TM

LabVIEW Academy
Instructors’ Guide

March 2015 Edition

Part Number 376086B-01

LabVIEW Academy Instructors’ Guide

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Contents

How to Use This Guide

Which Syllabus Should I Use? ...................................................................................1
Ten Week Syllabus ...............................................................................................1
Six Week Syllabus ................................................................................................1
Fifteen Week Syllabus ..........................................................................................1
What Assessment Tools are Available?......................................................................2
What Supplementary Materials are Available for Teaching Hardware? ....................2

Complete Ten Week Syllabus—Recommended

Ten Weeks—Week 1 ..................................................................................................3
Ten Weeks—Week 2 ..................................................................................................4
Ten Weeks—Week 3 ..................................................................................................5
Ten Weeks—Week 4 ..................................................................................................6
Ten Weeks—Week 5 ..................................................................................................7
Ten Weeks—Week 6 ..................................................................................................8
Ten Weeks—Week 7 ..................................................................................................9
Ten Weeks—Week 8 ..................................................................................................10
Ten Weeks—Week 9 ..................................................................................................11
Ten Weeks—Week 10 ................................................................................................12

Ten Week Student Syllabus

LabVIEW Academy Ten Week Syllabus ...................................................................13

Complete Six Week Syllabus

Six Weeks—Week 1 ...................................................................................................17
Six Weeks—Week 2 ...................................................................................................18
Six Weeks—Week 3 ...................................................................................................19
Six Weeks—Week 4 ...................................................................................................20
Six Weeks—Week 5 ...................................................................................................21
Six Weeks—Week 6 ...................................................................................................22

Six Week Student Syllabus

LabVIEW Academy Six Week Syllabus ....................................................................23

Complete Fifteen Week Syllabus

Fifteen Weeks—Week 1 .............................................................................................26
Fifteen Weeks—Week 2 .............................................................................................27
Fifteen Weeks—Week 3 .............................................................................................28
Fifteen Weeks—Week 4 .............................................................................................29
Fifteen Weeks—Week 5 .............................................................................................30
Fifteen Weeks—Week 6 .............................................................................................31
Fifteen Weeks—Week 7 .............................................................................................32

© National Instruments | v
Contents

Fifteen Weeks—Week 8 .............................................................................................33

Fifteen Weeks—Week 9 .............................................................................................34
Fifteen Weeks—Week 10 ...........................................................................................35
Fifteen Weeks—Week 11 ...........................................................................................36
Fifteen Weeks—Week 12 ...........................................................................................37
Fifteen Weeks—Week 13 ...........................................................................................38
Fifteen Weeks—Week 14 ...........................................................................................39
Fifteen Weeks—Week 15 ...........................................................................................40

Fifteen Week Student Syllabus

LabVIEW Academy Fifteen Week Syllabus ..............................................................41

Supplementary Materials
Hardware Topics.........................................................................................................45
Learning LabVIEW with ELVIS Labs .......................................................................47

LabVIEW Certification Resources

Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) Preparation Schedule.................48
National Instruments Certification..............................................................................48

vi | ni.com
 LabVIEW Academy Instructors’ Guide

LabVIEW Academy Instructors’ Guide

How to Use This Guide

This document provides guidance for teaching LabVIEW 2014 Core 1 and Core 2 following a ten,
six, or fifteen week syllabus. Each suggested syllabus assumes 3-hours of classroom instruction
each week for the duration of the course.

Before you begin, create your user profile on ni.com/community and then explore the resources
and community forums for learning LabVIEW. It is important that you teach your students to use
these resources throughout the course and as they use LabVIEW for future projects.

Each syllabus includes the following information:

• Topics to cover each hour
• Corresponding slides to use
• In-class demonstrations and multimedia
• In-class activities and exercises
• Homework
– Exercises
– Online tutorials (ni.com/academic/students/learn-labview and LearnNI.com)
• Student syllabus handout

Which Syllabus Should I Use?

Ten Week Syllabus
The LabVIEW Core 1 and LabVIEW Core 2 materials were developed as a week-long course with
approximately 35 hours of instruction and exercises; therefore, the ten week syllabus is most
closely aligned with the intended pace of the course and is the recommended format. This format
also leaves several weeks of the typical fifteen week semester for instruction on other topics and
hands-on project work to further proficiency.

Six Week Syllabus

The six week syllabus is an accelerated course with most of the exercises done outside of class.
This would be appropriate for a course where LabVIEW is a necessary component but perhaps not
the primary focus.

Fifteen Week Syllabus

The fifteen week syllabus is a reduced-pace course that would allow you to incorporate other
material and LabVIEW projects in parallel with the LabVIEW Core 1 and LabVIEW Core 2
courses to further proficiency. Refer to the Supplementary Materials section in this guide for ideas
about how to incorporate these into your course.

© National Instruments | 1
LabVIEW Academy Instructors’ Guide

What Assessment Tools are Available?

In-Class Assessment
You can find assessment resources throughout the LabVIEW Core 1 and LabVIEW Core 2
material, including questions at the end of each exercise and each lesson. These questions are
integrated into the slide decks, but could be extracted for use as a stand-alone assessment. You also
can find questions for each topic in the bank of questions included in the LabVIEW Academy
materials.

Note Always refer to ni.com for the latest CLAD prep resources, including questions,
practice exams, online tutorials, and community forums. Download the CLAD
preparation kit at ni.com/clad-prep for additional materials and practice exams.

Post-Class Assessment and Certification

This material is designed to prepare a student to take the Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer
(CLAD) Exam. This guide includes a section of additional resources for preparation and review
for the CLAD as well as a recommended schedule for a week of instruction to deliver these
materials.

Note Always refer to ni.com for the latest CLAD prep resources, including questions,
practice exams, online tutorials, and community forums. Download the CLAD
preparation kit at ni.com/clad-prep for additional materials and practice exams.

What Supplementary Materials are Available for Teaching

Hardware?
LabVIEW Core 1 includes lessons that provide a basic introduction to data acquisition with
NI-DAQmx and automating non-NI hardware, but there also are additional resources for more
in-depth exploration of DAQ with NI ELVIS. The Supplementary Materials section of this guide
includes recommended timing for integrating the ELVIS material into the LabVIEW Core 1 and
LabVIEW Core 2 course material. This integration would work best with the fifteen week syllabus
to allow sufficient time to cover both sets of material.

