NATIONAL Instruments has released the CompactRIO module development kit, allowing users to create their own custom I/O modules for applications requiring specialised I/O signal types.
Embedded system developers can access the low-level electrical architecture of their CompactRIO systems and design I/O, communication or control modules. They then can use NI LabVIEW to program the CompactRIO reconfigurable FPGA chipset to communicate with their new custom module circuitry at rates exceeding 40 million bits a second.
CompactRIO is an industrial control and acquisition platform that uses LabVIEW FPGA reconfigurable I/O (RIO) technology to deliver a highly customisable embedded control and measurement system. The CompactRIO module development kit delivers all the tools engineers need to build a customised module, including custom CompactRIO module development software, the CompactRIO module development kit user manual and the licensed right to develop and manufacture custom modules. The kit also includes a set of module housings with a variety of connector options. It is suitable for end users, OEMs and system integrators working with specialised measurements such as fuel injector drivers or high-precision temperature probes.