Please be aware of a recent packaging change to LabWindows/CVI 2015.  

As of 2015, LabWindows/CVI Full edition and Measurement Studio Enterprise edition are no longer bundled together.

After conducting a survey of customers, it was discovered that over 90% of users only use the original product they have purchased - LabWindows/CVI, and do not plan to use the secondary product in this bundle - Measurement Studio.

To simplify product packaging and release cycle alignment as well as make it easier for our customers to receive and activate the correct software they use, we have decided to unbundle these products.

For more information to receive access to Measurement Studio, please contact your local customer service representative. Customers in North America can call (866) 519-6285.

LabWindows/CVI 2015 Highlights

• Upgraded optimizing compiler with added error and warning messages to highlight code weak points
• Over 270 improvements and bug fixes since LabWindows/CVI 2013
• LabWindows/CVI 2015 Real-Time Module for building highly reliable, deterministic applications

Overview

Building on the latest improvements to the new LabWindows/CVI optimizing compiler, LabWindows/CVI 2015 includes version 3.3 of Clang, the C language compiler front end to the LLVM compiler infrastructure. First introduced in LabWindows/CVI 2013, LLVM is an industry standard compiler infrastructure, that offers programmers optimized code generation out of the box. The upgrade to Clang 3.3 helps developers ensure code reliability by highlighting weak points with added error and warning messages.

As a stability release, LabWindows/CVI 2015 contains over 50 bug fixes and improvements to provide a robust development platform for building critical applications for test and measurement.  Programmers can take advantage of all the new features introduced in LabWindows/CVI 2013 such as OpenMP and Network Streams to improve application performance without significantly rewriting their code. By providing the latest compiler and parallel programming technologies, LabWindows/CVI 2015 lets developers focus on program logic and I/O.

Clang compiler upgrade from version 2.9 to 3.3

• New warning flags and warning messages
• Improved detection of uninitialized local variables
• Improved stability when building large files
• Up to 21% faster execution speed for 64-bit binaries

LabWindows/CVI Real-Time Module

When execution reliability is critical, add the LabWindows/CVI Real-Time Module to create reliable and deterministic applications that target dedicated real-time hardware. 

Start using LabWindows/CVI 2015 today

• Download LabWindows/CVI 2015
  

Hi, everyone!

I am pleased to inform you that the LabWindows/CVI 2015 Beta Program is now open for new registration requests. As a beta program member you will be among the first to use the next LabWindows/CVI release, providing you the opportunity to give NI feedback and to test your existing projects against the latest LabWindows/CVI features.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Warm regards,

I am pleased to announce that LabWindows/CVI 2013 Service Pack 2 which includes 90 new bug fixes and several toolkits, is now part of your Standard Service Program and available to download.

Toolkits Now Included with LabWindows/CVI

Many toolkits are being added at no cost to LabWindows/CVI, and certain add-ons to help you be productive. You can activate these toolkits in any version of CVI provided you have access to LabWindows/CVI 2013 SP2. If you currently don't have access make sure to renew you membership in the Standard Service Program (SSP) to grant access. Use your existing LabWindows/CVI serial numbers to activate these toolkits. These changes are live as of August 2014.

The PID Control Toolkit is now included with LabWindows/CVI Base and Full versions and the SQL Toolkit in addition to the Execution Profiler Toolkit is included with LabWindows/CVI Full. In addition, the NI Real-Time Execution Trace Toolkit is now included with the LabWindows/CVI Real-Time Module.

Notes:

• Once LabWindows/CVI 2013 SP2 is installed, a LabWindows/CVI serial number will activate both the development environment and the appropriate toolkit for LabWindows/CVI 2013 SP2 and all prior versions of LabWindows/CVI installed on the machine (LabWindows/CVI 2012 and prior).
• LabWindows/CVI Base customers will be able to purchase SQL Toolkit and Execution Profiler Toolkit separately.
• The Execution Profiler Toolkit has been licensed with LabWindows/CVI Full since 2012.

Changes to the LabWindows/CVI Release Cycle

Please note that as of 2014, LabWindows/CVI will follow a two-year release cycle.

Thanks and happy programming,

Anna Kozminski

LabWindows/CVI Marketing Manager

» Download LabWindows/CVI 2013 SP2

» See a list of Bug Fixes

I am pleased to announce that LabWindows/CVI 2013 Service Pack 1 which includes 137 bug fixes, is now part of your Standard Service Program and available to download.

In addition, the LabWindows/CVI release cycle will be modified this year to account for the large investment dedicated to LabWindows/CVI 2013. Following the extensive list of new features in LabWindows/CVI 2013, the focus of 2014 development is on quality.  As a result, we plan to release a second service pack update in August 2014, LabWindows/CVI 2013 SP2, with additional improvements to stability. The next major release will be LabWindows/CVI 2015  in August 2015.

Thanks and happy programming,

Anna Kozminski

LabWindows/CVI Marketing Manager

» Download LabWindows/CVI 2013 SP1

With thousands of LabWindows/CVI users across the globe, we always look for ways to connect developers to foster communication, share ideas, and grow our thriving community.

Recently, LabWindows/CVI user Philippe posted a series of french language video tutorials that are very helpful. I encourage you to check them out!

Merci Philippe!

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48pPFFJe27Y

i would like to know information on how to use the STRUCTURE on CVI?

any advice or pdf doc to share

Thank you for your participation in the LabWindows/CVI Idea Exchange!

LabWindows/CVI 2013 contains 11 user-suggested features sourced from the LabWindows/CVI Idea Exchange, including improved function navigation in source code, virtual subfolders in the Project Tree, graph grid line styles, graph plot transparency, the Array Display window integrated into workspace, and more.

