National Instruments – Page 2 – Apex Waves

March 20, 2024March 21, 2024

Precision Measurement with InstrumentStudio™: Superior PXI Modular Instrument Control and Analysis

Person in lab using InstrumentStudio™, PXI Modular Instruments

InstrumentStudio™ represents the ultimate solution for engineers and researchers alike in a world where accuracy and efficiency are essential. Offering a comprehensive suite of tools for instrument configuration, data visualization, and analysis, InstrumentStudio™ is an innovative method of interacting with PXI modular instruments. In this article, we will dive deeper into the unique features of this innovative software and how it can benefit you.

March 1, 2024March 27, 2024

Setting Up a PXI Controller for LabVIEW Real Time

Closeup of technician inserting an NI module into a chassis

LabVIEW Real-Time is an incredibly useful software add-on designed for LabVIEW applications. When paired with the modular PXI platform, it results in a robust platform capable of executing complex data acquisition, signal processing, and control algorithms. No matter what your level of expertise is, this post serves as a simple guide to setting up your PXI controller with LabVIEW RT- so you can jump right in!

February 16, 2024March 27, 2024

NI Hardware Approaching Obsolescence in 2024

There’s one specific part you need to replace an unexpected failure in your legacy test system, but that part is obsolete. It is no longer available for purchase, support, or calibration services from the manufacturer. Now what? This is a problem encountered by engineers and technicians across the globe- without a plan in place, they can be caught off guard needing unforeseen repairs or replacements. Apex Waves fills in this gap! In this post we will take a brief look at the NI Product Lifecycle, what it means for you, and which soon-to-be-obsolete parts will remain available through Apex Waves.

January 26, 2024February 22, 2024

Utilizing the Measurement Features of the PXI-4070

PXI Digital Multimeters (DMMs) are versatile instruments that offer highly precise measurements for a variety of applications. From diode testing to voltage measurements, these modular devices utilize the same synchronization features and high-speed data capabilities as the PXI platform at large, making them an excellent choice for even the most challenging tasks. This post focuses on the specifications and features of the PXI-4070 from NI, a 6.5 Digit FlexDMM that boasts high speeds, accurate precision, and flexible functionality.

November 10, 2023

A Success Story in Energy-Efficient Safety Systems Using NI Hardware

Closeup of white garbage truck collecting trash cans

In a world increasingly focused on sustainable solutions, a triumph in the realm of test and measurement applications emerged from Taiwan a few years ago. The mission was clear: develop an energy-efficient safety system for special vehicles, specifically targeting the transformation of traditional garbage trucks. The key to success? The innovative combination of the NI sbRIO-9636 module and NI LabVIEW system design software.

October 27, 2023October 27, 2023

Innovating Software-Defined Radar With NI USRP and LabVIEW

Buildings on the campus of the University of Calabria in Italy

Engineers and researchers are constantly seeking ways to develop radar solutions that are not only efficient, but also highly flexible and cost-effective. One possible solution to this challenge was the development of a low-cost software-defined radar system, which offered the ability to adapt and reconfigure its main parameters on the fly. In this post, we will explore a case study that exemplifies this achievement, showcasing how technology and software can revolutionize radar applications.

October 17, 2023October 17, 2023

Revolutionizing Train Testing with NI Products

R188 7811-7821 testing on the Dyre Avenue Line at Gun Hill Road

Rail transportation requires rigorous serial testing to ensure the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the trains that keep so many vital industries around the globe running- but how can these high standards be met in the most efficient way? In this blog post, we will discuss a case study of how the French manufacturing company Alstom utilized NI products and software to answer that very question.

October 10, 2023October 10, 2023

Using FlexRIO and LabVIEW to Ensure the Safety of Nuclear Waste Containers

Huge cooling towers in nuclear power plant at sunset

Imagine being tasked with ensuring the safety of highly radioactive nuclear waste containers not for decades or centuries, but for a staggering 10,000 years. Together with the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority, Finland-based company ProtoRhino faced this problem head on. Their ultimate goal? To determine if copper containers can withstand the test of time and to secure the safety of hazardous materials for millennia.

October 5, 2023October 6, 2023

Calculating Strain from Load with NI CompactDAQ Test Equipment

Orange robotic arms in an automotive manufacturing plant

Strain is a critical parameter in various test and measurement applications, offering insights into how materials and structures deform under the influence of applied loads. In this blog post, we will explore how to calculate strain from load using NI CompactDAQ test equipment, and dive into the significance of these calculations across different fields.

September 28, 2023September 28, 2023

What is the PXI Specification Standard?

To meet the precision and reliability demands of test and measurement, the PXI Systems Alliance (PXISA) created the PXI specification standards. These technical requirements, maintained by the PXI Systems Alliance (PXISA), define the mechanical, electrical, and functional characteristics of PXI systems and modules. In this post, we’ll explore these specification standards and examine their significance in the realm of test and measurement.