Product Brochure

FlexRIO Custom
Instrumentationni.comContents
FlexRIO Custom Instrumentation
The Two FlexRIO Architectures
NI FlexRIO Hardware

FPGA Modules for FlexRIO

Stand-Alone Controller for FlexRIO
FlexRIO Digitizers
FlexRIO Signal Generator
FlexRIO Digital Modules
FlexRIO Transceiver Modules
FlexRIO RF Modules
FlexRIO Camera Link Modules
FlexRIO Coprocessor Modules
FlexRIO FPD-Link™ Interface Modules
FlexRIO High-Speed Serial Modules
FlexRIO GMSL™ Interface Modules

Key Features
FlexRIO Software
NI Software
Supporting Documentation
What is PXINI Hardware Services

ni.comFlexRIO Custom Instrumentation

Figure 1. NI FlexRIO Family

Analog I/O up to 6.4 GS/s, digital I/O up to 1.25 Gbps, RF I/O
up to 4.4 GHz
Custom I/O with FlexRIO Module Development Kit (MDK)
Data streaming up to 7 GB/s across the PXI backplane andmultimodule synchronization with NI-TClk
Data streaming up to 169 GB/s for serial connectivity
PXIe, PCIe, and stand-alone form factors are available

Accelerate field-programmable gate array (FPGA)
development using LabVIEW FPGA with example programsand detailed help files
LabVIEW-programmable Xilinx Kintex UltraScale, Virtex
UltraScale+, Kintex 7, and Virtex-5 FPGAs with up to 20 GBof onboard DRAM
Host APIs for LabVIEW and C/C++
I/O module specific shipping examples

Customize Your Instrumentation without Building Custom Hardware
The FlexRIO product line was designed for engineers and scientists who need the flexibility of custom hardware without the cost of custom
design. The FlexRIO platform combines hardware, software, and a library of IP for engineers to start building custom designs fast. FlexRIO
provides a fully reconfigurable instrument that can be programmed with LabVIEW FPGA or with VHDL/Verilog. Engineers can even design
their own custom I/O with the FlexRIO Adapter Module Development Kit (MDK).

ni.comFlexRIO Custom Instrumentation

01

The Two FlexRIO Architectures
FlexRIO products are available in two different architectures: modular I/O modules and integrated I/O modules. The first FlexRIO architecture
consists of two different components: the FPGA Module for FlexRIO and the FlexRIO Adapter Module, shown in Figure 2 on the left. The
FlexRIO Adapter Modules are removable I/O modules that connect to the front of the FPGA Module through a card-edge connector, allowing
the user to mix and match different adapter modules, such as digitizers, signal generators, or transceivers to one FPGA Module. The FPGA
module connects directly to the PXI backplane and to the FlexRIO Adapter Module.
The second architecture, shown in Figure 2 on the right, is built using high-speed serial converters, integrated I/O, and FPGA technology all
within one module. These modules are referred to as FlexRIO with Integrated I/O.

FIGURE 2
On the left is an example of a modular I/O module with the NI-5761 Adapter Module and a FPGA Module for FlexRIO. On the right is an example of an integrated I/O module,
the PXIe-5764 FlexRIO Digitizer.

FlexRIO with Integrated I/O
NI’s integrated FlexRIO architecture is based on high-speed serial communication between a mezzanine I/O module and an FPGA backend.
This architecture was designed to interface with the industry’s latest high-speed converters based on high-speed serial interfaces running
protocols like JESD204B, which is particularly valuable in applications that continue to push requirements for sample rate, bandwidth,
resolution, and channel count. The FPGA backend in the integrated I/O modules allows the user to develop FPGA code with LabVIEW FPGA
or VHDL. LabVIEW FPGA gives user the ability to program FPGAs more efficiently and design FPGA-based systems without VHDL expertisethrough a highly integrated development environment, IP libraries, a high-fidelity simulator, and debugging features.

FIGURE 3
PXIe-5764 FlexRIO Digitizer Module with Integrated I/O, 4 Ch, 16-bits, and 1 GS/sni.comFlexRIO Custom Instrumentation

02

FlexRIO with Modular I/O
The modular FlexRIO products are comprised of two parts: a FlexRIO Adapter Module and a FlexRIO FPGA Module.
The FlexRIO Adapter Module is a modular, high-performance, I/O adapter that defines the physical inputs and outputs of a FlexRIO system
and interfaces through the back with a card-edge connector to the FlexRIO FPGA Module. The FlexRIO FPGA Module provides the FPGA
backend for the reconfigurable system. This FPGA Module is programmable with LabVIEW FPGA or VHDL. Each FPGA module has
dedicated interfaces for data streaming, I/O, DRAM, and advanced clocking and triggering. Engineers can use FlexRIO Adapter Modules withuser programmable FPGAs to solve a wide variety of test applications, from communications to medical imaging.
In applications where I/O needs may change through project phases or custom FPGA programing is needed for different applications,
adapter modules are a great option. Multiple adapter modules can be paired with the same FlexRIO FPGA Module, which allows for quick andeasy modifications to these systems. Additionally, LabVIEW FPGA gives users the ability to program FPGAs more efficiently and design
FPGA-based systems without VHDL expertise through a highly integrated development environment, IP libraries, a high-fidelity simulator,and debugging features. FlexRIO Adapter Modules and FlexRIO FPGA Modules provide a customizable, reconfigurable instrument, for alower cost. For even more customization than NI provides, there are additional FlexRIO Adapter Modules available from NI Partners and third
parties, or you can customize your own I/O.
Each Adapter Module will need a compatible FlexRIO FPGA Module, which can be found in Table 1 or through the NI FlexRIO Adapter and NI
FlexRIO FPGA Module Compatibility document. FlexRIO FPGA modules feature Kintex 7 FPGAs in PXI Express and stand-alone form factors
with the FlexRIO Controller.