The Idea Exchange is the most direct route of communication between LabWindows/CVI users and the NI development team. It gives programmers an avenue to collaborate on feature ideas and communicate these suggestions to National Instruments. Since its inception in 2010, LabWindows/CVI users have contributed over 300 ideas and feature suggestions to the exchange and over 25 of these have been implemented to better meet the needs of LabWindows/CVI developers. Programmers are invited to influence future versions of LabWindows/CVI by submitting a new idea or voting on existing requests.

Visit ni.com/cvi-ideas to submit your own!

Here is a list of the new features implemented from the Idea Exchange in LabWindows/CVI 2013:

• Auto Indenting Code - Submitted by jdubs Kudos!

• Function Browsing in Source Files - Submitted by vix, Kudos!

• 'Go to definition' / 'Go to declaration' should also work in release mode - Submitted by Wolfgang, Kudos!

• Creation of subfolders in the project window - Submitted by vix, Kudos!

• Graph improvements - Submitted by Bertrand_ENAC, Kudos!

• Improved variable view - Submitted by Wolfgang, Kudos!

• Integrated mouse wheel support - Submitted by Wolfgang, Kudos!

• TARGET_PRODUCT_VERSION_ and _TARGET_FILE_VERSION_ documentation update - Submitted by vix, Kudos!

• SHIFT F7 should display variable content in the IDE, not in an external window - Submitted by 40tude, Kudos!

Welcome to NIWeek 2013! Our annual system design conferenc begins tomorrow and I am very excited to meet those of you attending. We have several LabWindows/CVI sessions, demos and partners showcased at NIWeek this year. Be sure to add these to your calendar and enjoy your week!

Hands-On Lab: Introduction To LabWindows/CVI

Dates: Tuesday Aug 6,10:30 am & Wedesday Aug 7, 1:00 pm

Location: rm 18C

Speakers: Darren Biel, LabWindows/CVI Product Support Engineer

Automated Test Demo: LabWindows/CVI and NI Switches LED Cube

Session: New Features in LabWindows/CVI 2013

Date: Tuesday Aug 6, 2:15 pm

Location: rm 16A

Speakers: Jonathan Newton, LabWindows/CVI Software Group Manager

Session: C Tools for Software-in-the-Loop Testing and Simulation

Date: Tuesday Aug 6, 1:00 pm

Location: rm 11 A/B

Speakers:  Jonathan Newton, LabWindows/CVI Software Group Manager and Nicholas Keel, NI VeriStand Product Manager

LabWindows/CVI Exhibitor: FineTest

Booth: 902

FineTest is a manufacturer of functional ATE and power supply testers, ITA/test fixturing, and TPS/test programs. Software platforms include NI LabWindows/CVI, LabVIEW, and NI TestStand.

finetest.com

LabWindows/CVI Exhibitor: JGB Consulting

Booth: 233

For over 20 years, JGB has been specializing in test and control solutions. Our engineers are experts in LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, NI TestStand, and Microsoft C#.

jgbconsulting.com

LabWindows/CVI Developer Certification

Validate your skills or renew your  LabWindows/CVI certification at NIWeek at discounted rates. Simply register for these exams when you register for NIWeek. 

All NIWeek attendees: 35% off of list price

Alliance Partners: 50% off of list price

About the LabWindows/CVI Certification

NI Certified LabWindows/CVI Developers have demonstrated a solid understanding of the environment and its capabilities and the ability to develop functional applications while minimizing development time. You can use this certification to assess and validate an individual’s LabWindows/CVI development skills for the purpose of project staffing or career advancement.  For example, having Certified Developers on staff to provide technical leadership and guidance ensures that less-experienced developers are following best practices that will make them more competent and efficient developers. All National Instruments Alliance Partners at the Certified Partner level and above maintain at least one Certified Developer or Architect on staff, so that clients can be sure they are getting the best possible results.

• Requires a broad and complete understanding of LabWindows/CVI core features and functionality
• Valid for 2 years from date taken, recertification required to maintain credentials
• Benefits include use of certification logo and listing on ni.com

Recommended Experience Level

• 12 to 18 months of experience developing and deploying medium to large LabWindows/CVI applications

OR

• LabWindows/CVI Basics I and II with 6 months of LabWindows/CVI development experience

Exam Details

• Format: Application development
• Duration: 4 hours

How many LabWindows programmers have had success converting a LabView VI into LabWindows code?  It is not always straight forward.  I have notice slight differences in how the LabView and LabWindows libraries are written.  A good example the Word2000.fp for LabWindows and the Word.llb. 

This VI is a perfect example:  Save Word or Excel report as a PDF using Report Generation Toolkit and ActiveX, https://forums.ni.com/t5/Example-Code/Save-Word-or-Excel-report-as-a-PDF-using-Report-Generation/ta-....

It uses the Word Get ActiveX References.vi to take a refence from a New Report and convert it into a Word Active X reference that is then converted to a PDF.

There is no function in LabWindows that matches.

Paul

Overview

The new features in NI LabWindows^™/CVI 2012 software build on the proven ANSI C test and measurement software platform to offer better tools for creating optimized and reliable applications. LabWindows CVI 2012 developers in highly regulated industries such as military, aerospace and medical can protect validated code from unwanted updates by specifying the version of execution run-time engine with the new Side-by-Side run-time feature. This release also contains 15 Idea Exchange features, built-in user interface tooltips and enhanced 64-bit support. LabWindows/CVI Execution Profiler is now included in the Full edition of the software.

