Frequently Asked Questions
WireFlow’s C Series modules
Q: Are the WireFlow C Series module usable in cDAQ-Systems from National Instrument.
A: At the moment the WF3132 module works on both CompactDAQ and CompactRIO. Be certain that you select the correct driver for your target device. The other WireFlow C Series modules are for the time being only working for the cRIO chassis, including the expansions chassis for Ethernet, EtherCAT, R Series and MXI-Express.
However, National Instruments has released a CompactRIO series that supports NI-DAQmx, called NI-904x (you can find them HERE). On these chassis you can use all of our C Series modules. Though, if you plan to use the WF 3132 on one of these chassis, be sure to use the CompactRIO driver and not the CompactDAQ driver as this won’t work.
Q: What kind of connector are used for the WF C Series modules?
A: The WF 3144 and WF 3154 modules uses a 10-Pos Plug. You should connect a Terminal Block for 10-Pos Plug to the module. This Terminal block is included together with the module when shipped from WireFlow.
The WF 3132 uses a standard 37-pin Dsub connector – type Plug. You should connect a 37-pin Dsub connector – type Receptacle to the module. This Receptacle is NOT included with the module when shipped from WireFlow.
Q: Why is the error code -64998 reported when I try to compile FPGA code for the NI 9144 Ethernet chassis when I use WireFlow C Series modules?
The plan is to fix this problem in the next release of EtherCAT (2.7). This is planned to be released in early 2014.
Until then there exist a work-around for the issue that is relatively simple:
- Copy the file resource.xml and overwrite the existing one in \Targets\NI\FPGA\ECat\NI 9144
- Exit LabVIEW and navigate to \Targets\NI\FPGA\bin
- Run lvfpga_make_resource_cache.exe
Q: Can I use ScanEngine for WireFlow C Series modules?
Q: How many FPGA resources does a C series module consume?
A: The FPGA usage of a specific software and hardware combination is affected by multiple factors such as; FPGA type and size, compilation options, the random starting point for FPGA code placement etc.
Hence, it is impossible to derive an exact figure that defines the FPGA usage of a specific C series module. For customers that are uncertain on whether their application will fit on a specific FPGA with a WireFlow C series module it is recommended to make a test-build. Note that no hardware is needed to make a test build.
For more details, please see AB0005-104 AN16 FPGA Resource Usage for WF C Series modules.
WF 3144 – Programmable Resistor Module
Q: How is the WF 3144 Resistor Emulator Module designed?
WF 3132 – Multiplexer Module
Q: Is it possible to use inductive loads together with the WF3132 Multiplexer Module?
A: Yes, it is possible. However, the relays in the module might be exposed to sudden voltage spikes (called “flyback”, caused by the inductive loads) that could permanently damage the relays. In order to prevent these voltage spikes from reaching the relays it is possible to connect Flyback Diodes across the inductive loads. More info about flyback diodes can be founde HERE.”
WF 3168 – Battery Stack Monitor & Balancing Module
Q: Is the sample rate for the WF 3168 specified for full configuration?
A: Yes, it is. The specified rate of 33 Hz means that all 8 channels will be sampled 33 times per second. So you will get 8 measurement values every 30 ms.
Q: Are all measurements taken simultaneously?
A: No, there is a set of multiplexers and ADC’s in the hardware that scans the input channels. Time from sampling the first channel to sampling the last channel is 814 µs. After making such a measurement the device must do some preparations before doing the next set of samples. The complete sampling sequence can be repeated with a maximum rate of 30 ms which is the maximum system sampling rate.
WF 3169 – Battery Stack Monitor Module
Q: Is the sample rate for the WF 3169 specified for full configuration?
A: Yes, it is. The specified rate of 235 Hz means that all 24 channels will be sampled 235 times per second. So you will get 24 measurement values every 4.3 ms.
Q: Are all measurements taken simultaneously?
A: No, there is is a set of four multiplexers and ADC’s in the hardware that scans the inputs in groups of four with an offset of six channels. First [C0,C6,C12,C18] are sampled simultaneously, followed by [C1,C7,C13,C19], and so on. Time from sampling the first channel to sampling the last channel is 814 μs. After making such a measurement the device must do some preparations before doing the next set of samples. The complete sampling sequence can be repeated with a maximum rate of 4.3ms which is the maximum system sampling rate.
Q: What should I do if I don't have enough battery cells to fill all the channels of the WF3168 or WF3169 module?
A: If you don’t have enough battery cells to fill all the channels of the module you will have to put jumpers between each unconnected channel. E.g:
If you have 21 battery cells and have filled them from COM-C20, you will have to put jumpers between all of the remaining unconnected channels (C20-C21, C21-C22, C22-C23)
Security Suite
Q: What is the difference between the WF 2007 and the WF 2008 dongles?
The WF 2008 are for targets running “standard” LabVIEW, i.e. LabVIEW for Windows, Mac and Linux.
Q: What items do I need to purchase and/or download to use the WireFlow dongles for protecting my LabVIEW application from being duplicated?
1. Download the WF Security dongle software package (Article no AE0011) from www.wireflow.com/download
It contains:
a. LabVIEW Dongle Drivers.vipc. It provides VI’s that you shall embed in your application. (This software is free)
b. WF-DongleDeviceDriver. Install this on the Windows target PC’s if you use
WF 2008 dongles. (This software is free)
c. WF Security Suite Programming Application. Use this application to program your secret keys into the dongles.
(You need to buy a license to activate this application)
2. Buy a license for the WF Security Suite Programming Application
(Article no AE009) from WireFlow. You need one such license.
3. Buy some WF 2008 (Windows) or WF 2007 (RT), USB Security dongles from WireFlow. You will need one dongle for each system you want to deploy.
4. Read the document AC0045-003 WF Security Suite – Quick Guide. It gives
a short step by step instruction for how to create your security solution.
Q: Can I use multiple WF 2111 Fingerprint Readers in the same PC?
A: Yes, multiple fingerprint readers can be used on the same PC. For more details, please refer to application note no. 15 (Multiple WF 2111 Fingerprint Readers).
Q: Does the USB products work on ports with USB versions greater than 2.0?
Yes, all USB versions > 1.0 are backwards compatible but they are held to the limitations of transfer rates and power of the lowest version number used.