2 | ni.com
Complete Ten Week Syllabus—Recommended
Table 1. Ten Weeks—Week 1

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 00 and 1, Lesson 00 Using the Project Explorer Activity 1-1. Confidence Exercise 1-1. Exploring a VI
Navigating LabVIEW Lesson 1, 1–22 and Starting a VI Activity: Building a VI
Begin LabVIEW
Welcome Slides or Course Intro Conponents of a VI Activity 1-2. Select Front Modules 1-4 on
1-A. What is LabVIEW Panel Objects LearnNI.com
Hour 1

1-B. Project Explorer Reminder: Instruct students

1-C. Parts of a VI to create their user profile on
1-D. Front Panel ni.com and begin using the
free LabVIEW video
1-E. Block Diagram
tutorials online at ni.com/
academic/students/
learn-labview

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 1, Lesson 1, 23–34 Context Help and LabVIEW Exercise 1-2, Locating Complete LabVIEW
Navigating LabVIEW Help Controls, Functions, and VIs Modules 1-4 on
Hour 2

1-F. Searching for Controls, VIs, and Actvity 1-3. Lesson Review LearnNI.com
Searching for Controls, VIs,
Functions and Functions
Lesson 1 Review
LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 2, Lesson 2, 1-17 Accessing Object Properties Activity 2-1. Exploring Complete LabVIEW
Creating Your First Application Dataflow Module 5 on LearnNI.com
Hour 3

Enums
2-A. Dataflow
(Also use the provided
2-B. LabVIEW Data Types
multimedia)

Complete Ten Week Syllabus—Recommended © National Instruments | 3

Complete Ten Week Syllabus—Recommended ni.com | 4

Table 2. Ten Weeks—Week 2

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 2, Lesson 2, 18-41 Programming Tools Exercise 2-1. Selecting a Exercise 2-2. Simple
Creating Your First Application Tool Acquire, Analyze, and
Wiring Tips
Visualize VI
Hour 1

2-C. Tools for Programming, Cleaning, Activity 2-2. Program

and Organizing Your VIs Making Code Readable
Architecture for Simple AAV Complete LabVIEW
2-D. Building a Basic VI VI Module 6 on LearnNI.com
Lesson 2 Review Activity 2-3 Lesson Review

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 3, Lesson 3, 1-29 Automatic vs. Manual Error Activity 3-1.Review Exercise 3-1. Debugging
Troubleshooting and Debugging VIs Handling Debugging Tools
Complete LabVIEW
Hour 2

3-A. Correcting Broken VIs Activity 3-2. Lesson Review Module 7 on LearnNI.com
3-B. Debugging Techniques
3-C. Error Handling
Lesson 3 Review

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 4, Lesson 4, 1-14 None Activity 4-1.While Loops vs. Exercise 4-1. Pass Data
Using Loops For Loops Through Tunnels
Hour 3

4-A. Loops Review Complete LabVIEW

4-B. While Loops Module 8 on LearnNI.com
4-C. For Loops
4-D. Timing a VI
 Table 3. Ten Weeks—Week 3

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 4, Lesson 4, 15-34 Wait Chart VI Exercise 4-2. Calculating Exercise 4-3. Temperature
Using Loops Average Temperatures Monitor VI–Plot Multiple
Hour 1

Creating Shift Registers

4-E. Data Feedback in Loops Temperatures
Activity 4-2. Lesson Review
(Also use the provided
4-F. Plotting Data-Waveform Chart
multimedia)
Lesson 4 Review

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 5, Lesson 5, 1-17 Viewing Arrays Activity 5-1. Using Array Begin LabVIEW
Creating and Leveraging Data (Also use the provided Functions Modules 9-10 on
Hour 2

Structures multimedia) LearnNI.com

5-A. Arrays
5-B. Common Array Functions

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 5, Lesson 5, 18-30 None Exercise 5-1. Manipulating Exercise 5-1. Manipulating
Creating and Leveraging Data Arrays Arrays
Hour 3

Structures (Begin this exercise in class

5-C. Polymorphism and have students finish for
5-D. Auto-Indexing homework)

Complete Ten Week Syllabus—Recommended © National Instruments | 5

Complete Ten Week Syllabus—Recommended ni.com | 6

Table 4. Ten Weeks—Week 4

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 5, Lesson 5, 31-44 Create a Cluster Control Exercise 5-2. Temperature Exercise 5-2. Temperature
Creating and Leveraging Data Warnings VI–Clusters Warnings VI–Clusters
Hour 1

Creating a Cluster on the

Structures Block Diagram (Begin this exercise in class
5-E. Clusters and have students finish for
homework)

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 5, Lesson 5, 45-59 Difference Between Control, Exercise 5-3. Temperature Continue LabVIEW
Creating and Leveraging Data Type Def, and Strict Type Def Warnings VI–Type Defintion Modules 9-10 on
Hour 2

Structures Creating and Identifying Activity 5-2. Lesson Review LearnNI.com

5-F. Type Definitions Type Definitions (Type Def)
Lesson 5 Review

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 6, Using Lesson 6, 1-9 Case Structures Activity 6-1. Case Structure Exercise 6-1. Temperature
Decision-Making Structures Selector Terminal Types and Review Warnings with Error
6-A. Case Structures Tunnels Exercise 6-1. Temperature Handling
Hour 3

Warnings with Error Complete LabVIEW

Handling Modules 9-10 on
(Begin this exercise in class LearnNI.com
and have students finish for
homework)
 Table 5. Ten Weeks—Week 5

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 6, Lesson 6, 10-28 Event-Driven Scenario Exercise 6-2. Converting a Exercise 6-2. Converting a
Using Decision-Making Structures Configure and Use Events Polling Design to an Event Polling Design to an Event
6-B. Event-Driven Programming Structure Design Structure Design
Hour 1

(Also use the provided

Lesson 6 Review multimedia) (Begin this exercise in class
and have students finish for
homework)
Activity 6-2. Lesson Review

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 7, Lesson 7, 1-17 Creating an Icon (Optional) Complete free LabVIEW
Modularity Complete free LabVIEW tutorial videos found at
Hour 2

7-A. Understanding Modularity tutorial videos found at ni.com/academic/

ni.com/academic/ students/learn-labview/
7-B. Icon
students/learn-labview/
7-C. Connector Pane
7-D. Documentation

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 7, Lesson 7, 18-30 None Exercise 7-1. Temperature Complete free LabVIEW
Hour 3

Modularity Warnings VI –As SubVI tutorial videos found at

7-E. Using SubVIs Activity 7-1. Lesson Review ni.com/academic/
students/learn-labview/
Lesson 7 Review

Complete Ten Week Syllabus—Recommended © National Instruments | 7

Complete Ten Week Syllabus—Recommended ni.com | 8

Table 6. Ten Weeks—Week 6

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 8, Lesson 8, 1-25 Multimedia only Exercise 8-1. Using NI MAX Exercise 8-4. Exploring
Acquiring Measurements from to Examine a DAQ Device Instrument Drivers
Hardware Exercise 8-2. Programming
Hour 1

