LabVIEW Support

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Benefits for LabVIEW Users Who Install NSTRUCT

  • Single Download Mechanism for all required components to run your instrument including: instrument drivers, LabVIEW libraries, LabVIEW samples, instrument documentation, user guides and ready to use applets.
  • Robust Communication Layer for many Newport’s instruments allowing you to manages resource conflicts via parallel communication links and integrates various protocols like GPIB, USB, Ethernet, and RS232.
  • Consistent LabVIEW Experience across multiple instruments and applications.

Two Ways To Use NSTRUCT Supplied LabVIEW Libraries

  • Add NSTRUCT supported Newport instruments to your existing LabVIEW Application
  • Create a new LabVIEW Application with supported Newport instruments

Types of LabVIEW VI Libraries

  • Instrument Specific: VI library for a specific Newport instrument is included with the applet package. It makes programmer’s job easy for a given instrument. It includes instrument specific command formation and parsing logic. Currently instrument specific libraries work for 32 and 64 bit Windows XP and Windows 7, and 32 bit LabVIEW. Use instrument specific libraries wherever possible.
  • Universal: VI library for a generic instrument is included as part of NSTRUCT dowload. Universal VI libraries works with 32 and 64 bit Windows XP and Windows 7, and with 32 bit and 64 bit LabVIEW. Use the universal LabVIEW library when the instrument specific library is not available or when working with 64 bit LabVIEW applications.

Where To Find Instrument Specific LabVIEW VI Libraries

For an NSTRUCT download called "YourInstrument" the locations are as follows.

  • Windows XP: C:\Program Files\Newport\Instrument Manager\NSTRUCT\Instruments\YourInstrument\LabVIEW
  • Windows 7: C:\Program Files (x86)\Newport\Instrument Manager\NSTRUCT\Instruments\YourInstrument\LabVIEW

Related LabVIEW documentation is located in ‘\YourInstrument\Docs’ folder.

Where To Find Universal LabVIEW VI Libraries

  • Windows XP: C:\Program Files\Newport\Instrument Manager\NSTRUCT\LabVIEW_Kit
  • Windows 7: C:\Program Files (x86)\Newport\Instrument Manager\NSTRUCT\LabVIEW_Kit

Notes for LabVIEW Programmers and Users

  • Always work from the project (*.lvprj)
  • Always include ‘DLL’ subfolder inside your own working LabVIEW folder. Map the invoke node from "Connect.VI" to this DLL.
  • Use instrument specific libraries whenever possible. They help you to program faster and more efficiently. Use the generic LabVIEW library when the instrument specific library is not available for a particular instrument.

OS/Bitness Compatibility and Supported LabVIEW Versions

  • NSTRUCT LabVIEW libraries and develpoped and supported for 32 bit LabVIEW 2010. They are used by users for other versions of 32 bit LabVIEW though it is not officially tested. (National Instruments Application Software including National Instruments LabVIEW are not officially supported on 64 bit Windows XP. Same compatibility gets passed on to any National Instrument software based NSTRUCT application.)
  • NSTRUCT is a 32 bit application that works on 64 bit Windows 7, 32 bit Windows 7, 64 bit Windows XP and 32 bit Windows XP operating systems. It works in 32 bit mode with other 32 bit applications on above operating systems. (such as 32 bit LabVIEW 2010, and not 64 bit LabVIEW)

Alternative LabVIEW Libraries

Please see the product page of a specific Newport instrument for availability and information on alternative LabVIEW drivers.