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Ai

Fast signals need the
right hardware level

Connect FPGA-based NI systems and STM32 microcontrollers with application-specific electronics.

Standard ports and normal control cycles are not always enough for special measuring tasks. Acquisition hardware and the electrical interface then have to be considered together.

IQstruct Engineering uses FPGA components within NI systems for fast measuring and processing tasks. Where a custom board carries the task, we develop electronics with STM32 microcontrollers and the associated firmware. Integration connects hardware functions with the higher-level real-time software.

Start now at no cost

In a free first conversation we clarify which signals are processed, which timings apply and in what quantity the device is built.

See the person in charge

Scope of services

Use NI platforms for fast acquisition

CompactRIO and other measuring hardware are selected to suit the project.

Develop boards and firmware

IC selection, PCB layout and firmware for STM32 microcontrollers complete the system design.

Test hardware and software together

The measuring function is considered in the context of the entire task.

FPGA technology in NI systems

IQstruct Engineering uses FPGA components within NI systems for fast measuring and processing tasks.

The Xilinx FPGAs of the CompactRIO platform handle high-frequency data acquisition and time-critical logic. The results go to a higher-level real-time system with LabVIEW Real-Time; we define the division between the two levels per project.

If a measuring or control task needs custom electronics, we select suitable ICs and develop printed circuit boards for signal transfer and control tasks, where needed with an STM32 microcontroller and firmware from STM32CubeIDE. Routing, tracks, component protection and electrical sources of interference are taken into account in the design and coordinated with the NI-based system integration.

Controller modules on a DIN rail with blue wiring
Ai

FPGA, microcontrollers and electronics

Fast signals reach the right hardware level

Acquisition hardware and the electrical interface are designed together, in the range from kS/s to MS/s.

Approach in the project

  1. Three people discuss signals and measured variables at an electronics workstation, a circuit diagram on the screenAi

    1

    Plan the measuring task

    Signals, measured variables and test task are discussed at the electronics workstation.

  2. A developer edits the layout of a circuit board on the screen, a modular measurement system and the finished board beside himAi

    2

    Develop hardware and PCB

    An NI platform with FPGA or a custom board with an STM32 microcontroller is designed to suit the task.

  3. A developer writes firmware for a microcontroller with the board connected, microcontroller and FPGA on the whiteboardAi

    3

    Develop firmware

    FPGA logic is developed in LabVIEW, firmware for STM32 in STM32CubeIDE.

  4. An engineer measures a circuit board with a probe and an oscilloscopeAi

    4

    Test the electronics

    Oscilloscope measurements on the test circuit prove the function.

What we work with

NI CompactRIO

Xilinx FPGAs as an integrated part of the platform.

LabVIEW FPGA and Real-Time

Programming of FPGA logic and the higher-level real-time system.

STM32 and custom electronics

Microcontroller, printed circuit board and firmware from STM32CubeIDE.

Project experience

Fast signal transmission over optical fibre

Signal events in the microsecond range determined the measurement and control task.

Together with a customer, IQstruct Engineering developed a system that transmitted signals over optical fibre to optical receivers. The processing had to react to events in the microsecond range. The specific measurement and control task therefore determined the technical solution and made very fast control sequences possible. For comparable tasks, the signal path, the electrical interfaces and the higher-level software are considered together; the achievable times are to be checked on the actual setup.

Frequently asked questions

We are glad to answer your detailed questions in a personal conversation.

Is direct FPGA programming part of the offer?

We program FPGAs within the NI platform with LabVIEW. Custom HDL designs in VHDL or Verilog are not part of the offer.

Do you develop microcontroller firmware?

Yes. For custom boards we develop firmware for STM32 microcontrollers in STM32CubeIDE. Fast acquisition and time-critical logic run on the NI platform.

Which sampling rates are possible?

Depending on the task, acquisition in the range from kS/s to MS/s and processing down to the microsecond range.

Further industry solutions

Every industry has its particularities. That calls for a reliable partner who knows the requirements and delivers suitable solutions.

First conversation

Arrange a free first conversation

Describe your task. We agree a date and discuss the possible project scope.

  1. Notebook on a desk with an open calendar and a selected appointmentAi

    1

    You request an appointment

  2. Experts at a meeting table discussing an extensive software architecture on the screenAi

    2

    We discuss your requirements

  3. Workstation with a measuring application built with graphical programming and a web interfaceAi

    3

    You receive a quotation for the agreed scope

Philipp Niemann-Stryczek
Philipp Niemann-StryczekManaging DirectorLeads the company on the commercial side and answers questions on IT/OT security, asset administration shells, compliance and research projects.
Free first conversation

Describe your task in the contact form. We come back with a proposed date.

Arrange a first conversation

Not quite what you need?

Discover further suitable services.

Measurement engineering

Match signal, measuring range and resolution to your specific measuring task.

Learn more

Real-time systems

Acquire and process fast signals with a real-time solution designed for the task.

Learn more

Interfaces and integration

Connect new and existing systems via suitable APIs and customer-specific adapters.

Learn more