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How to Use myRIO: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

Image of myRIO
Cirkit Designer LogoDesign with myRIO in Cirkit Designer

Introduction

The myRIO device is an advanced embedded hardware platform designed by National Instruments that integrates a real-time processor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), and a variety of input/output (I/O) options into a single compact unit. This powerful tool is commonly used in education and research for designing control systems, mechatronics, robotics, and other applications requiring real-time processing and flexible hardware interfacing.

Explore Projects Built with myRIO

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Dual MPU6050 and Encoder Interface with myRIO
Image of encoder myRIO MPU6050: A project utilizing myRIO in a practical application
This circuit integrates two MPU6050 inertial measurement units (IMUs) and an encoder with a myRIO controller. The IMUs and encoder are powered by the myRIO's VCC and share a common ground. The IMUs communicate with the myRIO via I2C (SCL and SDA lines), while the encoder is connected to the myRIO's phase inputs (Phase A and Phase B) for position or speed sensing.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Dual MPU6050 Motion Sensors Interfaced with myRIO for Motion Tracking
Image of with myRIO and MPU-6050: A project utilizing myRIO in a practical application
This circuit integrates two MPU6050 sensors with a myRIO microcontroller. The sensors are connected in parallel to the myRIO's I2C bus (SCL and SDA lines), allowing for simultaneous communication. Ground and power connections are shared among all devices, and one MPU6050's AD0 pin is connected to VCC for I2C address differentiation.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Battery-Powered Line Following Robot with IR Sensors and Cytron URC10 Motor Controller
Image of URC10 SUMO AUTO: A project utilizing myRIO in a practical application
This circuit is a robotic control system that uses multiple IR sensors for line detection and obstacle avoidance, powered by a 3S LiPo battery. The Cytron URC10 motor driver, controlled by a microcontroller, drives two GM25 DC motors based on input from the sensors and a rocker switch, with a 7-segment panel voltmeter displaying the battery voltage.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Arduino Nano-Controlled Obstacle Avoidance Robot with IR and Ultrasonic Sensors
Image of LFOA Circuit Diagram: A project utilizing myRIO in a practical application
This is a robotic control system featuring an Arduino Nano that interfaces with two IR sensors, an ultrasonic sensor, and a servomotor for various sensing and actuation tasks. It controls two DC gear motors through an L298N motor driver, all powered by a 12V battery. The system's functionality is determined by the embedded code running on the Arduino Nano, which manages sensor inputs and actuator outputs.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Explore Projects Built with myRIO

Use Cirkit Designer to design, explore, and prototype these projects online. Some projects support real-time simulation. Click "Open Project" to start designing instantly!
Image of encoder myRIO MPU6050: A project utilizing myRIO in a practical application
Dual MPU6050 and Encoder Interface with myRIO
This circuit integrates two MPU6050 inertial measurement units (IMUs) and an encoder with a myRIO controller. The IMUs and encoder are powered by the myRIO's VCC and share a common ground. The IMUs communicate with the myRIO via I2C (SCL and SDA lines), while the encoder is connected to the myRIO's phase inputs (Phase A and Phase B) for position or speed sensing.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of with myRIO and MPU-6050: A project utilizing myRIO in a practical application
Dual MPU6050 Motion Sensors Interfaced with myRIO for Motion Tracking
This circuit integrates two MPU6050 sensors with a myRIO microcontroller. The sensors are connected in parallel to the myRIO's I2C bus (SCL and SDA lines), allowing for simultaneous communication. Ground and power connections are shared among all devices, and one MPU6050's AD0 pin is connected to VCC for I2C address differentiation.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of URC10 SUMO AUTO: A project utilizing myRIO in a practical application
Battery-Powered Line Following Robot with IR Sensors and Cytron URC10 Motor Controller
This circuit is a robotic control system that uses multiple IR sensors for line detection and obstacle avoidance, powered by a 3S LiPo battery. The Cytron URC10 motor driver, controlled by a microcontroller, drives two GM25 DC motors based on input from the sensors and a rocker switch, with a 7-segment panel voltmeter displaying the battery voltage.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer
Image of LFOA Circuit Diagram: A project utilizing myRIO in a practical application
Arduino Nano-Controlled Obstacle Avoidance Robot with IR and Ultrasonic Sensors
This is a robotic control system featuring an Arduino Nano that interfaces with two IR sensors, an ultrasonic sensor, and a servomotor for various sensing and actuation tasks. It controls two DC gear motors through an L298N motor driver, all powered by a 12V battery. The system's functionality is determined by the embedded code running on the Arduino Nano, which manages sensor inputs and actuator outputs.
Cirkit Designer LogoOpen Project in Cirkit Designer

