National Instruments cRIO-9068 software-designed controller

The NI cRIO-9068 software-designed controller has been completely redesigned but maintains full NI LabVIEW and I/O compatibility with the CompactRIO platform. The controller integrates state-of-the-art technologies like the Xilinx Zynq-7020 All Programmable system on a chip (SoC), which combines a dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 processor and Xilinx 7 Series FPGA fabric.

Based on the LabVIEW reconfigurable I/O (RIO) architecture, the CompactRIO controller helps meet any demanding embedded control and monitoring task without wasting development time and cost. Engineers and scientists can use the platform to build systems that can suppress fires on cargo airplanes, generate electricity through the flight of tethered kites and precisely stack 20 tonnes of wet concrete.

The controller is said to feature four times faster performance than previous generations. Its Linux-based, real-time OS provides flexibility for both LabVIEW Real-Time and C/C++ application developers. It has an extended operating temperature range of -40 to 70°C and a consistent LabVIEW programming experience that ensures both new and existing designs take advantage of updated technology with minimal effort.

Programmed with LabVIEW system design software, the product enables users to use a single, graphical development environment to take advantage of improved hardware performance. LabVIEW 2013 support for the NI Linux Real-Time OS gives developers access to a rich set of community-sourced libraries and applications to augment their control and monitoring systems. The software also offers expanded connectivity options, including improved web service creation and secure, industry-standard WebDAV browser-based file management.