National Instruments – Page 2 – Apex Waves

October 27, 2023October 27, 2023

Innovating Software-Defined Radar With NI USRP and LabVIEW

Buildings on the campus of the University of Calabria in Italy

Engineers and researchers are constantly seeking ways to develop radar solutions that are not only efficient, but also highly flexible and cost-effective. One possible solution to this challenge was the development of a low-cost software-defined radar system, which offered the ability to adapt and reconfigure its main parameters on the fly. In this post, we will explore a case study that exemplifies this achievement, showcasing how technology and software can revolutionize radar applications.

October 17, 2023October 17, 2023

Revolutionizing Train Testing with NI Products

R188 7811-7821 testing on the Dyre Avenue Line at Gun Hill Road

Rail transportation requires rigorous serial testing to ensure the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the trains that keep so many vital industries around the globe running- but how can these high standards be met in the most efficient way? In this blog post, we will discuss a case study of how the French manufacturing company Alstom utilized NI products and software to answer that very question.

October 10, 2023October 10, 2023

Using FlexRIO and LabVIEW to Ensure the Safety of Nuclear Waste Containers

Huge cooling towers in nuclear power plant at sunset

Imagine being tasked with ensuring the safety of highly radioactive nuclear waste containers not for decades or centuries, but for a staggering 10,000 years. Together with the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority, Finland-based company ProtoRhino faced this problem head on. Their ultimate goal? To determine if copper containers can withstand the test of time and to secure the safety of hazardous materials for millennia.

October 5, 2023October 6, 2023

Calculating Strain from Load with NI CompactDAQ Test Equipment

Orange robotic arms in an automotive manufacturing plant

Strain is a critical parameter in various test and measurement applications, offering insights into how materials and structures deform under the influence of applied loads. In this blog post, we will explore how to calculate strain from load using NI CompactDAQ test equipment, and dive into the significance of these calculations across different fields.

September 28, 2023September 28, 2023

What is the PXI Specification Standard?

To meet the precision and reliability demands of test and measurement, the PXI Systems Alliance (PXISA) created the PXI specification standards. These technical requirements, maintained by the PXI Systems Alliance (PXISA), define the mechanical, electrical, and functional characteristics of PXI systems and modules. In this post, we’ll explore these specification standards and examine their significance in the realm of test and measurement.

September 21, 2023September 21, 2023

Does NASA Use LabVIEW?

A Merlin 1D engine being test fired at SpaceX's Rocket Development Facility in McGregor, Texas.

In the high-stakes world of aerospace propulsion testing, precision and reliability are paramount. To meet these critical demands, NASA relies on a powerful LabVIEW–based software application called the NASA Data Acquisition System (NDAS).

September 12, 2023September 12, 2023

Why Testing is Essential for Semiconductor Manufacturing

Closeup of tweezers adding a chip onto a PCB

Semiconductors, the tiny powerhouses at the core of our modern electronics, undergo a rigorous journey before they make their way into our devices. The testing process in semiconductor design is vital, ensuring that these minuscule components meet the highest quality standards. In this blog post, we’ll take you step-by-step through the semiconductor testing process and discuss why it’s absolutely crucial.

September 7, 2023September 7, 2023

Understanding the Prefixes and Suffixes of NI Accessory Models

Closeup of 3 male engineers working in a lab

When working with NI equipment for data acquisition and signal conditioning, understanding the nomenclature of accessory models can be essential. The wide range of accessories manufactured by NI are designed to both facilitate connections and enhance functionality in your testing and measurement applications.

September 5, 2023September 5, 2023

What is the Difference Between PXI and PXIe?

Male mechanical engineer working on developing sustainable agricultural robotics

In the world of test and measurement, precision and flexibility are paramount. Two prominent modular instrumentation platforms, PXI (PCI eXtensions for Instrumentation) and PXIe (PXI Express), have been developed to meet these needs. While they share some similarities, they also have critical differences that can significantly impact your testing setup.

August 29, 2023August 29, 2023

LabVIEW vs. Python: Pros and Cons for Your Test Automation Project

Side view of man and woman reviewing code on a computer screen

In a previous blog post, we discussed the NI webinar that outlined the benefits of LabVIEW and Python working together. While integrating these programming languages and using them in tandem can be incredibly successful, some projects require making a choice between the two. Both LabVIEW and Python have advantages and disadvantages for different use cases, and knowing these will help you to make an informed decision for your project. Let’s dive right in!