Reconfigurable measurement system utilizing a programmable hardware element and fixed hardware resources
Inactive Publication Date: 2003-08-28
NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS
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0074] Thus, the use of one or more configuration wizards may provide an easy to use interface which allows the user or customer to configure or construct custom configurations for a reconfigurable system (i.e., the programmable hardware element in a RIO system). More specifically, a wizard may provide the user access to configurable RIO functionality without the user having to be familiar with a particular development environment, such as LabVIEW.
0075] Thus, the use of RIO devices in combination with a variety of platforms and computer systems provides a broad range of approaches for effi
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)
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[0386] A customer wishes to implement a control loop with National Instruments LabVIEW RT for an algorithm and LabVIEW FPGA for the timing and triggering. A control wizard may query the user about the I / O structure: How many synchronous analog inputs, analog outputs, digital inputs, digital outputs, and counters are in the system? How many asynchronous channels are in the system?
[0387] After receiving user input answering these queries, the control wizard may script a diagram with just the I / O the customer needs, as well as the required controls and indicators. The customer may then focus on the LabVIEW RT control algorithm instead of low level I / O details. If the customer discovers later that further customization of the timing and triggering is needed, the LabVIEW FPGA diagram may be modified directly.
[0388] In one embodiment, wizards may only include support for rudimentary functionality. In other words, wizards for basic acquisition, control loops, hardware in the loop te...
Example
[0482] Example RIO Configurations
[0483] The configurations for the RIO board are created from a collection of I / O components. These I / O components can be grouped in different ways to create configurations for focused applications. The I / O components may include typical DAQ like interfaces such as analog input, analog output, digital I / O, and timing I / O. The grouping provides the timing and triggering layer on top of these components, which may include free running resources, fully synchronous mixed I / O, hardware triggered operations, and more.
[0484] The configurations for the RIO board can be organized into a small number of classes, with minor permutations within each class. An example configuration class would be "post trigger", with permutations including SW triggered, HW triggered, etc.
[0485] Low Level Components
[0486] The primary I / O components are low level and directly access the hardware I / O. They are used for the basic analog input, analog output, and digital I / O interfaces...
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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...
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IPC IPC(8): G06F9/44G06F9/445G06F11/273G06F17/50
CPCG06F9/4411G06F17/5054G06F11/273G06F30/34
Inventor ODOM, BRIAN KEITHPECK, JOSEPH E.ANDRADE, HUGO A.BUTLER, CARY PAULTRUCHARD, JAMES J.PETERSEN, NEWTON G.NOVACEK, MATTHEW
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