Highlights

• NI LabWindows/CVI 2012, a major upgrade of the ANSI C integrated development environment (IDE) for test and measurement applications, includes many new and improved tools to help engineers develop their systems faster.
• LabWindows/CVI 2012 is ideal for engineers in highly regulated industries such as defense, aerospace and medical because it protects applications from unwanted updates to avoid version revalidation.
• New features, including 18 user-suggested functions such as batch-build dialog, improve usability and help software developers optimize code performance.

Quote

“In today’s competitive environment, companies struggle to maintain high quality and reliability in complex systems as development cycles continue to shorten,” said Ray Almgren, vice president of core platforms product marketing at National Instruments. “LabWindows/CVI 2012 shows our continued commitment to longevity and innovation, providing engineers with the most productive software tools for building complex test and measurement systems.”

Start using LabWindows/CVI 2012 today

• Download LabWindows/CVI
  

I am very proud to announce that the next release of LabWindows/CVI contains the first set of user-suggested features sourced from the LabWindows/CVI Idea Exchange. Over 15 Idea Exchange features ranging from a better batch build dialog to new features for UI controls were implemented to better meet the needs of LabWindows/CVI developers. Thank you for submitting and voting for all the great feature ideas and helping us to improve and shape the future of LabWindows/CVI!

New to the Idea Exchange? The LabWindows/CVI Idea Exchange is the most direct way to let us know about functionality that you would like to see in LabWindows/CVI or behavior that is bothersome or inconvenient. We launched the LabWindows/CVI Idea Exchange in November 2010 to give  programmers an avenue to collaborate on feature ideas and communicate these suggestions to our own developers. If you would like to influence future versions of LabWindows/CVI, submit a new idea or vote on the ones you like. Please visit ni.com/cvi-ideas.

LabWindows/CVI 2012 Preannouncement: these features are not available until the release of LabWindows/CVI 2012 coming soon!

Environment Features

• Updated Batch Build Dialog To Allow for Resizing

  Submitted by Peter Prinzen (forum profile Peter Prinzen) (community profile Peter Prinzen), Kudos! See the submitted suggestion here: Idea

• Support for ‘Ctrl+Click-and-Drag’ To Copy Files Between Projects Within Same Workspace

Submitted by menchar (forum profile menchar) (community profile menchar), Kudos! See the submitted suggestion here: Idea

• Updated ADE Title Bar to Show Full Path of Currently Opened File

Submitted by tstanley (forum profile tstanley) (community profile tstanley), Kudos! See the submitted suggestion here: Idea

• Updated ADE To Automatically Add a Folder for Libraries to the Project Tree

Submitted by CVI-User (forum profile CVI-User), Kudos! See the submitted suggestion here: Idea

• Added ‘Save To Disk’ Symbol to the Status Line in the UI Editor

Submitted by Wolfgang  (forum profile Wolfgang) (community profile Wolfgang), Kudos! See the submitted suggestion here: Idea

• Allow Disable of Blinking Cursor in CVI Editor

Submitted by beattidp  (forum profile beattidp) (community profile beattidp), Kudos! See the submitted suggestion here: Idea

Events and Callbacks

• Added Support for Panel Minimize and Restore Events

Submitted by Wolfgang  (forum profile Wolfgang) (community profile Wolfgang), Kudos! See the submitted suggestion here: Idea

• Added  Coerce Event for Numerics

Submitted by vix (forum profile vix)(community profile vix), Kudos! See the submitted suggestion here: Idea

• Added ‘Generate’ and ‘View’ Panel Callback Menu Items to Right-Click Menu of Object Browser in UI Editor

Submitted by RobertoBozzolo (forum profile RobertoBozzolo) (community profile RobertoBozzolo), Kudos! See the submitted suggestion here: Idea

User Interface

• Ability to Dim or Hide Items in a Ring Control

Submitted by Wolfgang  (forum profile Wolfgang) (community profile Wolfgang), Kudos! See the submitted suggestion here: Idea

• Exposed the Hidden ATTR_PLOT_TYPE Attribute

Submitted by Wolfgang  (forum profile Wolfgang) (community profile Wolfgang), Kudos! See the submitted suggestion here: Idea

• Support for Resizing Panel and Control Scroll Bars

Submitted by vix (forum profile vix)(community profile vix), Kudos! See the submitted suggestion here: Idea

• Added Support for the ATTR_COLUMN_VISIBLE Attribute to Tables

Submitted by vix (forum profile vix)(community profile vix), Kudos! See the submitted suggestion here: Idea

• Updated Table Editor to More Clearly Indicate Rows and Columns

Submitted by Wolfgang  (forum profile Wolfgang) (community profile Wolfgang), Kudos! See the submitted suggestion here: Idea

• Support for Anti-Aliasing with Canvas Objects

Submitted by aghacker  (forum profile aghacker)(community profile aghacker), Kudos! See the submitted suggestion here: Idea

• Integrate UI Tooltips into GUI Editor

Submitted by Wolfgang  (forum profile Wolfgang) (community profile Wolfgang), Kudos! See the submitted suggestion here: Idea

Libraries

• Added the Option to Search a ListType by Descending Order

Submitted by tstanley (forum profile tstanley) (community profile tstanley), Kudos! See the submitted suggestion here: Idea

• Add Functions to Network Variable Library to Create and Configure Network Variable Folders

Submitted by vix (forum profile vix)(community profile vix), Kudos! See the submitted suggestion here: Idea

The NIWeek 2012 conference and exhibition hosts the engineering, academic, and industrial communities for three full days of interactive technical sessions, exhibitions, hands-on workshops, case study presentations, and panel discussions on the latest technologies for control design, measurement, automation, manufacturing, and test. Join key decision makers, developers, and visionaries to learn about trends and advancements in the measurement and automation world at this conference. The event also is and the perfect opportunity for attendees to network with leading engineers and scientists, share best practices and example code with fellow developers, and exchange information with NI product managers. 

