Mathematica Link for LabVIEW
2.1
Tap into the Combined Power of Mathematica and LabVIEW
Both Mathematica and LabVIEW are powerful programs for
technical computing. However, each offers a completely different
workflow and user experience. While Mathematica provides an
interactive problem-solving environment and excels in symbolic
manipulation and sophisticated data analysis, LabVIEW combines robust
input-output capabilities with a highly polished collection of GUI
components and RAD (rapid application development) tools for data
acquisition and control. Most technical computing challenges can
benefit from the combined power of the two approaches.
"I am really impressed by your linking package. I
believe we share the same philosophy. As you mention on your website,
LabVIEW is efficient in setting up the hardware but is short of fast,
sophisticated mathematical solutions. Mathematica Link for
LabVIEW solves this problem."
Roger Zhang
LabVIEW Developer
National Instruments
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Mathematica Link for LabVIEW provides a bridge between the two
programs. Specifically, it allows users either to control a LabVIEW
application (Virtual Instrument, or VI) from within
a Mathematica notebook or to call the Mathematica kernel
from within a LabVIEW VI.
How Does It Work?
Mathematica Link for LabVIEW includes generic tools that enable
Mathematica to control any VI directly without any additional
programming or customization. The communication between LabVIEW and
Mathematica relies on MathLink, a general interface
used to manage the communication between Mathematica and
external programs. The most frequently used MathLink functions
have been implemented in LabVIEW and are included in Mathematica
Link for LabVIEW.
Upon this basic layer, a whole series of utilities and higher-level
functions has been built. All VIs are completely documented, and the
higher-level functions can be modified as necessary or used unmodified
as building blocks for larger applications. Mathematica Link for
LabVIEW clearly demonstrates how to:
- Open a communication path between Mathematica and
LabVIEW
- Send a numerical computation to the Mathematica kernel and
return the results to LabVIEW
- Open and run LabVIEW VIs from inside Mathematica and
optionally return LabVIEW data to a Mathematica notebook
- Visualize LabVIEW data using ListPlot
and native
Mathematica data visualization functions
- Export publication-quality Mathematica graphics files in a
wide variety of standard formats
- Develop simple, yet flexible, simulation and control VIs that tap
into the computational power of Mathematica
Hybrid Workflow Opportunities
Perhaps most valuable of all is the synergistic effect that results
from integrating Mathematica with LabVIEW. Entirely new, hybrid
workflows become possible, thus enabling mathematically sophisticated
users to quickly and easily find solutions to complex
problems--solutions that would be difficult (if not impossible) to
realize using only one of the component packages.
Upgrades and support are provided by BetterVIEW Consulting.
About the Developer
Founded in 1997, BetterVIEW Consulting specializes in LabVIEW
programming, integration, and human-factors engineering. BetterVIEW
offers consulting services and a growing collection of innovative
LabVIEW toolkits designed to save time and dramatically reduce
development costs.
BetterVIEW Consulting
5124 - 209A Street
Langley, BC V3A 7K8
CANADA
phone: +1-604-535-2456
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