Focus on software and data acquisition

The latest release of Agilent Technologies’ IO Libraries Suite 16.3 software for use with electronic test instruments offers enhanced USB connections and support for Microsoft Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012. The suite’s peripheral component interconnect (PCI) extensions for instrumentation (PXI) Resource Manager features upgraded PXI/PXI Express interoperability. It also supports the Interchangeable Virtual Instrument Foundation virtual instrument software architecture plug-in specification, which allows for communication to third-party PCI/PXI devices through compliant plug-ins. According to Agilent, its IO Libraries Suite makes connecting to instruments fast, easy, and reliable through the use of features such as automatic detection and configuration of the instrument interface connected to the PC. Broad multivendor compatibility is maintained with GPIB, USB, LAN, RS-232, VMEbus extension for instrumentation, PXI, and advanced telecommunications computing architecture extensions for instrumentation and test. Among the development environments supported by the IO Libraries Suite software are Agilent VEE, Matlab, Microsoft Visual Studio, and National Instruments LabVIEW. Agilent Technologies Inc, 5301 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Santa Clara, CA 95051,http://www.agilent.com

National Instruments has upgraded LabWindows/CVI 2012, its American National Standards Institute C integrated development environment for test and measurement applications, with new and improved tools to help users develop systems faster. LabWindows/CVI 2012 is suitable for use in highly regulated industries such as defense, aerospace, and medical because it protects applications from unwanted updates to avoid version revalidation. New features, including batch-build dialog and 17 other functions suggested by users, improve usability and help software developers optimize code performance. Among other enhancements is an execution profiler that provides output graphics showing time spent of individual threads and functions during run time to identify code bottlenecks; more than 100 advanced analysis functions for RF applications, including signal noise generation, windowing, filter design and analysis, and signal operations; and upgrades to the LabWindows/CVI real-time module for improved timing and control of real-time targets. National Instruments Corporation, 11500 North Mopac Expressway, Austin, TX 78759-3504, http://www.ni.com

Aerotech has added EtherCAT to the A3200 integrated automation platform. It offers motion control, programmable logic control (PLC), and input–output (I/O) in a single, integrated environment. The EtherCAT interface allows users to seamlessly incorporate additional high- and low-power digital and analog I/O into a system. Users import the EtherCAT I/O configuration file into the A3200 MotionPAC PLC module to make the EtherCAT interface available to all programmers. The MotionPAC mapping tool is then used to connect EtherCAT I/O points to tags or variables. The connections are made by dragging and dropping the EtherCAT I/O names onto the tags or variables defined in the MotionPAC, the operator interface, or any other system module. MotionPAC will automatically manage the memory associated with EtherCAT I/O mappings. Tags and variables can be used by name in any of the modules, including Motion Composer, MotionPAC, Scope tools, and the operator interface. The tight integration of EtherCAT I/O with the A3200 will reduce machine development and maintenance time. Aerotech Inc, 101 Zeta Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15238-2897, http://www.aerotech.com

Data Translation (DT) has released the new version of its VIBpoint Framework 3.0 software, which generates waveform outputs to be used as stimulus tools. Combined with DT dynamic signal acquisition devices, the VIBpoint Framework application is suitable for complete vibration testing. The software is navigated through a series of easy-to-use configuration windows to allow flexible selection of the desired acquisition, processing, plotting, and display parameters. New waveform output features include continuous or burst digital-to-analog output of noise, swept sine, and fixed frequency waveforms; output start/stop synchronization with analog input or manual start/stop; waveform on/off time and ramp up/ramp down time specification; and fixed frequency, swept sine, and noise options. Data Translation Inc, 100 Locke Drive, Marlboro, MA 01752-1192, http://www.datatranslation.com

Integrated Engineering Software has launched version 9.1 of Lorentz, an optical-beam simulation tool. A new optical axis feature in the 3D package gives engineers and scientists a convenient reference for analyzing a beam. Scatter and contour plots along the optical axis provide an informative display of the beam on planes normal to the optical axis. Another capability is a quasi-transient mode that rebuilds the field at different times for arbitrary time dependences; it is much faster than doing a full transient solution. Version 9.1 includes additions to the 2D geometry menu, and the geometry menu in 3D incorporates new and improved features, especially for finding and fixing problems. It is possible to find the path swept by a beam (path sweep), merge or join commands, and simplify problematic or complicated geometries. Integrated Engineering Software, 220-1821 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3H 0G4, Canada, http://www.integratedsoft.com

