Hardware suggestion for autonomous Quadcopter swarm modeling using NI system

[AbdullahIrfan]

I am new to this field and want to generate/build models for autonomous quadcopter.
I don't have the hardware at the moment but I have shortlisted some(apart from this I am expecting to use this hardware in the future):

1. PXIe-8840 Quad-Core (for real time computing) 

2. cRIO-9064 (to design controller)

Now I have concerns that whether I should use cRio or sbRio? (If you think I use sbRio then which model will be suitable?)
Also I was told that I should use PXI-7851 (multi function Rio) for hardware in the loop testing. Do I really need it? 
In quadcopter IMU is used to determine its position and acceleration. Any IMU is available that can be interfaced with controller? (I couldn't find any with complete guide though I did find DS.A.3, idk for sure that I should use it or not)

cRio or sbRio can be connected directly to raspberry pi? (Raspberry pi will be used to get GPS coordinates, video stream and GSM connectivity)

[MichaelDB]

Hi Abdullahlrfan,

It sounds like you have a number of considerations that will determine what hardware is best for you.  In general, we're not able to make suggestions for hardware without understanding the types of signals you'll be interacting with, as well as the kind of data processing you'll be doing, and a few other details, like acquisition rate.  There are a lot of variables to consider.

However, it does sound like you're combining several products in a way that would not be typical.  You mentioned a PXIe-8840, which is a PXI controller, meant for use in a PXI chassis like this: https://www.ni.com/en-us/support/model.pxie-1082.html

You also mentioned a cRIO 9064, which is a Compact RIO chassis that includes it's own embedded real-time OS, as well as an FPGA, and room for multiple C series data acquisition, I/O, or interface modules.  A cRIO and sbRIO are similar, except for the sbRIO lacking the connectors for modules.  Instead, an sbRIO has what is called a mezzanine connector that allows access to the FPGA digital I/O lines.

This conversation may be more complex than can be handled through our forums.  We do have sales engineers who can help narrow down the appropriate hardware based on your requirements.  You can find contact information for your area here: https://www.ni.com/en/contact-us.html