At NIWeek 2012 you can:

• Network with more than 3,000 engineers, scientists, educators, industry leaders, and NI developers
• Choose from 250 advanced technical presentations, hands-on workshops, case studies, and panel discussions
• Learn about creating advanced test, control, and design solutions in daily keynotes
• Discover the latest technologies, see product demonstrations and solutions in more than 200 exhibitor booths including product pavilions and partner presentations
• Improve your LabWindows/CVI knowledge by attending the sessions and workshops described below.
  

Hands-On Lab: Introduction To LabWindows/CVI

Date: Wednesday Aug 8, 4:45pm

Speakers: Darren Bieal, Product Support Engineer

Abstract: Discover how C programmers performing instrument control, data acquisition, and control design are using LabWindows/CVI to create their applications. Also learn how you can use built-in LabWindows/CVI engineering and scientific tools to be a more productive C programmer.

Comments: This 1 hour introductory session is recommended for developers with ANSI C programming experience who are not familiar with LabWindows/CVI development environment and tools.

Technical Session: Latest Features of LabWindows/CVI 2012 for Future-Proof ANSI C Development

Date: Wednesday Aug 8, 3:30pm

Speakers: Anna Kozminski, Product Manager and Jonathan Newton, LabWindows/CVI Software Engineer

Abstract: LabWindows/CVI provides ANSI C programmers with a powerful yet streamlined and flexible IDE that lends itself as an efficient tool for writing test and measurement applications. LabWindows/CVI continues to evolve as we strive to advance usability, performance and platform support. We invite you to learn about the latest feature improvements of LabWindows/CVI 2012 and share with you our vision for the future of LabWindows/CVI.

Comments: In this session we will walk through the latest features releasing with LabWindows/CVI 2012 and provide examples of how each of these will benefit you as developers. If you work in a highly-regulated industry, you will find the side-by-side run-time feature particularly interesting. My favorite new features this release are the fifteen Idea Exchange features because these suggestions came directly from LabWindows/CVI developers all around the world. If you cannot attend this session, we will post new feature documentation on ni.com/lwcvi/whats_new. However we will not post information presented by Jonathan regarding the LabWindows/CVI roadmap for version 2013 and beyond so please attend the session if possible.

Intermediate Technical Session: Developing ANSI C Applications to Communicate with FPGAs in Secure Environments

Date: Thursday Aug 9, 10:30 am

Speakers: Anna Kozminski, Product Manager and Special Guest James Kneale, Fellow Engineer at Northrop Grumman Corporation

Abstract: Application development in highly regulated industries often requires integration of software within classified environments where only carefully-checked text source code is allowed to cross into the unclassified world. This presentation demonstrates how to use the C Interface to LabVIEW FPGA to program real-time processors on NI FPGA-based hardware using C tools such as LabWindows/CVI while also considering techniques that maintain configuration control when you need to work in both secure and unrestricted environments. The C Interface to FPGA gives engineers and scientists with C expertise the ability to take advantage of FPGAs within their designs to create high performance solutions and reuse existing embedded C code.

Comments: I am delighted to co-present this session with James Kneale. Jim Kneale is a Fellow Engineer at Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems, focusing on hardware and software development for radar test.  Interesting fact about Jim: he holds a patent for a method of simulating radar antennas.   He also has a unique perspective on mixing LabWindows/CVI and LabVIEW FPGA becuase most of the software he works on must pass between classified areas which lead him to find effecitve ways to consistently maintain security of code that includes LabVIEW FPGA and LabWindows/CVI C components.

LabWindows/CVI Developer Certification

Validate your skills or renew your  LabWindows/CVI certification at NIWeek at discounted rates. Simply register for these exams when you register for NIWeek. Learn more are ni.com/niweek/training

All NIWeek attendees: 35% off of list price

Alliance Partners: 50% off of list price

About the LabWindows/CVI Certification

NI Certified LabWindows/CVI Developers have demonstrated a solid understanding of the environment and its capabilities and the ability to develop functional applications while minimizing development time. You can use this certification to assess and validate an individual’s LabWindows/CVI development skills for the purpose of project staffing or career advancement.  For example, having Certified Developers on staff to provide technical leadership and guidance ensures that less-experienced developers are following best practices that will make them more competent and efficient developers. All National Instruments Alliance Partners at the Certified Partner level and above maintain at least one Certified Developer or Architect on staff, so that clients can be sure they are getting the best possible results.

• Requires a broad and complete understanding of LabWindows/CVI core features and functionality
• Valid for 2 years from date taken, recertification required to maintain credentials
• Benefits include use of certification logo and listing on ni.com

Recommended Experience Level

• 12 to 18 months of experience developing and deploying medium to large LabWindows/CVI applications

OR

• LabWindows/CVI Basics I and II with 6 months of LabWindows/CVI development experience

Exam Details

• Format: Application development
• Duration: 4 hours

I am pleased to inform you that the LabWindows/CVI Beta Program is now open for new registration requests. As a beta program member you will be among the first to use the next LabWindows/CVI release features, provide feedback to Nl, and get you a head start in learning the latest and greatest LabWindows/CVI features.

