NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS VirtualBench All-in-One Instrument User Guide

NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS VirtualBench All-in-One Instrument

VirtualBench All-in-One Instrument

The VirtualBench All-in-One Instrument is a device that consolidates five of the most commonly used instruments into one device without compromising the performance of each instrument. It reduces the cost and footprint of test and measurement systems, making it ideal for engineers interacting with benchtop test equipment or developing low-cost automated test systems. The VirtualBench hardware family currently consists of three models, VB-8012, VB-8034, and VB-8054, that serve a wide range of applications and price points in academic labs, hardware characterization/debug benches, and automated test systems.

VirtualBench All-in-One Instrument Specifications

Mixed-Signal Oscilloscope (MSO) with SPI, I2C, and Parallel
Protocol Analysis| 100 MHz bandwidth
2 Analog, BNC
34 Digital channels
1 GS/s sample rate| 350 MHz bandwidth
4 Analog, BNC
34 Digital channels
1.5 GS/s/channel sample rate| 500 MHz bandwidth
4 Analog, BNC
34 Digital channels
2 GS/s/channel sample rate
Digital Multimeter| Resolution: Input Range: 300 V, Category II
Isolation
Measurement Functions: DC voltage, AC voltage, DC current, AC
current, resistance, diode, continuity
Arbitrary Waveform Generator| Max Frequency: 20 MHz (sine)
Waveform Types: sine, square, ramp/triangle, DC, arbitrary| Max Frequency: 40 MHz (sine)
Waveform Types: sine, square, ramp/triangle, DC, arbitrary|
DC Power Supply| Channel 1: 0 to 6 V, up to 1 A
Channel 2: 0 to -25 V, up to 0.5 A
Channel 3: 0 to 25 V, up to 0.5 A| Channel 1: 0 to 6 V, up to 3 A
Channel 2: 0 to -25 V, up to 1 A
Channel 3: 0 to 25 V, up to 1 A| Channel 1: 0 to 6 V, up to 3 A
Channel 2: 0 to -25 V, up to 1 A
Channel 3: 0 to 25 V, up to 1 A
Digital I/O| Channels: 8 Channels
Logic Levels: 5 V compatible TTL input, 3.3 LVTTL output
General| Connectivity: USB and WiFi
Size: 10 in. x 7.5 in. x 2.9 in.
Interactive Software: Windows (7 SP1 and later), iPad (iOS 9 or
later)| Connectivity: USB, WiFi, and Ethernet
Size: 12 in. x 8 in. x 3.7 in.
Interactive Software: Windows (7 SP1 and later), iPad (iOS 9 or
later)|

• Software: Includes VirtualBench application, API support for LabVIEW and text-based languages, shipping examples, and detailed help files
• Up to 500 MHz mixed-signal oscilloscope with protocol analysis
• Arbitrary waveform generator with up to 40 MHz sine output
• 5 ½ digit DMM with 300 V input range
• Three-channel programmable DC power supply, up to 3 A
• Eight general-purpose digital I/O lines
• USB, Ethernet, and WiFi connectivity to Windows and Apple iPad software applications

Five Benchtop Instruments. One Unified Interface.
VirtualBench plays a key role in reducing the cost and footprint of test and measurement systems by consolidating five of the most commonly used instruments into one device without compromising the performance of each instrument. Combined with a modern software experience and simple programming interface, VirtualBench creates new efficiencies for engineers interacting with benchtop test equipment or developing low-cost automated test systems.
The VirtualBench hardware family currently consists of three models most easily designated by oscilloscope analog bandwidth: 100, 350, and 500 MHz. These models allow the VirtualBench family to serve a wide range of applications and price points in academic labs, hardware characterization/debug benches, and automated test systems.

