National Instruments FPGA adapter modules

National Instruments has introduced four adapter modules for its FlexRIO product family that provide FPGA-based reconfigurable I/O (RIO) for PXI systems, using the LabVIEW FPGA module software.

The user-configurable FlexRIO product family takes advantage of PXI hardware and software integration to give engineers a commercial off-the-shelf solution that is specifically designed to more easily implement field-programmable gate array (FPGA) technology for automated test and measurement systems.

FlexRIO combines two distinct hardware components, a programmable PXI or PXI Express-based FPGA module and an I/O adapter module.

The four adapter modules are suitable for real-time measurements, non-destructive test (NDT) and ultrasound applications, communications systems and scientific research.

Module 5761 is a four-channel, 14-bit, 250 MSps broadband high-performance digitiser designed to meet a wide range of signal processing application needs including communications system design, intermediate frequency acquisition, multiple input, multiple output (MIMO), radar and scientific research.

Module 5751 is a 16-channel, 50 MSps, 14-bit digitiser for test and measurement in areas such as experimental physics, NDT and medical imaging.

Module 5752 is a 32-channel, 50 MSps, 12-bit digitiser optimised for NDT and ultrasound applications; includes AC-coupled differential inputs with integrated VGAs and time-varying gain curves, as well as 16 digital outputs for pulser stimulus.

Module 6583 has 32 single-ended and 16 LVDS/mLVDS channels, with data rates up to 300 Mbps for test and communication requiring mixed digital logic.

Engineers can control and reconfigure the FPGA on the FlexRIO host module using the LabVIEW FPGA software.

The latest version of LabVIEW FPGA incorporates enhancements that specifically address the increasing demands of advanced test systems. It includes improved integration with existing and off-the-shelf IP including direct compatibility with Xilinx IP blocks such as filters, fast Fourier transforms (FFTs), memories and first-in-first-out memory buffers.

Better simulation makes debugging and verification faster and more accurate with an IP behavioural simulation engine and tool integration with ModelSim.