Outline:
LabVIEW Basics I: Development course outline
Day 1
Problem Solving
This lesson introduces strategies to solve measurement and analysis needs using a software development method. Topics include:
- Identifying the steps in the software development method
- Defining a problem
- Designing an algorithm, flowchart, or state transition diagram
- Preparing for implementation, testing, and maintenance of applications
Navigating LabVIEW
This lesson introduces the LabVIEW environment. In this lesson, you will build a LabVIEW application that enables you to fully explore the environment and that acquires, analyzes and presents data. Topics include:
- The LabVIEW environment including windows, menus, and tools
- The LabVIEW front panel and block diagram
- Creating and using LabVIEW projects
- Understanding the dataflow programming model of LabVIEW
- Searching for Controls, VIs, and functions
Troubleshooting and Debugging VIs
This lesson teaches various debugging and error checking techniques in LabVIEW to identify problems with block diagram organization or with data passing between different points in the block diagram. Topics include:
- Using the LabVIEW help features include the Context Help, the LabVIEW Help and the Example Finder
- Correcting broken VIs
- Using common debugging techniques
- Addressing undefined or unexpected data
- Implementing error checking and error handling
Day 2
Implementing a VI
This lesson teaches how to implement code in LabVIEW to meet project requirements. Topics include:
- Designing a user interface (LabVIEW front panel)
- Choosing data types and displaying data as a plot
- Using structures like the While loops and For loops
- Adding software timing to your code
- Making decisions in your code using case structures and formula nodes
- Documenting your code
Relating Data
This lesson introduces data types that combine data into a single structure and when their use can optimize applications. Topics include:
- Creating and using array controls and indicators
- Implementing cluster controls and indicators
- Using type definitions to define custom controls for applications
Storing Measurement Data
This lesson introduces the different types of data formats available in LabVIEW and common File I/O operations. Topics include:
- An introduction to different file formats
- File I/O functions available in LabVIEW
- Implementing File I/O functions to read and write data to files
Developing Modular Applications
This lesson introduces modular programming in LabVIEW. In LabVIEW, when a VI is used within another VI, it is called a subVI. You will learn how to build the icon and connector pane of a VI so that it can be used as a subVI. Topics include:
- Basics of modular programming
- Creating an icon and connector pane
- Using a VI as a subVI
- Creating subVIs from an existing VI
Day 3
Acquiring Data
This lesson describes how to use plug-in data acquisition (DAQ) devices in LabVIEW. You will learn how to write a VI that communicates with DAQ devices. Topics include:
- Plug-in DAQ devices – typical hardware characteristics
- Data acquisition in LabVIEW – software architectures
- Simulating a DAQ device
- Performing analog input and output
- Counters
- Performing digital input and output
Instrument Control
This lesson describes how you can use LabVIEW to control and acquire data from external GPIB and serial port instruments. You learn how to use VISA, LabVIEW Plug & Play instrument drivers, and the Instrument I/O Assistant to perform instrument I/O. Topics include:
- GPIB communication and configuration
- Using the serial port and other interfaces to communicate with instruments
- Using the Instrument I/O Assistant
- VISA
- Using instrument driver VIs to communicate with an
instrument
Common Design Techniques and Patterns
This lesson introduces common LabVIEW architectures and design patterns that exist within LabVIEW. Topics include:
- Sequential programming
- State programming
- State machine architecture
- Parallelism
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