Product Overview
The National Instruments myRIO-1900 is an embedded controller designed for teaching, student projects, and rapid prototyping. It brings together a processor, an FPGA, and onboard analog and digital I/O in a single compact device. The platform is intended to let students and engineers apply real time control, signal processing, and measurement concepts without designing custom hardware first.
The myRIO-1900 is part of the NI myRIO platform, which is widely used in engineering education. It supports project based learning in control systems, mechatronics, signal processing, and embedded design. Because it uses the same LabVIEW environment as professional NI hardware, skills developed on the device transfer to industrial CompactRIO and PXI systems.
Processor and FPGA Architecture
The device includes a dual core processor running a real time operating system and an FPGA for custom logic. The processor handles application code, communication, and higher level decision making. The FPGA executes deterministic logic at hardware speed, which is useful for fast control loops, custom timing, and high rate signal processing.
Applications are developed with LabVIEW and LabVIEW FPGA. Beginners can start with processor based code and gradually move time critical functions into FPGA logic as their understanding grows. This progression makes the platform effective for teaching the relationship between software timing and hardware determinism.
Onboard Analog and Digital I/O
The myRIO-1900 includes onboard analog input, analog output, digital I/O, and audio connections, allowing direct connection to sensors, motors, and simple circuits. The exact channel counts, ranges, and resolutions should be confirmed against the device documentation. Built in connectors reduce the need for additional breakout hardware in classroom and prototype settings.
Onboard I/O makes the device suitable for experiments in data acquisition, motor control, and audio processing. Engineers should respect the input voltage limits and output current capabilities of each channel, and should use external drivers or relays when controlling higher power loads. Protection of the device should be part of every experimental setup.
Connectivity and Portability
The device supports USB and wireless connectivity for programming and monitoring, which allows a student or engineer to run experiments without a wired tether in some configurations. Network connectivity enables remote data viewing and integration with other systems during project work.
Because the device is compact and can be powered from a low voltage supply, it is convenient for lab benches, project kits, and portable demonstrations. Engineers should use stable power and secure connections when motors or other inductive loads are part of the experiment, since these can introduce electrical noise and voltage transients.
Software and Learning Resources
The myRIO-1900 is programmed with LabVIEW and LabVIEW FPGA. NI provides driver support and example projects that help users get started with data acquisition, control, and signal processing. These examples are useful for building understanding before moving on to custom designs.
Instructors often combine the device with course materials and project kits. Clear documentation of wiring, code structure, and expected results helps students reproduce experiments and understand the underlying principles. For independent learners, working through small projects in stages builds confidence with both the hardware and the software environment.
Typical Applications
Engineering education and project based learning
Control systems and mechatronics experiments
Signal processing and audio demonstrations
Rapid prototyping of embedded designs
Data acquisition for student research
Portable demonstrations and laboratory exercises
The myRIO-1900 provides a dual core processor, FPGA, and onboard I/O in a compact embedded controller. Its support for LabVIEW and its educational focus make it a practical platform for learning, prototyping, and project work.