Be the first to test-drive LabWindows/CVI 2012 and the LabWindows/CVI 2012 Real-Time Module. Through the LabWindows/CVI Beta Program, you can download the software, report bugs, comment on and suggest features, track development progress, and access software documentation. Get an early look at new features like Side-by-Side Run-Time Engine, user interface (UI) tool tips, Idea Exchange features, and more.

More CVI Jobs

2012 is looking like a great year for LabWindows/CVI developers - the demand for your expertise and experience is growing fast. Here is a list of the recent job postings on the LabWindows/CVI Developers Community on LinkedIn: (click each image to enlarge and access the posting via the link below each)

Access this Job Posting here

Access this Job Posting here

Access this Job Posting here

Access this Job Posting here

Join the LabWindows/CVI Developers Group on LinkedIn to let employers know of your CVI programming experience. Given that LabWindows/CVI is one of the most popular tools for developing ANSI C Automated Test applications, employers value proficiency in CVI when hiring for positions is test development.

Add this skill to your portfolio by joining the LabWindows/CVI Developers Group on LinkedIn.

Join the LabWindows/CVI Developers Group on LinkedIn to let employers know of your CVI programming experience. Given that LabWindows/CVI is one of the most popular tools for developing ANSI C Automated Test applications, employers value proficiency in CVI when hiring for positions is test development.

Add this skill to your portfolio by joining the LabWindows/CVI Developers Group on LinkedIn.

Spincraft in San Diego, CA has just recently posted this job opening:

"Spincraft has an immediate requirement for a LabWindows/CVI programmer in San Diego, CA. This town has a LabVIEW user group but not CVI. I have asked the usual suspects but no luck yet. Your suggestions are welcome.

This requirement is a contract position with one of our clients in San Diego. The CVI programmer will spend most of their time on-site. The ATE project is for a new product launch in March 2012. This hourly contract would be full-time with possible O/T towards the completion. A favorable outcome could lead to a permanent position, directly with this client. Please let me know if you can fulfill these requirements.
Thanks, Don@Spincraft.com "

See the job posting here

Recent News on LabWindows/CVI Inside NI

LabWindows/CVI Idea Exchange Turns 1 Year Old - In just one year, you have contributed over 170 ideas, each of which we reviewed and are proud to announce that a subset of these are already being implemented in LabWindows/CVI 2012!  Each new Idea starts in the New status, then once it has been reviewed, we will assign the status as Under Consideration, In Beta, Completed, Duplicate or Declined so that you can track the progress of your suggestions. Thank you for all your amazing suggestions and feature requests, be sure to look for yours in upcoming releases of CVI! Visit ni.com/cvi-ideas.

I also want to specially  thank our top kudoed CVI Idea Exchange contributors for acutely recognizing and documenting such well received ideas. Special thanks to Wolfgang, vix, Peter Prinzen, tstanley , Roberto Bozzolo and CVI-User!

New to the Idea Exchange? The CVI Idea Exchange is the most direct way to let us know about functionality that you would like to see in CVI or behavior that is bothersome or inconvenient. We launched the CVI Idea Exchange in November 2010 to give CVI programmers an avenue to communicate with our own developers because often times these ideas can be implemented fairly easily but we just didn't know about them. My recommendation is to review the ideas every so often so that you can give input by voting on the ones that you endorse and of course post your own! The easy-to-remember vanity URL is ni.com/cvi-ideas.

LabWindows/CVI at NI Week 2011 - If you were not able to attend NI Week this year, I invite you read the blog post about theLabWindows/CVI Showcase at NI Week and I hope to see you next year for the launch of LabWindows/CVI 2012!

AutoTest Conference in Baltimore, Sept 2011 - It was great to have met so many LabWindows/CVI developers at AutoTest Con this past September.  Thank you for stopping by the National Instruments booth and chatting with me about your CVI applications.  We had the CVI Structural Testing Demo on display to showcase LabWindows/CVI 2010 being used to test the structural integrity of an airplane wing.  If you missed it,  we recorded the short video below. If you would like to learn more about AutoTest Conference, visit www.autotestcon.com

Best Regards and Happy Holidays!

Anna Kozminski

LabWindows/CVI Product Manager

LabWindows/CVI 2010 Service Pack 1 is now available to members of the National Instruments Standard Service Program (SSP) at no additional cost. This maintenance release addresses 60 improvements to the LabWindows/CVI 2010 development platform.

If you are a software service member through the Standard Service Program (SSP), you can download your copy of NI LabWindows/CVI 2010 Service Pack 1 today. 

Thank you to all the attendees of today's LabWindows/CVI sessions and events!

It was wonderful to meet so many of you today at the LabWindows/CVI sessions and on the show the floor. I can now associate a face and a real person to your community personas and overall feel very welcome to the LabWindows/CVI user community. Thank you!

Highlights from Today's Events

LabWindows/CVI Sessions: "What's New in LabWindows/CVI 2010 and Beyond" and "Developing ANSI C Applications to Communicate with FPGAs"

"Look how far we have come" - today we took a look at the past and future of LabWindows/CVI. Next year will mark the 25th anniversary of the product and we could not reach this milestone without the continued feedback and idea suggestions from our user base to help us keep improving and innovating. Luis Gomes, LabWindows/CVI R&D Group Manager spoke today about the LabWindows/CVI Idea Exchange as the first place our developers look to in deciding what features we will be implementing next. All ideas on the idea exchange get considered and you can expect the top rated proposals to appear in upcoming versions of LabWindows/CVI. We also reiterated the benefits of LabWindow/CVI 2010 after whcih Luis gave us insight into the future technology investments for CVI. We want to thank you for all the great comments we received, our goal in providing you with the best tools possible means that your requests and opinions will help shape the future of the product. Thank you again for participating.

