National Instruments and Analog Devices Deliver Production-Ready Embedded System Development Solution
(Interviews, 05 Apr 2007 )
National Instruments and Analog Devices today have released the NI LabVIEW Embedded Module for ADI Blackfin Processors 2.0, an extension of the LabVIEW graphical development environment that directly targets ADI Blackfin processors. Since its introduction, the LabVIEW Embedded Module for Blackfin Processors has been adopted by engineers for the rapid development of sophisticated embedded systems ranging from cutting-edge medical devices to subsea monitoring systems. The latest version of the module delivers more than 30 percent increased efficiency in code generation and expanded Blackfin processor support including the $5 ADSP-BF531, which provides a price/performance advantage ideal for cost-sensitive applications such as portable test equipment, embedded modems, biometrics and consumer audio.
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 850m 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.