The Kurt J. Lesker Co (KJLC) has introduced Chamber Builder for designing and ordering custom vacuum chambers. Combined with VacuCAD, KJLC’s online drawing service, the Chamber Builder program allows users to take a standard KJLC chamber, customize it to fit an application, and generate a 3D model in both PDF and STP formats. (STP denotes the standard for the exchange of product model data.) Using the available KF, ISO, and ConFlat vacuum flanges, it is possible to add up to 20 ports per chamber. If there is interference between port positions, the software informs the user and allows for reconfiguration. A 3D PDF drawing is generated online, then an email is sent to the user with an STP model file and a price quotation. Kurt J. Lesker Company, 3983 First Street, Livermore, CA 94551-4909, http://www.lesker.com

Mad City Labs now makes available the Nano-Cyte dynamic-link library (DLL) with its Nano-Cyte instruments. Nano-Cyte is a 3D image stabilization system for microscopy. The DLL allows access to Nano-Cyte technology from Windows user mode applications and provides access to most of the functionality of the Mad City Labs standalone Nano-Cyte application. It exposes the localization algorithms, finds fiducial algorithms, and controls loop adjustments. The availability of these features allows commercial applications such as LabVIEW, Metamorph, and other proprietary OEM software to control image acquisition and hardware while running Nano-Cyte stabilization in the background. The OEM or customer software acquires the image and passes that image to the Nano-Cyte DLL for analysis. The DLL returns a feedback signal, activating the Nano-Cyte hardware to stabilize the system. Mad City Labs Inc, 2524 Todd Drive, Madison, WI 53713, http://www.madcitylabs.com

Maplesoft has announced a new release of MapleSim, the Modelica-based physical modeling and simulation platform. With tighter Modelica integration and more simulation, analysis, and connectivity capabilities, MapleSim 6 allows engineers and scientists to meet and exceed their system-level requirements. MapleSim is based on the open standard Modelica modeling language for describing physical models and components. Support for Modelica is enhanced in MapleSim 6, which makes it easier for engineers to take control of modeling and analysis. It includes a view that instantly shows the corresponding Modelica code for any subsystem or component. By looking at the code, engineers can tell precisely what their model is doing and more easily correct or improve its behavior. MapleSim 6 supports the ability to access external code directly from within simulations. For example, users can simplify testing by calling external controller code directly from within MapleSim instead of exporting the MapleSim model to another tool. Maplesoft, 615 Kumpf Drive, Waterloo, Ontario, N2V 1K8, Canada, http://www.maplesoft.com

Release 2012b from MathWorks includes major updates to Matlab and Simulink that significantly improve use and navigation. The new Simulink Editor features tabbed windows, smart signal routing, and simulation rewind. The Matlab desktop now has a tool strip that offers quick access to frequently used features and a Matlab apps gallery. Release 2012b’s help system has been redesigned to offer improved browsing, searching, filtering, and content organization. Simulink’s new user interface and features enable fast, cost-effective development of dynamic and embedded systems. The Simulink Editor simplifies model-based design through capabilities such as tabbed model windows for improved window management, an Explorer bar for navigating model hierarchy, and smart signal routing to determine optimal signal line path. Debugging capabilities rewind simulations and set conditional breakpoints on signals. The Mathworks Inc, 3 Apple Hill Drive, Natick, MA 01760-2098, http://www.mathworks.com 

OriginLab has released Origin and OriginPro version 9, which provide features and enhancements developed based on customer feedback and industry demand. Origin and OriginPro are used worldwide in industry, research institutions, and colleges and universities across various disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, pharmacology, engineering, and manufacturing. The most significant feature in Origin 9 is enhanced 3D graphing using OpenGL for high-performance graphics. It boosts performance for plotting and editing 3D graphs created from large data sets. Users can rotate, pan, and zoom within 3D graphs to examine details more efficiently than in previous versions. Other improvements include 3D parametric function plots, the ability to plot multiple stacked surfaces in a single graph layer, and enhanced support for error bars and labels. OriginLab Corporation, 1 Roundhouse Plaza, Suite 303, Northampton, MA 01060, http://www.originlab.com