"I love the FPGA Interface C API so much, I could cry" - today's session literally brought me to tears today, though this is due in part to my allergies! In the "Developing ANSI C Applications to Communicate with FPGAs" session we discussed FPGA technology and its benefits, the NI RIO Platform and then broke down the entire development process from creating FPGA code to creating and deploying the ANSI C application that controls and pulls data back from the FPGA hardware. Kent Johnson, Senior Software Engineer for CompactRIO walked us through a live demo showing us how to use the LabVIEW FPGA module to program a PXI R Series RIO board and how to program the C Host application in LabWindows/CVI by using the FPGA Interface C API Generator built into CVI (Tools >> Launch FPGA Interface C API Generator). Again we had a lot of excellent questions that spawned some great discussions, we thank you for your attention and interest in this session!

-> Install the latest FPGA Interface C API 1.3

LabWindows/CVI Developers Lunch

Thanks to everyone that came out to the LabWindows/CVI developers lunch today. We sat down with CVI users (and some lost LabVIEW users) to chat and dine at the Peer2Peer tables in the NIWeek cafeteria. Table 1 was hosted by Nick Beer, CVI developer and Luis Gomes, CVI R&D Group Manager. Table 2 was hosted by Jeff Pautler, CVI RealTime Group Manager and Michael Harrison, Senior Software Engineer for CVI.

Best Regards,

Anna Kozminski

LabWindows/CVI Product Manager

If you are an NI Alliance Partner, I would like to invite you to join us for Alliance Day 2011 on behalf of the National Instruments Alliance Partner Network. This year’s Alliance Day will take place at the Austin Convention Center Monday, August 1 and is collocated with NIWeek2011.

Never heard of NI Alliance Partners? These are companies and individuals who leverage their NI product knowledge to provide complementary services and solutions. Go to www.ni.com/alliance to learn about opportunities to sell your LabWindows/CVI prowess!

National Instruments Alliance Day brings together hundreds of NI partners from around the globe to network with National Instruments sales and learn valuable business and technical information to encourage growth and success with their individual companies. There are several that sound very interesting:

• Keynote by Entrepreneur in Residence at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, Louise Epstein- Attend this keynote to learn what's holding your company back and the things you can do to future-proof your business.
• Personalized Workshops- Sit down with a PR or Web expert for a personalized consultation on your public relations strategy or website experience. Space is limited for these workshops, so sign up soon.
• Design Advantages of NI PXI Products - Come learn about some of the distinguishing features of the National Instruments PXI platform.
• Core Products Roadmap - Listen to a National Instruments engineers discuss major investment areas for NI’s core products over the next several years.
• Industry and Applications - Learn from National Instruments business owners about market opportunities in various industries. Also, hear from featured Alliance Partners as they share an overview of their vertical expertise and turn-key solutions that address specific application needs.

In closing, we would be honored to have you join us in celebrating the 20^th Anniversary of National Instruments Alliance Partner Network by attending our Alliance Day event. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions.

Regards,

Anna Kozminski

LabWindows/CVI Product Manager

Additions to the LabWindows/CVI Team

I am very excited to announce and introduce a new member of the LabWindows/CVI team. Please join me in welcoming Anna Kozminski as the new LabWindows/CVI Product Manager. Anna has undeniable passion for LabWindows/CVI and a deep technical knowledge and understanding of CVI user needs. Anna has been a part of the NI team for several years and comes from the Applications Engineering group in which she supported LabWindows/CVI developers like yourself! I have no doubts, that her background will add immense value to the LabWindows/CVI team  to help define innovate product features and continue to grow the LabWindows/CVI user base. I encourage you to come out to NIWeek 2011 and meet Anna for yourself!

As for my next move...I am embarking on a new challenge within NI, but I look forward to continued involvement with the LabWindows/CVI team and the users! I cannot thank you enough for making my job as the LabWindows/CVI Product Manager enjoyable and exciting!

Just a few more updates before passing the reigns on to Anna...

• Update on the LabWindows/CVI Developer Newsletter
  In the past 2 years, the newsletter has nearly doubled the number of users subscribed and we cannot thank you enough for your contied support!

• Introducing the LabWindows/CVI Idea Exchange
  The LabWindows/CVI Idea Exchange is a product feedback forum where NI R&D and users work together to submit ideas, collaborate on their development, and vote for the ones they like best ! This idea portal launched with LabWindows/CVI 2010 in November 2010 and over 120 ideas have already been submitted. The LabWindows/CVI team is committed to reviewing every idea submitted via the LabWindows/CVI Idea Exchange, so submit your idea today or vote on others and help define  the future of LabWindows/CVI!

Thanks again and happy developing,

Adri Kruger

Software Product Marketing

The schedule for LabWindows™/CVI Events at NI Week 2011 has been leaked! We welcome you to join us for a variety of LabWindows/CVI activities lined up on Tuesday, August 2nd. Check back here for updated information regarding LabWindows/CVI events.

What’s New in NI LabWindows™/CVI 2010 and Beyond

Tuesday August 2, 2011, 10:30-11:30

Presented by:

Anna Kozminski - Product Marketing Manager for LabWindows™/CVI

Luis Gomes - LabWindows/CVI Software Group Manager

At a time when the pace of innovation is more rapid than ever before, shortening the time to market of your products has never been more important. Our mission is to provide C programmers with a powerful and flexible IDE that lends itself as an efficient tool for writing test and measurement applications. LabWindows/CVI continues to evolve as we strive to advance usability, performance and platform support. We invite you to learn about the latest feature improvements and share with you our vision for the future of LabWindows/CVI.

