LabVIEW based Advanced Instrumentation Systems

747 Pages·2007·22.38 MB·English

LabVIEW based Advanced Instrumentation Systems
S. Sumathi and P. Surekha
LabVIEW based Advanced
Instrumentation Systems
With 488 Figures and 34 Tables
123
Dr. S. Sumathi
Assistant Professor
Department of Electrical
and Ele ct ronics Engineering
PSG College of Technology
Coimbatore 641 004
Tamil N adu, India
E-mai l: s s_ee [email protected]
Prof. Surekha. P
Programmer Analyst
Cognizant Technology Solutions
5/535 , old Ma hab alipuram Road
Okkiyam Thoraipakkam
Chennai - 600 096
E-mail: [email protected]
LibraryofCongressControlNumber:2006936972
ISBN-103-540-48500-7SpringerBerlinHeidelbergNewYork
ISBN-13978-3-540-48500-1 S pringerBerlinHeidelbergNewYork
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Preface
Informationisavaluableresourcetoanorganization.User-friendly,computer-
controlled instrumentation and data analysis techniques are revolutionizing
the way measurements are being made, allowing nearly instantaneous comp-
arison between theoretical predictions, simulations, and actual experimental
results.Thisbookprovidescomprehensivecoverageoffundamentalsofadvan-
ced instrumentation systems based on LabVIEW concepts. This book is for
those who wish a better understanding of virtual instrumentation concepts,
its purpose, its nature, and the applications developed using the National
Instrument’s LabVIEW software.
The evolution and pervasiveness of PCs as cost-effective computing plat-
forms, recently joined by workstations with more powerful software tools,
has resulted in a virtual explosion in data acquisition, signal processing
and control systems from laboratory to industry including field applications.
An ever-increasing array of industry-standard design and simulation tools
provides the opportunity to fully integrate the use of computers directly in
the laboratory. Advanced techniques in instrumentation and control such as
Distributed Automation and SCADA are dealt in this book.
The current trends in instrumentation like Fiber optic instrumentation,
LASER instrumentation, Smart Transmitters, and CASE have made virtual
instrumentation to support high availability, and increase in popularity.
This text discusses a number of new technologies and challenges of virt-
ual instrumentation systems in terms of applications in the areas including
control systems, power systems, networking, robotics, communication, and
artificial intelligence.
About the Book
ThebookismeantforwiderangeofreadersfromCollege,UniversityStudents
wishing to learn basic as well as advanced concepts in virtual instrumenta-
tion system. It can also be meant for the programmers who may be involved
VI Preface
in the programming based on the LabVIEW and virtual instrumentation
applications.
VirtualInstrumentationSystem,atpresentisawelldevelopedfield,among
academicians as well as between program developers. The various approaches
to data transmission, the common interface buses and standards of instru-
mentation are given in detail.
The solutions to the problems in instrumentation are programmed using
LabVIEW and the results are given. An overview of LabVIEW with exam-
ples is provided for easy reference of the students and professionals. This
book also provides research projects, LabVIEW tools, and glossary of virtual
instrumentation terms in appendix.
ThebookalsopresentsApplicationCaseStudiesonawiderangeofconnec-
ted fields to facilitate the reader for better understanding. This book can be
usedfromUnderGraduationtoPost-GraduateLevel.Wehopethatthereader
will find this book a truly helpful guide and a valuable source of information
about the advanced instrumentation principles for their numerous practical
applications.
Salient Features
The salient features of this book includes:
– Detailed description on virtual instrumentation system concepts.
– Worked out examples using LabVIEW software.
– Application case studies based on LabVIEW in various fields like Instru-
mentationandControl,PowerSystems,Robotics,NetworkingandComm-
unication, and Artificial Intelligence.
– LabVIEW Tools, Research Projects, and Glossary.
Organization of the Book
The book starts with the introduction to virtual instrumentation and covers
in detail on the advanced virtual instrumentation concepts, techniques, and
applications.
– Chapter1 presents an introduction to virtual instrumentation concepts,
architecture of a virtual instrumentation system and the role of various
components in the architecture. It introduces the concept of distributed
virtualinstrumentationsystemsandconventionalvirtualinstrumentation
systems.Theadvantagesofvirtualinstrumentationisdiscussedandcom-
pared with the conventional virtual instrumentation systems.
– Chapter2 provides an overview of virtual instruments such as the front
panel and the block diagram in virtual instrumentation software, Lab-
VIEW. It discusses the menus used by the virtual instruments, ‘G’ Prog-
ramming concepts, Data flow model in the block diagram, and the data
typesanditsrepresentation.TheVIlibrariesandcreationofaSubVIare
also investigated here.
