National Instruments has introduced the new LabVIEW NI SoftMotion Module, which simplifies the development of single- and multi-axis motion applications, and new NI C Series modules, which reportedly expand the connectivity of the NI CompactRIO programmable automation controller (PAC) platform to servo and stepper drives from NI and third-party vendors.
The company claimed that these two additions to the NI family of motion products combine the I/O capabilities of NI LabVIEW graphical programming with the customisation and synchronisation features of field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based CompactRIO hardware to deliver a platform for developing motion applications.
The module also features functions for designing custom motion applications including trajectory generation, spline interpolation, position and velocity control and encoder implementation. Because the module is an extension of LabVIEW, engineers and scientists can synchronise their motion applications with I/O and measurements in a single development environment, the company noted.
The company stated that the LabVIEW NI SoftMotion also integrates with CompactRIO to deliver a product for advanced motion control applications. Using the new C Series drive interface modules, engineers and scientists can use a CompactRIO feature that automates FPGA programming.
With direct connectivity to servo and stepper drives, the new C Series drive interface modules reportedly allow incorporating new or existing motors and drives into motion systems. The NI 9512 module connects to stepper drives and motors, while the NI 9514 and NI 9516 modules feature single- and dual-encoder feedback, respectively, and interface with servo drives and motors.
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