Do I need a plugin for FPGA?

[JMota]

As people have suggested, you are seeing that error because LV can not find the plug-in for LV FPGA (if I'm understanding correctly the problem), which should have gotten installed when you install LV FPGA. I have a couple things to suggest. Anyhow, can you post a screenshot of the problem you are seeing to make sure we are understanding it correctly.

+ In LabVIEW, go to Help>> About LV. Do you see the LV FPGA logo in the bottom section of that screen?
+ Browse to the Tools menu. Do you see an FPGA Module menu item there? If so, try starting the compile server just to verify that at least part of LV FPGA got installed.

BTW, What version of LV FPGA did you install?

JMota

[JamesC]

Hi Gary,

Then there is something wrong with one of the programs on your system. You can get targets and devcies from 2 locations My Computer and from the Root Project entry. This is determined by the scope of the device. i.e if you have a compact FieldPoint system, then you can only access that from the Root as its scope is at the same level as My Computer (it is another piesce of hardware on the network.) However if you want to target a PCI/PXI R-Series card, as this card is inside the computer, then its scope is My Computer so you will find it under the targets and devices of My Computer.

Firstly lets make sure Windows is seeing you FPGA device. Right-click on Windows' My Computer
go to properties and select Hardware >> Device Manager. Look for NI Devices, or a PCI device with a Yellow warnig icon.
What I would suggest is open LabVIEW 8.2.1 and go to Help >> About, make sure the FPGA Icon is in the bottom bar (See Screenshot). If it is not close down LabVIEW and reinstall LV FPGA 8.2.1.
If the icon is in the about box, reinstall NI-RIO 2.3 and explictly add support for R-series devices under LabVIEW 8.2.1 on one of the install screens. Don't rely on the installer to automatically add your device.



Regards
JamesC
NIUK and Ireland

Message Edited by JamesC on 08-15-2007 03:40 PM

[Gary7811]

Hi,

I've attached a screenshot where the warning triangle appears. I couldn't find FPGA on the tools menu or about screen, which suggests it's not intstalled. But I can't understand it because I installed everything on the CD-ROM that came with the hardware. I then installed upgrades (as explained earlier in the thread). I assumed that the LabVIEW FPGA module would be on the CD. The second screenshot is what I get now if I insert the CD. Surely I don't need to purchase the additional software do I?

Thanks again,

Gary.

[Gary7811]

Just to clarify that last post. Is there some additional software I need to purchase, or can I download it for free, or should I already have it on the installation CD?

[JamesC]

Hi Gary,

You need to have the LabVIEW FPGA module as linked to in the first reply. This will not come with the PCI-7811R, this card will only come with the driver (NI-RIO).

If you have bought a Developer Suite, you can get a cheaper price for the FPGA module as a Dev Suite Option.

I would suggest calling into you local branch office which would be the UK (01635) 523545.
Ask to talk to a Inside Sales Representative and then can check your order history, to see if you have a copy of the FPGA module, or they can give you pricing information.

Regards
JamesC
NIUK and Ireland

[Gary7811]

Okay, I'll do that. Can I use FPGA Module 8.5 with LabVIEW 8.2, or should I go for version 8.2.1?

[JamesC]

Hi Gary,

You need to use the same version of FPGA as you have of LabVIEW, so if you have LabVIEW 8.2.1, you need FPGA 8.2.1. If you purchase SSP (Standard Service Program), this will include any major upgrades during a 1 year period. Assuming you buy SSP before an upgrade is release. I would talk to the Inside Sales Representative about SSP as well.

Regards
JamesC
NIUK and Ireland

[Gary7811]

Hello again,

I installed the software. As you've probably guessed, I'm new to FPGA. When I open the DIO example code now I get the attached window. Which is good except that it says PCI-7831R, even though I have a PCI-7811R (which is correctly identified in MAX). When I try to run the VI I get the second attached image.

Thanks again,

Gary

[JamesC]

Hi Gary,

In the Information window of the Example Finder, there is this information
"It was created and precompiled using a PCI-7831R.  You can use the same code for other R Series boards by creating your desired target and then cutting and pasting all items in the 'Items to Move' folder to your new target.  For more information on moving this example to another FPGA target, refer to ni.com/info and enter info code fpgaex."

So you need to right-click on My Computer and choose New >> Targets and Devices >> Existing Target or Device
Choose your PCI-7811R

This should appear as FPGA Target 2, Click and drag on Items to Move in FPGA Target and drop them on FPGA Target 2.
Right-click on FPGA Target and select Remove.
Right Click on FPGA Target 2 and press F2, rename this to FPGA Target.
Expand Items to Move and right click on the VI in this folder and select Compile.

When the compile has finished, double click on Digital Port Output (Host) and run the VI.

Regards
JamesC
NIUK and Ireland

[Gary7811]

Thanks. It's working fine now.

Gary