LabVIEW Basics
LabVIEW is a graphical programming language, and it has powerful features for simulation, control and DAQ applicarions.
LabVIEW Basics is a set of Video Tutorials explaining the basic functionality in LabVIEW.
After each Video you will also find small Exercises that you should to in order to practice on the topics explained in the Videos.
1. Installing LabVIEW
Installing LabVIEW is straightforward. But just to be sure, take a look at the Video below before you start downloading and installing LabVIEW. See also the main LabVIEW page.
2. Getting Started with LabVIEW
LabVIEW programs are called Virtual Instruments, or VIs, because their
appearance and operation imitate physical instruments, such as
oscilloscopes and multimeters.
In LabVIEW we have 2 different windows; the Front Panel and the Block Diagram. We will introduce the "G" programming Language,
LabVIEW IDE, Data Flow Programming, LabVIEW Programming vs. Text-based
Programming, Front Panel, Block Diagram, and Wiring in LabVIEW.
This Video gives a short overview of LabVIEW, before you dig into more details in other videos below:
Self-paced Course Manual with Exercises
Introduction to LabVIEW (written Tutorial)
Video Solutions to Exercises above
Solutions (LabVIEW Code) to most of the Exercises above
The Videos below explains each topics (While Loops, Plotting, SubVIs, Formula Nodes, etc.) in the Course Manual in more depth.
3. While Loops
Loops allow you to repeatedly execute a specific portion of code. The different Loops and Structures available are located in the Structures sub palette in the Functions palette on the Block Diagram. The most important loops are For Loops and While Loop.
4. Plotting
LabVIEW has powerful features for plotting your data. You can graphically visualize data in LabVIEW using
two basic methods: a waveform chart and waveform graph. This module introduces a
waveform graph and a waveform chart and explains when you should use
them.
5. SubVIs
SubVIs are VIs within your VI. They increase readability and reusability. SubVIs are like functions or methods used in other programming languages.
6. Case Structures
Case structures are some of the features you probably use most in LabVIEW. It is similar to using "If .. Else .." in text based programming languages.
7. Formula Node
LabVIEW is a graphical programming language, but sometimes it is more convenient to use text-based syntax. We will learn how to do this within the LabVIEW environment using the Formula Node. LaBVIEW also includes also MathScript Node and MATLAB Node. In the Formula Node we use ordinary C syntax, while in the MathScript Node and MATLAB we use MATLAB syntax.
8. Arrays
Typically, when dealing with data logging, etc, you need to deal with arrays. LabVIEW has lots of built in functions for manipulating data within arrays.
9. Clusters
Clusters grouped data elements of mixed types, and handy to use when you want to structure your data into a manageable package. It's similar to struct or record (or a "miniature" class) used in other programming languages.
10. Property Nodes
Property Nodes, Invoke Nodes and References are powerful features in
LabVIEW. Lets start with Property Nodes.
PowerPoint
11. Project Explorer
The Project Explorer lets you structure all your files that your LabVIEW Application consists of, similar to, e.g., Solution Explorer in Visual Studio. You also need to use the project Explorer if you need to create executable files, or create more advanced applications like Real-Time Applications, etc.
12. Debugging
Debugging is the process of locating and fixing or bugs (errors) in your computer program code, in this case your LabVIEW program. LabVIEW has powerful features for Debugging your Code, such as: Broken Run Arrow, Highlight Execution, Probes and Breakpoints.
13. LabVIEW Programming using State Machine
Typically engineers often create simple LabVIEW VIs that eventually grow out of control, because they don't have the proper structure and best practices. The solution to this problem is organizing your code and data in a way that enables modularity, readability, and reuse. Using a state machine approach is a good way to make it right from the early beginning.
The state machine is one of the fundamental architectures LabVIEW developers frequently use to build applications.
In LabVIEW software, you can create a basic state machine with a While loop, a Shift Register, a Case Structure, and some form of case selector.
14. DAQ
A DAQ System consists of 4 parts: (1) Physical input/output signals, (2) sensors DAQ device/hardware, (3) Driver software and (4) Your software application (LabVIEW). LabVIEW is well suited for creating DAQ applications and many hardware devices are supported.
Introduction to DAQ in LabVIEW
Go through Videos and Exercises below:
Hardware used in the Video: TC-01
Self-paced Course Manual with Exercises
Introduction to USB-6008 in LabVIEW
Go through Videos and Exercises below:
Hardware used in the Video: USB-6008
Self-paced Course Manual with Exercises
Want to buy your own DAQ device? I recommend myDAQ. myDAQ is a LabVIEW/Visual Studio (DAQmx) compatible DAQ Device, similiar to USB-6008. myDAQ is made for students, so myDAQ can be purchased at a student-friendly price from Studica. Or you could also consider USB-6008 or USB-6001 - buy it, e.g., from ebay.
You can also see all the LabVIEW Basics Videos on YouTube