FIGURE 4
FlexRIO NI-5761 Adapter Module with a 4-Channel, 250 M/s, 14 Bit Digitizer, and a FlexRIO FPGA Module

Custom I/O
The FlexRIO Adapter Module Development Kit (MDK) provides an avenue for you to create your own custom I/O for adapter modules or for
integrated I/O modules. This process requires electrical, mechanical, analog, digital, firmware, and software design expertise. For acomparison and overview of the effort required, see Advantages of Using FlexRIO Module Development Kits to Design Custom Instruments.

ni.comFlexRIO Custom Instrumentation

03

NI FlexRIO Hardware
FPGA Modules for FlexRIO
NI’s FlexRIO FPGA Modules are paired with NI’s Adapter Modules to create a fully reconfigurable instrument that can be programmed
graphically with LabVIEW or with Verilog/VHDL. If you would like to use any of the adapter modules, you will need to choose a compatible
FPGA module. The FlexRIO FPGA Module portfolio is highlighted by the PXIe-7976, which features a large DSP-focused Xilinx Kintex 7 410T
FPGA and 2 GB of onboard DRAM. With all the benefits of the PXI platform, PXI FPGA Modules for FlexRIO are ideal for systems requiringhigh-performance data streaming, synchronization, processing, and high channel density.
Form Factor

Model

FPGA

FPGA Slices

FPGA DSP
SlicesFPGA Block
RAM (kbits)

OnboardMemoryStreaming
Throughput

PXIe-7976

Kintex 7
K410T

63,5501,540

28,6202 GB

3.2 GB/s

PXIe-7975

Kintex 7
K410T

63,5501,540

28,6202 GB

1.7 GB/s

PXIe-7972

Kintex 7
K325T

50,950840

16,0202 GB

1.7 GB/s

PXIe-7971

Kintex 7
K325T

840

16,0200 GB

1.7 GB/s

PXI Express

50,950

Table 1: FPGA Modules for FlexRIO¹ See documentation on NI FlexRIO Adapter and NI FlexRIO FPGA Module Compatibility.

Stand-Alone Controller for FlexRIO
The Controller for FlexRIO is a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solution designed for applications that require high-performance I/O andreal-time signal processing in a compact, stand-alone form factor. The controller shares the same adapter modules, FPGAs, and softwareexperience as the FlexRIO PXI modules, which makes it an ideal deployment target for solutions developed on the PXI platform. Although it
has much in common with FlexRIO on PXI systems, it is aimed at embedded applications where smaller, lighter, lower power solutions are
preferred.

Form Factor

Model

FPGA

FPGA Slices

FPGA DSP
SlicesFPGA Block
RAM (kbits)

OnboardMemoryStreaming
Throughput

NI-7935

Kintex 7
K410T

63,5501,540

28,6202 GB

2.4 GB/s(SFP+)

NI-7931

Kintex 7
K325T

50,950840

16,020

2 GB

25 MB/s (GbE)Stand-Alone

Table 2. Stand-Alone Controllers for FlexRIO¹ See documentation on NI FlexRIO Adapter and NI FlexRIO FPGA Module Compatibility.

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04

FlexRIO Digitizers
FlexRIO Digitizer Modules feature high-performance ADCs and are designed to maximize bandwidth and dynamic range. Digitizers are often
used for time and frequency‐domain applications as well as to build spectrum analyzers, transient recorders, and many-channel phenomena
detection systems.

