| Feature Area | Capabilities | |--------------|---------------| | Modeling | Transfer functions, state-space models, zero-pole-gain, and interconnection of models (series, parallel, feedback). | | Time & Frequency Analysis | Step response, Bode plot, Nyquist plot, pole-zero map, Nichols chart. | | Controller Design | PID, Lead/Lag, LQR, Kalman filter, pole placement, and robust control synthesis. | | Simulation Loop | ODE solvers (Runge-Kutta, Euler, variable-step), discrete & continuous systems. | | Code Generation | Generate C/C++ code for real-time targets (NI Linux RT, cRIO, PXI). |
| Target | 2018 | 2021 | |--------|------|------| | NI Linux RT (x64) | Manual SIMD intrinsics | Automatic vectorization (via LLVM backend) | | FPGA (Xilinx 7-series) | Fixed-point arithmetic only | Single-cycle Timed Loop (SCTL) with floating-point emulation | | Simulation-to-target latency | ~150 µs (PXIe-8135) | ~50 µs (PXIe-8880, improved thread scheduler) |
Critical enhancement (2021): The Control Design Assistant now generates Verilog-like textual HDL for FPGA control laws, bypassing LabVIEW FPGA’s dataflow overhead for simple loops (e.g., PID, state feedback).
[ \beginaligned \dotx_1 &= x_2 \ \dotx_2 &= \fracm g \sin(x_1) \cos(x_1) - \frac43 m l x_2^2 \sin(x_1) - \cos(x_1) u\frac43 (M+m) - m \cos^2(x_1) \ \dotx_3 &= x_4 \ \dotx_4 &= u \endaligned ]
Where ( x_1 = \theta, x_2 = \dot\theta, x_3 = x_cart, x_4 = \dotx_cart ). labview control design and simulation module 2018 2021
| Tool | Purpose | |------|---------| | Control Design Assistant | Interactive GUI for model-based design (available until 2020, removed in 2021) | | Simulation Loop | Timed loop with ODE solvers for continuous/discrete simulation | | Control & Simulation VIs | ~200 VIs for math, analysis, and control | | CD-SIM Time Response VIs | Step, impulse, initial, and arbitrary input responses | | Frequency Response VIs | Bode, Nyquist, Nichols, singular value | | Model Construction VIs | Convert between TF, SS, ZPK, and zero-pole-gain |
Scenario: An automotive supplier uses a cRIO-9045 (2019 era) to validate a PMSM field-oriented control (FOC). The plant model (motor + inverter) runs on the LabVIEW Control & Simulation Module as an RT simulation, outputting simulated phase currents. The actual FOC controller (target hardware) reads these currents and returns PWM duty cycles.
Implementation:
Test platform: NI PXIe-1085 chassis, PXIe-8880 controller (2.3 GHz Xeon E3, 16 GB RAM). | Target | 2018 | 2021 | |--------|------|------|
| Operation | 2018 (ms) | 2021 (ms) | Δ | |-----------|-----------|-----------|----| | Simulation (10⁵ steps, nonlinear pendulum) | 223 | 141 | -37% | | LQR computation (12-state system) | 58 | 34 | -41% | | FMU export (compile) | 1200 | 890 | -26% | | PID autotuning (Z-N, step response) | 215 | 202 | -6% |
[1] National Instruments. LabVIEW Control Design and Simulation Module User Manual, 2018 ed., NI Part No. 373731C-01.
[2] National Instruments. What’s New in LabVIEW CD&SM 2021, NI white paper, Sept. 2020.
[3] Hindmarsh, A. C., et al. “SUNDIALS: Suite of Nonlinear and Differential/Algebraic Equation Solvers.” ACM Trans. Math. Softw., 31(3), 2005.
[4] Åström, K. J., & Murray, R. M. Feedback Systems: An Introduction for Scientists and Engineers. Princeton, 2021.
[5] NI Community Forum. “Benchmark: Simulation Loop Performance 2018 vs 2021.” Dec. 2021.
Appendices (available upon request):
LabVIEW Control Design and Simulation (CD&S) Module is an add-on for the LabVIEW development environment Scenario: An automotive supplier uses a cRIO-9045 (2019
designed to help engineers simulate dynamic systems, design controllers, and deploy them to real-time hardware. National Instruments Between the
versions, the module maintained its core functionality for system identification and model-based control design
while receiving critical updates for modern operating systems and integration. National Instruments Key Comparisons: 2018 vs. 2021 Feature / Aspect LabVIEW CD&S 2018 LabVIEW CD&S 2021 System Requirements Compatible with Windows 7/8/10 Requires Windows 10/11; dropped support for 32-bit OS Multisim Compatibility Supported by the Multisim Co-Simulation Plug-in
Compatibility varies; initially lacked support for some co-simulation tools Core Functions Control Design Assistant, System Identification Maintained core VIs; added enhanced Python and SFTP support Deployment Targets RT targets with at least 32 MB RAM Enhanced support for NI Linux Real-Time targets Core Module Capabilities (Both Versions) Control Design and Simulation Module - NI
⚠️ Compatibility: