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NI LabVIEW software, which originally launched on the Mac in 1986, has enjoyed a large Mac user base for more than 20 years. LabVIEW for Linux has also seen increased adoption since its release. LabVIEW 8.6 offers several new features for Mac and Linux users including native 3D graphs, support for LabVIEW MathScript and the LabVIEW Control Design and Simulation Module, and GPIB driver support for Intel-based Macs. These new features represent the continued development and dedication of National Instruments to both platforms.
Table of Contents
- LabVIEW MathScript Support
- LabVIEW Control Design and Simulation
- Native 3D Graphs
- GPIB Driver for Intel-Based Mac
LabVIEW MathScript Support
LabVIEW 8.6 provides full support for LabVIEW MathScript, which adds math-oriented, textual programming to LabVIEW. Along with graphical programming, you can use LabVIEW MathScript to define the custom software you develop using LabVIEW. Working with LabVIEW, you can choose a textual approach, a graphical approach, or a combination of the two. You can select the most effective syntax for technical computing, whether you are developing algorithms, exploring signal processing concepts, or analyzing results.
At the heart of LabVIEW MathScript is a high-level text-based programming language with syntax and functionality that abstracts the complexity of tasks related to signal processing, analysis, and math. LabVIEW MathScript includes more than 700 built-in functions for these tasks or you can create your own new user-defined functions.
LabVIEW MathScript is generally compatible with .m file script syntax, which is the syntax widely used by alternative technical computing software such as The MathWorks, Inc. MATLAB® software and others. Such compatibility means that you can work with many previously developed .m file scripts, such as those available in engineering textbooks or on Web sites, that distribute open-source .m file scripts.
Figure 1. LabVIEW 8.6 includes MathScript Node support for Mac and Linux OSs.
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LabVIEW Control Design and Simulation
The latest version of LabVIEW also features support for the LabVIEW Control Design and Simulation Module on Mac and Linux. You now can analyze open-loop model behavior, design closed-loop controllers, simulate both linear and nonlinear online and offline systems, and conduct physical implementations.
- Create models from first principles using transfer function, state-space, or zero-pole-gain representation.
- Interactively analyze open- and closed-loop behavior with time and frequency analysis tools, such as time step response or Bode plot.
- Use built-in tools for multiple input, multiple output (MIMO) and single input, single output (SISO) systems and take advantage of simulation capabilities to verify linear and nonlinear system dynamics.
- Convert your models developed in The MathWorks, Inc. Simulink® software to work with LabVIEW.
Figure 2. LabVIEW Control Design and Simulation Module 8.6 for Mac OS X
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LabVIEW Control Design and Simulation Module
Native 3D Graphs
In the past, Mac and Linux users had only 2D graphs for data display. This was because the only type of 3D graph was an ActiveX control, thus limiting its use to Windows. LabVIEW 8.6 now includes native 3D graphs that offer better graphics for Mac and Linux platforms. With native 3D graphs, you can achieve improved data visualization with improved execution as a result of native support.
Figure 3. Use 3D graphs to dynamically display data in LabVIEW 8.6.
GPIB Driver for Intel-Based Mac
LabVIEW and GPIB instruments already work with Linux and PowerPC Macs, but LabVIEW 8.6 offers compatibility with GPIB instruments on Intel-based Macs. With LabVIEW, you can access GPIB instruments from your Intel-based Macs using PCI, PCI Express, Ethernet, and Hi-Speed USB interfaces. NI, a leading supplier of GPIB (IEEE 488) interfaces, provides an unparalleled variety of GPIB products that can save you time and money throughout the life of your instrument control system – from development through production and maintenance.
- Take measurements faster with unparalleled hardware throughput and highly optimized driver software to increase your overall efficiency.
- Use highly reliable hardware and software that runs error-free for years.
- Quickly build applications with configuration, troubleshooting, and debugging tools; world-class technical support; and the broadest operating system coverage.
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MATLAB® and Simulink® are registered trademarks of The MathWorks, Inc. Linux® is the registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the U.S. and other countries. Other product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
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