Chapter1 Introduction
©NationalInstruments Corporation 1-3 PXI-846xand NI-CAN for Windows NT
The NI-CAN softwaref or WindowsNT supports the concurrent use of
multiple CAN boards. For example,you can use twoPXI-8461 boards in
the same system at the same time.
The NI-CAN software,along with the PXIhardware, transforms your
computerinto a CAN interface with complete communications and bus
management capability.The NI-CAN software includes the following
components:
•Firmware(ru nso n embedded Intel 386EX)
•Devicedriver
•Diagnostic test utility
•Configurationutil ity
•Language interfacelibraries for Mi crosoft VisualC/C++ 2.0 or later,
LabWindows/CVI4.0 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 following software from National Instruments.
LabVIEW is a complete programming environmentthat d eparts from the
sequential nature of traditional programming languages and features a
graphical programming environment.It includes all the tool s needed for
instrumentcontrol, d ata acquisition, analysis, and presentation. LabVIEW
also includes an extensiveinstrument driver library.
Measurement Studio bundles LabWindows/CVIamong other tools for
C programmers designed for building measurement and automation
applications.LabWindows/CVI is an interactive ANSI C development
environmentfor building test and measurement and instrument control
systems.It includes interactive code-generation tools and a graphical editor
forbuilding custom user interfaces. It also includes built-in libraries for
IEEE4 88.2, VXI, RS-232 control, and plug-in data acquisition. When you
orderL abWindows/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 havet o learn
the programming details.
BridgeVIEW is a radical departure from traditional automation software
thatprovides a flexible program development system for a variety of
CAN applications including general manufacturing, test, and control.