Lecture - 1

Virtual Instrumentation
Outline
❑REVIEW OF VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTATION

• Historical perspectives advantages

• Block diagram and architecture of a virtual instrument

• Bata flow techniques

• Graphical programming in data flow

• Comparison with conventional programming.

Introduction to Virtual Instrumentation
▪ There are several definitions of VI available in open literature.
▪ An instrument whose general function and capabilities are
determined in “software”.
▪ A VI is defined as an industry-standard computer equipped with:
✓ user-friendly application software
✓ cost-effective hardware
✓ driver software
Introduction to Virtual Instrumentation

▪ Instrumentation is the use of tools and devices to measure, control,

and monitor industrial processes.
▪ Simulated physical instruments are called virtual instruments (VIs).
▪ VI is a software based on user requirements defines general-
purpose measurement and control hardware functionality.
▪ With VI, engineers and scientists reduce development time, design
higher quality products, and lower their design costs.
Historical Perspective on Virtual Instrumentation
1 2 3

Early Days Advancements Modern Era

The concept emerged The 1990s saw significant Today, VI is widely adopted
in the 1970s with the advancements in software across various industries,
rise of personal and hardware, leading to fueled by technological
computers. more powerful and user- advancements and a growing

friendly VI. demand for flexibility and

customization.
▪ Early VI were often limited by hardware constraints
and the lack of standardized software platforms.
Introduction to Virtual Instrumentation
VI is the use of customizable software and modular measurement hardware to create
user defined measurement and control system.
Software is used to replace a large amount of hardware, which reduces the
complexity and expensiveness of the instruments.
Introduction to Virtual Instrumentation

Figure 1.10 Virtual instrumentation

combines productive software,
modular I/O and scalable platforms.
Introduction to VI architecture
VI is composed of the following blocks:
✓ Sensor module
✓ Processing module
✓ Output
Introduction to VI architecture
Sensor module:
▪ It perform signal conditioning
▪ The digital can be displayed, processed, compared, store in a database
or converted back to analog form for further process control.
▪ A sensor module primarily consist of three main parts:
✓ Input – real world data. According to the type of connection,
sensor interface divided into wired and wireless interface.
✓ Signal conditioning
✓ A/D converter
Introduction to VI architecture
Signal conditioning :
▪ It is a technique used to convert immeasurable signal into useful.
▪ example:
✓ some sensor give signal in micro volts which needs to be
amplified in order to use in the ckt.
▪ If the signal has high amplitude then it needs to be attenuated in
order to use it.
Introduction to VI block diagram
Graphical System Design (GSD) Model
▪ In Graphical System Design model, the focus is to accelerate the research and
development cycle, delivering mathematical models to embedded real time
computers faster and easier.
▪ This design flow acceleration is achieved by using NI LABVIEW software and
its G programming language as a common system level design tool for all the
different phases in the design -to-deployment flow.
▪ In reality the virtual instrumentation model is applied in each of the three
phases of the graphical system design model as shown in Fig. because data
acquisition, analysis and presentation functions are used in the design,
prototyping and deployment phases.
Introduction to Virtual Instrumentation
Introduction to Virtual Instrumentation
Graphical System Design (GSD) Model
Introduction to Virtual Instrumentation
Graphical System Design (GSD) Model
Introduction to Virtual Instrumentation
Graphical System Design (GSD) Model
Introduction to Virtual Instrumentation
Introduction to Virtual Instrumentation
VI system main components that are:
✓ Flexible software
✓ Modular data acquisition hardware
✓ Computing platform like PC
Data Acquisition (DAQ)
It is the process of measuring an electric or physical phenomenon
Such as voltage, current, temperature, pressure, or sound with the
help of computer.
A DAQ system consists of sensors, DAQ measurement hardware and
Computer with programmable software.
Advantages of Virtual Instrumentation
VI offers numerous advantages over traditional instruments, including increased
flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and enhanced user experience.
Every virtual instrument consists of two parts: software and hardware.

1 Flexibility & Customization 2 Cost-Effectiveness

Virtual instruments can be easily They often offer a lower total cost of
customized and adapted to specific ownership compared to dedicated
measurement requirements. hardware instruments.