FamilyAdapterModuleForm
FactorPXI
Express

PXI
Express

Integrated I/O
ModuleMaximum
Sample Rate

Maximum
Bandwidt CouplinghFull-Scale
Input
Range

Connecti-vity

Model

FPGA

Resoluti Chanonnels

NI-5734

See Table 1

16

4

120 MS/s

117 MHzAC & DC

2 Vpp

BNC

NI-5751B

See Table 1

14

16

50 MS/s

26 MHz

DC

2 Vpp

VHDCI

NI-5752B

See Table 1

1232

50 MS/s

14 MHz

AC

2 Vpp

VHDCI

NI-5771

See Table 1

8

2

3 GS/s900 MHzDC

1.3 Vpp

SMA

NI-5772

See Table 1

122

1.6 GS/s

2.2 GHzAC or DC

2 Vpp

SMA

PXIe5763¹

KU035,
KU040,
KU060

AC or DCAC
2.03 Vpp,
DC
1.97 Vpp

SMA

PXIe5764¹

KU035,
KU040,
KU060

AC or DCAC
2.05 Vpp,
DC 2 Vpp

SMA

PXIe5774

KU040,
KU060

200 mVpp,
1 Vpp

SMA

PCIe5764

KU035,
KU040,
KU060

AC
2.05 Vpp,
DC 2 Vpp

SMA

PCIe5774

KU035,KU060

PCIe5763

KU035,
KU040,KU060

PCIe5775

KU035,
KU040,
KU060

16 bits

16 bits

4

500 MS/s

225 MHz1.15 GHzor
400 MHz

4

1 GS/s

12 bits2

6.4 GS/s–1
Ch
1.6 GHz orDC
3.2 GS/s/ch– 3 GHz
2 Ch

16 bits

4

1 GS/s2

6.4 GS/s–1
Ch
1.6 GHz orDC
3.2 GS/s/ch– 3 GHz
2 Ch

200 mVpp,
1 Vpp

SMA

4

500 MS/s

AC or DCAC
2.03 Vpp,
DC
1.97 Vpp

SMA

2

6.4 GS/s–1
Ch
6 GHz
3.2 GS/s/ch–
2 Ch

AC

1.25 Vpp

SMA

12 bits

1.15 GHzor
400 MHzAC or DCPCI
16 bits

12 bits

225 MHz

Table 3. Digitizer Adapter Modules for FlexRIO¹ Requires the use of a chassis with slot cooling capacity ≥ 58 W, such as the PXIe-1095

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05

FlexRIO Signal Generator
Signal Generator Modules are well suited for custom signal generation. Whether you need to dynamically generate waveforms on the FPGA
or stream them across the PXI backplane, these modules are ideal for applications in communications, hardware‐in‐the‐loop (HIL) test, andscientific instrumentation.

FamilyForm
Factor

AdapterModulePXI
Express

Integrated
PXI
I/O
Express
ModuleFPGA

AT-1120

See Table 1 14

AT-1212

See Table 1 14

KU035,
PXIe-5745¹ KU040,
KU060

Maximum
SampleRate

Maximum
BandwidthCoupling

SignalingConne
ctivity1

2 GS/s550 MHzDC

Differential

SMA

2

1.25 GS/s

400 MHzDC

Differential

SMA

2

3.2 GS/sperchannel

2.9 GHz

AC

Singleended

SMA

Resolutio
Channelsn (Bits)

Model

12

Table 4. FlexRIO Signal Generator Modules¹ Requires the use of a chassis with slot cooling capacity ≥ 58 W, such as the PXIe-1095

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06

FlexRIO Digital Modules
Digital modules combined with their large, user‐programmable FPGAs can help solve a variety of challenges, from high‐speed
communication with a device under test, emulating custom protocols in real time, real-time interfacing with standard protocols or
implementing customized protocols.
FamilyAdapterModuleIntegrated I/OModuleForm Factor

Model

FPGA

Channels

Logic Level
and Range

Signaling TypeMaximum
Data Rate

NI-6581B

See Table 154

1.8 V, 2.5 V,
3.3 V

Single-ended(SE)

100 Mbps

Single-ended,
Differential

300 Mbps

NI-6583

See Table 1

32 SE, 16LVDS

mLVDS,
LVDS,
Programmabl
e, 1.2 V–3.3 V

NI-6584

See Table 1

16

RS-422/RS485

Differential

16 Mbps

NI-6585B

See Table 1

32

LVDS

Differential

200 Mbps

NI-6589

See Table 1

20

LVDS

Differential

1 GbpsPXIe-6569

KintexUltraScale
KU035,
KintexUltraScale
KU060

32 digital
input, 32
digital output

LVDS

Single-ended,
Differential

LVDS 1.25
Gbps,
Differential
300 Mbps

PXIe-6569

KintexUltraScale
KU035,
KintexUltraScale
KU060

64 digital
input

LVDS

Single-ended,
Differential

LVDS 1.25
Gbps,
Differential
300 Mbps

PXIe-6569

KintexUltraScale
KU035,
KintexUltraScale
KU060

Single-ended,
Differential

LVDS 1.25
Gbps,
Differential
300 Mbps

PXI Express

PXI Express

64 digital
output

LVDS

Table 5. FlexRIO Digitial Modules

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07

FlexRIO Transceiver Modules
Transceiver Modules feature high-performance ADCs and DACs with lightweight analog front ends designed to maximize bandwidth anddynamic range. They can be used for applications including RF modulation and demodulation, channel emulation, signals intelligence, real‐time spectrum analysis, and software defined radio (SDR). Transceiver adapter modules also provide digital I/O capability for interfacing withexternal hardware.

