems feature Intel dual-core processors for intensive processing tasks. With multi-core processors, you can execute multiple independent tasks or threads simultaneously, greatly reducing the time required to perform operations. LabVIEW automatically splits each operation into multiple threads, making it easier to develop applications that take advantage of multi-core technology. The graphical programming has built-in thread management for the processor, so users do not have to deal with complex thread management.

Table 1. Stand-alone NI CompactDAQ systems use advanced Intel dual-core processors.

Intel processors provide several new technologies that improve the performance and functionality of NI CompactDAQ applications:

Intel Hyper-Threading Technology enables each processor core to execute two threads in parallel, thus doubling the number of processor cores available to software and improving multi-core performance. Applications running on the cDAQ-9139 can execute four threads in parallel, further improving performance.

Intel Turbo Boost Technology can increase the processor clock frequency when the workload is high. When used for intensive computing, the application requires a faster clock frequency, and the processor will automatically increase the clock frequency at fixed intervals until the required requirements are met, while reasons such as temperature or other loads on the processing core will cause the clock speed to drop to the base operating frequency. This method ensures that the processor always achieves maximum performance within the design safety range.

Intel Active Management Technology (AMT) enables advanced users to remotely manage NI CompactDAQ systems. Access to the underlying hardware is achieved through the main Ethernet interface, allowing remote users to control the NI CompactDAQ system's power on and off, check the current system status, redirect console output to the remote user, and perform other management tasks, all without interacting with NI CompactDAQ software.

Embedded operating system

The cDAQ-9138 and cDAQ-9139 are the first NI Compact chassis with built-in controllers that can run embedded operating systems. Choose Windows Embedded Standard 7 (WES7) for full software and integrated user interface capabilities, and run LabVIEW Real-Time for higher execution efficiency and greater reliability.

WES7

Reliability is important to ensure that applications run correctly for a long time, which is a basic requirement for most embedded applications. WES7 and LabVIEW Real-Time provide functions and features that meet the needs of long-term operation. WES7 also supports comprehensive Windows software and LabVIEW for Windows platforms. With WES7, you can use functions, ActiveX controls and DLLs provided by .NET assemblies, or directly connect to remote databases to log data more conveniently. In addition, the built-in VGA display output can be used to implement the user interface, so there is no need for a dedicated user interface computer, which can reduce system budget and maintenance requirements.

LabVIEW Real-Time

LabVIEW Real-Time has reduced the operating system components to the minimum required and reduces the possibility of system errors caused by crashes or other unexpected problems. General-purpose operating systems must try to provide the required resources and execution time for different types of applications, and each additional application increases the possibility of system errors. LabVIEW Real-Time also includes features such as the Reliance File System and watchdog timer, which can be used to further ensure the reliability of applications running for a long time. The Reliance File System provided by Datalight can be used in embedded systems that require high reliability. The file system can avoid file corruption caused by system events such as unexpected power failures. When an application error occurs, the watchdog timer ensures that the system is automatically restored to a running state as quickly as possible.

Measurement Timing and Synchronization

NI CompactDAQ is a modular system that allows you to add more measurement types and channels by plugging in additional modules. All modules are hot-swappable and are automatically detected when plugged into an NI CompactDAQ chassis. All modules are automatically synchronized, allowing high-speed analog input, analog output, digital input, and digital output data streams to be processed simultaneously within a single NI CompactDAQ system.

The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is an important component of any measurement system. The ADC requires a clock signal to determine when to collect samples. Many systems use multiple ADCs that share the same clock to achieve synchronized measurements on all channels. The NI CompactDAQ system has greater flexibility in the timing engine and also has better synchronization capabilities.

Multiple timing engines for multiple rates

NI CompactDAQ chassis include three analog input timing engines, so you can divide analog inputs into up to three different groups (also called tasks). As shown in Figure 2, each task can run at a different rate. This approach is useful for situations where you need to make slow measurements (temperature) and high-speed measurements (sound and vibration) at the same time. The three tasks can be started at the same time and operate independently. All channels within a single task will automatically synchronize and return at the requested rate. A single task can also include all modules, so that all channels are synchronized using the same clock.

