Possibilities of using Labview for executable DAQ software, PIC programming, etc

[asdfs]

I did but all the posts I read were relating to tuning of the PID algorithms, not writing them from scratch.  As I understand it, the PID toolkit includes prewritten algorithms that can then be tuned.  I am curious if there are tools to create an algorithm without the PID toolkit?  Does that become an outside process? 

[SimonH]

asdfs,

It might be worthwhile for you to schedule some time to talk to an Application Engineer so they can show you the relevant functionality and explain how it works to get you started.

You can do so here - it's free and the engineer will probably touch base with you beforehand so they can be ready with relevant examples etc. since this isn't just a canned demo.

Regarding your version of LabVIEW:- the professional version will do everything you need in terms of programming and being able to create an executable (we also have options for Mac and Windows Mobile but I'd recommend talking to an applications engineer about your specific requirements).  The advantage of having the PID toolkit is that you don't have to implement the control algorithms yourself.  PID is relatively easy to reconstruct from basic math operations so the toolkit is not a must-have, just a time saving nice-to-have. 

tbob,

Sorry if I was confusing, LabVIEW cannot program the PIC (LabVIEW Embedded for ARM is about as close as we get so far) -- I interpreted the question as could LabVIEW communicate with/test a PIC which of course is quite easy using digital I/O hardware.

~SimonH 

[asdfs]

Thanks Simon.  regarding the chip programming.  It would be nice to do it all in Labview but sounds like that functionality is not quite there yet and with semiconductors changing daily, it may always be behind.  What we would seek to do is program our chips the way we need them.  Then write a very simple piece of software do change only the EPROM side of the chip for variables.  Example, data 3 output = 1x, 2x, or 3x.  You select, hit go, and write that to memory.  Our chips have direct USB ability so I am thinking it would be pretty seamless.  Of course we would want to write this app in a exe for others to use. 

I think you kind of answered my question on the PIDs.  I was just wondering if there was an "algorithm builder" utility to assist in writing it or if you are kind of on your own without getting the toolbox?  

We have already been in contact with NI to see about meeting with an app engineer to discuss abilities.  I think we should outline what we want to do and provide examples or sample sensors for testing.  

[Andy_C.]

Hello Asdfs,

You can definitely construct your own PID algorithm using either native LabVIEW VIs or MathScript Node/formula node. However, it will be difficult to implement anti-windup since the math will be more involved in those cases.

Simple PID Algorithm

  error = setpoint - actual_position
  integral = integral + (error*dt)
  derivative = (error - previous_error)/dt
  output = (Kp*error) + (Ki*integral) + (Kd*derivative)
  previous_error = error