FamilyForm
FactorModel FPGA

Reso Max Input
Channellutio Sample
s
n
Rate

AdapterModulePXI
Express

NI5783

4 AI
4 AO

PXI
Express

PXIe5785

See
Table 1

KU035,
KU040,
KU060

2 AI
2 AO

16

12

100 MS/s

6.4 GS/s

Max
OutputSampleRate

FullBandw Scale
idth
Input
Range

Full-Scale
OutputRange

Coupling

Signaling

400 MS/s

39.4
MHz

2 Vpp

1 Vpp

DC

Singleended

1.25 Vpp

Dual
channelmode 878mVpp,
Singlechannelmode
431 mVpp

ACSingleended

1.25 Vpp

Dual
channelmode
878 mVpp,
Singlechannelmode
431 mVpp

ACSingleended

3.2 GS/s

500
kHz to6 GHz

Integrated I/O
ModulePCIPCIe5785

KU035,
KU040,
KU060

2 AI
2 AO

12

6.4 GS/s

3.2 GS/s

500
kHz to6 GHz

Table 6. FlexRIO Transceiver Modules

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08

FlexRIO RF Modules
RF modules for FlexRIO are only available as adapter modules. RF adapter modules for FlexRIO feature frequency coverage from 200 MHz
to 4.4 GHz, with up to 200 MHz instantaneous bandwidth. When paired with a PXI FPGA Module for FlexRIO or the controller for FlexRIO, you
can implement custom signal processing, including modulation and demodulation, channel emulation, spectral analysis, and even closed-loop
control. These modules are all based on a direct conversion architecture and feature an onboard local oscillator, which can be shared withadjacent modules for synchronization. RF adapter modules also provide digital I/O capability for interfacing with external hardware.

FamilyAdapter Module

Form Factor

Model

FPGA

Channel Count

Frequency
Range

Bandwidth

NI-5791

See Table 1

1 RX and 1 TX

200 MHz–
4.4 GHz

100 MHz

NI-5792

See Table 1

1 RX

200 MHz–
4.4 GHz

200 MHz

NI-5793

See Table 1

1 TX

200 MHz–
4.4 GHz

200 MHzPXI Express

Table 7. RF Adapter Modules for FlexRIO, which are available as a transceiver, receiver, or transmitter.

FlexRIO Camera Link Modules
Camera Link modules for FlexRIO are only available as adapter modules. The Camera Link Adapter Module for FlexRIO supports 80‐bit, 10‐
tap base‐, medium‐, and full‐configuration image acquisition from Camera Link 1.2 standard cameras. You can pair the Camera Link Adapter
Module for FlexRIO with a PXI FPGA Module for FlexRIO to use for applications that require bit‐level processing and very low system latency.
With the Camera Link Adapter Module for FlexRIO, you can use the FPGA to process images from the camera inline before sending theimages to the CPU, enabling more advanced preprocessing architectures. The Camera Link Adapter Module for FlexRIO was designed tobring FPGA processing capabilities to a variety of Camera Link cameras.

FamilyAdapterModuleForm Factor

PXI Express

Model

NI-1483

Supported
Pixel Clock
Frequency

FPGA

Supported
Connector
Configurations

See Table 1

Base, Medium,
Full Camera
2x 26-pin SDR 20–85 MHz
Link

Aux I/O

4x TTL, 2x
isolated digital
inputs, 1x
quadrature
encoderTable 8. Camera Link Adapter Module

ni.comFlexRIO Custom Instrumentation

09

FlexRIO Coprocessor Modules
FlexRIO Coprocessor Modules add signal processing capability to existing systems and are capable of high-bandwidth streaming over the
backplane or through high-speed serial ports on the front panel. These devices are typically paired with high-bandwidth acquisition or output
devices (such as a PXI Vector Signal Transceiver) in applications that require substantial real-time signal processing.

FamilyIntegrated I/OModuleForm Factor

Model

FPGA

PCIe

Aux I/OPXIe-7912

KintexUltraScale KU040

Gen 3 x8

8 GPIO, 4 HSS

PXIe-7915

KintexUltraScale KU060

Gen 3 x8

8 GPIO, 4 HSS

PXI Express

Table 9. Coprocessor Modules with Integrated I/O

FlexRIO FPD-Link™ Interface Modules
The PXI FlexRIO FPD-Link Interface Module provides a high-speed digital interface for using and testing modern advanced driver assistancesystems (ADAS), autonomous drive (AD) camera sensors, and electronic control units (ECUs). The PXIe-1486 is ideal for applications such as
in-vehicle data logging, lab-based playback, or hardware in the loop (HIL).

FamilyIntegrated
I/O module

Form Factor

PXI Express

Model

FPGA

Deserializer

DigitalOutputChannels

Serializer

Digital Input
Channels
Serial Link
Only

PXIe-1486

KintexUltraScale+
KU11P

–

8

DS90UB9702

0

FPD-LINK III

PXIe-1486

KintexUltraScale+
KU11P

DS90UB954

4

DS90UB953

4

FPD-LINK III

PXIe-1486

KintexUltraScale+
KU11P

DS90UB954

0

8

FPD-LINK III–

Table 10. FlexRIO GMSL Interface Module with Integrated I/Oni.comFlexRIO Custom Instrumentation

10

FlexRIO High-Speed Serial Modules
PXI High-Speed Serial Instruments are designed for engineers who need to validate, interface through, and test high-speed serial protocols.
Select high-speed serial devices, such as the PXIe-7903 and PXIe-7902, were designed for engineers who need high-performance FPGA coprocessing capabilities to achieve high volume data movement along with real-time signal processing.
All High-Speed Serial Instruments are programmable in LabVIEW FPGA for maximum application-specific customization and reuse. These
instruments take advantage of FPGA multigigabit transceivers (MGTs) to support line rates up to 28.2 Gbps, up to 48 TX and RX lanes, andup to a combined data rate more than 1 Tb/s. As part of the PXI platform, they benefit from PXI clocking, triggering, and high-speed data
movement capabilities, including streaming to and from disk, as well as peer-to-peer (P2P) streaming at rates up to 7 GB/s.

