How can I use LabVIEW to control actuators for testing push buttons

[Brad H]

I want to perform cyclic testing on different switches, membrane, push button. I am new to designing and programming so can somebody point me in the right direction?

[tbob]

You need a Digital I/O device and actuators. You will need some interface circuit to take the DIO input and convert the voltage level to drive the actuator. The ULN2003 does this quite well. Use Labview to output ones and zeros on the DIO, which will turn the actuators on and off. The actuators must be positioned to push your UUT button/membrane/switch when fully extended. Look at the Labview examples for DIO, and look at a data sheet for the ULN2003. This should get you started.

[Brad H]

Thanks for your help. Can you recommend an actuator. I have tried to research on the internet but I've gotten overwelmed.

[Westscape]

Brad H wrote:
> Thanks for your help. Can you recommend an actuator. I have tried to
> research on the internet but I've gotten overwelmed.

That depends on what you are actuating (ok push buttons!) but how much
load, speed required etc. for low power low speed you could use linear
steppers or for high power high speed use pneumatics.