Project References (LabVIEW)

Project References (LabVIEW)

The band width of our project references realized with LabVIEW reflects the enormous potential and the diversity of this development environment. Whether for PC or for realtime system, whether for research and development or for manufacturing - there are countless application possibilities for LabVIEW. With LabVIEW programming and software development and LabVIEW training we share our acquired know-how with you.

OPC Sequencer

OPC Sequencer

This copy protected software package is seamlessly integrated into the LabVIEW development environment and uses VI Scripting and hidden LabVIEW functionalities for creating and executing user-specific sequences for device control via OPC interface. The sequence run is animated, the user is able to affect this run instantly (pause / skip etc.).

Requirements

  • Flexible licensing model (unlimited, one-time usage, limited by time or date, PC based copy protection)
  • User management (name, password)
  • Seamless integration into LabVIEW development environment (with own functions and controls palette)
  • VI Scripting and hidden LabVIEW functionalities ("SuperSecretPrivateSpecialStuff")
  • Completely unrestricted creation of sequences as special VIs with own front panel
  • Polymorphic VIs as sequence steps, integrated into LabVIEW functions palette (read process value, wait for process value, write set point, set point ramp, wait for variable, write variable, snapshot of several measurement values, send e-mail etc.)
  • Encapsulation of frequently used step arrangements as sub-sequence
  • Special front panel controls for measurement data visualization, integrated into LabVIEW controls palette
  • Several user support tools for sequence creation
  • OPC browser to determine the correct OPC URL and to read process values / write set points without any programming
  • OPC access configuration (tag number, access, data type, unit, minimum / maximum set point, conversions etc.) via text file
  • Automatic configuration file verification
  • Automatic creation of LabVIEW strict type definitions (*.ctl) matching the current OPC configuration
  • Final automatic sequence verification
  • Animated sequence visualization during run (active sequence step with current and remaining time / PASS / FAIL / Warning)
  • User is able to affect the sequence run instantly (pause, step operation, skip step, finalize sequence prematurely, kill sequence)
  • Parallel execution of multiple sequences
LabVIEW Application

Solution

Version-specific software development and programming in LabVIEW (National Instruments). Due to the usage of VIs as sequences the user is able to use the whole functionality of LabVIEW for creating a sequence (including parallel execution of sequence steps). Up to eight sequences may be executed in parallel.

Test Bench for Organic Semiconductors (OLED, OFET, OPV)

Test Bench for Organic Semiconductors (OLED, OFET, OPV)

This test bench inspects and characterizes organic LEDs (OLED), organic FETs (OFET) and organic PVs (OPV). The characteristics of these organic electronic components are determined, evaluated and displayed using freely definable voltage ramps and long-term tests under stabilized conditions.

Requirements

  • Complex control and programming of a Keithley 2636A System SourceMeter to generate intricated voltage ramps on two channels
  • Consistent user interface for different software operation modes (OLED, OFET, OPV, generic U/I characterization)
  • Automatic calculation of characteristics
  • Generation of reports which illustrate the determined characteristic curves
LabVIEW Application

Solution

Software development and programming in LabVIEW (National Instruments). Stimulation and data acquisition with 2636A System SourceMeter (Keithley Instruments), controlled via Ethernet (TCP/IP), programmed in Lua. Measurement data are saved as spreadsheet ASCII file.

Taxi Test Stand

Taxi Test Stand

Every taxi passenger expects a correctly calculated fare. This fare is calculated by the on-board taximeter based on the distance travelled and the idle times. These taximeters have to be calibrated and verified periodically. The measurement technique of the three roller test stands used for this calibration at the Berlin-Brandenburg State Office for Metrology and Verification is fundamentally modernized and their handling significantly simplified.

Requirements

  • Replacing the old displays (big 7 segment wall displays with LEDs) with modern jumbo screens
  • Replacing the outdated evaluation electronics with industry PCs controlled by LabVIEW
  • Employment of modular state-of-the-art measurement technology
  • Integration of additional displays into the control units
  • Highest ruggedness and reliability
  • Simpliest usage
LabVIEW Application

Solution

Software development and programming in LabVIEW (National Instruments). Employment of CompactDAQ systems with NI cDAQ-9174 (Chassis), NI 9411 (Encoder), NI 9421 (8 x DIN) and NI 9472 (8 x DOUT). Installation of additional LCD displays EA DYN4016 (Electronic Assembly) into the control panels, controlled via RS232/RS485.