Preface VII
– Chapter3 describes the structures available in LabVIEW such as For
loop, While loop, Case structures and Sequence structure. This chapter
also addresses issues related to arrays, clusters and formula node. Besides
these aspects, data displaying elements on the front panel such as wave-
form charts, waveform graphs, XY graphs, and intensity plots are also
illustrated with suitable examples.
– Chapter4 deals with the components of a typical measurement system,
origin of signals and the various types of signal acquiring devices such
as sensors and transducers. The concepts of signal conditioning and the
SCXI, a signal conditioning and front end fore plug in DAQ boards are
also discussed. The output of the sensors are in analog form, hence to
process them analog to digital converters are used. Conversions back to
analog signals are accomplished using digital-to-analog converters.
– Chapter5 describes the operation and characteristic feature of serial
communication devices such as 4–20, 60mA current loops along with the
RS232Cstandard.TheIEEEstandardGPIBisalsodetailed inlaterpart
of this chapter. VISA, which is a high level API is capable of controlling
VXI, GPIB, or Serial instruments is also delineated.
– Chapter6 focusses on the most common and latest PC interface buses
such as USB, PCI, PXI, PCMCIA, VXI, and LXI. Modern computer
buses can use both parallel and bit-serial connections, and can be wired
in either a multidrop or daisy chain topology, or connected by switched
hubs.
– Chapter7 touches the aspects related with signal grounding and digi-
tal I/O techniques. The approach of data acquisition in LabVIEW is
elaborated with the DAQ components and the Hardware and Software
configuration.
– Chapter8 encompasses the operation and characteristic features of data
transmission such as pulse codes, analog and digital modulation, wireless
communication, RFanalyser,distributed automation, and SCADA.Data
transmission plays a very important role in all kind of digital equipments
as it is the responsibility of these devices to transmit the data without
being lost.
– Chapter9elaboratesonthecurrenttrendsininstrumentationsuchasfiber
optic and laser instrumentation. The various types of fiber optic sensors
including voltage, pressure, stress, temperature, and laser sensors includ-
ing velocity, distance, and length are also discussed. The later sections of
this chapter presents on the concepts of smart transmitter and CASE.
– Chapter10presentstherecentapproachesofLabVIEWinVirtualinstru-
mentation with application examples in the areas of instrumentation,
control systems, power systems, and robotics.
– Chapter11illustratestheapplicationexamplesbasedonLabVIEWinthe
areasofcommunication,networking,artificialintelligence,andbiomedical
instrumentation.
VIII Preface
About the Authors
S. Sumathi completed B.E. (Electronics and Communication Engineering),
M.E.(AppliedElectronics)atGovernmentCollegeofTechnology,Coimbatore,
Tamil Nadu, and Ph.D. in data mining. Currently, working as Assistant
Professor in the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, PSG
College of Technology, Coimbatore with teaching and research experience
of 16 years. She received the prestigious gold medal from the Institution of
Engineers Journal Computer Engineering Division for the research paper
titled, “Development of New Soft Computing Models for Data Mining” and
also best project award for UG Technical Report titled, “Self-Organized
Neural Network Schemes: As a Data mining tool”; Dr. R. Sundramoorthy
award for Outstanding Academic of PSG College of Technology in the year
2006.ShehasguidedaprojectwhichreceivedBestM.TechThesisawardfrom
Indian Society for Technical Education, New Delhi. In appreciation of pub-
lishing various technical articles she has received National and International
Journal Publication Awards. She has prepared manuals for Electronics and
InstrumentationLabandElectricalandElectronicsLabofEEEDepartment,
PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore and also organized second National
Conference on Intelligent and Efficient Electrical Systems in the year 2005
and conducted Short-Term Courses on “Neuro Fuzzy System Principles and
Data Mining Applications.” She has published several research articles in
National and International Journals/Conferences and guided many UG and
PG projects. She has also published three books on, “Introduction to Neural
Networks with MATLAB,” “Introduction to Fuzzy Systems with MATLAB”
and“IntroductiontoDatamininganditsApplications.”Shereviewedpapers
in National/International Journals and Conferences. The Research interests
include Neural Networks, Fuzzy Systems and Genetic Algorithms, Pattern
Recognition and Classification, Data Warehousing and Data Mining, Opera-
ting systems and Parallel Computing, etc.
Surekha P. completed her B.E. Degree in Electrical and Electronics
Engineering in PARK College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore,
Tamil Nadu, and Masters Degree in Control Systems at PSG College of
Technology, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. She was a Rank Holder in both B.E.
and M.E. programmes. She has received Alumni Award for best performance
in curricular and cocurricular activities during her Masters Degree prog-
ramme. She has presented papers in National Conferences and Journals.
She is currently working as a programmer analyst in Cognizant Technology
Solutions, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Her research areas include robotics, virtual
instrumentation, neural network, fuzzy logic theory and genetic algorithm.
