The LabVIEW Real-Time Module extends the LabVIEW graphical development environment to provide deterministic, hard real-time performance. It allows users to develop and debug applications for execution on various dedicated hardware targets.
The LabVIEW Real-Time Module is used for deterministic control of machinery and production systems where precise timing and reliability are critical. This capability supports reliable production lines, robotic systems, packaging machines, and CNC equipment across manufacturing environments.
The LabVIEW Real-Time Module enables deterministic monitoring and control of electrical systems without manual real-time kernel configuration. Engineers can execute protection logic, power quality analysis, and inverter control algorithms with precise timing and synchronized measurements. This capability supports renewable energy systems, smart grid applications, battery management testing, and substation automation.
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The diagram shows high-level data flow in the LabVIEW Real-Time Module, from I/O acquisition and timing-critical priority processes to the host VI handling visualization and GUI interaction.
LabVIEW and the Real-Time Module make creating and deploying real-time applications for test, control, and monitoring accessible to more engineers.
Timed loops provide precise control over loop rate, execution priority, and processor affinity. Engineers can assign different priorities to tasks such as control, logging, and communication—ensuring high-priority operations execute first while lower-priority processes run without disturbing time-critical code.
Seamless host-target deployment allows developers to write and debug code on a host PC and deploy it directly to a real-time target from the LabVIEW Project Explorer. This integrated workflow simplifies configuration, remote debugging, and application updates without requiring separate toolchains or manual deployment processes.
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From seamless hardware integration to the broader NI test ecosystem, LabVIEW Real-Time plays an essential role in the development of time-critical test applications.
HIL applications demand deterministic timing and real-time control. The LabVIEW+ Suite for HIL includes NI VeriStand, LabVIEW, LabVIEW FPGA, LabVIEW Real-Time, and more to meet the needs of engineers doing embedded software test and simulation.
The Embedded Control and Monitoring Software Suite is a collection of software and tools for industrial equipment or designing smart machines.
Feature | LabVIEW Real-Time Module | C++/ Linux Real-Time | Programmable Logic Controller (PLCs) |
|---|---|---|---|
Programming Model | Graphical data flow programming with deterministic structures (timed loops) | Text-based programming (C/C++) with POSIX threads and real-time extensions | Ladder logic, structured text, function block diagram |
Hardware Integration | Native integration with NI hardware (CompactRIO, PXI, and more) | Flexible; supports wide range of hardware but requires drivers and setup | Limited to vendor-specific I/O modules |
Built-In Libraries and APIs | Integrated NI-DAQmx, Scan Engine, FPGA, motion, vision libraries | Standard Linux libraries; third-party or custom hardware APIs | Predefined industrial function blocks |
LabVIEW Real-Time can be used with a wide variety of NI hardware that feature reconfigurable technologies such as CompactRIO Controllers, PXI/PXI Express Controllers, the CompactRIO Single-Board Controller, and more.
CompactRIO systems provide high-performance processing capabilities, sensor-specific conditioned I/O, and a closely integrated software toolchain that make them ideal for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), monitoring, and control applications.
Controllers are non-enclosed platforms built on CompactRIO architecture. It delivers FPGA performance, real-time determinism, and rugged reliability, with add-on modules that extend functionality.
NI PXI controllers are either embedded or remote. Embedded controllers contain everything you need to run your PXI system without an external PC, while remote controllers let you control your PXI system from a desktop, laptop, or server computer.
Your system must meet the following requirements to use LabVIEW Real-Time Module.
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