FamilyForm
FactorModel

PXIe6591

Integrated
I/O
ModuleFPGALine Rate

Kintex 7
K410T

500 Mbps
–12.5
Gbps¹

DRAM

Host
Cabling
Streaming Connector
Options
Bandwidth

8 TX/RX

2 GB

3.2
GB/secMini-SASHD

Copperor
Optical

20 SE

Channels

Aux DIO

PXIe6592

Kintex 7
K410T

500 Mbps–10.3125
Gbps¹

4 TX/RX

2 GB

3.2
GB/secSFP+

Copperor
Optical

4 SE

PXIe6593

KintexUltraScale
KU040,
KintexUltraScale
KU060

500 Mbps–
16.3 Gbps

8 TX/RX

4 GB

7 GB/sec

QSFP28

Copperor
Optical

8 GPIOPXIe6594

KintexUltraScale+ KU15P

500 Mbps
–28.2
Gbps

8 TX/RX

8 GB

7 GB/sec

QSFP28

Copperor
Optical

8 GPIOPXIe7902

Virtex 7
485T

500 Mbps
–12.5
Gbps¹

24 TX/RX 2 GB

3.2
GB/secMini-SASHD

Copperor
OpticalN/A

PXIe7903²

VirtexUltraScale+XCVU11P

500 Mbps
–28.2
Gbps

48 TX/RX 20 GB

7 GB/sec

Mini-SASHD

Copperor
OpticalPXI
Express

8 GPIO

Table 11. FlexRIO High Speed Serial Modules¹ Gap in achievable line rates between 8 Gbps and 9.8 Gbps
² Module requires two PXI slots

ni.comFlexRIO Custom Instrumentation

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FlexRIO GMSL™ Interface Modules
The PXI FlexRIO GMSL™ Interface Module combines the Maxim Integrated Gigabit Multimedia Serial Link™ (GMSL™) interface with the Xilinx
FPGA for high-throughput vision and imaging applications. This module provides a high-speed digital interface for using and testing modern
advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous drive (AD) camera sensors and electronic control units (ECUs). Additionally,
the PXIe-1487 makes use of a combination of GMSL serializers and deserializers with a Xilinx FPGA to provide a high-throughput andcustomizable GMSL interface on PXI. The PXIe-1487 is ideal for applications such as in-vehicle data logging, lab-based playback, or hardwarein the loop (HIL).

FamilyForm
FactorIntegrated
PXI
I/O
Expressmodule

Model

FPGA

Digital
Input
Channels

DigitalOutputChannels

Serializer

Deserializer

Supported
Serial Link
Modes

PXIe-1487

KintexUltraScale+ KU11P

0

8

MAX96717-

Pixel,
Tunneling

GMSL2

PXIe-1487

KintexUltraScale+ KU11P

8

0-

MAX9296
A

Pixel

GMSL2

PXIe-1487

KintexUltraScale+ KU11P

4

4

MAX96717

MAX96716
A

Pixel,
Tunneling

GMSL2

PXIe-1487

KintexUltraScale+ KU11P

0

8

MAX9295
A

-

Pixel

GMSL2

PXIe-1487

KintexUltraScale+ KU11P

8

0-

MAX96716
A

Pixel,
Tunneling

GMSL2

PXIe-1487

KintexUltraScale+ KU11P

4

4

MAX96717
F

MAX96716
A

Pixel,
Tunneling

GMSL2

PXIe-1487

KintexUltraScale+ KU11P

4

4

MAX9295
A

MAX9296
A

Pixel

GMSL2

Table 12. FlexRIO GMSL Interface Module with Integrated I/Oni.comFlexRIO Custom Instrumentation

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Key Features
Leverage Rapidly Evolving Technology
FlexRIO provides you with the latest high-speed converter and FPGA technologies before they are widely available in commercial
instruments. You can use FlexRIO to develop applications that push the requirements for sample rate, bandwidth, resolution, and channel
count.

Synchronize Multiple Modules
FlexRIO uses the inherent timing and synchronization capabilities of PXI, which means you can synchronize multiple modules with subsample
jitter between channels. FlexRIO modules with integrated I/O also work with NI-TClk technology, making it simple to program thissynchronization.

Process Signals in Real Time
FlexRIO can help you keep up with faster converters. Modules with Xilinx Kintex UltraScale FPGA ranging up to the Xilinx Virtex UltraScale+
VU11P FPGA paired with LabVIEW FPGA provide the resources you need to engineer complex algorithms, process data in real time between
the I/O and CPU, and deploy your designs to hardware.

