Converting a Project to a LabVIEW Block Diagram

You can use LabVIEW SignalExpress to build automated measurement projects that generate stimulus and acquire response signals, analyze and display signals, and save the signals. After you create and save a project in LabVIEW SignalExpress, you can convert that project to a LabVIEW block diagram. Converting a LabVIEW SignalExpress project into a LabVIEW block diagram has the following benefits:

• LabVIEW compiles and executes block diagrams faster than LabVIEW SignalExpress projects.
• You can execute LabVIEW block diagrams using TestStand as part of an automated test sequence.
• You can take advantage of LabVIEW to extend your projects in the following ways:
  • Creating a custom user interface with buttons, knobs, and meters to control the execution and display of your measurements.
  • Controlling other measurement hardware not supported by LabVIEW SignalExpress, such as GPIB instruments, distributed I/O devices, such as FieldPoint, machine vision boards, and motion controllers.
  • Performing more advanced analysis routines using the LabVIEW analysis libraries or add-on toolkits.
  • Distributing your project to run or be controlled from multiple computers or across the Web.

Note  To convert a LabVIEW SignalExpress project to a LabVIEW VI, you must have the LabVIEW 7.1 Full Development System or later installed.

Complete the following steps to convert a LabVIEW SignalExpress project to a LabVIEW block diagram.

1. Select Tools»Generate Code»LabVIEW Diagram to begin the conversion process.
2. Specify a name for the VI you want to generate, and click the OK button.

LabVIEW converts the active work area of the LabVIEW SignalExpress project to a LabVIEW VI.

Note  If you want to convert a step that contains a parameter set to perform a sweep operation, LabVIEW converts that step to a subVI, not an Express VI. LabVIEW converts other steps within the sweep operation to Express VIs.

When you convert a LabVIEW SignalExpress project with logging, LabVIEW SignalExpress generates a LabVIEW block diagram with one Express VI. You cannot convert the generated Express VI into a subVI. When you double-click the Express VI, LabVIEW opens the LabVIEW SignalExpress project associated with the Express VI. Refer to the KnowledgeBase for more information about the Express VI.