Can a reconfigurable CRIO chassis operate independently (no host PC or RT application)?

[cyohpe]

There are several NI documents that seem to imply that the use of a host application (either on a PC or an RT controller) is optional when designing a CRIO system.  Is it possible to use a FPGA chassis and CRIO cards independent of a host application?  The idea would be to hook up a host PC for temporary purposes (programming the FPGA and troubleshooting), then disconnect the PC from the CRIO chassis and let it continue to control an industrial device.  I realize that there are significant limitations in the FPGA subset of LV. 

Regards,

Chris

[Stephan_A]

Chris,

in case your control algorithm can be programmed solely into the FPGA in the cRIO chassis, you're right. You would not need to create a RT and/or Host application to run the application.
It would run just based on the FPGA code. You can also store the FPGA code in non-volatile flash memory on the cRIO, so that it starts running as soon as you power up the device.
You would still need a cRIO controller and the cRIO backplane, but you could use the new cRIO 9052 Starfabric Controller instead of a cRIO RT controller to program the FPGA:

http://digital.ni.com/manuals.nsf/websearch/8CFCAB3807F142E6862570910050563E

Does this answer your question?

Regards

Stephan A.

National Instruments

[cyohpe]

Stephan:

Thanks for your prompt reply.  I need a couple of further bits of wisdom.  First, does the 9052 controller need to remain connected to the FPGA?  If it can be removed and reconnected, can this be done "hot" (power on and FPGA app running)?  Finally, what software items are required over and above the Professional Development Suite?

Regards,

Chris

[Stephan_A]

Unfortunatly no, the 9052 can't be disconnected while it is running from the controller and therefor can't be reconnected via HotPlug.
The backplane is not able to run without a controller of any available type.

Regarding the SW, you need LV FPGA Module on top of LV and the NI RIO driver SW. This is all if you don't want to run RT.

Regards

Stephan A.

NI

[Jenifer]

Chris,

My name is Jenifer Loy and I work in the Product Strategy group at National Instruments. We focus on determining what our customers' challenges are and how we might address them with future products and services. Specifically, I am responsible for our LabVIEW Real-Time and LabVIEW FPGA product lines.

I am interested in learning more about your target application. Please contact me directly at your convenience.

     Email:  jenifer.loy@ni.com               Work:  512-683-6970

I look forward to speaking with you.

Jenifer Loy