LabVIEW Machine Integration

Problem

A test or measurement station needs instrument control, a sequence that changes by model, and a record of the readings. Putting all of that inside the PLC is a poor fit, but the PLC still has to start the mechanics and see the result.

Solution

LabVIEW on the station PC talks to the instruments and to the PLC. The PLC requests a test or reports that the part is in position. LabVIEW runs the measurement, returns pass or fail and the values, and stores the record.

Hardware

A PC, the instruments the test already uses, and the station PLC (Mitsubishi, Delta, or Omron). Cabling follows the ports those devices have.

Software

LabVIEW for the test sequence and instrument drivers, with SQLite or SQL if the readings must be queried later. PLC changes, if the handshake bits are new, are done in the controller’s own software.

Communication protocol

Ethernet, serial, or Modbus between LabVIEW and the PLC. Instrument links use the interface the instrument provides.

Data collected

Model, timestamp, instrument readings, limits, and the pass/fail bit returned to the PLC. Alarms from the PLC can be stored in the same record when they explain a failed test.

Result

The mechanical cycle and the measurement cycle stay in step, and the readings are kept on the station. Customer names and test-yield figures are not published here.

This is PC-based automation, covered under industrial automation, with the controller side in PLC programming.