How to Install the AIM ARINC‑664 (AFDX) Driver, Verify Device Detection, and Use It in LabVIEW

Updated Mar 4, 2026

Environment

Hardware

  • AIM ARINC-664

Software

  • AIM ARINC-664 Driver

This article provides guidance for engineers who are beginning to use the AIM ARINC‑664 (AFDX) PXI board in a new system.
You will find the required steps for:

  • Installing and updating the AIM ARINC‑664 driver and BSP
  • Verifying that the PXI hardware is correctly recognized by the system
  • Integrating AIM AFDX functions into LabVIEW
  • Running a simple sample VI (loopback test) to confirm basic board functionality

These steps serve as the baseline procedure before developing or integrating ARINC‑664 applications in LabVIEW.

1. Install LabVIEW

Install LabVIEW using NI Package Manager or by downloading the installer from NI’s official website. You must install LabVIEW before installing the AIM driver.

 

2. Install the AIM ARINC‑664 Driver / BSP / Firmware

Download and Install the Driver

  • Install AIM ARINC-664 Driver using NI Package Manager or by downloading the installer from NI’s official website.
  • Run the installer and complete installation.
    Note: LabVIEW integration will be completed later using VIPM.

After installing AIM ARINC-664 driver, you can find reference documents: C:\Program Files\AIM GmbH\Arinc 664 Windows BSP 19.6.0\Doc

Full setup instructions are provided here: C:\Program Files\AIM GmbH\Arinc 664 Windows BSP 19.6.0\Doc\Arinc664_Windows_BSP_Getting_Started.pdf

 

3. Firmware Update Procedure

After installing the AIM ARINC-664 Driver, ensure the following steps are performed:

  • Install the latest AIM ARINC‑664 Windows BSP.
  • Run the Automatic API/Driver/Firmware Update (triggered automatically or manually via):
    C:\Program Files\AIM GmbH\Arinc 664 Windows BSP 19.6.0\setup_bsp.bat
  • If firmware updates are required, run:
    C:\Program Files\AIM GmbH\Arinc 664 Windows BSP 19.6.0\Firmware\Update

Perform a full power‑cycle of the PXI system. (A simple Windows reboot may not apply firmware updates correctly.)


4. Verify Device Detection (Before LabVIEW Integration)

Confirm whether the PXI board is correctly detected by following steps.

  • Navigate to:
    C:\Program Files\AIM GmbH\Arinc 664 Windows BSP 19.6.0\Sample
  • Run the tool as Administrator:
    afdx_Sample.exe
  • The tool will enumerate board resources (BOARD and PORT)

Successful detection confirms:

  • AIM driver installed correctly
  • Firmware and driver compatibility
  • PXI hardware recognized at OS/API level

If no entries appear, drivers, firmware, PXI chassis detection, or the hardware itself may require troubleshooting.

 

5. Integrate with LabVIEW (Using VIPM)

Install the VIPM Packages

  • Navigate to:
    C:\Program Files\AIM GmbH\Arinc 664 Windows BSP 19.6.0\LabVIEW
  • Install each .vip file using VI Package Manager (VIPM).
    Repeat for each installed LabVIEW version if multiple versions exist.

You can access sample VIs from "Show Examples" after installing the package.

 

6. Validate Operation with a Simple Sample VI

Location of LabVIEW Sample VIs
When AIM ARINC‑664 functions are installed via VIPM in LabVIEW 2024 (64-bit), the example files are located at:
C:\Program Files\National Instruments\LabVIEW 2024\examples\AIM ARINC-664

Loopback Test (Recommended First Check)
Within this folder, the VI: “basic - Loopback.vi” provides a simple and effective method to verify basic communication and driver operation.

  • All AIM ARINC‑664 boards include two onboard ports.
  • This VI performs internal loopback using the two ports on the same board.

 

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