NI launches new system on module

BANGALORE, INDIA: National Instruments has launched its sbRIO-9651 system-on-module (SOM) based on the Xilinx Znnq All Programmable SoC.

It combines a fully tested and validated hardware design with complete middleware solution and NI LinuxReal-Time OS. Such a combination will reduce the developers' significantly, as well as design risk and time to market. The NI SOM also provides an alternative to hardware description languages (HDLs) that simplifies the task of interfacing to the I/O and communicating data.

Eric Meyers, product marketing engineer, CompactRIO and NI Single-Board RIO, said: "We have about 10 lead users, and over 100 requests before release. Medical devices, manufacturing, smart devices, etc. are areas where it can be used.

There is also interest from Europe, especially from banks. It is useful for energy, automotive, life sciences, etc.

"Innovation happens in application software. There are steps like driver APIs, device drivers, OS, board support package (BSP), and NI RIO embedded hardware. Folks can focus on their key differentiating areas.

"We had planned on releasing this product later, but have come out earlier. Prototyping takes at least six months."

Arun Veeramani, senior marketing manager, said: "India can be the leaders in adopting leading-edge technologies. Users are embedding SOMs. They walk up to the screw, which automatically identifies area to use. The number of tools have also been reduced from 1,100 to 330.

"From a manufacturing side, if they apply these new technologies, they have ideas to quickly get off the ground. NI will provide the fundamentals.

With IIT Madras, HTIC came up with the new technology. Now, how can we bring the technology to the rural poor? This tool is available for Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 25,000."

HTIC has prototyped the ARTSENS - measuring arterial stiffness measurement. The plan is to also use this in rural areas. It is also useful for the AIRBUS - smart, adaptive tools enabling the factory of the future. India can leapfrog technologies with this tool.

How can this be applied to India? Manufacturing folks can quickly adopt it. Once you get the software, you can start working on it. There is lot of re-use. It gives you enough avenues to work.

NI RIO embedded hardware allows folks to write code. NI takes care of many points. This is also the first time there is a product release from India.