8-A. Measuring Fundamentals with with the DAQmx API

NI DAQ Hardware Exercise 8-3. Instrument
8-B. Automating Non-NI Instruments Configuration with NI MAX
Lesson 8 Review Activity 8-1. Lesson Review

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 9, Lesson 9, 1-22 None Exercise 9-1. Exploring Exercise 9-2. Temperature
Accessing Files in LabVIEW High-Level FileI/O Monitor VI –Logging Data
9-A. Accessing Files from LabVIEW Exercise 9-2. Temperature
Hour 2

9-B. High-Level and Low-Level File I/O Monitor VI –Logging Data

Functions (Begin this exercise in class
9-C. Comparing File Formats and have students finish for
homework)
Lesson 9 Review
Activity 9-1. Lesson Review

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 10, Using Lesson 10, 1-25 Multimedia-Using State Exercise 10-1. Weather Exercise 10-1. Weather
Sequential and State-Based Designs Machines Station Project Station Project
10-A. Using Sequential Programming Demo-Simple State Machine (Begin this exercise in class Suggestion: Instruct students
10-B. Using State Programming Project Template and have students finish for to download and take the
homework) CLAD practice exam 1 from
10-C. State Machines
Hour 3

Activity 10-1. Lesson ni.com. Students will get a

Lesson 10 Review sense of how well they
Review
understand LabVIEW so far.
Important Note: Students are
not expected to pass the
practice exam as they have
not completed the LabVIEW
Core 2 course material.
 Table 7. Ten Weeks—Week 7

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 1, Using Lesson 1, 1-19 Race Conditions–Bank VI Exercise 1-1. Weather Station Complete free LabVIEW
Variables (Also use the provided UI VI with Local Variables tutorial videos found at
Welcome slides or intro to Core 2 topics multimedia) Activity 1-1. Lesson Review ni.com/academic/
Hour 1

students/learn-labview/
1-A. Variables
1-B. Using Variables Appropriately
1-C. Race Conditions
Lesson 1 Review

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 2, Lesson 2, 1-23 Notifiers Exercise 2-1. Comparing Complete free LabVIEW
Communicating Data Between (Also use the provided Queues with Local Variables tutorial videos found at
Parallel Loops multimedia) Activity 2-1. Lesson Review ni.com/academic/
Hour 2

2-A. Introduction students/learn-labview/

2-B. Queues
2-C. Notifiers
2-D. Summary
Lesson 2 Review

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 3, Lesson 3, 1-15 Producer/Consumer (Data) Exercise 3-1. Complete free LabVIEW
Implementing Design Patterns Design Pattern Producer/Consumer Design tutorial videos found at
Hour 3

3-A. Why Use Design Patterns? Pattern ni.com/academic/

students/learn-labview/
3-B. Simple Design Patterns
3-C. Multiple Loop Design Patterns

Complete Ten Week Syllabus—Recommended © National Instruments | 9

Complete Ten Week Syllabus—Recommended ni.com | 10

Table 8. Ten Weeks—Week 8

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 3, Lesson 3, 16-22 (Use the provided Exercise 3-2. Create a User Complete free LabVIEW
Implementing Design Patterns multimedia) Access Level FGV tutorial videos found at
Hour 1

3-D. Functional Global Variable Design Activity 3-1. Identifying ni.com/academic/

Pattern Design Patterns students/learn-labview/

Activity 3-2. Design Patterns

Job Aid

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 3, Lesson 3, 23-47 Producer Consumer Error Exercise 3-3. Exercise 3-4. Create a
Implementing Design Patterns Handler VI Producer/Consumer with Histogram Application
3-E. Error Handlers Use the Error Ring to Error Handling
Hour 2

3-F. Generating Error Codes and Generate Errors Activity 3-3. Identifying
Messages Timing Options
3-G. Timing a Design Pattern Activity 3-4. Lesson Review
Lesson 3 Review

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 4, Lesson 4, 1-11 (Use the provided Exercise 4-1. Display Complete free LabVIEW
Hour 3

Controlling the User Interface multimedia) Temperature Limits tutorial videos found at
4-A. VI Server Architecture ni.com/academic/
students/learn-labview/
4-B. Property Nodes
 Table 9. Ten Weeks—Week 9

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 4, Lesson 4, 12-28 Create an Invoke Node Exercise 4-2. Customize the Exercise 4-3. Create SubVIs
Controlling the User Interface (Also use the provided VI Window for Common Operations
Hour 1

4-C. Invoke Nodes multimedia) Activity 4-1 Lesson Review

4-D. Control References
Lesson 4 Review

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 5, File I/O Lesson 5, 1-13 Writing a Bitmap File Exercise 5-1. Create File and None
Techniques (Also use the provided Folder Paths
Hour 2

5-A. File Formats multimedia)

5-B. Creating File and Folder Paths
5-C. Write and Read Binary Files

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 5, File I/O Lesson 5, 14-40 None Exercise 5-2. Write Multiple Exercise 5-3. Write and Read
Techniques Channels with Simple TDMS Files
5-D. Work with Multichannel Text Files Header
Hour 3

with Headers Activity 5-1. Read Data and

5-E. Access TDMS Files in LabVIEW Extract Information
and Excel Activity 5-2. Lesson Review
Lesson 5 Review

Complete Ten Week Syllabus—Recommended © National Instruments | 11

Complete Ten Week Syllabus—Recommended ni.com | 12

Table 10. Ten Weeks—Week 10

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 6, Lesson 6, 1-15 None Exercise 6-1. Refactoring a Complete free LabVIEW
Refactoring Code VI tutorial videos found at
Hour 1

6-A. Refactoring Inherited Code This lesson is fairly short. We ni.com/academic/

recommend spending the students/learn-labview/
6-B. Typical Refactoring Issues
majority of the class working on
Lesson 6 Review the refactoring exercise.

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 7, Lesson 7, 1-13 None Exercise 7-1. Preparing Files Complete free LabVIEW
Creating and Distributing for Distribution tutorial videos found at
Hour 2

Applications ni.com/academic/
7-A. Preparing the Files students/learn-labview/

7-B. Build Specifications

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 7, Lesson 7, 14-45 None Exercise 7-2. Create and Suggestion: Instruct students
Creating and Distributing Debug a Stand-Alone to download and take the
Applications Application CLAD practice exam 2 from
7-C. Create and Debug an Application Exercise 7-3. Create an ni.com. Students will get a
Installer sense of how well they
7-D. Create an Installer
Hour 5

understand LabVIEW so far.