FlexRIO Software
Programming FPGAs with LabVIEWLabVIEW FPGA is a software tool developed by NI that allows engineers and scientists to program FPGAs using graphical programming.
LabVIEW FPGA is a powerful tool for designing and implementing custom hardware circuits that can provide high-speed and low-latency
processing for a wide range of applications, including industrial automation, robotics, aerospace, and scientific research. With LabVIEWFPGA, you can design custom hardware circuits that run in real time, so you can implement high-speed, low-latency, and deterministic
control and signal processing systems.
LabVIEW FPGA provides an intuitive graphical programming environment that abstracts away many of the low-level details of FPGA
programming, making it accessible to users with little or no experience in digital design. The tool includes a library of pre-built FPGA IP blocks
that can be used to implement common signal processing and control functions, such as filtering, FFT, PID control, and pulse-widthmodulation. Traditional methods of programming FPGAs require intimate knowledge of hardware design and years of experience working
with low-level hardware description languages. LabVIEW can integrate VHDL to reuse existing IP or for additional programming needs.

FIGURE 5
Side-by-side comparison of LabVIEW FPGA and VHDL code to implement a FIFO to transfer data from an FPGA to a processor. This example requires more than 4,000
lines of VHDL code. In LabVIEW FPGA, this can be implemented with one graphical while loop.

ni.comFlexRIO Custom Instrumentation

13

FlexRIO Examples
The FlexRIO driver includes dozens of LabVIEW examples that quickly interface with I/O to help users learn FPGA programming concepts.
Each example consists of two parts: LabVIEW code that runs on the FlexRIO FPGA Module, and code that runs on the CPU communicatingwith the FPGA. These examples serve as a foundation for further customization and are a great starting point for new applications.
In addition to the examples included with the FlexRIO driver, NI has published several application reference examples that are available
through the online community or in the VI Package Manager.

FIGURE 6LabVIEW FPGA provides a graphical programming approach that simplifies the task of interfacing to I/O and processing data, greatly improving design productivity andshortening time to market.

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14

Extensive Library of LabVIEW FPGA IPLabVIEW’s extensive collection of FPGA IP gets you to a solution faster, whether you’re looking to implement a completely novel algorithm or
you just need to perform common tasks in real time. LabVIEW FPGA includes dozens of highly optimized functions designed for use withhigh-speed I/O, and if you can’t find what you’re looking for in LabVIEW, IP is also available through the online community, NI Partners, andXilinx. Table 13 highlights just some of the NI-provided functions that are commonly used in FlexRIO applications.
LabVIEW FPGA IP for FlexRIO
10 Gigabit Ethernet UDP
3-Phase PLL
Accumulator
All-digital PLL
Area measurements
Bayer decoding
Binary morphology
Binary object detection
BRAM delay
BRAM FIFO
BRAM packetizer
Butterworth filter
Centroid calculation
Channel emulation
Channel power
CIC compiler
Color extraction
Color space conversion
Complex multiply
Corner detection
Counters
D latchDelay
Digital gain
Digital pre-distortion
Digital pulse processing filter
Discrete delay
Discrete normalized integrator
DivideDot product
DPO
DRAM FIFO IDLDRAM packetizer
DSP48 node
DUC/DDC compiler

Edge detection
Equalization
Exponential
FFT
Filtering
FIR compiler
Fixed-point filter design
Fractional interpolator
Fractional resampler
Frequency domain measurements
Frequency mask trigger
Frequency shift
Halfband decimator
Handshake
Hardware test sequencer
I2C
Image operators
Image transforms
Instruction sequencer
IQ impairment correction
Line detection
Linear interpolation
Lock-in amplifier filter
Log
Matrix multiply
Matrix transpose
Mean, Var, Std deviation
Memory IDL
Moving average
N channel DDC
Natural log
Noise generation
Normalized square
Notch filter

Persistence display
PFT channelizer
PID
Pipeline frequency transform (PFT)Polar to X/Y conversion
Power level trigger
Power servoing
Power spectrum
Programmable filter
Pulse measurements
Reciprocal
RFFE
Rising/falling edge detect
RS-232
Scaled window
Shading correction
Sin & Cos
Spectrogram
SPI
Square root
Streaming controller
Streaming IDL
Synchronous latch
Trigger IDL
Unit delay
VITA-49 data packing
Waveform generation
Waveform match trigger
Waveform math
X/Y to polar conversion
Xilinx Aurora
Zero crossing
Zero order hold
Z-Transform delay

Table 13. LabVIEW FPGA IP Commonly Used with FlexRIO FPGA Modules

ni.comFlexRIO Custom Instrumentation

15

Instrument Design Libraries
The FlexRIO examples described in Table 13 are built on common libraries called instrument design libraries (IDLs). IDLs are basic building
blocks for common tasks you may want to perform on the FPGA and save you valuable time during development. Some of the most valuable
IDLs include:·The streaming IDL, which provides flow control for DMA transfers of data to the host·The DSP IDL, which includes highly optimized functions for common signal processing tasks·The basic elements IDL, which abstracts everyday functions like counters and latches
Many libraries also contain functions that run on the CPU and interface with their corresponding FPGA counterparts.

FIGURE 7
The Instrument Design Libraries (IDLs) for LabVIEW FPGA are included with FPGA-based instrument drivers and provide basic building blocks common to many FPGA
designs.

