NI FPGA & RIO Hardware

NI FPGA and RIO hardware gives engineers direct control over how measurement and control systems respond to incoming signals. FPGA stands for field-programmable gate array, while RIO means reconfigurable input/output. Instead of relying exclusively on predefined acquisition functions, these platforms let developers implement custom timing, triggering, communication, and processing in hardware. Parallel execution supports applications where predictable response matters, including sensor simulation, hardware-in-the-loop testing, machine control, and inline signal analysis.

The NI RIO portfolio spans several hardware architectures. CompactRIO combines a real-time processor, reconfigurable FPGA, and modular C Series I/O in an industrial platform. Single-Board RIO integrates processing, FPGA resources, and I/O on a circuit board for embedded products. R Series places programmable I/O in computer and PXI form factors, while FlexRIO supports customizable instrumentation and FPGA processing within modular test systems.

For industrial monitoring and control, the eight-slot cRIO-9045, part number 785623-01, pairs a 1.30 GHz dual-core processor with a Kintex-7 70T FPGA. Its C Series slots let users select measurement interfaces around the application rather than a fixed channel configuration. Supported modules and software determine which modules can use NI-DAQmx, Scan Interface, or direct FPGA programming. These operating modes are not interchangeable across every CompactRIO generation or module.

For embedded integration, the sbRIO-9627 is available under part numbers 783817-01 and 783817-02. It combines a 667 MHz processor, Zynq-7020 FPGA, sixteen analog inputs, four analog outputs, and digital I/O. Its RIO Mezzanine Card connector supports expansion through a custom interface. Unlike a packaged CompactRIO system, this board-level approach requires attention to enclosure design, power delivery, connectors, and the finished product's operating environment.

R Series and FlexRIO address different test-system requirements. The PXI-7852, part number 780340-01, provides a Virtex-5 LX50 FPGA and dedicated analog-to-digital conversion per input channel for independent timing and triggering. The FlexRIO PXIe-7975, part number 782955-01, uses a Kintex-7 410T FPGA with 2 GB of onboard DRAM. Pairing it with a compatible FlexRIO adapter adds application-specific analog or digital interfaces. Supported peer-to-peer streaming can move data between compatible modules without routing it through the host processor.

Evaluate required sample rates, signal ranges, isolation, channel counts, and timing relationships before choosing a platform. A larger FPGA does not automatically improve measurement accuracy or guarantee compatibility with existing wiring, adapters, or compiled application files.

Software compatibility is as important as hardware capability. Custom FPGA development requires an appropriate LabVIEW FPGA environment, supported device drivers, and compatible compilation tools. LabVIEW Real-Time supports development for the embedded processor when that workflow is used. For legacy replacements, preserve the original software versions, project files, and deployment information before changing hardware. When requesting an Apex Waves quote, provide the model, complete part number, installed modules, accessories, and application requirements.