Lesson 7 Review Activity 7-1. Lesson Review
Important Note: Students
who do not pass the practice
exam should take further
training before attempting the
offical CLAD certification
exam.

Note Refer to the LabVIEW Certification Preparation section for recommended material to prepare for the Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer
(CLAD) Exam.
Ten Week Student Syllabus
Table 11. LabVIEW Academy Ten Week Syllabus

Week Topics Homework

1 What is LabVIEW Searching for Controls, VIs, and Functions Reminder: Create a user profile on
Project Explorer Dataflow ni.com and begin using the free
LabVIEW tutorials online at
Parts of a VI LabVIEW Data Types
ni.com/academic/students/
Front Panel learn-labview
Block Diagram
• Exercise 1-1. Exploring a VI

• Begin LabVIEW Modules 1-4 on

LearnNI.com

• Complete LabVIEW Modules 1-4 on

LearnNI.com

• Complete LabVIEW Module 5 on

LearnNI.com

2 Tools for Programming, Cleaning, and Organizing Error Handling • Exercise 2-2. Simple Acquire, Analyze,
Your VI Loops Review and Visualize VI
Building a Basic VI While Loops • Complete LabVIEW Module 6 on
Correcting Broken VIs For Loops LearnNI.com
Debugging Techniques Timing a VI
• Exercise 3-1. Debugging

• Complete LabVIEW Module 7 on

LearnNI.com

• Exercise 4-1. Pass Data Through

Tunnels

• Complete LabVIEW Module 8 on

LearnNI.com

Ten Week Student Syllabus © National Instruments | 13

Ten Week Student Syllabus ni.com | 14

Table 11. LabVIEW Academy Ten Week Syllabus (Continued)

Week Topics Homework

3 Data Feedback in Loops Arrays • Exercise 4-3. Temperature Monitor

Plotting Data—Waveform Chart Common Array Functions VI–Plot Multiple Temperatures
Polymorphism • Begin LabVIEW Modules 9-10 on
Auto-Indexing LearnNI.com

• Exercise 5-1. Manipulating Arrays

4 Clusters Case Structures • Exercise 5-2. Temperature Warnings

Type Definitions VI–Clusters

• Continue LabVIEW Modules 9-10 on

LearnNI.com

• Exercise 6-1. Temperature Warnings

with Error Handling

• Complete LabVIEW Modules 9-10 on

LearnNI.com

5 Understanding Modularity Documentation • Exercise 6-2. Converting a Polling

Icon Event-Driven Programming Design to an Event Structure Design
Connector Pane • Complete free LabVIEW tutorial
Using SubVIs videos found at ni.com/academic/
students/learn-labview/
 Table 11. LabVIEW Academy Ten Week Syllabus (Continued)

Week Topics Homework

6 Measuring Fundamentals with NI DAQ Hardware Using Sequential Programming • Exercise 8-4. Exploring Instrument
Automating Non-NI Instruments Using State Programming Drivers
Accessing Files from LabVIEW State Machines • Exercise 9-2. Temperature Monitor VI
High-level and Low-level File I/O Functions –Logging Data
Comparing File Formats
• Exercise 10-1. Weather Station Project

• Suggestion: Download and take the

CLAD practice exam 1 from
ni.com/clad-prep. You will get a
sense of how well you understand
LabVIEW so far.

• Important Note: You are not expected

to pass the practice exam as you have
not completed the LabVIEW Core 2
course material.
7 Variables Why Use Design Patterns? • Complete free LabVIEW tutorial
Using Variables Appropriately Simple Design Patterns videos found at ni.com/academic/
students/learn-labview/
Race Conditions Multiple Loop Design Patterns
Queues
Notifiers

8 Functional Global Variable Design Pattern VI Server Architecture • Exercise 3-4. Create a Histogram
Error Handlers Property Nodes Application
Generating Error Codes and Messages • Complete free LabVIEW tutorial
Timing a Design Pattern videos found at ni.com/academic/
students/learn-labview/

Ten Week Student Syllabus © National Instruments | 15

Ten Week Student Syllabus ni.com | 16

Table 11. LabVIEW Academy Ten Week Syllabus (Continued)

Week Topics Homework

9 Invoke Nodes Work with Multichannel Text Files with Headers • Exercise 4-3. Create SubVIs for
Control References Access TDMS Files in LabVIEW and Excel Common Operations
File Formats • Exercise 5-3. Write and Read TDMS
Create File and Folder Paths Files
Write and Read Binary Files

10 Refactoring Inherited Code Create and Debug an Application Suggestion: Download and take the
Typical Refactoring Issues Create an Installer CLAD practice exam 2 from
ni.com/clad-prep. You will get a
Preparing the Files
sense of how well you understand
Build Specifications LabVIEW so far.
Important Note: Students who do not pass
the practice exam should take further
training before attempting the industry
CLAD certification exam.
Complete Six Week Syllabus
Table 12. Six Weeks—Week 1

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 1, Lesson 1, 1–44 Using the Project Explorer Activity 1-1. Confidenc Exercise 1-1. Exploring a VI
Navigating LabVIEW and Creating a VI Activity: Building a VI Exercise 1-2. Locating
Course Intro Conponents of a VI Activity 1-2. Select Front Controls, Functions, and VIs
1-A. What is LabVIEW Context Help and LabVIEW Panel Objects
1-B. Project Explorer Help Activity 1-3. Lesson Review Reminder: Instruct students
Hour 1

1-C. Parts of a VI Searching for Controls, VIs, to create their user profile on
1-D. Front Panel and Functions ni.com and begin using the
1-E. Block Diagram free LabVIEW tutorials
online at ni.com/academic/
1-F. Searching for Controls, VIs, and
students/learn-labview
Functions
Lesson 1 Review

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 2, Lesson 2, 1-17 Accessing Object Properties Activity 2-1. Exploring None
Hour 2

Creating Your First Application Enums Dataflow

2-A. Dataflow (Also use the provided
2-B. LabVIEW Data Types multimedia)

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 2, Lesson 2, 18-41 Programming Tools Activity 2-2. Program Exercise 2-1. Selecting a
Creating Your First Application Lesson 3, 1-29 Wiring Tools Achitecture for Simple AAV Tool
2-C. Tools for Programming, Cleaning, VI Exercise 2-2. Simple
Making Code Readable
and Organizing Your VI Activity 2-3. Lesson Review Acquire, Analyze, and
2-D. Building a Basic VI Visualize VI
Hour 3

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 3,

Troubleshooting and Debugging VIs
3-A. Correcting Broken VIs
3-B. Debugging Techniques
3-C. Error Handling
Lesson 3 Review