Programming FPGAs with Vivado
Experienced digital engineers can use the Vivado Project Export feature included with LabVIEW FPGA 2017 and later to develop, simulate,and compile for FlexRIO hardware with Vivado. You can export all the necessary hardware files for a FlexRIO design to a Vivado project thatis pre-configured for your specific deployment target. Any LabVIEW signal processing IP used in the LabVIEW design will be included in theexport; however, all NI IP is encrypted. You can use Vivado Project Export on all FlexRIO and high-speed serial devices with Kintex 7 or newer
FPGAs.

FIGURE 8
For experienced digital engineers, the Vivado Project Export feature allows for exporting all necessary hardware design files to a Vivado project for development,
simulation, and compilation.

ni.comFlexRIO Custom Instrumentation

16

NI Software - The Right Tool for the Job
NI has a variety of software for engineers working on research, validation, and production test applications. Learn more about our softwarethat helps engineers perform quick ad-hoc tests, build an automated test system, automate data analysis and reporting, develop test
sequences, and more.

LabVIEW

DIAdemTestStand

Graphical programming environment thatengineers use to develop automatedresearch, validation, and production test
systems.

Data analytics software for measurement
data search, inspection, analysis, andautomated reporting.

Test executive software that accelerates
system development for engineers invalidation and production.

Acquire data from NI and third-party
hardware and communicate using
industry protocols
Use configurable, interactive display
elements
Take advantage of available analysis
functions

Display data in multiple 2D-axis
systems
Perform calculations with a simple
point-and-click interface
Automate your measurement data
analysis workflow, from import toanalysisCall and execute tests in LabVIEW,
Python, C/C++, or .NET
Conduct complex tasks, such asparallel testing
Create customer operator interfaces
and robust tools for deployment anddebugging

G Web

FlexLogger™

InstrumentStudio™

Development software that helps
engineers create web-based userinterfaces wihtout the need for traditional
web development skills.

No-code data acquisition software
engineers use to build validation andverification test applications.

Application software that simplifies setup
and configuration of NI PXI hardware

Data transfer APIs for connecting tosystems written in LabVIEW, Python,or C#
Pre-built objects for data display anduser input
Included hosting on SystemLink™
Cloud

ni.comInteractive visualization tools formonitoring tests with drag-and-drop
charts, graphs, and controls
Ability to set alarms that monitor
single channels or groups forunexpected behavior

Customizable layouts for monitoring
multiple instruments at once
Interactively debug in tandem with
code
TDMS file export containing
instrument settings, measurements,
and raw data

BROCHURE TITLE

17

Supporting Documentation
Table 14. Supporting Documentation for Individual Models
Document Type

Model #

Getting Started Guide

NI FlexRIO FPGA Module Installation Guide and Specifications, PXIe-1486, PXIe-1487, PXIe-5745, NI
5751/5751B, NI 5752/5752B, PXIe-5763, PCIe-5763, PXIe-5764, PXIe-5774, PXIe-5775, PCIe-5775, NI
5783, PXIe-5785, PCIe-5785, PXIe-6569, NI 6585/6585B, NI 6589, PXIe-6591, PXIe-6592, PXIe-6593,
PXIe-6594, PXIe-7902, PXIe-7903, PXIe-7911/7912/7915

Specifications

PXIe-1486, PXIe-1487, PXIe-5745, NI 5751/5751B, PXIe-5763, PCIe-5763, PXIe-5764, PCIe-5764, PXIe5774, PCIe-5774, PXIe-5775, PCIe-5775, NI 5781, NI 5783, PXIe-5785, PCIe-5785, NI 5793, PXIe-6569,
NI 6583, NI 6584, NI 6585B, PXIe-6591, PXIe-6592, PXIe-6593, PXIe-6594, PXIe-7902, PXIe-7903,
PXIe-7911, PXIe-7912, PXIe-7915, NI 7935, PXIe-7971, PXIe-7972, PXIe-7975, PXIe-7976©2023 National Instruments. All rights reserved. National Instruments, NI, ni.com, NI FlexRIO, and LabVIEW are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation. FPD-Link is a trademark of Texas Instruments. GMSL is a trademarkof Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. Other product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
An NI Partner is a business entity independent from NI and has no agency or joint-venture relationship and does not form part of any business associations with NI.

ni.comFlexRIO Custom Instrumentation18

What Is PXI?
A Platform Approach to Test and Measurement
Powered by software, PXI is a rugged PC-based platform for measurement and automation systems. PXI combines PCI electrical-bus
features with the modular, Eurocard packaging of CompactPCI and then adds specialized synchronization buses and key software features.
PXI is both a high-performance and low-cost deployment platform for applications such as manufacturing test, military and aerospace,machine monitoring, automotive, and industrial test. Developed in 1997 and launched in 1998, PXI is an open industry standard governed by
the PXI Systems Alliance (PXISA), a group of more than 70 companies chartered to promote the PXI standard, ensure interoperability, andmaintain the PXI specification.

