LabVIEW 2014 Released

National Instruments (NI) kicked off its annual NIWeek conference this week by announcing the 2014 version of its LabVIEW system design software. Calling LabVIEW the heart of the NI platform for test, measurement, control and embedded systems, the company says that its 2014 release provides upgrades that help users acquire, analyze and visualize data sets that will help them make informed decisions fast. LabVIEW 2014, says NI, standardizes how engineers and scientists interact with hardware by enabling the reuse of code and engineering processes across systems that are scalable for future applications, saving time and money as technology advances, requirements evolve and time-to-market pressure increase.

LabVIEW 2014 software adds new capabilities to acquire, analyze and visualize data from anywhere at any time. Image courtesy of National Instruments.

LabVIEW 2014 includes three key new capabilities to enhance decision making.  First, there is  DataFinder Federation technology. This new technology enables users to search data on a local drive, network or globally. Second, new built-in algorithms offer a richer deployment of analysis including .m files to NI Linux Real-Time and vision functions to FPGAs (field-programmable gate arrays). Finally, a new Data Dashboard for LabVIEW lets users create secure mobile interfaces to visualize acquired data and make informed decisions on the go without the expertise of a mobile developer.

The latest version of LabVIEW also includes 13 user-driven features to optimize coding productivity, expanded online training for LabVIEW RIO applications included with active software service and new tools from the LabVIEW Tools Network, such as the LabSocket System. Developed by Bergmans Mechatronics LLC, the LabSocket System provides remote access to LabVIEW applications from desktop or mobile web browsers, without the need for browser plug-ins or a client-side run-time engine.

A new embedded user interface (UI) capability in NI Linux Real-Time enables you to incorporate an embedded UI directly into applications running on NI cRIO-903x and NI cDAQ-903x series controllers. Image courtesy of National Instruments.

“Using LabVIEW and CompactRIO hardware from NI enabled one of the largest municipal distribution utilities in North America to implement decentralized and distributed solutions at lower deployment costs with reduced risk and time to market. This solution allows the customer to acquire, analyze and visualize data to prioritize projects that improve grid stability and optimize growth management,” said Bob Leigh, president and CEO of LocalGrid Technologies, in a testimonial provided by NI.

The LabVIEW 2014 FPGA Module now supports additional tunnel modes within the context of the FPGA IP Builder. Image courtesy of National Instruments.

LabVIEW 2014 also simplifies purchasing through the LabVIEW Suites, which offer add-ons and complementary software specific to automated test, embedded control and monitoring, and hardware-in-the-loop and real-time test. In addition, LabVIEW 2014 provides access to acquisition hardware such as the rugged and flexible 4-slot CompactDAQ system and CompactRIO system, software-designed instruments such as the PXI Express 8-channel high-resolution oscilloscope and the software-based VirtualBench all-in-one instrument.

The LabSocket System lets engineers create and synchronize a web page with a LabVIEW VI (virtual instrument) front panel. Image courtesy of Bergmans Mechatronics LLC and National Instruments.

The 2014 versions of the LabVIEW 2014 FPGA module and LabVIEW Real-Time modules also offer a number of enhanced features. In the LabVIEW 2014 FPGA module, the FPGA IP Builder includes new programming elements for creating portable algorithms as well as new features like Deferred Size Check for Arrays. The LabVIEW Real-Time module now lets you implement a local human-to-machine interface (HMI), eliminating the need for a stand-alone HMI.

Go here for complete details on the LabVIEW suite of system design software.

Learn more about what’s new in LabVIEW 2014 here.

Learn more about LabVIEW FPGA 2014 enhancements.

Learn more about NI LabVIEW 2014 Real-Time Module enhancements.

Download a fully functional trial version of LabVIEW.

See why DE’s Editors selected LabVIEW 2014 as their Pick of the Week.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.