Figure 2. Running multiple different analog input tasks at different rates in the same chassis.
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Specific timing engines for analog and digital outputs

NI CompactDAQ can support up to 7 tasks running simultaneously, including the following 7 task options:

o Analog inputs including up to 3 timing engines

o Contains analog outputs for specific timing engines

o Contains digital inputs for specific timing engines

o Contains digital outputs for specific timing engines

o Counter/timer tasks for quadrature, PWM, event, period or frequency measurement

By including specific resources, digital and analog output tasks can run independently without sharing clock signals between different tasks. This approach makes programming more convenient and intuitive. Compared with most off-the-shelf data acquisition systems, NI CompactDAQ includes multiple timing engines and the ability to connect and share resources to greatly improve flexibility.

C Series I/O Channel Expansion

The high-performance stand-alone NI CompactDAQ system provides 8 slots for integrating C Series I/O, which can support various C Series I/O expansion options. At the same time, the chassis of the NI CompactDAQ platform can transmit data with the stand-alone NI CompactDAQ via USB, Ethernet or wireless options. Through this expansion method, you can arbitrarily integrate and combine more than 50 types of C Series I/O modules for special measurements. These rich types of measurement modules can be used to create a measurement system that meets your precise I/O needs.

Figure 3. The NI CompactDAQ platform includes 1-, 4-, and 8-slot chassis options for expansion.

Integrated display and external devices

Creating a human-machine interface (HMI) is an important step in developing any embedded or industrial system. Standalone NI CompactDAQ includes an integrated VGA interface that greatly simplifies HMI development. Using WES7 and a VGA monitor or flat-panel touch screen, you can develop a LabVIEW application and use the front panel as the user interface. Not only can you reduce development time by avoiding the need to develop a standalone HMI application, but you can also reduce costs by using a low-cost monitor instead of an additional computer or touch screen computer. You can also control and monitor the system using NI Data Dashboard for iOS and Android mobile devices.

Figure 4. Connect directly to an HMI or configure a mobile device to interact with or monitor a stand-alone NI CompactDAQ.

The stand-alone NI CompactDAQ platform is suitable for applications that process synchronous video and measurement. Connect GigE Vision cameras through dual Gigabit network ports and use LabVIEW Real-Time and WES7 to perform fast and high-resolution image acquisition and processing tasks. Using the high-performance NI-IMAQdx driver and hundreds of algorithms provided by the NI Vision Development Module Image Library, you can develop visual applications for a variety of tasks, such as image enhancement, pattern matching, and object measurement.

Figure 5. Connecting a GigE Vision camera using the dual Gigabit network ports.

A variety of connectivity options on stand-alone NI CompactDAQ chassis allow you to connect most additional hardware. Connect peripherals such as a keyboard or mouse through the four high-speed USB ports, or use them to log data to external storage media. Choose between RS232 or RS485/422 serial ports to connect many devices such as GPS.

software

Any measurement system includes supporting software, and LabVIEW can be used to design software and fully customize independent measurement systems. LabVIEW provides an independent development environment for acquiring, analyzing, and presenting data, and has abstracted the underlying programming calls. This abstraction means that LabVIEW and the NI-DAQmx driver can adapt to changing requirements and technologies over time to help users develop applications that keep pace with the industry.

In LabVIEW 2012, in addition to the hundreds of existing NI-DAQmx examples, NI provides new data logging examples, templates, and project examples for standalone NI CompactDAQ. This option provides different program development starting points, allowing new programmers to quickly view the measurement methods of interest, or help experienced programmers find scalable software architectures designed and recommended by LabVIEW developers. With a variety of tools and functions focused on user proficiency, LabVIEW 2012 can help engineers and scientists of all levels innovate faster.

For users who need a turnkey solution, you can choose configuration-based software through the LabVIEW Tools Network or take advantage of custom solutions provided by more than 600 companies in the NI Alliance Partner Network. This alliance partner specializes in providing integration and customization services using LabVIEW and NI data acquisition products. For any application size, complexity, or custom requirements, you can find software solutions that meet the needs of programmers or non-programmers.