Double Substitution Test Bench

Double Substitution Test Bench

This test bench performs a semi-automatic microphone calibration. Using the principle of double substitution the microphone under test is compared with a reference microphone at different configurable sound levels and frequencies. The test bench resides in an anechoic room.

Requirements

  • Seamless integration of Microsoft Excel for test configuration and data visualization
  • Controlling of DMM, function generator and rotary table
Fertiger Prüfplatz mit laufender LabVIEW-Applikation

Solution

Software development and programming in LabVIEW (National Instruments). Test control and data acquisition using DMM 2000 (Keithley Instruments), Amplifier Nexus 2690-OS2 (Brüel & Kjaer), Function Generator NI PCI-5411 (National Instruments) and a dated rotary table (Robotron).

Wheelchair Simulator

Wheelchair Simulator

Feel the daily challenges of in mobility disabled people. Visiting the Science Center Medical Technology in Berlin (closed since 2018) you may try their wheelchair simulator and virtually explore a course near the Brandenburg Gate with ramps, bridges, curbs and cones. To ensure a high reliability for the audience and to simplify future software updates the control software is remade from scratch.

Requirements

  • Control improvement of the pneumatic platform simulating the roll and pitch angle and surface properties
  • Control and evaluation improvement of the force feedback system simulating the rolling resistance dependent on the pitch angle for each wheel
  • Control and evaluation improvement of the 3D course visualization
  • Runtime refinement for a more realistic simulation
  • High reliability
  • Simplest usage
  • Function supervision using an intelligent realtime watchdog
  • Remote serviceability of the software
Wheelchair Simulator Controlled by LabVIEW and LabVIEW Real-Time/RT

Solution

Software development and programming in LabVIEW for the PC and in LabVIEW Real-Time/RT for the FieldPoint system (both National Instruments). Ethernet communication between the modules using TCP/IP. Obtained control cycle time: 15ms.

Temperature-Rise Tests for Circuit Breakers and Switchgears

Temperature-Rise Tests for Circuit Breakers and Switchgears

The temperature rise of any part of circuit breakers and switchgears at rated normal current shall not exceed the temperature-rise limits specified in various standards. This test bench sources the DUT with a current up to 10000 A and monitors up to 100 selective temperatures. If one temperature exceeds its limits, the test is shut down automatically.

Requirements

  • Unattended test run
  • Measurement and evaluation of up to 100 thermocouples
  • Controlling the high current source with digital signals and a 4-20 mA output
  • Monitoring the actual current flow
  • Acquisition of the current limit concerning a specified temperature rise.
  • Comprehensive graphical and tabular data visualisation during and after test run
  • Saving the acquired measurement data as spreadsheet ASCII file
  • Protocol creation and printout
  • Manual operation mode for hardware check
LabVIEW Application

Solution

Software development and programming in LabVIEW (National Instruments). Controlling a 3706 Switch System (Keithley Instruments) using an ethernet connection to acquire up to 100 thermocouples and to control the high current source (Ruhstrat). Very comfortable data visualization and protocol creation.

Chip on Submount / CoS Test Bench

Chip on Submount / CoS Test Bench

An already existing CoS (Chip on Submount) test bench for acquisition of laser diode characteristics is duplicated. The underlying test concept and the measurement techniques used for data acquisition are both basically modernized, giving a way to measure laser diodes much quicker and more efficiently while optimizing the stability of the whole test process.

