Learn LABVIEW-FPGA-MODULES with Real Code Examples

LabVIEW FPGA Modules enable graphical programming of FPGA hardware without requiring traditional HDL coding.

They allow deterministic, parallel processing for high-speed and low-latency applications.

Modules integrate seamlessly with LabVIEW for simulation, debugging, and deployment.

Support for modular and reusable FPGA code blocks accelerates complex system development.

They facilitate integration with NI hardware, including CompactRIO and PXI FPGA targets.

Graphical dataflow programming for FPGA logic

Timing-accurate execution on FPGA hardware

Integration with LabVIEW RT for host-FPGA communication

Custom IP core generation for FPGAs

Support for real-time signal acquisition and processing

VI (Virtual Instrument) - basic LabVIEW program unit

FPGA VI - special VI compiled to run on FPGA hardware

I/O Node - FPGA interface to hardware pins

FIFO - data transfer mechanism between FPGA and host

Timing Constraints - requirements for deterministic FPGA execution

Main LabVIEW Project file (.lvproj)

FPGA VIs for hardware logic

Host VIs for RT or desktop control

Reusable IP libraries or modules

Configuration files for hardware targets and I/O

Design FPGA VI using LabVIEW graphical programming

Define I/O mappings and hardware configuration

Simulate logic in LabVIEW or FPGA simulation tools

Compile FPGA VI to generate bitstream

Deploy and test on physical FPGA hardware

Beginner: Simple GPIO control and LED blinking

Intermediate: Data acquisition with FIFO buffering

Advanced: High-speed signal processing on FPGA

Expert: Multi-FPGA synchronized systems with complex control

Architect: Full embedded system design combining FPGA, RT, and UI layers

FPGA Modules vs Standard LabVIEW: deterministic, high-speed hardware execution

FPGA Modules vs HDL coding: graphical approach reduces development complexity

FPGA Modules vs Microcontroller code: much faster and parallel processing

Graphical FPGA VIs vs Manual HDL: easier to debug and integrate with LabVIEW

FPGA Modules vs Desktop Simulation: real hardware execution ensures precise timing

2005 - First LabVIEW FPGA Module introduced for cRIO hardware

2008 - Expanded support for PXI FPGA targets

2012 - Integration with LabVIEW Real-Time systems

2015 - Support for advanced IP cores and high-speed I/O

2018 - Improved simulation and debugging capabilities

2022 - Enhanced parallel loop and deterministic timing features

2025 - Continuous updates for FPGA compilation, IP reuse, and NI hardware support

LabVIEW - graphical programming environment by National Instruments

FPGA - Field-Programmable Gate Array hardware

VI - Virtual Instrument, the building block of LabVIEW

IP Core - reusable FPGA logic module

RT - Real-Time LabVIEW execution environment