Acknowledgement
TheauthorsarealwaysthankfultotheAlmightyforperseveranceandachieve-
ments. They wish to thank Mr. G. Rangaswamy, Managing Trustee, PSG
InstitutionsandDr.R.Rudramoorthy,Principal,PSGCollegeofTechnology,
Coimbatore, for their whole-hearted cooperation and great encouragement
given in this successful endeavour. They also appreciate and acknowledge
very much to Mr. K.K.N. Anburajan, Lab-in-Charges of EEE Department,
PSGCollegeofTechnology,Coimbatorewhohavebeenwiththeminalltheir
endeavourswiththeirexcellent,unforgettablehelp,andassistanceinthesuc-
cessful execution of the work. Sumathi owes much to her daughter, Priyanka,
who has helped and to the support rendered by her husband, brother, and
family. Surekha would like to thank her parents, brother, and husband who
shouldered a lot of extra responsibilities during the months this was being
written. They did this with the long-term vision, depth of character, and
positive outlook that are truly befitting of their name.
Contents
1 Introduction to Virtual Instrumentation ................... 1
1.1 Introduction ........................................... 1
1.2 History of Instrumentation Systems....................... 2
1.3 Evolution of Virtual Instrumentation ..................... 4
1.4 Premature Challenges................................... 5
1.5 Virtual Instrumentation................................. 5
1.5.1 Definition...................................... 6
1.5.2 Architecture of Virtual Instrumentation ........... 6
1.5.3 Presentation and Control ........................ 10
1.5.4 Functional Integration........................... 11
1.6 Programming Requirements ............................. 12
1.7 Drawbacks of Recent Approaches......................... 13
1.8 Conventional Virtual Instrumentation..................... 13
1.9 Distributed Virtual Instrumentation ...................... 14
1.10 Virtual Instruments Versus Traditional Instruments......... 17
1.11 Advantages of VI....................................... 18
1.11.1 Performance ................................... 18
1.11.2 Platform-Independent Nature .................... 19
1.11.3 Flexibility ..................................... 19
1.11.4 Lower Cost .................................... 19
1.11.5 Plug-In and Networked Hardware ................. 19
1.11.6 The Costs of a Measurement Application .......... 20
1.11.7 Reducing System Specification Time Cost.......... 20
1.11.8 Lowering the Cost of Hardware and Software ....... 20
1.11.9 Minimising Set-Up and Configuration Time Costs... 20
1.11.10 Decreasing Application Software Development
Time Costs .................................... 21
1.12 Evolution of LabVIEW.................................. 21
1.13 Creating Virtual Instruments Using LabVIEW ............. 22
1.13.1 Connectivity and Instrument Control.............. 23
1.13.2 Open Environment.............................. 24
XII Contents
1.13.3 Reduces Cost and Preserves Investment............ 24
1.13.4 Multiple Platforms.............................. 24
1.13.5 Distributed Development ........................ 25
1.13.6 Analysis Capabilities ............................ 25
1.13.7 Visualization Capabilities ........................ 25
1.13.8 Flexibility and Scalability........................ 26
1.14 Advantages of LabVIEW ................................ 26
1.14.1 Easy to Learn .................................. 26
1.14.2 Easy to Use .................................... 26
1.14.3 Complete Functionality.......................... 27
1.14.4 Modular Development ........................... 27
1.15 Virtual Instrumentation in the Engineering Process......... 27
1.15.1 Research and Design ............................ 28
1.15.2 Development Test and Validation ................. 28
1.15.3 Manufacturing Test ............................. 28
1.15.4 Manufacturing Design ........................... 29
1.16 Virtual Instruments Beyond the Personal Computer ........ 29
2 Programming Techniques.................................. 33
2.1 Introduction ........................................... 33
2.2 Virtual Instruments..................................... 34
2.2.1 Front Panel .................................... 34
2.2.2 Block Diagram ................................. 39
2.3 LabVIEW Environment ................................. 42
2.3.1 Startup Menu .................................. 44
2.3.2 Shortcut Menu ................................. 44
2.3.3 Pull-Down Menu................................ 45
2.3.4 Pop-Up Menu .................................. 50
2.3.5 Palletes........................................ 56
2.4 Dataflow Programming.................................. 61
2.5 ‘G’ Programming....................................... 62
2.5.1 Data Types and Conversion ...................... 63
2.5.2 Representation and Precision..................... 64
2.5.3 Creating and Saving VIs......................... 66
2.5.4 Wiring, Editing, and Debugging .................. 68
2.5.5 Creating SubVIs................................ 73
2.5.6 VI Libraries.................................... 77
3 Programming Concepts of VI.............................. 81
3.1 Introduction ........................................... 81
3.2 Control Structures...................................... 82
3.2.1 The For Loop .................................. 82
3.2.2 The While Loop ................................ 88
3.2.3 Shift Registers.................................. 95
3.2.4 Feedback Nodes ................................ 98