Chapter 1 Introduction
© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 PXI-8461 or PXI-8460 and NI-CAN for Windows NT
• Language interface libraries for Microsoft Visual C/C++ 2.0 or later,
LabWindows/CVI 4.0 or later, and LabVIEW 4.0 or later
• Example programs that use NI-CAN functions
Optional Programming Tools
Your kit includes the NI-CAN software for Windows NT. In addition,
you can order the LabWindows/CVI, LabVIEW, or BridgeVIEW software
from National Instruments.
LabWindows/CVI is an interactive ANSI C development environment for
building test and measurement and instrument control systems. It includes
interactive code-generation tools and a graphical editor for building custom
user interfaces. It also includes built-in libraries for IEEE 488.2, VXI,
RS-232 control, and plug-in data acquisition. When you order
LabWindows/CVI, you also get hundreds of complete instrument drivers,
which are modular, source-code programs that handle the communication
with your instrument so that you do not have to learn the programming
details.
LabVIEW is a complete programming environment that departs from the
sequential nature of traditional programming languages and features a
graphical programming environment. It includes all the tools needed for
instrument control, data acquisition, analysis, and presentation. LabVIEW
also includes an extensive instrument driver library.
BridgeVIEW is a radical departure from traditional automation software
that provides a flexible program development system for a variety of
DeviceNet applications including general manufacturing, test, and control.
Leveraging National Instruments patented graphical programming
language G (otherwise known as LabVIEW), BridgeVIEW gives you the
ability to integrate functionality in a way that is not possible with traditional
automation software. In addition to the programming advantages of G,
BridgeVIEW also provides a number of powerful features for the
development of your industrial automation application: graphical HMI
(Human Machine Interface); ease of use; fill-in-the-blank configuration
utilities; HMI G Wizard for simplified HMI development; historical data
collection and trending; alarm and event reporting and logging; security;
and connectivity to PLCs and industrial device networks like DeviceNet.
For more information about LabWindows/CVI , LabVIEW, and
BridgeVIEW, contact National Instruments.