Chapter 1 Introduction
PCMCIA Serial for Windows Me/9x 1-4 ni.com
Time-Saving Development Tools
Your kit includes the NI-Serial software for Windows Me/9x. In addition,
you can order the LabWindows/CVI or LabVIEW software from National
Instruments to speed your application development time and make it easier
to communicate with your instruments.
LabVIEW is an easy-to-use, graphical programming environment
you can use to acquire data from thousands of different instruments,
including IEEE 488.2 devices, VXI devices, serial devices, PLCs, and
plug-in data acquisition boards. After you have acquired raw data, you can
convert it into meaningful results using the powerful data analysis routines
in LabVIEW. LabVIEW also comes with hundreds of instrument drivers,
which dramatically reduce software development time, because you do not
have to spend time programming the low-level control of each instrument.
LabWindows/CVI is similar to LabVIEW, except that it combines an
interactive, easy-to-use development approach with the programming
power and flexibility of compiled ANSI C code.
For ordering information, or to request free demonstration software,
contact National Instruments.
Using Your Serial Hardware with LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI
After you install your serial hardware and the NI-Serial software, you can
use standard serial I/O functions in LabVIEW and LabWindows/CVI with
your serial interface. If you already have LabVIEW or LabWindows/CVI
and want to use it with your serial hardware, refer to your LabVIEW or
LabWindows/CVI documentation for information about serial I/O
functions.