Chapter 1
Introduction
©
National Instruments Corporation
1-3
PXI-846x and NI-CAN for Windows 98/95
NI-CAN Software Overview
The NI-CAN software includes a native, 32-bit multitasking Windows
driver that is fully Plug and Play aware. The driver components are
dynamically loaded when Windows detects new hardware and dynamically
unloaded when Windows detects the removal of hardware.
The NI-CAN software is fully integrated into the Windows operating
system. You can configure it through the Windows Device Manager and
uninstall it through the Add/Remove Programs applet of the Control Panel.
The NI-CAN software supports the concurrent use of multiple CAN
boards. For example, you can use two PXI-8461 boards in the same system
at the same time.
The NI-CAN software, along with the PXI hardware, transforms your
computer into a CAN interface with complete communications and bus
management capability. The NI-CAN software includes the following
components:
•
Firmware (runs on embedded Intel 386EX)
•
Device driver
•
Diagnostic test utility
•
Configuration utility
•
Language interface libraries for Microsoft Visual C/C++ 2.0 or later,
LabWindows/CVI 4.0 or later, and LabVIEW 4.0 or later
•
Example programs that use NI-CAN functions
Optional Programming Tools
Your kit includes the NI-CAN software for Windows NT. In addition, you
can order the following software from National Instruments.
Measurement Studio bundles LabWindows/CVI among other tools for
C programmers designed for building measurement and automation
applications. LabWindows/CVI is an interactive ANSI C development
environment for building test and measurement and instrument control
systems. It includes interactive code-generation tools and a graphical editor
for building custom user interfaces. It also includes built-in libraries for
IEEE 488.2, VXI, RS-232 control, and plug-in data acquisition. When you
order LabWindows/CVI, you also get hundreds of complete instrument
drivers, which are modular, source-code programs that handle the