3 Improved User Experience 4 Scalability & Integration

Intuitive graphical user Virtual instruments can be scaled
interfaces enhance usability and to meet evolving needs and easily
data visualization. integrated with other systems.
Architecture of a Virtual Instrument

Traditional instruments software based virtual instruments

Block Diagram and Architecture of a Virtual Instrument
The architecture of a VI typically comprises several key components.

Input Modules Processing Modules

Responsible for acquiring data from Perform calculations, transformations,

sensors, instruments, or other sources. filtering, and other operations on the

acquired data.

Output Modules User Interface

Present processed data in various Provides a user-friendly interface

formats, such as graphs, charts, or for interacting with the instrument

control signals. and interpreting results.

Data Flow Techniques in Virtual Instrumentation
Data flow techniques play a crucial role in VI, defining how data is acquired, processed,
and outputted.
Various approaches, including DMA and interrupt-driven data acquisition, are
employed to optimize data transfer and processing.

Data Acquisition Data Conditioning Data Processing Data Output

The acquired data The conditioned Processed data is
Data is acquired
is cleaned and data is analyzed, displayed, stored, or
from sensors or
prepared for manipulated, and used for further
other sources.
processing. transformed. analysis or control.
DESIGN FLOW WITH GRAPHICAL SYSTEM DESIGN

▪ VI development is influenced by the evolution of small, inexpensive

personal computers, advancements in computer hardware and
software, and the use of Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs).
▪ Key factors include low-cost computer systems, good GUI evolution,
bus standards, and stable networking platforms.
▪ As processors improve, standardization and hardware progress
increase, and interfacing standards reduce development effort, VI has
become the dominant tool for instrumentation applications.
DESIGN FLOW WITH GRAPHICAL SYSTEM DESIGN

Figure: Typical embedded system software and hardware design flow.

HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE IN VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTATION

Role of Hardware in Virtual Instrumentation

▪ Input/output plays a critical role in virtual instrumentation.
▪ To accelerate test, control and design, I/O hardware must be
rapidly adaptable to new concepts and products.
▪ Virtual instrumentation delivers this capability in the form of
modularity within scalable hardware platforms.
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE IN VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTATION

Role of Hardware in Virtual Instrumentation

▪ Virtual instrumentation is software-based; if we can digitize it, we
can measure it. Standard hardware platforms that house the I/O are
important to I/O modularity.
▪ Laptops and desktop computers provide an excellent platform
where virtual instrumentation can make the most of existing
standards such as the USB, PCI, Ethernet, and PCMCIA buses.
HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE IN VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTATION
virtual instrumentation for test, control and design

Virtual Instrumentation for Test: in electronics markets, for example,

disparate function integration is required in a small space and at a low cost.
All of these conditions drive new validation, verification and manufacturing
test needs.
Virtual Instrumentation for Industrial I/O and Control: PCs bring greater
software flexibility and capability, while PLCs deliver outstanding
ruggedness and reliability.
Virtual Instrumentation for Design: there is no good interface between the
design phase and testing/ validation phase.
User-defined instruments and customizable hardware for test systems.
virtual instrumentation for test, control and design

Figure: Simulation test plays a critical role in the design and manufacture.
virtual instrumentation in the engineering process

VI provide significant advantages in every stage of the engineering

process from research and design to manufacturing test.
Research and Development
▪ In research and design, engineers and scientists demand rapid
development and prototyping capabilities.
▪ With VI, we can quickly develop a program, take measurements from
an instrument to test a prototype and analyze results.
virtual instrumentation in the engineering process

Development Test and Validation:

▪ With the flexibility and power of VI, one can easily build complex
test procedures.
▪ For automated design verification testing, one can create test
routines in VI software and integrate software such as National
Instruments Test Stand, which offers powerful test management
capabilities
virtual instrumentation in the engineering process

Manufacturing Test:
▪ Decreasing test time and simplifying development of test
procedures are primary goals in manufacturing test.
▪ Virtual instruments combined with powerful test
management software deliver high performance.
Layers of virtual instrumentation software
Graphical Programming in Data Flow
Graphical programming languages, such as LabVIEW, provide a visual approach to creating
virtual instruments by connecting functional blocks representing different operations. This
approach simplifies the development process and enables faster prototyping.

