Do I Need the LabVIEW Real-Time Module to Program My Linux RT Target with C, C++ or Python?

Updated Jun 1, 2023

Reported In

Software

  • LabVIEW 2017 Real-Time Module
  • LabVIEW 2016 Real-Time Module
  • LabVIEW 2015 Real-Time Module

Programming Language

  • C++
  • C
  • Python

Issue Details

I have a Linux Real-Time target, and I would like to program it with C, C++ or Python. Do I need to purchase the LabVIEW Real-Time Module to accomplish this?

Solution

When using a third party integrated development environment (IDE) to program applications for Linux RT targets, having the LabVIEW Real-Time Module is optional. However, the FPGA will still need to be programmed with LabVIEW using the LabVIEW FPGA module. The FPGA Interface C API or FPGA Interface Python API can be used to communicate between the FPGA and your C/C++ or Python code running on the Linux RT.

Additional Information

In order to program the FPGA you will need to make sure that you install the CompactRIO driver. The driver allows you to recognize the device in NI MAX and to add the target to a LabVIEW project to program the FPGA. When the Real-Time Module is not installed, a message that says features not available will be displayed next to the RT target as shown in the image below:

Under these circumstances, you can develop an FPGA VI, however you will not be able to develop a Real-Time VI. 

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