I hope the introduction has created some idea as to what virtual instrumentation is.Now,let us know what the technology really offers i.e. what are its advantges.
Virtual Instrumentation has been a technology that is being widely used by the engineers and researchers...obviously because of the number of advantages the technology offers.
1. Simplification:
Suppose you want to check out an electronic circuit,by noting its response to a test signal.You will need a Signal Generator ,an oscilloscope and the necessary assessories.And take the readings.With a computer based testing system,one can have the complete system integrated to a single application and the user can do the required testing operating from a easy to use graphical user interface(GUI).That makes the things easy to work,simplifying the process.
2. Customization :
With the conventional test devices like function generators or oscilloscopes the scope for customization is very limited.Since the software forms the element of the instrumentation in the virtual instrumentation,it offers the scope of customizing the testing applications to the users needs.This is a very important advantage since ,many of the times there exists the need for cutom made testing in the science and engineering.
3. Cost Advantage :
There is definetely a cost advantage compared to the traditional instrumentation,because the applications can be easily customised and the programming can be carried out so that the single application can replace multiple devices ( which may be required otherwise).
4. Computer Based :
Virtual instrumentation takes advantage of the ever evolving computer technology - the increasing processing speeds,the easy device interface options,larger memory and so on.Hence enhancing the application performance and development process.
5. Portability :
Portability is an essential feature some times.The virtual instrumentation based applications are powerful and compact so that they can be easily set up and and easy to carry.For example,one needs to carry out an engine testing by simulating certain conditions,the complete signal set to and fro from the engine under test can be interface to some thing like laptop through an USB interface and the testing can be controlled through an application program executing on the computer..so carrying a simple laptop and the USB interface is suffucient.This is a great feature,when you need a good number of systems interfaced during,say,some system testing applications.
These are some of the most important advantages that makes the virtual instrumentation very dear to most engineers and scientists.
Feel free to post your comments.
