What practical benefits can virtual instruments bring to users?

(1) Reduction of testing costs

Since virtual instruments use software instead of hardware to implement instrument signal processing, result expression and instrument control, the hardware for building a test system is greatly simplified and the test cost is significantly reduced.

(2) Improvement of test efficiency
Virtual instruments are often constructed using bus instrument modules. Computers can easily control instrument modules directly through the bus, which greatly facilitates the realization of automatic testing. All virtual instrument systems are automatic test systems. All test work is completed automatically under computer control, which greatly improves the efficiency of test work. Since virtual instrument systems use general software operating systems, such as windows9X; windows2000; windows NT; windowsXP, etc., a large number of existing software resources can be used to facilitate the further processing, storage and transmission of test data.

(3) The test system is more compact
Since most virtual instruments use a bus structure, one chassis can be inserted with multiple instrument cards. For example, a PXI bus chassis can be inserted with 8 cards at the same time, that is, one chassis can integrate up to 8 instruments. In this way, the test system built to complete a certain test task has a greatly reduced size and a more compact structure. According to a demonstration study, the measurement of a certain type of missile technology support vehicle currently requires about 50 traditional instruments, but with virtual instrument technology, only one PXI bus instrument system is needed, and this system is portable. In this way, the traditional laboratory measurement mode is transformed into an accompanying measurement or front-end measurement mode.

(4) Remote testing

Virtual instruments make full use of computer technology, including computer network technology. Therefore, virtual instruments can easily use the Internet to achieve remote testing. Military equipment is becoming more and more complex, and the requirements for testing are getting higher and higher. In order to ensure the normal operation of combat equipment, sometimes remote battlefield support is required, including remote testing. Compared with traditional instruments, virtual instruments can more conveniently and effectively support remote testing or network testing.

(5) Instruments can be customized or self-made
The test function of virtual instruments is implemented by software. Therefore, according to the different actual needs of users, instruments can be customized from system integrators or self-made. In this way, when facing temporary test tasks, the test system can be quickly established.