Requirements

  • User access control (user name / password)
  • Two user levels (Administrator, Operator)
  • Duplicated measurement hardware to survey two laser diodes at the same time
  • Access to customer's database
  • Free configuration of test runs using recipes (bundling complex test steps into one structure)
  • Optimized parallel control of duplicated measurement hardware
  • Graphical visualization of measurement data, calculation and display of additional key data
  • Defective laser diodes are not surveyed any more to save time
  • Measurement data and calculated key data are saved to database; these values accompany each individual laser diode during the further production process
LabVIEW Application

Solution

Software development and programming in LabVIEW (National Instruments). Data acquisition using two 3706 Switch Systems (Keithley Instruments), two integrating spheres with Optical Switch EOL 1x2 (IOTech) and Optical Spectrum Analyzer / OSA AQ6370 (Yokogawa) downstream; test bench control by two linear axes XPS (Newport), Temperature Controller 2510AT and two Source Meters 2602A (each Keithley Instruments).

Turbine Disc Centrifuge Test

Turbine Disc Centrifuge Test

An already existing test bench for turbine discs used in airplanes and its measurement technique is upgraded. The result is a free configurable data recorder for up to 100 channels of different measurands (temperature, pressure, revolution speed) with the additional ability to stabilize the pressure on several points within the test bench using PID algorithms.

Requirements

  • Data recorder for 100 measurement channels
  • Limit check of each channel
  • Independent PID control of 4 proportional pressure valves
  • Shutdown sequence at system error
  • Comprehensive graphical and tabular data visualization during and after test run
  • Daily measurement data files
  • Diagram printout
  • Table printout
LabVIEW Application

Solution

Software development and programming in LabVIEW (National Instruments). Data acquisition with a 2750 Switch System (Keithley Instruments) and PC measurement card NI PCI-6229 (National Instruments). Implementation of comprehensive visualization options.

Collinear Test Bench for Surface Resistance Measurement

Collinear Test Bench for Surface Resistance Measurement

This test bench is used for performing resistance measurements of semiconductor samples. The measurement principle follows the Four-Point Method and calculates the volume resistivity using the law of superposition.

Requirements

  • Software operation by semiskilled personnel, no special knowledge required
  • All panels, dialogs and the whole documentation in english
  • Configurable sample parameters
  • Performing single shots and continuous measurements; interval, duration, averaging and precision are configurable
  • Graphical presentation of measurement data with zoom and drag tool
  • Tabular visualization of measurement data with comment and time stamp
LabVIEW Application

Solution

Software development and programming in LabVIEW (National Instruments). Measurement data acquisition with Model 2000 DMM (Keithley Instruments). Software operation as simple as possible.

Module Automat

Module Automat

Seamlessly integrated into the production process this test bench calibrates the quartzes of a wide variety of switching modules for home automation. The innovative and flexible software design allows the customer to create new test runs at any time and to integrate them dynamically.

Requirements

  • Consideration of several aspects of a production subprocess (cycle time, malfunction behaviour etc.)
  • Completely unrestricted creation of new test runs, also for still unknown devices
  • Manual operation and selftest for periodic test bench examination
  • Test progress indication and qualitative calibration rating; defective devices are locked out
  • PLC communication via RS232
Test Bench with LabVIEW Application Running

Solution

Software development and programming in LabVIEW (National Instruments). Control and data acquisition with Digital I/O Card PCI-7432 (AdLink), Relay Card ME-630 (Meilhaus), DMM 6001 (Prema) via GPIB, Twin Power Supply 8842 (Toellner) via GPIB and Universal Counter 6720 (Toellner) via GPIB. Dynamic implementation of new test runs created as VI.

200-Channel In-Situ Test Bed, Fitted in Climatic Chamber

200-Channel In-Situ Test Bed, Fitted in Climatic Chamber

This test bed allows long-time analysis of the electrical properties of solder connections. Up to 200 channels are scanned simultaneously, all integrated in a climatic chamber. The system is designed for a temperature operating range from -70 °C to +250 °C.

