pxi vi's

[stu22]

Hi, shortly i will be using the following PXI-Express units. These are pxi-e 1062Q with pxi-e 8108 plus some modules e.g. 9208 8ch module etc. The question is how do i control/read data from the units using labview?? Is it the same as compact fieldpoint, where i use the fieldpoint vi's for fieldpoint. Is there something similar for PXI??

Stu

[Dominic.Walker]

Hey Stu,

The PXI system is similar to that of a computer.  It will run either Windows or RT (depending on which version of the 8108 one you bought) and the PXI cards will appear within the system much like PCI cards would appear on a computer. 

As such, you will be able to use DAQmx VIs or the relevant VI set for the cards you have bought (are you sure they are 9208's - these are 16 channel Digital Input C Series modules?)

If you have any more questions please let me know. 

Kind regards,

[MarcoMauri]

Hi Stu,

you will probably use DAQmx.

To become familiar with DAQmx you can go here: Getting Started with NI-DAQmx

or give a look to the examples provided with Labview.

You can even start playing adding a simulated board to your Pc using Max.

Marco

[stu22]

Hi, thanks for the reply. we will be using a mix of modules including some cRIO modules with expansion slots for these particular devices. It says we have the real time on the pxi. Does this mean that there is no windows operating system?

[Dominic.Walker]

Hey Stu,

There will be no Windows Operating System on the device. If you want, you can plug a screen into the PXI and it'll give you a little bit of information when it boots up but it will have no GUI.  You will need to control the device by connecting it to a Windows computer via Ethernet.  You should then be able to see the PXI system under "Remote Systems" within Measurement and Automation Explorer.  You can then create a LabVIEW project and add the PXI as a real time target.  If you've programmed a cRIO with Scan Engine before it will be quite similar. 

Here is a how-to for building a real time system:  http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/4040

Here's an explanation of what a real time OS actually is: http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/3938

If you have any more questions just let me know!