Complete Six Week Syllabus © National Instruments | 17

Complete Six Week Syllabus ni.com | 18

Table 13. Six Weeks—Week 2

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 4, Using Lesson 4, 1-34 Wait Chart VI Activity 4-1. While Loops vs. Exercise 4-1. Pass Data
Loops Creating Shift Registers For Loops Through Tunnels
4-A. Loops Review (Also use the provided Activity 4-2 Lesson Review Exercise 4-2. Calculating
4-B. While Loops multimedia) Average Temperatures
Hour 1

4-C. For Loops Exercise 4-3. Temperature

Monitor VI – Plot Multiple
4-D. Timing a VI
Temperatures
4-E. Data Feedback in Loops
4-F. Plotting Data – Waveform Chart
Lesson 4 Review

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 5, Lesson 5, 1-30 Viewing Arrays Activity 5-1. Using Array Exercise 5-1. Manipulating
Creating and Leveraging Data (Also use the provided Functions Arrays
Structures multimedia)
Hour 2

5-A. Arrays
5-B. Common Array Functions
5-C. Polymorphism
5-D. Auto-Indexing

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 5, Lesson 5, 31-59 Create a Cluster Control Activity 5-2. Lesson Review Exercise 5-2. Temperature
Creating and Leveraging Data Creating a Cluster on the Warnings VI–Clusters
Hour 3

Structures Block Diagram Exercise 5-3. Temperature

5-E. Clusters Difference Between Control, Warnings VI–Type
5-F. Type Definitioins (Type Def) Type Def, and Strict Type Def Definition
Lesson 5 Review
 Table 14. Six Weeks—Week 3

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 6, Using Lesson 6, 1-28 Case Structures Activity 6-1. Case Structure Exercise 6-1. Temperature
Decision-Making Structures Selector Terminal Types and Review Warnings with Error
Hour 1

6-A. Case Structures Tunnels Activity 6-2. Lesson Review Handling

6-B. Event-Driven Programming Event-Driven Programming Exercise 6-2. Converting a
Polling Design to an Event
Lesson 6 Review Configure and Use Events
Structure Design

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 7, Lesson 7, 1-30 Creating an Icon Activity 7-1. Lesson Review Exercise 7-1. Temperature
Modularity Warnings VI–As SubVI
7-A. Understanding Modularity
Hour 2

7-B. Icon
7-C. Connector Pane
7-D. Documentation
7-E. Using SubVIs
Lesson 7 Review

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 8, Lesson 8, 1-25 None Exercise 8-1. Using NI MAX Exercise 8-3. Instrument
Acquiring Measurements from (Use the provided to Examine DAQ Hardware Configuration with NI MAX
Hour 3

Hardware multimeda) Exercise 8-2. Programming Exercise 8-4.Exploring

8-A. Measuring Fundamentals with with DAQmx API Instrument Drivers
NI DAQ Hardware Activity 8-1. Lesson Review
8-B. Automating Non-NI Instruments

Complete Six Week Syllabus © National Instruments | 19

Complete Six Week Syllabus ni.com | 20

Table 15. Six Weeks—Week 4

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 9, Lesson 9, 1-22 None Exercise 9-1. Exploring Exercise 9-2. Temperature
Accessing Files in LabVIEW High-Level File I/O Monitor VI–Logging Data
9-A. Accessing Files from LabVIEW Activity 9-1. Lesson Review
Hour 1

9-B. High-Level and Low-Level File I/O

Functions
9-C. Comparing File Format
Lesson 9 Review

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 10, Using Lesson 10, 1-25 Simple State Machine Project Begin Exercise 10-1. Exercise 10-1. Weather
Sequential and State-Based Designs Template Weather Station Project Station Project
Hour 2

10-A. Using Sequential Programming (Also use the provided Activity 10-1. Lesson
10-B. Using State Programming multimedia) Review
10-C. State Machine
Lesson 10 Review

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 1, Using Lesson 1, 1-19 Lesson 1: Lesson 1: Lesson 1:

Variables Race Conditions–Bank VI Activity 1-1. Lesson Review Exercise 1-1. Weather Station
Lesson 2, 1-23
1-A. Variables UI VI with Local Variables
1-B. Using Variables Appropriately Lesson 2: Lesson 2:
1-C. Race Conditions Notifiers Activity 2-1. Lesson Review Lesson 2:
LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 2, Exercose 2-1. Comparing
Hour 3

Communicating Data Between Queues with Local Variables

Parallel Loops
2-A. Introduction
2-B. Queues
2-C. Notifiers
2-D. Summary
Lesson 2 Review
 Table 16. Six Weeks—Week 5

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 3, Lesson 3, 1-22 Producer/Consumer (Data) Exercise 3-1. Exercise 3-2. Create a User
Implementing Design Patterns Design Pattern Producer/Consumer Design Access Level FGV
3-A. Why Use Design Patterns? (Also use the provided Pattern
Hour 1

3-B. Simple Design Patterns multimedia) Activity 3-1. Identifying

Design Patterns
3-C. Multiple Loop Design Pattern
Activity 3-2. Design Patterns
3-D. Funtional Global Variable Design
Job Aid
Pattern

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 3, Lesson 3, 23-47 Producer Consumer Error Exercise 3-3. Exercise 3-4. Create a
Implementing Design Patterns Handler VI Producer/Consumer with Histogram Application
3-E. Error Handler Use the Error Ring to Error Handling
Hour 2

3-F. Generating Error Codes and Generate Errors Activity 3-3. Identifying
Messages Timing Options
3-G. Timing a Design Pattern Activity 3-4. Lesson Review
Lesson 3 Review

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 4, Lesson 4, 1-28 Create an Invoke Node Exercise 4-1. Display Exercise 4-2. Customize the
Controlling the User Interface (Also use the provided Temperature and Limits VI Window
4-A. VI Server Architecture multimedia) Activity 4-1. Lesson Review Exercise 4-3. Create SubVIs
Hour 3

4-B. Property Nodes for Common Operations

4-C. Invoke Nodes
4-D. Control References
Lesson 4 Review

Complete Six Week Syllabus © National Instruments | 21

Complete Six Week Syllabus ni.com | 22

Table 17. Six Weeks—Week 6

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 5, File I/O Lesson 5, 1-40 Writing a Bitmap File Exercise 5-1. Create File and Exercise 5-2. Write Multiple
Techniques (Also use the provided Folder Paths Channels with Simple
5-A. File Formats multimedia) Activity 5-1. Read Data and Header
5-B. Creating File and Folder Paths Extract Information Exercise 5-3. Write and Read
Hour 1

Activity 5-2. Lesson Review TDMS Files

5-C.Write and Read Binary Files
5-D. Work with Multichannel Text Files
with Headers
5-E. Access TDMS Files in LabVIEW
with Excel

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 6, Lesson 6, 1-15 None Exercise 6-1. Refactoring a None
Creating and Distributing VI
Hour 2

Applications
6-A. Refactoring Inherited Code
6-B.Typical Refactoring Issues

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 7, Lesson 7, 1-45 None Exercise 7-1. Preparing Files Suggestion: Instruct students
Creating and Distributing for Distribution to download and take the
Applications Exercise 7-2. Create and CLAD practice exam 2 from
7-A. Preparing the Files Debug a Stand-Alone ni.com. Students will get a
Application sense of how well they
7-B. Build Specifications
Hour 5

understand LabVIEW so far.