Requirements

  • Data aquisition on up to 200 channels
  • Temperature and/or time triggered measurement cycles with very flexible trigger conditions
  • Individual settings for each measurement channel
  • Free selectable measurement current (1 mA - 1 A)
  • Optional permanent current for additional device stressing
  • Visualisation and qualitative evaluation of measurement results (graphical and tabular) during and after measurement
  • Safety fallbacks for system exceptions (power outage, emergency stop etc.)
  • Measurement data are saved as ASCII file
  • Developing of a self-contained software (installation with setup, no additional run-time engines required)
  • Consideration of several aspects of an unsupervised long-time data aquisition
  • Offline data analysis with common software packages (Microsoft Excel, Microcal Origin)
LabVIEW Application

Solution

Design of the measurement system (two Switch Systems 2750 with Plug-In Modules 7702, 7705 and 7708 and two SourceMeter 2400 from Keithley Instruments). Software development and programming in LabVIEW (National Instruments). Controlling the measurement hardware via GPIB and RS232.

ICAMS Test Bed (Isotropic Conductive Adhesive Measurement System)

ICAMS Test Bed (Isotropic Conductive Adhesive Measurement System)

This test bed aquires and analyses the long-term behaviour of isotropic adhesive bindings and other flip chip connection techniques concerning their electrical conductibility. Resistances below 10 milliohms have to be measured surely. (Photo: Fraunhofer IZM)

Requirements

  • Assembly in climatic chamber for cycle tests
  • Wiring temperature stability over 100 °C
  • Measurement data aquisition with up to 400 channels
  • Measurement accuracy better than one milliohm
  • Free configurable measurement
  • Automatic syntax check of the given measurement configuration
  • Automatic hardware check of the realized wiring
  • Graphical visualization of the measurement data (during measurement or off-line)
  • Automatic searching and short-circuiting of defective test samples
  • Simple adaption of the software for future requirements
  • Off-line data analysis with commercial software
LabVIEW Application

Solution

Software development and programming in LabVIEW (National Instruments). Data acquisition with DMM 2010 and Switch Mainframe 7002 (Keithley Instruments) via GPIB und RS232. Use of ambitious graphic visualizing possibilities (ZoomIn, ZoomOut). Evaluated measurement data are saved as spreadsheet ASCII file.

Exploration of Electromigration within Solder Bumps

Exploration of Electromigration within Solder Bumps

The effect of electromigration within solder bumps is examined by this test bed. The goal is its verification by a resistance analysis in milliohms range. (Photo: Fraunhofer IZM)

Requirements

  • Design of the test assembly with two independent measurement chains, controlled by one and the same software
  • Implementation in two separated climatic chambers for independent cycle tests
  • Wiring temperature stability over 100 °C
  • Measurement data aquisition with 120 channels
  • Measurement accuracy better than one milliohm
  • Verification and storage of the measurement data on the PC
  • Automatic searching and short-circuiting of defective test samples
  • Optional shutdown of a chain for withdrawing or replacing test samples
  • Simple adaption of the software for future requirements
  • Off-line data analysis with commercial software
LabVIEW Application

Solution

Software development and programming in LabVIEW (National Instruments). Control and data acquisition with two SourceMeter 2400 and Switch System 2750 (Keithley Instruments) via GPIB. Strict separation of the software modules for both chains. The evaluated measurement data are saved as spreadsheet ASCII file.

Measuring the Light Efficiency of Organic LEDs / OLEDs

Measuring the Light Efficiency of Organic LEDs / OLEDs

Efficiency and light intensity of up to 120 OLEDs are measured simultaneously over a period of several weeks or months. The results are used for evaluating different OLED technologies.

Requirements

  • Measurement data aquisition with 240 channels (2 channels for each OLED)
  • Semiautomatic calibration of equal light intensity of the OLEDs before test run
  • Verification and saving the data on the computer
  • Graphical visualization of the measurement data (during measurement or off-line)
  • PASS/FAIL-Checking by measuring the light intensity divergence
  • Simple adaption of the software for future requirements
  • Taking out of test samples during test run for analytical purposes
  • Off-line data analysis with commercial software
LabVIEW Application

Solution

Software development and programming in LabVIEW (National Instruments). Data acquisition with DMM 2010 and Switch Mainframe 7002 (Keithley Instruments) via GPIB. Use of ambitious graphic visualizing possibilities (OLED selection, ZoomIn, ZoomOut). Evaluated measurement data are saved as spreadsheet ASCII file.