LabVIEW: Advantages and Disadvantages

This page covers the advantages and disadvantages of the LabVIEW programming language, outlining its benefits and drawbacks.

What is LabVIEW?

LabVIEW, which stands for Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench, is a graphical programming language launched in 1986. It uses icons instead of lines of text to create applications. LabVIEW programs are called VIs (Virtual Instruments).

LabVIEW contains a set of VIs and functions for acquiring, analyzing, displaying, and storing data. It also includes tools to represent data on computers in the form of charts, graphs, tables, 3D controls, 3D graphs, picture controls, gauges, meters, etc.

It is a highly productive development environment for creating custom applications that interact with real-world data or signals in fields of engineering science. LabVIEW contains numerous components required for test, measurement, and control applications.

LabVIEW differs from traditional programming languages like C#, VB, MATLAB, Mathscript, and Maple. It’s based on a drag-and-drop concept, making it easier for non-programmers to use.

LabVIEW VIs are used to test, control, and design applications, aiding in accurate analog and digital measurements. It can also be used to control external hardware devices from desktop PCs and for display purposes.

The figure above depicts the testing of a WiFi DUT using NI hardware in real-time and a custom-developed LabVIEW application running on a PC. The VI has two panels: the front panel and the block diagram.

The front panel provides controls and indicators used as inputs and outputs, respectively. The block diagram is where components or icons are wired together for a specific purpose. This is the accompanying program for the front panel, serving as the user interface of the VI.

Every control or indicator on the front panel has a corresponding terminal on the block diagram.

Benefits or Advantages of LabVIEW

Here are the advantages of using LabVIEW:

• Graphical User Interface (GUI): Offers a GUI, making applications visually appealing and user-friendly.
• Drag-and-Drop Functionality: Facilitates quick creation of simulation block diagrams (VIs), reducing programming time compared to text-based languages.
• Modular Design and Multi-Platform Support: Supports modular design and is compatible with multiple platforms.
• Flexibility and Scalability: Provides a flexible and scalable language for various applications.
• Built-in Math and Signal Processing Functions: Simplifies signal analysis with pre-built functions.
• Custom VI Creation: Allows users to create their own VIs if a built-in function isn’t available.
• Data Transfer Capabilities: Facilitates data transfer over GPIB, USB, Ethernet, serial ports, etc.
• Object-Oriented Design and Algorithm Design: Supports object-oriented design and can be used for algorithm design. Users can create “C DLLs” from their C code and use them as VIs.
• Offline and Online Applications: Users can easily create both offline and online applications and license them to different users based on MAC addresses. Offline applications don’t require RF equipment, while online applications work in real-time and require RF VSG (Vector Signal Generator) and RF VSA (Vector Signal Analyzer). Drivers for real-time signal acquisition and signal generation are developed by NI (National Instruments).
• Industry Usage: Widely used in industries for data acquisition, analysis, and generation in test and measurement of transmitter and receiver functionalities of DUTs.
• Open Connectivity: Provides open connectivity with tools like Multisim, Excel, Mathcad, Mathematica, etc.
• PLC and Automation Device Communication: Can communicate with a wide variety of PLCs and automation devices, supporting fieldbuses like TCP/IP, PROFIBUS, EtherNet/IP, OPC, Modbus, and CANOpen.
• Affordable Cost: Available at an affordable cost, with add-ons like the LabVIEW FPGA module, LabVIEW NXG Web module, LabVIEW Real-time module, and Vision Development module available for purchase as needed.

Drawbacks or Disadvantages of LabVIEW

Here are some drawbacks to consider when using LabVIEW:

• Single Sourced: LabVIEW is single-sourced, distributed, and licensed by NI.
• Learning Curve for Text Programmers: Programmers accustomed to text-based languages might need time to familiarize themselves with LabVIEW’s built-in functions.
• Cost Consideration: The cost of LabVIEW should be considered before implementation.
• Training Requirement: Requires a significant amount of training to become proficient.
• Complex Debugging: Debugging can be more complex compared to text-based programming languages.