7-C. Create and Debug an Application Exercise 7-3. Create an
Important Note: Students
Installer
7-D. Create an Installer who do not pass the practice
Activity 7-1. Lesson Review exam should take further
training before attempting the
offical CLAD certification
exam.

Note Refer to the LabVIEW Certification Preparation section for a recommended material to prepare for the Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer
(CLAD) Exam.
Six Week Student Syllabus
Table 18. LabVIEW Academy Six Week Syllabus

Week Topics Homework

1 What is LabVIEW Dataflow Reminder: Create a user profile on

Project Explorer LabVIEW Data Types ni.com and begin using the free
LabVIEW video tutorials online at
Parts of a VI Tools for Programming, Cleaning, and Organizing
ni.com/academic/students/
Front Panel Your VI
learn-labview
Block Diagram Building a Basic VI
Searching for Controls, VIs, and Functions Correcting Broken VIs • Exercise 1-1. Exploring a VI
Selecting a Tool Debugging Techniques
• Exercise 1-2. Locating Controls,
Error Handling Functions, and VIs

• Exercise 2-1. Selecting a Tool

• Exercise 2-2. Simple Acquire, Analyze,

and Visualize VI
2 Loops Review Plotting Data—Waveform Chart • Exercise 4-1. Pass Data Through
While Loops Arrays Tunnels
For Loops Common Array Functions • Exercise 4-2. Calculating Average
Timing a VI Polymorphism Temperatures
Data Feedback in Loops Auto-Indexing
• Exercise 4-3. Temperature Monitor VI
Clusters
– Plot Multiple Temperatures
Type Definitions
• Exercise 5-1. Manipulating Arrays

• Exercise 5-2. Temperature Warnings

VI–Clusters

• Exercise 5-3. Temperature Warnings

VI–Type Definition

Six Week Student Syllabus © National Instruments | 23

Six Week Student Syllabus ni.com | 24

Table 18. LabVIEW Academy Six Week Syllabus (Continued)

Week Topics Homework

3 Understanding Modularity Case Structures • Exercise 6-1. Temperature Warnings

Icon Event-Driven Programming with Error Handling
Connector Pane Measuring Fundamentals with NI DAQ Hardware • Exercise 6-2. Converting a Polling
Documenting Code Automating Non-NI Instruments Design to an Event Structure Design
Using SubVIs
• Exercise 7-1. Temperature Warnings
VI–As SubVI

• Exercise 8-3. Instrument Configuration

with NI MAX

• Exercise 8-4. Exploring Instrument

Drivers

4 Accessing Files from LabVIEW Variables • Exercise 9-2. Temperature Monitor

High-Level and Low-Level File I/O Functions Using Variables Appropriately VI–Logging Data
Comparing File Formats Race Conditions • Exercise 10-1. Weather Station Project
Using Sequential Programming Queues
Using State Programming Notifiers • Lesson 1:
State Machines • Exercise 1-1. Weather Station UI VI
with Local Variables

• Lesson 2:

• Exercise 2-1. Comparing Queues with

Local Variables
 Table 18. LabVIEW Academy Six Week Syllabus (Continued)

Week Topics Homework

5 Design Patterns VI Server Architecture • Exercise 3-2. Create a User Access

Simple Design Patterns Property Nodes Level FGV
Multiple Loop Design Patterns Invoke Nodes • Exercise 3-4. Create a Histogram
Error Handlers Control References Application
Generating Error Codes and Messages Refactoring Inherited Code
• Exercise 4-2. Customize the VI
Timing a Design Pattern Typical Refactoring Issues
Window
Functional Global Variable Design Pattern
• Exercise 4-3. Create SubVIs for
Common Operations

6 File Formats Build Specifications • Exercise 5-2. Write Multiple Channels

Create File and Folder Paths Create and Debug an Application with Simple Header
Write and Read Binary Files Create an Installer • Exercise 5-3. Write and Read TDMS
Work with Multichannel Text Files with Headers Files
Access TDMS Files in LabVIEW and Excel Suggestion: Use LabVIEW for other
Typical Refactoring Issues projects to gain familiarity and
Preparing the Files proficiency.
Take the free CLAD practice exams on
ni.com to prepare for the industry
certification exam.

Six Week Student Syllabus © National Instruments | 25

Complete Fifteen Week Syllabus ni.com | 26

Complete Fifteen Week Syllabus

Table 19. Fifteen Weeks—Week 1

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 1, Lesson 1, 1–11 Using the Project Explorer Activity 1-1. Confidence Begin LabVIEW
Navigating LabVIEW and Starting a VI Activity: Building a VI Modules 1-4 on
Course Intro LearnNI.com
1-A. What is LabVIEW Reminder: Instruct students
Hour 1

to create their user profile on

1-B. Project Explorer
ni.com and begin using the
1-C. Parts of a VI free LabVIEW video
tutorials online at
ni.com/academic/
students/learn-labview

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 1, Lesson 1, 12-27 Components of a VI Activity 1-2. Select Front Continue LabVIEW
Navigating LabVIEW Panel Objects Modules 1-4 on
LearnNI.com
Hour 2

1-D. Front Panel Exercise 1-1. Exploring a VI

1-E. Block Diagram Continue using the free
LabVIEW video tutorials
online at ni.com/academic/
students/learn-labview

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 1, Lesson 1, 28-34 Context Help and LabVIEW Exercise 1-2. Locating Complete LabVIEW
Navigating LabVIEW Help Controls, Functions, and VIs Modules 1-4 on
LearnNI.com
Hour 3

1-F. Searching for Controls, VIs, and Search for Controls, VIs, and Activity 1-3. Lesson Review
Functions Functions Continue using the free
Lesson 1 Review LabVIEW video tutorials
online at ni.com/academic/
students/learn-labview
 Table 20. Fifteen Weeks—Week 2

