Is FPGA module option absolutely needed to deploy a RIO system?

[redtile]

Is FPGA module option absolutely needed to deploy a RIO system? I do not believe that I need to customize any of my I/O or go beyond the vi's already available in LV development suite and Real-Time module option.

[jkurtw]

Hi redtile,

Yes, it is currently necessary to program your FPGA to access the I/O on a RIO system.

I encourage you to check out ni.com/realtime on Monday, because that may change.

[redtile]

Thanks, i just heard about changes coming very soon just a few minutes ago.

[jkurtw]

Are you at NIWeek?

If so I can recommend some sessions for you to attend:
Introduction to New LabVIEW Real-Time Control Features for CompactRIO
CompactRIO Hands On Part 1: Programming with LabVIEW Real-Time

[Ben]

For those of us that can't attend NI-Week, would please tell us what you are talking about?

Ben

[redtile]

I am not at NI Week, just an Engineering troll trying to put together a RIO cost schedule, but as all too often SOP the NI website is driving me to drink. I would direct you to a NI representative for answers to RIO questions.

[jkurtw]

Hi Ben,

Once those sessions have taken place next week, I will give you the update.

[Jarrod_S.]

You don't need the LabVIEW FPGA Module to simply deploy an existing RIO configuration (bitfile). You can do that simply with LabVIEW, LabVIEW Real-Time, and the NI-RIO driver. You only need the FPGA module if you want to compile a new FPGA personality into a bitfile to do your IO. If you already have a bitfile that fits your needs, you don't need the FPGA module to deploy and run it.

For instance, the RIO driver probably installs a few simple examples that use interrupts and DMA to send data back to the host for various targets. It could be that one of these example bitfiles fits your needs if your requirements aren't too elaborate.

Just trying to clarify the issue here... And what I'm talking about has nothing to do with NIWeek or whatever everyone else is posting about.

[Ben]

... and from right field comes Jarrod exibiting his normal style and grace to bring the Blue-Bars back from the brink of a disaster.

Thank you Jarrod!

Ben

[redtile]

Jarrod,

Thanks for your reply and information. As for myself, your answer begs the questions, how does one know if the default or example "personalities" will do the job? I need to read a voltage or digital channel high/low status, operate a LabView PID (very slow) and possibly read and send a frequency (about 1 kHz). I am not building a Mars Lander. This discussion board is very helpful, but why does NI rely on this and brief videos to inform potential customers instead of clear, concise and complete printed information? It is like the recent trend of television ads becoming the main source of pharmaceutical information.

Thanks again,