Table 1. NI offers VirtualBench models ranging from 100 to 500 MHz of analog bandwidth.

| __

VB-8012

| __

VB-8034

| __

VB-8054

---|---|---|---
Mixed-Signal Oscilloscope (MSO) with SPI, I2C, and Parallel Protocol Analysis
Bandwidth| 100 MHz| 350 MHz| 500 MHz
__

Channels

| 2 Analog, BNC| 4 Analog, BNC
34 Digital| 34 Digital
Sample Rate| 1 GS/s| 1.5 GS/s/channel| 2 GS/s/channel
Digital Multimeter
Resolution| 5 ½ Digits
Input Range| 300 V, Category II Isolation
Measurement Functions| DC voltage, AC voltage, DC current, AC current, resistance, diode, continuity
Arbitrary Waveform Generator
Max Frequency| 20 MHz (sine)| 40 MHz (sine)
Waveform Types| sine, square, ramp/triangle, DC, arbitrary
DC Power Supply
Channel 1| 0 to 6 V, up to 1 A| 0 to 6 V, up to 3 A
Channel 2| 0 to -25 V, up to 0.5 A| 0 to -25 V, up to 1 A
Channel 3| 0 to 25 V, up to 0.5 A| 0 to 25 V, up to 1 A
Digital I/O
Channels| 8 Channels
Logic Levels| 5 V compatible TTL input, 3.3 LVTTL output
General
Connectivity| USB and WiFi| USB, WiFi, and Ethernet
Size| 10 in. x 7.5 in. x 2.9 in.| 12 in. x 8 in. x 3.7 in.
Interactive Software| Windows (7 SP1 and later), iPad (iOS 9 or later)
Programming API| LabVIEW, ANSI C, and Python1

VirtualBench Accessories

NI offers a variety of accessories for VirtualBench, including BNC cables, probes, and power supplies. Please visit the NI website for more information on VirtualBench accessories.

NI-VirtualBench Application Programming Interface (API)
The VirtualBench API allows you to control VirtualBench instruments using LabVIEW, ANSI C, and Python programming languages. Please note that the Python wrapper is community-developed and not officially supported by NI.

Learn More About VirtualBench Hardware Services
NI offers hardware services for VirtualBench, including calibration, repair, and extended warranty. Please visit the NI website for more information on VirtualBench hardware services.

Product Usage Instructions

1. Connect the VirtualBench device to your computer or iPad using the provided USB or WiFi cable.
2. Launch the Interactive Software on your computer or iPad.
3. Select the instrument you want to use from the menu.
4. Configure the instrument settings using the intuitive configuration menus.
5. Perform measurements using the measurement indicators displayed on the screen.
6. Export screenshots and data using one-click buttons or the hands-free smart capture feature.

Detailed View of VB-8054

Key Features

Unified Software Interface
The VirtualBench application requires zero installation and can load automatically via Windows Autoplay when connected through USB. The integrated view of all five instruments allows you to import/export instrument configurations for easier replication of test conditions. VirtualBench also includes software capabilities like digital phosphor density maps for displaying multiple acquisitions simultaneously, XY mode for plotting channels against one another, and hands-free smart capture for automatic data capture of repeated stable waveforms. In order to future-proof any VirtualBench investment, free software and firmware updates are provided as new features are released. These features, in addition to the consolidated interface, help engineers streamline their approach for benchtop characterization and validation.

Figure 1: Export screenshots and data using one-click buttons or the hands- free smart capture feature.

Figure 2: Use measurement indicators to quickly characterize signals like this sine glitch. Choose to display common measurements like amplitude, max/min, RMS, period, and frequency indefinitely beneath the scope graph.

Figure 3: Simplify your measurements using intuitive configuration menus. The configured pulse width trigger reliably captures the displayed signal glitch.

Figure 4: Debug your system more easily by leveraging the built-in protocol decoder alongside the other instruments on the same time scale. The zero registered on the “DAC1” SPI line is likely the culprit of the glitch shown.

VirtualBench Accessories

VirtualBench ships with several accessories to enable common measurements as well as device connection with a PC or iPad.

• Oscilloscopes probes (VB-8012: set of two, VB-8034/VB-8054: set of four)
• DMM probes (set of two)
• MSO logic analyzer 40-pin input cable
• Screw-terminal connectors
• NI screwdriver
• Wireless antenna
• USB cable with locking screw (2 m)
• Power cord

Optional Accessories
In addition to the standard, included accessories, NI has several optional accessories available that further extend the capabilities of VirtualBench.

Third Party Accessories and Software
Additional industrial accessories have been developed for VirtualBench and are available through alliance partners or the LabVIEW Tools Network.

NI Alliance partner 10X Engineering LLC developed an uninterruptible power supply for the VB-8012, further enabling field work with limited resources.