Common Applications and Use Cases

  • Robotics and automated systems
  • Data acquisition and signal processing
  • Rapid prototyping of control systems
  • Teaching and research in engineering and science
  • Custom embedded system development

Technical Specifications

Key Technical Details

  • Processor: ARM Cortex-A9 dual-core CPU
  • FPGA: Xilinx Zynq-7010
  • Memory: 256 MB DDR3 RAM, 512 MB onboard storage
  • Operating System: NI Linux Real-Time
  • Power Ratings: 6V to 16V DC input

Pin Configuration and Descriptions

Pin Number Description Voltage Current
1 Analog Input 0 0-5 V -
2 Analog Input 1 0-5 V -
... ... ... ...
10 Digital I/O 0 0-3.3 V 2-8 mA
11 Digital I/O 1 0-3.3 V 2-8 mA
... ... ... ...
20 Ground - -
21 Power Supply Input 6-16 V -
... ... ... ...

Note: This is a simplified representation. Refer to the myRIO User Manual for the complete pinout and specifications.

Usage Instructions

How to Use the Component in a Circuit

  1. Powering the Device: Connect a DC power supply within the specified voltage range to the power input pins.
  2. Connecting I/O: Attach sensors, actuators, or other peripherals to the appropriate analog or digital I/O pins.
  3. Programming the Device: Use NI LabVIEW software to develop programs for the real-time processor and the FPGA.
  4. Deploying the Application: Transfer the LabVIEW code to the myRIO device and run it to interact with the connected I/O.

Important Considerations and Best Practices

  • Ensure that all connected peripherals are compatible with the voltage and current specifications of the myRIO I/O pins.
  • Use proper anti-static precautions when handling the myRIO to prevent damage to the sensitive electronics.
  • Regularly update the firmware and software tools to the latest versions for optimal performance and compatibility.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Common Issues Users Might Face

  • Power Issues: If the myRIO does not power on, check the power supply and connections.
  • I/O Not Responding: Verify that the I/O pins are configured correctly in the LabVIEW project.
  • Software Deployment Errors: Ensure that the myRIO and the computer are on the same network and that the correct device is selected in LabVIEW.

Solutions and Tips for Troubleshooting

  • Power LED Not Lit: Confirm that the power supply is within the specified range and properly connected.
  • Unresponsive I/O: Check for loose connections and review the LabVIEW code for proper I/O initialization.
  • Deployment Issues: Disable firewalls or antivirus software that may be blocking communication between the computer and the myRIO.

FAQs

Q: Can I use the myRIO without LabVIEW? A: While LabVIEW is the primary development environment for myRIO, it is possible to use other tools and languages that support the ARM processor and FPGA.

Q: What is the maximum sampling rate for analog inputs? A: The maximum sampling rate depends on the configuration and number of channels used. Refer to the myRIO specifications for detailed information.

Q: How do I update the firmware on myRIO? A: Firmware updates can be performed using the NI MAX (Measurement & Automation Explorer) software.

For further assistance, consult the myRIO User Manual or contact National Instruments support.


Note: This documentation is a general guide and may not cover all aspects of the myRIO device. For comprehensive information, always refer to the official documentation provided by National Instruments.