Does the RT Image create and apply function include FPGA bitfile

[tom_z]

Hi,

    Does the RT Image create and apply function include FPGA bitfile? Does it deploy FPGA bifile to the FPGA target automatically?

    Thanks!

    Tom

[MegaHertz]

Hi Tom,

The RT Create Target Disk Image VI, as it's called in LabVIEW 2010, copies the contents of the target's hard drive. Because the bit file is stored on the FPGA, it is not included in that image. Hope this helps!

[GregFreeman]

However, can't you do the following:Use open FPGA VI reference within your RT app and point it to a bitfile then build and deploy the RT exe. After this, take an image and shouldn't the RT exe hold all information with regards to the FPGA that you need?

I may be wrong, but I hope not since I have to allow customers to update the cRIO without the project to deploy any changes 🙂

[tom_z]

Hi,

     I think you are right but I would like to confirm. Now in LabVIEW Project Explore I use open FPGA VI reference. Each time I change and recompile FPGA program I only need to deploy RT program and it automatically deploy the FPGA program. I wonder if it is true for RT image create and deploy function?  I am thinking to use the RT image deploy functions VIs to allow customer to update the RT and FPGA program without LabVIEW installed on their computers. If the FPGA program can't be updated with these function VIs is there a way to work around?

     Thanks for help!

     Tom

[GregFreeman]

Just do a simple test. Build a simple RT with a simple FPGA program. But as far as I can tell and what i've done, there should be no issues. A CPI at my office told me if you build the executable you're fine and everything you need is bundled in there. Just remember, compile the FPGA BEFORE building the executable 😉

[tom_z]

Hi,

    Thanks! It is what I thought. Sometimes NI forum is so helpful I would like to check if somebody has already tried it before working on myself. But it is sure another way to find out.

    Regards,

   Tom