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 2, Lesson 2, 1-8 Accessing Object Properties Activity 2-1. Exploring Complete LabVIEW
Hour 1

Creating Your First Application (Also use the provided Dataflow Module 5 on LearnNI.com
2-A. Dataflow multimedia)

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 2, Lesson 2, 9-17 Enums None Complete LabVIEW

Hour 2

Creating Your First Application (Also use the provided Module 6 on LearnNI.com
2-B. LabVIEW Data Types multimedia)

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 2, Lesson 2, 18-41 Programming Tools Exercise 2-1. Selecting a Exercise 2-2. Simple
Creating Your First Application Wiring Tips Tool Acquire, Analyze, and
Hour 3

2-C. Tools for Programming, Cleaning, Activity 2-2. Program Visualize VI

Making Code Readable
and Organizing Your VI Architecture for Simple AAV Review LabVIEW Module 6
2-D.Building a Basic VI VI on LearnNI.com
Lesson 2 Review Activity 2-3. Lesson Review

Complete Fifteen Week Syllabus © National Instruments | 27

Complete Fifteen Week Syllabus ni.com | 28

Table 21. Fifteen Weeks—Week 3

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 3, Lesson 3, 1-12 None Activity 3-1. Review Exercise 3-1. Debugging
Hour 1

Troubleshooting and Debugging VIs Debugging Tools

3-A. Correcting Broken VIs Begin Exercise 3-1.
3-B. Debugging Techniques Debugging

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 3, Lesson 3, 13-29 Automatic vs. Manual Error Activity 3-2. Lesson Review Complete LabVIEW
Hour 2

Troubleshooting and Debugging VIs Handling Module 7 on LearnNI.com

3-C. Error Handling
Lesson 3 Review

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 4, Using Lesson 4, 1-11 While Loops vs. For Loops Exercise 4-1. Pass Data Begin LabVIEW Module 8
Hour 3

Loops Through Tunnels on LearnNI.com

4-A. Loops Review
4-B. While Loops
 Table 22. Fifteen Weeks—Week 4

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson4 Using Start with brief Wait Chart Exercise 4-2. Calculating Continue LabVIEW
Hour 1

Loops review of While Creating Shift Registers Average Temperature VI Module 8 on LearnNI.com
4-C. For Loops Loops
(Also use the provided
4-D. Timing a VI Lesson 4, 12-20 multimedia)
LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 4 Using Lesson 4, 21-34 None Exercise 4-3. Temperature Complete LabVIEW
Loops Monitor VI–Plot Multiple Module 8 on LearnNI.com
Hour 2

4-E. Data Feedback in Loops Temperatures

4-F. Plotting Data–Waveform Chart Activity 4-2. Lesson Review
Lesson 4 Review

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 5 Creating Lesson 5, 1-20 Viewing Arrays Activity 5-1. Using Array Exercise 5-1. Manipulating
and Leveraging Data Structures (Also use the provided Functions Arrays
Hour 3

5-A. Arrays multimedia) Begin Exercise 5-1. Begin LabVIEW

5-B. Common Array Functions Manipulating Arrays Modules 9-10 on
LearnNI.com
5-C. Polymorphism

Complete Fifteen Week Syllabus © National Instruments | 29

Complete Fifteen Week Syllabus ni.com | 30

Table 23. Fifteen Weeks—Week 5

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 5 Creating Lesson 5, 21-30 Creating a Cluster Control None Continue LabVIEW
Hour 1

and Leveraging Data Structures Creating a Cluster on the Modules 9-10 on

5-D. Auto-Indexing Block Diagram LearnNI.com

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 5, Lesson 5, 31-44 None Exercise 5-2. Temperature Continue LabVIEW
Hour 2

Creating and Leveraging Data Warnings VI–Clusters Modules 9-10 on

Structures LearnNI.com
5-E.Clusters

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 5, Lesson 5, 45-59 Difference Between Control, Exercise 5-3. Temperature Continue LabVIEW
Creating and Leveraging Data Type Def, and Strict Type Warnings VI–Type Modules 9-10 on
Hour 3

Structures Def Definition LearnNI.com

5-F. Type Definition (Type Defs) Creating and Identifying Activity 5-2. Lesson Review
Lesson 5 Review Type Definitions (Type Defs)
 Table 24. Fifteen Weeks—Week 6

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 6, Using Lesson 6, 1-9 Case Structures Activity 6-1. Case Structure Exercise 6-1. Temperature
Decision-Making Structures Selecting Terminal Types and Review Warnings with Error
Hour 1

6-A. Case Structures Tunnels Begin Exercise 6-1. Handling

Temperature Warnings with Complete LabVIEW
Error Handling Modules 9-10 on
LearnNI.com

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 6, Using Lesson 6, 10-28 Event-Driven Scenario Begin Exercise 6-2. Exercise 6-2. Converting a
Hour 2

Decision-Making Structures Configure and Use Events Converting a Polling Design Polling Design to an Event
6-B. Event-Driven Programming to an Event Structure Design Structure Design
(Also use the provided
Lesson 6 Review multimedia) Activity 6-2. Lesson Review

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 7, Lesson 7, 1-17 Creating an Icon (Optional) Complete the free Continue using free
Modularity LabVIEW tutorial videos that LabVIEW tutorial videos
correspond to these topics found at ni.com/academic/
Hour 3

7-A. Understanding Modularity

(Found at ni.com/ students/learn-labview/
7-B. Icon
academic/students/
7-C. Connector Pane learn-labview/)
7-D. Documentation

Complete Fifteen Week Syllabus © National Instruments | 31

Complete Fifteen Week Syllabus ni.com | 32

Table 25. Fifteen Weeks—Week 7

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 7, Lesson 7, 18-30 None Begin Exercise 7-1. Exercise 7-1. Temperature
Modularity Temperature Warnings Warnings VI–As SubVI
7-E. Using SubVIs VI–As SubVI
Hour 1

Lesson 7 Review (Exercise 7-1 is long. Use this

hour to allow students to
begin work on the exercise.)
Activity 7-1. Lesson Review

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 8, Lesson 8, 1-18 Use the provided multimeda (For use with DAQ None
Acquiring Measurements from hardware) Exercise 8-1.
Hardware Using NI Max to Examine a
8-A. Measuring Fundamentals with DAQ Device
NI DAQ Hardware (For use with DAQ
Hour 2

8-B. Automating Non-NI Instruments hardware) Exercise 8-2.

