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Refer to the LabVIEW Real-Time Module Release and Upgrade Notes for a complete list of new features and changes, for information about upgrade and compatibility issues, and for installation instructions.

Refer to the readme_RT.html file in the labview\readme directory for more information about known issues with the LabVIEW Real-Time Module 8.5.

Multiple CPU Support

The Real-Time Module 8.5 supports parallel processing for increased performance on systems with multiple CPUs. By default, the NI extension to the ETS real-time operating system automatically allocates threads across CPUs. As a result, many existing applications can realize an immediate performance benefit on multiple-CPU systems. However, by writing the RT application with multiple CPUs in mind, you might be able to achieve further performance gains. To take full advantage of multiple CPUs, you must implement a parallel or pipelined architecture.

Timed Loop CPU Assignment

The Timed Loop now includes an Assigned CPU input that you can use to specify the CPU on which the Timed Loop executes. In some cases, you can use manual CPU assignment to optimize an application for execution on systems with multiple CPUs.

Real-Time Execution Trace Toolkit 2.0

The LabVIEW Real-Time Module 8.5 includes an evaluation version of the Real-Time Execution Trace Toolkit 2.0. You can use the Real-Time Execution Trace Toolkit to log, view, and analyze real-time execution traces. Refer to the Real-Time Execution Trace Toolkit Help for information about using the Real-Time Execution Trace Toolkit to debug real-time applications.

Reliance File System Support

The Real-Time Module 8.5 adds Reliance file system support for the following targets: PXI-8106 RT, PXIe-8130 RT, and RT desktop PC. Refer to the National Instruments Web site for information about installing the Reliance file system on RT PXI targets. Refer to the Using Desktop PCs as RT Targets with the LabVIEW Real-Time Module document. Refer to the Using Desktop PCs as RT Targets with the LabVIEW Real-Time Module for information about installing the Reliance file system on RT desktop PC targets.

Enhancements to the Multiple Variable Editor

Use the Multiple Variable Editor window to configure a large number of shared variables at one time. The Multiple Variable Editor window includes interface improvements to make it easier to edit, sort, and search properties for multiple shared variables.

Real-Time Performance Improvements

The Real-Time Module 8.5 includes the following performance improvements.

Linear Algebra Performance Improvements

In addition to the performance improvements documented in the LabVIEW 8.5 Upgrade Notes, the Real-Time Module 8.5 features significant performance improvements for the VIs on the Linear Algebra palette.

Jitter Reduction in Mathematics and Signal Processing VIs

The Real-Time Module 8.5 includes a new Real-Time Analysis Utilities palette that installs as a subpalette of both the Mathematics palette and the Signal Processing palette. You can use the Real-Time Analysis Utilities VIs to handle the resource requirements of certain Mathematics and Signal Processing VIs in a dedicated analysis workspace. To prevent race conditions, priority inversions, and other undefined behavior, you must use the Enable Analysis Workspace VIs according to a strict set of guidelines.

Serial ATA Hard Drive Support

In the Real-Time Module 8.2.1 and earlier, you can use Serial ATA (SATA) hard drives only in legacy mode. The LabVIEW Real-Time Module 8.5 includes native support for SATA drives.

Improved Support for RT Desktop PCs

The Real-Time Module 8.5 includes improved BIOS compatibility for desktop PCs used as RT targets. Also, the Real-Time Module 8.5 supports new multiple-CPU systems, ethernet chipsets, and SATA hard drives. Refer to the Using Desktop PCs as RT Targets with the LabVIEW Real-Time Module document for information about configuring a desktop PC as an RT target.

On-Screen CPU Monitor

RT targets with the Real-Time Module 8.5 software installed include an on-screen CPU monitor that displays CPU utilization information when you connect the target to a monitor. You can use the CPU monitor to diagnose performance issues in RT applications and to help determine the load balance on multiple-CPU systems.

Running Real-Time Applications

To run a stand-alone real-time application in the Real-Time Module 8.2.1 and earlier, you must right-click the build specification in the Project Explorer window, select Set as startup and then Deploy from the shortcut menu, and reboot the target. In the Real-Time Module 8.5, you can set the application to run in one step by right-clicking the application and selecting Run as startup from the shortcut menu. The Run as startup shortcut menu item sets the application as the startup application, deploys the application to the target, and prompts you to reboot the RT target.