LabWindows™/CVI Developers Lunch

Tuesday August 2, 2011 12:00-1:00

Come meet the CVI team! We are hosting an informal discussion forum over lunch on Tuesday August 2^nd. We welcome you to pull up a chair to dine and chat with other C developers. In attendance will be myself - Anna Kozminski, a handful of CVI R&D developers and many other CVI users. Just look for the designated tables in the NI Week dining area. We look forward to seeing you there!

Developing ANSI C Applications to Communicate With FPGAs

Tuesday August 2, 2011 1:00-2:00

Presented by:

Anna Kozminski - Product Marketing Manager for LabWindows™/CVI

Kent Johnson - CompactRIO Senior Software Engineer

The C Interface to FPGA gives engineers and scientists with C expertise the ability to take advantage of FPGAs within their designs without the burden of learning hardware design while also giving them the option to reuse their existing embedded C code. With the C Interface to LabVIEW FPGA, engineers and scientists can program the real-time processor on NI FPGA-based hardware using C tools such as NI LabWindows^™/CVI, Microsoft Visual Studio, or Wind River Workbench and interface to the LabVIEW FPGA code running on the FPGA.

Often when debugging an issue with LabWindows/CVI, it becomes necessary to generate a debug log to send to National Instruments.  Logging can be done for either the LabWindows/CVI environment, or the LabWindows/CVI Run-Time Engine.  Let's take a look at how and why to generate logs for both of these scenarios.  To generate a log for either case, you will need to run the ConfigCVILogging.exe utility located in <National Instruments>\<CVI Version>\bin.

Environment

Generating a log for the environment can be a very helpful debugging aid for things like crashes during startup and shutdown of the LabWindows/CVI environment, and error messages shown in the LabWindows/CVI environment.  To generate a log for these types of issues, configure the ConfigCVILogging tool as shown below:

1. Make sure you select Environment and not Runtime Engine
2. Pick the version of the environment you want to log (in this case, year based versions are not used, so 9.1 corresponds to 2009)
3. Unless otherwise instructed, just select all message types.
4. Log the output to file.  If you are on Windows 7 or Windows Vista, make sure the location you pick is writable.  You might need to run LabWindows/CVI as Administrator if your user account does not have sufficient privelege to write to the location you pick.
5. Unless otherwise instructed, the default message format is good.
6. When you're done configuring, be sure to press the apply button.

Run-Time Engine

Generating a log for the Run-Time Engine can sometimes be helpful for things like a crash in a program built with LabWindows/CVI, or for other similar run-time oddities.  To generate a log for these types of issues, configure the ConfigCVILogging tool as shown below:

1. Make sure you select Runtime Engine and not Environment
2. Unless otherwise instructed, the version should just be      "Release"
3. Unless otherwise instructed, select all message types.
4. Log the output to file.  If you are on Windows 7 or Windows Vista, make sure the location you pick is writable.  You might need to run the application loading the CVI Run-Time Engine as Administrator if your user account does not have sufficient privelege to write to the location you pick.
5. Unless otherwise instructed, the default message format      is good.
6. When you're done configuring, be sure to press the apply button.

Now the next time you run LabWindows/CVI, a log that can be sent to National Instruments support will be generated in the specified location.

LabWindows/CVI 2009 Service Pack 1 is now available to members of the National Instruments Standard Service Program (SSP) at no additional cost. This maintenance release addresses nearly 40 improvements to the LabWindows/CVI 2009 development platform.

If you are a software service member through the Standard Service Program (SSP), you can download your copy of NI LabWindows/CVI 2009 Service Pack 1 today. For more information on the updates, visit the LabWindows/CVI 2009 Service Pack 1 Bug Fix  page. Thank you for being a valued member of the LabWindows/CVI Community!

Recent News on LabWindows/CVI Inside NI

• NI Week 2010 will be held on August 3-5 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas for three days of interactive technical sessions, targeted summits, hands-on workshops, and exhibitions on the latest developments for design, control, automation, manufacturing, and test. The conference also features keynote presentations and demonstrations that highlight how engineers and scientists can use NI graphical system design to test, measure, and fix inefficient products and processes to improve everyday life.
• NI Week mobile site provides iPhone and iPad users with a convenient way to get information on NIWeek 2010. Using the mobile site, you can view the conference schedule and search for sessions by day and time or by type of session. You also can view full abstracts and speaker names for the more than 200 technical sessions offered at NIWeek. Additionally, the mobile site provides links to the expo hall map, demo videos, and social media outlets that will help you stay connected during NI Week.
• LabWindows/CVI activities at NI Week are lined-up for on Day 1 (August 3). We hope you can join us for :
  • What’s New in LabWindows/CVI 2009 and Beyond - Tuesday, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM, Room 11B
    Explore the new features of LabWindows/CVI 2009 and LabWindows/CVI Real-Time 2009 that increase productivity, improve application reliability and enable users to start taking advantage of the latest advancing technologies. In this session you will also have the opportunity to share your feedback directly with LabWindows/CVI developers.
  • LabWindows/CVI and Measurement Studio Developers Lunch - Tuesday, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, Tables 2&3
    Come and enjoy lunch with members of the LabWindows/CVI development team and other users.
  • Using the C Interface for LabVIEW FPGA - Tuesday, 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM, Room 16A
    Learn how to develop ANSI-C based applications that communicate with LabVIEW FPGA-based hardware using the FPGA Interface C API and explore tips on how to get started architecting applications.
  • Digital Protocol Emulation with NI LabWindows/CVI and LabVIEW™ FPGA - Test Pavilion

         Look for additional information on LabWindows/CVI NI Week activities on the LabWindows/CVI Community

A Few Additional Notes on LabWindows/CVI Inside NI

• LabWindows/CVI 2009 Service Pack 1 was recently announced to LabWindows/CVI customers around the World. 
• LabWindows/CVI Beta Program includes access to beta software for LabWindows/CVI 2010, LabWindows/CVI Real-Time Module 2010 and LabWindows/CVI Linux Module 2010. 
• LabWindows/CVI Community has grown to over 80 members! Join today and start collaborating with LabWindows/CVI users around the world, get updates on new software releases, view tips and trick for development and read news blogs on activities surrounding LabWindows/CVI.

