Developing an
Embedded Data-Logging
Reference Architecture
for CompactRIO
TS 1721 – NIWeek 2007
Christian Loew
NI Systems Engineering
Agenda
• Data Logging Overview
• Reference Architecture/Designs
• Reference Architecture for Data Logging on
cRIO
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NI Data L ogging Options
• NI LabVIEW SignalExpress
• CompactDAQ
• Compact FieldPoint
Pre-installed datalogging application
• CompactRIO
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Compact FieldPoint Embedded Data Logger
• Stand-alone, easy to use, data logger example
• Configurable with any cFP module
• Startup executable
• Remote front panel
• Live data graphs
• FTP saved log files
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Reference Architecture/Design
Reference design refers to a technical blueprint of
a system that is intended for others to copy. It
contains the essential elements of the system;
however, third parties may enhance or modify
the design as required.
Source: Wikipedia
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Reference Architecture
• Template for application development
• Targeted at systems integrators and
experienced developers
• LabVIEW competence required
• Based on standard LV features and tools and
additional SW components
• Customized for specific applications
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A Reference Architecture is not …
• a turn-key application.
• an application wizard to configure an application
LabVIEW experience, as well as application
design and development experience are
required to successfully use a reference
application.
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cRIO Embedded Datalogger Overview
• Stream data from cRIO input modules to local
non-volatile memory
• Standalone design
Datalogger runs deployed without a host
• Datalogger is configured from a host system
Configuration is stored on the datalogger
• Host will retrieve data files from cRIO over
Ethernet
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Possible Features
Acquisition
• Support different AI and DI modules
Specific sensors: TC, bridges, strain, current, DSA, etc.
• Support GPS module for location data
• Support CAN module
• Time stamping support
• Multi-rate scanning
• Configurable scan rate(s)
• Triggering
Continuous
Fixed sample size, retriggerable
External trigger
Analog trigger
Data Storage
• TDM/TDMS/binary data file format?
• USB memory support
• DIAdem compatible
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Possible Features (cont.)
Control/Configuration
• Configurable channel list/scanrate(s) based on hardware configuration
• Allow for different cRIO module configurations
RT code can detect cRIO module configuration and select FPGA VI accordingly
• Interactive acquisition mode
Stream data directly to host to check and verify I/O and sensors
No Logging
• Support for multiple hardware configurations
Autodetect
• Flexible to handle new configurations
Limited changes needed for new configurations
Data Retrieval
• API to read back file
Read file back using FTP
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cRIO Datalogger Architecture
Host
Configure
Control View Status
Channels
RT FPGA
Host Interface Acquisition
Monitor Data I/O
Process Stream to To Host Scaling/ Collector/
Commands Host DMA I/O
Stream Cal Pre-
To Disk processor I/O
Config Log
File Files
Flash Memory
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Design Patterns
• Code designs used over and over again to
implement common functionality in a range of
application
• “Every time I need to … I use this code.”
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Acquisition and Logging Data
• Configure HW channels to acquire and log
Retrieve calibration data
Acquire input data and stream to the RT host
Select channels and log to file
Design Patterns
• Separate FPGA VI to load calibration constants
Provide HW configuration to automate RT data
parsing
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LV FPGA Calibration Constants
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Acquisition and Logging Data
Design Patterns
• Separate FPGA VI to load calibration constants
Provide HW configuration to automate RT data
parsing
• Data streaming from I/O to RT using DMA
Acquisition timing
Start and stop conditions
Parse channels based on configuration
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Acquire and stream data to RT
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Acquisition and Logging Data
Design Pattern
• Use channel list to select channels to be logged
Simple slot and channel address scheme
Configuration file
• Parse input data based on module configuration
and selected channels
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Configured acquisition and parsing
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RT Datalogger - Standalone
• Datalogging SW runs autonomously when
system is turned on
• Can be controlled and configured from host
when connected
Add Start, Stop, Configure and Logging to basic
DAQ code
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RT Datalogger - Standalone
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Datalogger Modes/States
HW Initialization Start Start
Load SW
Configuration Standby
Run
Reset
Stop Stop
Shutdown
Shutdown
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RT Datalogger - Standalone
• Datalogging SW runs autonomously when
system is turned on
• Can be controlled and configured from host
when connected
Add Start, Stop, Configure and Logging to basic
DAQ code
Design Pattern
State Machine
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Datalogger State Machine
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Host-Datalogger Communication
• Connect to the datalogger from a host application
• Send commands: Start, Stop, Reset
• Retrieve HW configuration
• Download configuration file
• Retrieve status
• Retrieve data files
Design Pattern
• Command-Based Communication
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Command-Based Communication
Available in the Simple TCP Messaging (STM) component on Developer Zone
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Host Application
• Display datalogger status
• Interactive control
• Configuration of channels based on available HW
Download new configuration file
• Retrieve and display data files
Design Pattern
• Event-driven user interface
• FTP communication with datalogger
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Event-Driven User Interface
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cRIO Datalogger Architecture
Host
Configure
Channels
Event-Driven
Control UIView Status/
Live Data
Command-BasedRT FPGA
Host Interface Acquisition
Communication
Monitor Data I/O
Process Stream to
State
To Host Machine
Scaling/ Collector/
Cal cRIO Input Streaming
Commands Host DMA I/O
Stream Pre-
To Disk processor I/O
Config Log
File Files
Flash Memory
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Design Patterns used in the Datalogger
• FPGA streaming data input
• State Machine
DevZone articles
• Command-based communication
DevZone: Simple TCP Messaging (STM) Protocol
• Event-driven host UI
cRIO Embedded Datalogger >> community.ni.com
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Think
Reference Designs
and
Design Patterns
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