Is FlexRIO Example Is Running Continuously or Finite?

Updated Jan 30, 2024

Reported In

Hardware

  • PXI FlexRIO Digitizer
  • PXIe-5774

Software

  • LabVIEW

Driver

  • FlexRIO

Issue Details

I noticed that the FlexRIO example PXIe 5774 - KU060 is running in finite acquisition however I need the example to run in continuous acquisition. Is my understanding being correct that FlexRIO example is running in finite acquisition? If yes, is there any ways to make it run continuously? 

Solution

Regarding the LabVIEW FlexRIO example code, the code itself is running finite streaming only. This is mainly because of the throughput limitations of the PCIe/PXIe bus and the ability of the host to handle a large amount of continuous data. To change this example to the continuous is possible however NI does not recommend it.

The LabVIEW FlexRIO example code available cannot perform "Continuous" acquisition straightaway from the style of the code developed and API is designed. Apparently, there is a short cut way of making the host example work in continuous streaming with limited functionality. You can refer to the below KnowledgeBase:

  • Enable Continuous Streaming on Default Example Project for FlexRIO Devices - NI
    • This KnowledgeBase mentioned that the default example project for NI FlexRIO devices may not provide user-configurable decimation. Therefore, streaming continuously at the full rate may lead to FIFO overflows. It is recommended to add this decimation if continuous streaming is desired. However, do note that moving 3.2GS/s in continuous will causing a problem to the Host PC since many resources is used and eventually the PC will hang.  
Please do take note that changing this LabVIEW code to continuous is not recommended by NI since the way the example code is design to be working at the very best of FlexRIO in finite acquisition since the FlexRIO code and design is very powerful and it is relatively complex.