The LabWindows™/CVI Developer Newsletter is a quarterly newsletter that delivers the latest technology and product news to LabWindows/CVI developers. Included are helpful tips, shortcuts, and how-to articles to improve your efficiency and productivity in LabWindows/CVI. In the newsletter, you can also find the latest updates, examples, and downloads.

---

NIWeek 2010

The 16th annual customer and technology conference in Austin, Texas on August 3–5

-----

-----

---

---

Communicate to your instrument over any bus

Instrument drivers for instrument communication without making any changes to your NI LabWindows/CVI application

-----

-----

---

---

The National Instruments 2010 Automated Test Outlook

Insight into the cross-industry trends impacting your organization

---

---

---

Community Tips and tricks

Using multiple versions of LabWindows/CVI 2009 and case studies for LabWindows/CVI user successes

I’m a professional problem solver, and I love it!  So when I ask, “How can I help you out? “, I’m looking for a challenge. The best part of being an Applications Engineer with National Instruments is that I get to touch so many projects. There are so many people using CVI in so many different fields, from military/aero, oil/gas, to medical, I rarely hear the same issue twice. So I’m always on my toes and ready for the next call.

Even though I never know what to expect when I pick up the phone, NI does a great job of making sure I can set my customers up for success. Everyone knows that ANSI C is rock solid and code written in this language can be recompiled and reused for years to come, but not everyone knows about NI’s commitment to innovation and new technology support, both with hardware and software. CVI is dedicated to longevity and backward compatibility so that you can successfully move forward as your test system requirements change. With National Instruments at the front of breaking technology and innovation, you can be assured that if you need to replace a test station, or double your production lines, you will be successful with CVI and complementing data acquisition hardware.

I'm also lucky that our CVI forums and CVI community are both full of customers bent on making my job easier. When I'm not taking phone calls or working on NIWeek demos, i browse the forums help answer customer questions. Since we have such huge fans of CVI, I rarely have to lift a finger, and I'm always amazed at the quality of comments. So a big kudos goes out to all of you CVI forum posters out there!

Enough about me and my job, the real reason you’re all here is to hear about CVI. If you haven’t already demoed the new CVI Execution Profiler Toolkit, I highly recommend it. The Execution Profiler Toolkit is the easiest way to pinpoint the function calls that are taking up too much time, so your applications can run more efficiently.

I was working with a customer who was seeing a non-linear increase in the amount of time it took to process a data set. So running a report on one file took 2 seconds, three files took 8 seconds, 4 files took 16 seconds, and so on. So you can really see how optimizing the program would save a lot of time in the long run, especially when they regularly processed 50 to 100 files. We couldn't figure out exactly which part of the program was causing this slow down until we used the Execution Profiler Toolkit. As soon as the toolkit was installed and setup, we quickly saw that the problem was coming from a sorting function that was re-arranging the data before it got analyzed. We implemented a more efficient search algorithm and execution times were cut in half. No guessing and checking required because we had all the performance and function execution data we needed to better optimize the source code. In addition to the Execution Profiler Toolkit; I’m also really excited for the new attribute browser, both of which were suggested by customers like you!

So, if you’ve got a question about CVI, go ahead and let us know at ni.com/support

The Q4 LabWindows/CVI Developer Newsletter is out!

LabWindows/CVI 2009 includes enhanced productivity tools and introduces a new toolkit for run-time analysis and optimization. LabWindows/CVI 2009 also includes support for new technologies such as the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system, 64-bit application development and deployment, and provides a new interface for communicating with NI PXI FPGA-based hardware including FlexRIO and R Series data acquisition modules.

Visit the What's New page to see a full list of the new features in LabWindows/CVI 2009 that will help users create more reliable applications in a shorter amount of time and take advantage of new PC technologies. Some of the new features include:

Execution Profiler Toolkit

Analyze and optimize the performance of applications with a graphical representation of how time is being spent at run time, and easily detect bottlenecks in source code.

Attribute Browser

Design custom user interfaces in a shorter amount of time by simultaneously selecting and editing common attributes of multiple controls with the integrated attribute browser.

Extended Debug Data

Debug more efficiently and ensure application reliability with added information, for certain data types, in the variables and watch windows.

64-Bit Support

Improve the run-time performance of memory-intensive applications and take full advantage of the capabilities of 64-bit operating systems with added support for creating 64-bit executables, DLLs, and deployment installers.

C Interface to LabVIEW FPGA

Design deterministic and reliable algorithms in field-programmable gate array (FPGA) hardware without the burden of learning hardware description languages (HDLs) or digital design. The C Interface to LabVIEW FPGA provides C/C++ programmers with an easy interface to FPGA hardware through host application development.

Windows 7 Support

Easily migrate existing LabWindows/CVI applications and take advantage of new PC technologies with added hardware, driver, and development environment support for the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system.