Software

Timing and Synchronization

Test Management and Code Development
Code sequencing, database reporting, user
management, operator interface, parallel
execution, signal processing. LabVIEW,
C/C++, .NET, Python

PXI Chassis
PCI Express Gen 3 throughput up to 24 GB/s
sub-nanosecond latency, P2P streaming,
integrated triggering

Computer

InstrumentationPXI Embedded Controller
Windows and Real-Time OS options, Intel
Xeon processing, peripheral ports, display
output, integrated hard drive

PXI Modules
DC to mmWave, oscilloscope, programmablepower supply, switch/MUX, DMM, VSA, VSG,
VST, AWG, SMU, DAQ

Integrated with the Latest Commercial Technology
By leveraging the latest commercial technology for our products, we can continually deliver high performance and high-quality products toour users at a competitive price. The latest PCI Express Gen 3 switches deliver higher data throughput, the latest Intel multicore processors
facilitate faster and more efficient parallel (multisite) testing, the latest FPGAs from Xilinx help to push signal processing algorithms to theedge to accelerate measurements, and the latest data converters from TI and ADI continually increase the measurement range andperformance of our instrumentation.

ni.comFlexRIO Custom Instrumentation

19

PXI Instrumentation
NI offers more than 600 different PXI modules ranging from DC to mmWave. Because PXI is an open industry standard, nearly 1,500
products are available from more than 70 different instrument vendors. With standard processing and control functions designated to acontroller, PXI instruments need to contain only the actual instrumentation circuitry, which provides effective performance in a small
footprint. Combined with a chassis and controller, PXI systems feature high-throughput data movement using PCI Express bus interfaces andsub-nanosecond synchronization with integrated timing and triggering.

ni.comOscilloscopes
Sample at speeds up to 12.5 GS/s with 5 GHz of
analog bandwidth, featuring numerous triggeringmodes and deep onboard memory

Digital Multimeters
Perform voltage (up to 1000 V), current (up to3A), resistance, inductance, capacitance, andfrequency/period measurements, as well as
diode tests

Digital Instruments
Perform characterization and production test of
semiconductor devices with timing sets and perchannel pin parametric measurement unit
(PPMU)

Waveform Generators
Generate standard functions including sine,
square, triangle, and ramp as well as userdefined, arbitrary waveforms

Frequency Counters
Perform counter timer tasks such as event
counting and encoder position, period, pulse,
and frequency measurements

Source Measure Units
Combine high-precision source and measurecapability with high channel density,
deterministic hardware sequencing, andSourceAdapt transient optimization

Power Supplies & Loads
Supply programmable DC power, with somemodules including isolated channels, output
disconnect functionality, and remote sense

FlexRIO Custom Instruments & Processing
Provide high-performance I/O and powerful
FPGAs for applications that require more thanstandard instruments can offer

Switches (Matrix & MUX)
Feature a variety of relay types and row/column
configurations to simplify wiring in automatedtest systems

Vector Signal Transceivers
Combine a vector signal generator and vector
signal analyzer with FPGA-based, real-time
signal processing and control

GPIB, Serial, & Ethernet
Integrate non-PXI instruments into a PXI systemthrough various instrument control interfaces

Data Acquisition Modules
Provide a mix of analog I/O, digital I/O,
counter/timer, and trigger functionality formeasuring electrical or physical phenomena

FlexRIO Custom Instrumentation

20

NI Hardware Services
All NI hardware includes a one-year warranty for basic repair coverage and calibration in adherence
to NI specifications prior to shipment. PXI systems also include basic assembly and a functional test.
NI offers additional entitlements to improve uptime and lower maintenance costs with service
programs for hardware. Learn more at ni.com/services/hardware.
HardwareStandard

Premium

Description

Duration at Point of Sale

1 year;included

3 years;
optional

3 years;
optional

NI enhances warranty coverage with additional service benefits
provided with a hardware service program.

Maximum Duration withRenewal< 3 years
with service
program< 3 years< 3 years

NI maintains the high performance and availability of yourhardware for up to three years with a hardware service program.

•

•

•

NI restores your device’s functionality and includes firmware
updates and factory calibration; < 10 working days [4] +standard shipping.

••NI technicians assemble, install software in, and test your system
per your custom configuration prior to shipment.

Advanced Replacement[2]•

NI stocks replacement hardware that can be shipped
immediately if a repair is needed.

System Return Material
Authorization (RMA) [1]•

NI accepts the delivery of fully assembled systems when
performing repair services.

••

NI provides access to support resources for your hardware.

Standard

Expedited[3]

NI performs the requested level of calibration at the specified
calibration interval for the duration of the service program.

Extended Repair
Coverage
System Configuration,
Assembly, and Test [1]Technical Support•

Calibration Plan
(Optional)

1 This option is only available for PXI, CompactRIO, and CompactDAQ systems.
2 This option is not available for all products in all countries. Contact your local NI sales engineer to confirm availability.
3 Expedited calibration is only available for the Traceable calibration level.
4 This applies to non-RF products only. Standard extended repair coverage for RF products is <15 working days + standard shipping.

PremiumPlus Service Program
NI can customize the offerings listed above or offer additional entitlements such as on-site calibration, custom sparing, and lifecycle services
through a PremiumPlus Service Program. Contact your NI sales representative to learn more.

Technical Support
NI hardware service programs and warranty include access to technical support provided by NI support agents during local business hours.
Service requests can be managed online. Additionally, take advantage of NI’s award-winning online resources and communities.

©2023 National Instruments. All rights reserved. National Instruments, NI, and ni.com are trademarks of National
Instruments. Other product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.
All rights reserved. National Instruments, NI, and ni.com are trademarks of National Instruments.

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