LabVIEW for ADI Blackfin Processors

National Instruments announced the LabVIEW Embedded Module for ADI Blackfin Processors 2.0. LabVIEW Embedded Module for Blackfin Processors has been adopted by developer for the rapid development of embedded applications.

The combination of the LabVIEW graphical development platform and the high-performance, low-power Blackfin processors delivers an out-of-the-box solution that companies are using to optimize costs and shorten time to market for embedded systems. NAXYS selected the LabVIEW Embedded Module for Blackfin Processors to deploy a high-reliability, real-time monitoring system 850 m below the ocean surface. The project called for the development of a subsea pipeline monitoring system in the Ormen Lange gas field off the coast of Norway to analyze vibrations that can potentially cause gas leaks or pipeline ruptures.

Using LabVIEW and the Blackfin-based ZMobile platform from Schmid Engineering, NAXYS created a network of underwater sensors that takes advantage of ultrasonic technology to synchronize multiple modules in real time while also being able to sleep for hours at a time. In addition, the system provides high-speed data collection, fast interrupt response and a multithreaded deterministic application.

Boston Engineering chose the LabVIEW Embedded Module for Blackfin Processors in conjunction with FlexStack, a Blackfin-based off-the-shelf deployable hardware platform, for the development of an automated intravenous drip infusion pump that required slow flow rates, fail-safe operation and a simple user interface. Engineers used LabVIEW to design the algorithms on a PC, develop a hardware-in-the-loop test system and deploy the final solution to a Blackfin processor.

The LabVIEW Embedded Module for Blackfin Processors 2.0 introduces new features to further simplify and enhance embedded system development. The latest version of the module targets four additional Blackfin processors including the ADSP-BF531 processor, which is the lowest-cost processor in the Blackfin family. The module also delivers increased efficiency for embedded system development including an average 36 percent increase in generated code performance, improved debugging capabilities and integration with LabVIEW 8.20. In addition, the module adds new drivers for Two-Wire Interface (TWI) and a CMOS image sensor.

As with the previous version, the LabVIEW Embedded Module for Blackfin Processors 2.0 includes more than 140 Blackfin-specific, hand-optimized math, analysis and signal processing functions; integrated I/O such as audio and video DACs, ADCs and CODECs; and on-chip debugging. The module also includes the fully featured and accessible ADI VisualDSP++ C development and debugging environment for low-level access and real-time, interactive debugging and deployment directly to Blackfin.

For more information about the LabVIEW Embedded Module for Blackfin Processors, including an online evaluation, tutorials and data sheets, readers can visit www.ni.com/blackfin or www.analog.com/blackfinlabview. Readers also can purchase an evaluation kit, which includes an evaluation hardware board, cables and software, for $399 (USD).

Price from $8,995; €9,249; ¥1,253,000

Source: National Instruments