Clustr, Inc’s SwingArm software incorporates drag and drop methodology to create sequences of VirtualBench settings and measurements, ideal for design verification testing as well as repetitive measurements.

Academic Curriculum
Developed in collaboration with the University of Virginia, the free downloadable ECE Fundamentals 1 curriculum leverages both VirtualBench and Multisim to simulate, create, and test circuits with specific analysis methods. The course series aims to redefine teaching of core electrical and computer engineering topics with an innovative, breadth-first approach.

Additional laboratories based on VirtualBench have been developed through partners and are available for purchase on LabStore, such as the Electrical Measurements Lab, Fault Detection and Correction Lab, and Electronic Components Characterization Lab.

NI-VirtualBench Application Programming Interface (API)
In addition to the VirtualBench application, the NI-VirtualBench driver includes a best-in-class API that works with a variety of development options such as LabVIEW and C. The driver also provides access to help files, documentation, and online examples you can use as a starting point for your application.

Learn More About VirtualBench
To learn more about the capabilities of VirtualBench, you can watch the series of instructional videos linked through the image below.

Hardware Services

All NI hardware includes a one-year warranty for basic repair coverage, and calibration in adherence to NI specifications prior to shipment. PXI Systems also include basic assembly and a functional test. NI offers additional entitlements to improve uptime and lower maintenance costs with service programs for hardware. Learn more at ni.com/services/hardware.

 |

Standard

|

Premium

|

Description

---|---|---|---
Program Duration| 3 or 5 years| 3 or 5 years| Length of service program
Extended Repair Coverage|

●

|

●

| NI restores your device’s functionality and includes firmware updates and factory calibration.
System Configuration, Assembly, and Test1|

●

|

●

| NI technicians assemble, install software in, and test your system per your custom configuration prior to shipment.
Advanced Replacement2|  | ●| NI stocks replacement hardware that can be shipped immediately if a repair is needed.
System Return Material Authorization (RMA)1|  |

●

| NI accepts the delivery of fully assembled systems when performing repair services.
Calibration Plan (Optional)|

Standard

|

Expedited3

| NI performs the requested level of calibration at the specified calibration interval for the duration of the service program.

1. This option is only available for PXI, CompactRIO, and CompactDAQ systems.
2. This option is not available for all products in all countries. Contact your local NI sales engineer to confirm availability. 3Expedited calibration only includes traceable levels.
   PremiumPlus Service Program
   NI can customize the offerings listed above, or offer additional entitlements such as on-site calibration, custom sparing, and life-cycle services through a PremiumPlus Service Program. Contact your NI sales
   representative to learn more.

Technical Support

Every NI system includes a 30-day trial for phone and e-mail support from NI engineers, which can be extended through a Software Service Program (SSP) membership. NI has more than 400 support
engineers available around the globe to provide local support in more than 30 languages. Additionally, take advantage of NI’s award winning online resources and communities.
©2019 National Instruments. All rights reserved. LabVIEW, National Instruments, NI, NI TestStand, and ni.com are trademarks of National Instruments. Other product and company names listed are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies. The contents of this Site could contain technical inaccuracies, typographical errors or out-of-date information. Information may be updated or changed at any time, without notice. Visit ni.com/manuals for the latest information.

References

• pyVirtualBench - Controlling Five Instruments from a Single Python Application
• NI VirtualBench™ - labStore
• Electronic Components Characterization Lab based on NI VirtualBench - labStore
• Fault Detection and Correction Lab based on NI VirtualBench - labStore
• Electrical Measurements Lab based on NI VirtualBench - labStore
• Engineer Ambitiously - NI
• Product Documentation - NI
• Hardware Services - NI
• NI Driver Downloads - NI
• SwingArm for VirtualBench - NI
• Test and Measurement Systems, a part of Emerson - NI
• NI Community - National Instruments
• VB-8012 - NI
• VB-8034 - NI
• VB-8054 - NI
• Product Documentation - NI
• Hardware Services - NI
• Software Services - NI
• Support - NI
• How-To Automate VirtualBench in LabVIEW - NI
• Getting Started With VirtualBench - NI
• VB-8012 National Instruments VirtualBench All-in-One Instrument | Apex Waves

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