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How Can I Make My PXI Controller a Real-time Target?

Primary Software: LabVIEW Modules>>Real-Time Module
Primary Software Version: N/A
Primary Software Fixed Version: N/A
Secondary Software: LabVIEW Modules>>Real-Time Module
Hardware: PXI/CompactPCI>>Controllers

Problem:
I have a PXI controller that I would like to run Real-Time (RT) applications. I know National Instruments sells multiple PXI RT controllers, but is there any way to modify my existing controller?

Solution:
Any PXI controller that meets the requirements of a desktop ETS system can be made into a RT target. PXI controllers are still computers, and the same hardware that is needed for a RT OS is also needed for a PXI.

There are two ways to check to see if the PXI's hardware is compatible:
  1. A utility called PCEval.
  2. Manually checking the hardware components with this list.
Prior to installing the RT OS onto your controller or using PCEval, the controller's hard drive must be formatted as FAT32.  Software such as Partition Magic has the ability to change the file system without erasing the data on the hard drive. If you do not wish to use third-party software, you can use the recovery CD provided with your controller and a USB CD-ROM to reinstall the operating system.

Note: The recovery CDs shipped with NTFS controllers have the option to choose your file system upon reformatting the drive. To detect whether your recovery CD has this option, navigate to I386\SYSTEM32\ within the CD and ensure that the executable DISKSIZE.EXE exists. If your recovery CD does not have this file and your controller shipped with the NTFS file system, please contact National Instruments technical support.

To format your PXI controller to use FAT32:
  1. Connect a USB CD-ROM drive to the controller and insert the recovery media that was shipped with the product.
  2. Power on the controller and enter the BIOS by pressing the Delete key.
  3. Navigate to the Boot section and change the boot order to: 1) CD ROM Drive, 2) Removable Devices and 3) Hard Drive. Save changes and exit the BIOS. This will reboot the controller.
  4. The controller should then boot to the recovery CD and the user will have the option to press any key to boot from CD. Press a key and enter the recovery CD setup.
  5. The user will be prompted to choose which convention to use to format the controller. The default format is NTFS. Make sure to change this selection to FAT 32.
  6. Continue with the recovery process and when prompted to reboot make sure to change the boot order back to the original setting or disconnect the CD ROM.
Depending on your PXI Controller, you may be able to use a floppy disk to install the RT OS.  To create a floppy disk to install the RT OS:
  1. Open up Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX).
  2. Select Tools»RT Disk Utilities»Create PXI Format Disk.

If the PXI Controller has a USB port, then install the RT OS by doing the following:
  1. Open up MAX.
  2. Select Tools»RT Disk Utilities»Create Desktop PC Utility USB Drive.

These utilities will load a lean version of the RT OS, and the installation is completed remotely from a host computer using MAX.  The following page goes through the remaining installation process by steps.

Related Links:
Product Manuals: Using Desktop PCs as RT Targets with the LabVIEW Real-Time Module (LabVIEW 8.5.1)
KnowledgeBase 39NDI8PK: Requirements for a Desktop PC as a Real-Time Target
Support: PXI Installation/Configuration
KnowledgeBase 4LEHIQ4N: How Can I Test My PC For Compatibility with LabVIEW Real-Time or LabWindows/CVI Real-Time for Desktop ETS?

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Report Date: 12/11/2006
Last Updated: 10/17/2008
Document ID: 44A9Q1PB

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