Reconfigurable measurement system utilizing a programmable hardware element and fixed hardware resources

Abstract

A system and method for configuring a device to perform a function, where the device includes a programmable hardware element and one or more fixed hardware resources. A program is stored which represents the function. A hardware configuration program is generated based on the program, specifying a configuration for the programmable hardware element that implements the function, and usage of the fixed hardware resources by the programmable hardware element in performing the function. A deployment program deploys the hardware configuration program onto the programmable hardware element, where, after deployment, the device is operable to perform the function, where the programmable hardware element directly performs a first portion of the function, and the programmable hardware element invokes the fixed hardware resources to perform a second portion of the function. An optional measurement module couples to the device and performs signal conditioning and / or conversion logic on an acquired signal for the device.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to measurement and control, and particularly to measurement devices with programmable logic for performing interface, measurement, and control functions.DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART[0002] Scientists and engineers often use measurement or instrumentation systems to perform a variety of functions, including laboratory research, process monitoring and control, data logging, analytical chemistry, test and analysis of physical phenomena, and control of mechanical or electrical machinery, to name a few examples. An instrumentation system typically includes transducers and other detecting means for providing "field" electrical signals representing a process, physical phenomena, equipment being monitored or measured, etc. Exemplary transducers include thermocouples, strain gauges, pressure sensors, microphones and cameras. As one example, detectors and / or sensors are used to sense the on / off state of power circuits, proximity switches, pushbutton switc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0051] In one embodiment, the measurement module may be in the form of a measurement cartridge and the RIO unit in the form of a RIO cartridge chassis or carrier which is operable to receive one or more of the measurement cartridges. Thus, the RIO may host a plurality of measurement cartridges, each of which may provide measurement and / or control functionality for a measurement or control operation or task. The RIO may be operable to communicate with each measurement cartridge (i.e., module) and be programmed or configured (e.g., by the computer system) to implement the respective interface of each measurement cartridge. In this manner a suite of sensors may be fielded, each of which feeds signals to a respective measurement cartridge which in turn communicates through a respective interface (protocol) with the RIO cartridge carrier. The RIO cartridge carrier (i.e., the RIO) may in turn couple to a computer system. Thus, the RIO device may support a heterogeneous plurality of interfaces without having to include a heterogeneous set of interface hardware components.

[0075] Thus, the use of RIO devices in combination with a variety of platforms and computer systems provides a broad range of approaches for efficient and flexible measurement systems, including established platforms such as PCI / PXI and FieldPoint, USB / Ethernet devices, and small networked measurement nodes (e.g., smart sensors) for highly distributed measurement systems. Additionally, the adaptive (i.e., programmable) aspect of RIO systems in conjunction with measurement modules provides measurement and control solutions which may more accurately and efficiently match the measurement and control requirements of users. Finally, the use of graphical programs to configure the RIO hardware may greatly simply the configuration process.

Problems solved by technology

Often, the field signals may comprise high common-mode voltages, ground loops, or voltage spikes that often occur in industrial or research environments which could damage the computer system.

In general, compile times for generating a hardware configuration program for an FPGA may take a lengthy time, e.g., many hours.

When targeting the hardware (i.e., the programmable hardware element) these I / O primitives (possibly including standard LabVIEW primitives) may be converted into a hardware representation, such as an FPGA program file, as described above, and may take considerable time to compile.

Therefore, the user may debug most functional issues related to the application or system, and so may concentrate primarily on timing issues after performing a full compilation.

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