Using An Elevator Display With Multisim Simulations

Overview

This example program is part of a series of LabVIEW based virtual instruments that can be used from inside Multisim.  All instruments are based on the virtual instruments templates you can find in your Multisim’s sample folder. There are two main categories of instruments:

• Input Instrument; takes simulation data from your schematic and processes them in the virtual instrument (e.g. custom display, specific analysis, output to real world)
• Output Instrument; inputs signals to a Multisim schematic to drive a simulation (e.g. acquire data from real world I/O, custom and arbitrary waveforms)

 

Note for using real world I/Os

Due to the nature of SPICE, all real world data that will be used to drive a circuit need to be acquired before a simulation is started. Data output to a real world device can be done while simulation is running, however continuous updates can’t happen in real-time, as SPICE simulations don’t have a real-time timebase.

 

Purpose Of This Instrument

Using Multisim’s advanced peripherals (e.g. Tank System, Conveyor Belt, etc.) are key to success when teaching digital and control classes. Visualizing simulation data helps students to understand teaching concepts easier and faster.

This new display of a three level elevator can be combined with all analog, digital or MCU based components in a Multisim schematic and applies to various classes and courses.

 

Installation Instruction

Unpack the archive to the Multisim installation directory. The table illustrates the files that will be copied to your harddrive.

Type	Name	Location	Application
Instrument	Elevator_Display.llb	..\lvinstruments	Multisim
Example	Test Elevator.ms10	..\ samples\LabVIEW Instruments\GPIB	Multisim
Project	Elevator.lvproj	..\ samples\LabVIEW Instruments\GPIB	LabVIEW
Source	Elevator.llb	..\ samples\LabVIEW Instruments\GPIB	LabVIEW

 

Instrument Features

The Elevator Dispaly features tip strips for all controls. Hover with your mouse cursor over any of the controls and    specific information will be displayed.

• There are two main controls to this Elevator instrument
  • Trigger [V] sets the minimum voltage level that needs to be applied to an input pin to trigger an action, the default value is set to 5V
  • Speed allows the user to adjust the elevator speed
  • Right click on the controls to reinitialize to default value
• Control values will be saved with the circuit
• Various LEDs show when a level has been reached or the elevator is moving
• The elevator returns to the ground floor when the simulation stops

 

How To Use This Instrument

1. Open Multisim and create your circuit
2. Add the Elevator Display to your circuit
   1. Access the Elevator Display from the instrument toolbar
   2. Place it on your schematic
   3. Wire the desired input pins
3. Set the Elevator to match your circuit
   1. Double click the instrument symbol to open the interface
   2. Set the Trigger [V] slider control to the expected voltage level
4. Start the simulation
5. Trigger [V] and Speed can be adjusted while the simulation is running

[+] Enlarge Image

 

Additional Resources

Search ni.com for more LabVIEW based instruments for NI Multisim

Tutorial on "How To Create A LabVIEW Based Instrument For NI Multisim"

Tutorial on "Assure Compatibility of LabVIEW based Instruments across different NI Multisim versions"

 

Note: You only need NI LabVIEW to create or edit and an instrument. NI LabVIEW doesn’t need to be installed on the machine where you intend to run Multisim.

Requirements

Filename: elevator_display.zip

Software Requirements

Application Software: Multisim Base Edition 9.x, LabVIEW Base Development System 8.2
Language(s): LabVIEW

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