Learn to build virtual instrumentation systems using LabVIEW. This course covers graphical programming, modular design, sensors data acquisition, hardware communication, and file I/O. Gain hands-on skills to develop measurement and automation applications for real-world use.
Course Overview Table
| Chapter | Details |
| Partner | Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies |
| Title | Data Acquisition and Virtual Instrumentation using LabVIEW |
| Service | Course |
| Target Group | Process engineers, Educational institutions, Researchers, SMEs |
| Format | Workshop |
| Focused on Key Technologies | Virtual instrumentation, LabVIEW |
| Status | Ready to offer |
| Stakeholders from SME/PA Side | Companies requiring data acquisition from various sensors, systems, or processes through virtual instrumentation, as well as educational institutions aiming to modernize their teaching methods and support the reskilling of educators/professionals. |
| Requirements for Participation | Basic digital skills, along with foundational knowledge in sensors, signal processing, and measurement systems. |
| Estimated Duration | 3 days (18 hours) |
Description of the Course
This course provides an in-depth introduction to virtual instrumentation using LabVIEW, focusing on data acquisition, and integration of measurement systems in real-world applications.
LabVIEW is a powerful graphical programming environment widely used in industry and academia for developing automated test, measurement, and control systems. This course will equip participants with the knowledge to design virtual instruments that acquire, analyze, and present data from various sensors, systems and processes.
Hands-on sessions guide participants in building virtual instruments using data acquisition (DAQ) cards and embedded systems. Topics include DAQ system configuration, hardware interfacing, communication protocols, and reading/writing data to files for real-time monitoring or post-processing.
Tentative Agenda:
Day 1 – Introduction to LabVIEW
- LabVIEW environment overview, front panel and block diagram
- Data types, controls/indicators, wiring, and data flow
- Structures: For Loop, While Loop, Case structure, Shift Registers
- Variables, debugging tools, and practical exercises
Day 2 – Programming Concepts and Data Acquisition
- Modular programming, subVIs, and custom controls
- Programming architectures: simple, general, state-machine
- Introduction to DAQ systems, channel configuration, analog and digital I/O
- Digital signals, timing, sampling, and live data visualization
Day 3 – Communication, File I/O, and Integration (6 hours)
- Communication interfaces (USB, serial, TCP/IP), hardware integration
- File operations: logging data, reading/writing ASCII, CSV, TDMS
- Advanced examples: multi-channel monitoring and processing
- Final project development, Q&A, and wrap-up
Upon completion, participants will be able to independently develop LabVIEW-based applications for automated measurement and control. The course offers strong practical relevance, bridging academic theory with industrial needs, and is ideal for engineers, educators, and technicians seeking to enhance their digital and instrumentation skills.
Additional Course Information
| Category | Details |
| Developed skills | Participants will acquire knowledge and skills, including: |
| Skill 1: Building Virtual Instruments in LabVIEW
Skill 2: Capability to acquire, visualise and store data from different sensors and systems Skill 3: Knowledge to communicate and integrate external systems |
|
| Learning Methods Used | Lectures, experiments, and hands-on exercises |
| References/Resources | FEEIT LabVIEW Academy resources |
| Overview Slides | Supporting slides and documentation will be provided; available via the course platform or upon request. |