Week 1 - Intro to LabView & G programming

We are required to design a software using LabView to acquire data and automate the ATU/GATU Test Bench which contain oscilloscope, power meter and multifunction switch/measure unit

After that we have to automate this power supply using the same software.

The language used in LabView programming is Graphical programming and LabVIEW programs are called virtual instruments (VIs).

                                       

                                               Example of front panel and block diagram

Each VI has 2 components: a block diagram and a front panel. All of the objects placed on the front panel will appear on the back panel as terminals. We have written a simple program (calculator) to get ourselves familiarise with graphical programming.

The very first equipment we try to communicate using LabView software is Agilent Tech. 34980A Multifunction Switch/Measure Mainframe and Modules.

We connected  the instrument to desktop using GPIB (General Purpose Interface Bus) to USB connector.

We use the measurement and automation software to ensure the desktop is able to communicate with the instrument.




After that we have to find the driver for that instrument, this is an example of finding the driver for Yokogawa Power Meter WT230:

  First

   Second

   Third

This is the program to initialize communication with 34980A. 

  Before initializing communication with 34980A.




 
After initializing communication with 34980A, the GPIB and Rmt indicator light up. Rmt means    remote which the instrument can be controlled using LabView.

We were unable to program the 34980A because it didn't have any module and it had been sent to repair. Hence we are asked to work on oscilloscope and power meter first.