Visual Programming Data Flow Paradigm Rapid Prototyping

Users can drag and drop Graphical programming
Data flow diagrams visually
graphical blocks allows for quick
represent the flow of data
representing different iteration and testing,
through the virtual instrument,
operations, eliminating the accelerating the
making it easier to understand
need for complex code development cycle.
the processing logic.
writing.
Comparison of VI with Conventional Programming
VI offers a distinct approach to programming compared to traditional text-based
methods. While both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses, virtual
instrumentation excels in its visual nature and intuitive user interface.

Feature Virtual Instrumentation Conventional Programming

Programming Style Graphical, visual blocks Text-based, code lines
Development Speed Rapid prototyping, visual flow More time-consuming,
complex syntax
User Interface Intuitive, visual interface Requires more coding for UI
development
Data Flow Visual representation of data flow Code-based logic, less visual
Traditional Vs Virtual Instrument
Traditional Vs Virtual Instrument
Comparison of VI with Conventional Programming

Virtual Instrumentation Conventional Programming

User defined measurement system Pre-defined Hardware component
Versatile functionality using Limited functionality due to
customizable software hardcoded function
Complex hardware functionality Complex and expensive software
implemented on software
Recalibration is not required Recalibration is required
Compact and portable Bulky and stimulus specific
Comparison of text-based and graphical programming
Challenges and Limitations of VI

1 Hardware Compatibility 2 Software Complexity

Ensuring compatibility between Developing and maintaining complex
virtual instruments and various virtual instruments requires specialized
hardware devices can be complex. programming skills and knowledge.

3 Performance Bottlenecks 4 Security Concerns

High-speed data acquisition and Virtual instruments connected to
processing can pose performance networks require robust security
challenges for virtual measures to protect data and systems.
instruments.
Application of VI

Automotive: Testing and diagnostics of vehicle systems.

Aerospace: Flight testing and control systems development.
Manufacturing: Process automation, quality control, and data logging.
Healthcare: Medical device testing, patient monitoring, and data analysis.
Research: Its adaptability and versatility make it a valuable tool for a
wide range of measurement and control tasks.
Application of VI
Design:
✓ Signal and image processing
✓ simulation and prototyping
✓ Embedded system programming (PC, DSP, FPGA, Microcontroller)
Control:
✓ Embedded system programming
✓ Automatic control and dynamic system
✓ Mechatronics and robotics
Measurement:
✓ CKT, and Electronics
✓ Measurement and Instrumentation
Future Trends and Developments in VI

AI-Powered Instruments IoT Integration

Cloud-Based Instrumentation
AI will be integrated into VI will seamlessly
VI will increasingly
VI, enabling automated integrate with the IoTs,
leverage cloud computing
data analysis, predictive enabling real-time
for enhanced scalability,
modeling, and intelligent monitoring and control of
collaboration, and remote
decision-making. interconnected devices.
access.
Future Trends and Developments in VI

▪ VI will become even more powerful, intelligent, and

interconnected, opening up new possibilities for:
✓ automation
✓ data analysis
✓ decision-making.
Advantages Virtual Instrument
Disadvantages Virtual Instrument
Questions
1. What is graphical system design? With a neat block diagram explain its functionalities.

2. Draw and explain the virtual instrumentation model and graphical system design model.

3. Draw a block diagram of a typical embedded system software and hardware design flow

and compare with stream-lined development flow with graphical system design.

4. Explain with a block diagram the general basic components of high level instruments.

5. What is virtual instrumentation?

6. Draw and explain the basic difference between the traditional instruments and software-

based virtual instruments.

Questions
7. Draw and explain the layers of virtual instrumentation software and the software role.

8. Explain with a block diagram how simulation test plays a critical role in the design and

manufacture of a product.

9. Compare text-based programming and graphical programming.

Problems
1. Add, multiply, subtract and divide two numeric inputs.
Hint: The front panel has controls A and B and four indicators. the block diagram has the respective

terminals and functions.

2. Find whether the given number is odd or even

3. Add and multiply more than two numeric inputs.

Hint: The front panel has three numeric inputs while the block diagram contains compound

arithmetic functions.

4. Divide two numbers and find the remainder and quotient.

Hint: Using the function Quotient and Remainder.