Programming with the
Lesosn 8 Review
DAQmx API
Exercise 8-3. Instrument
Configuration with NI MAX
Exercise 8-4. Exploring
Instrument Drivers

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 8, Lesson 8, 19-25 None Activity 8-1. Lesson Review None
Acquiring Measurements from Continue acquiring
Hour 3

Hardware measurements from the

Lesson 8 Review hardware of your choice
Lab Day – Hardware Lab Day
 Table 26. Fifteen Weeks—Week 8

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 9, Lesson 9, 1–22 None Exercise 9-1. Exploring Exercise 9-2. Temperature
Accessing Files in LabVIEW High-Level File I/O Monitor VI–Logging Data
9-A. Accessing Files from LabVIEW Activity 9-1. Lesson Review
Hour 1

9-B. High-Level and Low-Level FileI/O

Functions
9-C. Comparing File Formats
Lesson 9 Review

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 10, Using Lesson 10, 1-12 None None None
Sequential and State-Based
Hour 2

Programming
10-A. Using Sequential Programming
10-B. Using State Programming

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 10, Using Lesson 10, 13-25 Simple State Machine Project Begin Exercise 10-1. Exercise 10-1. Weather
Sequential and State-Based Template Weather Station Project Station Project
Hour 3

Programming (Also use the provided (Exercise 10-1 is long. Use

10-C. State Machines multimeda) this hour to allow students to
Lesson 10 Review begin work on the exercise.)
Activity 10-1 Lesson Review

Complete Fifteen Week Syllabus © National Instruments | 33

Complete Fifteen Week Syllabus ni.com | 34

Table 27. Fifteen Weeks—Week 9

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

CLAD Practice Exam 1 None None CLAD Practice Exam 1 None

Suggestion: Instruct students to
download and take the CLAD practice
exam 1 from ni.com/clad-prep.
Hour 1

Students will get a sense of how well

they understand LabVIEW so far.
Important Note: Students are not
expected to pass the practice exam as
they have not completed the LabVIEW
Core 2 course material.

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 1, Using Lesson 1, 1-19 Race Conditions– Bank VI Exercise 1-1. Weather Station Continue using free
Variables (Also use the provided UI VI with Local Variables LabVIEW tutorial videos
found at ni.com/academic/
Hour 2

1-A. Variables multimedia) Activity 1-1. Lesson Review

students/learn-labview/
1-B. Using Variables Appropriately
1-C. Race Conditions
Lesson 1 Review

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 2, Lesson 2, 1-23 Notifiers Exercise 2-1. Comparing Continue using free
Communicating Data Between (Also use the provided Queues with Local Variables LabVIEW tutorial videos
Parallel Loops multimedia) Activity 2-1. Lesson Review found at ni.com/academic/
Hour 3

2-A. Introduction students/learn-labview/

2-B. Queues
2-C. Notifiers
2-D.Summary
Lesson 2 Review
 Table 28. Fifteen Weeks—Week 10

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 3, Lesson 3, 1–15 Producre/Consumer (Data) Exercise 3-1, Continue using free
Implementing Design Patterns Design Pattern Producer/Consumer Design LabVIEW tutorial videos
Hour 1

3-A. Why Use Design Patterns? Pattern found at ni.com/academic/

students/learn-labview/
3-B. Simple Design Patterns
3-C. Multiple Loop Design Patterns

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 3, Lesson 3, 16-22 Use the provided multimedia Exercise 3-2. Create a User Continue using free
Implementing Design Patterns Access Level FGV LabVIEW tutorial videos
Hour 2

3-D. Functional Global Variable Design Activity 3-1. Identifying found at ni.com/academic/
Pattern Design Patterns students/learn-labview/

Activity 3-2. Design Patterns

Job Aid

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 3, Lesson 3, 23-47 Producer/Consumer Error Exercise 3-3. Begin Exercise 3-4. Create a
Implementing Design Patterns Handler VI Producer/Consumer with Histogram Application
3-E. Error Handlers Use the Error Ring to Error Handling (Students will have a lab day
Hour 3

3-F. Generating Error Codes and Generate Errors Activity 3-3. Identifying the next hour to complete this
Messages Timing Options exercise)
3-G. Timing a Design Pattern Activity 3-4. Lesson Review
Lesson 3 Review

Complete Fifteen Week Syllabus © National Instruments | 35

Complete Fifteen Week Syllabus ni.com | 36

Table 29. Fifteen Weeks—Week 11

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 3, None None Complete Exercise 3-4. None

Hour 1

Implementing Design Patterns Create a Histogram

Lab Day – Complete Exercise 3-4 Application

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 4, Lesson 4, 1-11 Use the provided multimedia Exercise 4-1. Display Continue using free
Controlling the User Interface Temperature and Limits LabVIEW tutorial videos
Hour 2

4-A.VI Server Achitecture found at ni.com/

academic/students/lea
4-B. Property Nodes
rn-labview/

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 4, Lesson 4, 12-28 Create an Invoke Node Exercise 4-2. Customize the Begin Exercise 4-3. Create
Controlling the User Interface (Also use the provided VI Window SubVIs for Common
Hour 3

4-C. Invoke Nodes multimedia) Activity 4-1. Lesson Review Operations

4-D. Control References
Lesson 4 Review
 Table 30. Fifteen Weeks—Week 12

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 4, None None Complete Exercise 4-3. None

Hour 1

Controlling the User Interface Create SubVIs for Common

Lab Day – Finish Exercise 4-3 Operations

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 5, File I/O Lesson 5, 1–10 Use the provided multimedia Exercise 5-1. Create File and Continue using free
Techniques Folder Paths LabVIEW tutorial videos
Hour 2

5-A. File Formats found at ni.com/

academic/students/lea
5-B. Creating File and Folder Paths
rn-labview/

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 5, Fie I/O Lesson 5, 11-24 Writing Bitmap File Exercise 5-2. Write Multiple None
Techniques Channels with Simple
Hour 3

5-C. Write and Read Binary Files Header

5-D. Work with Multichannel Text Files Activity 5-1. Read Data and
with Headers Extract Information

Complete Fifteen Week Syllabus © National Instruments | 37

Complete Fifteen Week Syllabus ni.com | 38

Table 31. Fifteen Weeks—Week 13

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 5, File I/O Lesson 5, 25-40 None Exercise 5-3. Write and Read None
Techniques TDMS Files
Hour 1

5-E. Access TDMS Files in LabVIEW Activity 5-2. Lesson Review

and Excel
Lesson 5 Review

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 5, File I/O None None Complete and Review All None
Hour 2

Techniques Lesson 5 Exercises

Lab Day – Complete and Review All
Lesson 5 Exercises

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 6, Lesson 6, 1-15 None Exercise 6-1. Refactoring a Continue using free
Refactoring Code VI LabVIEW tutorial videos
Hour 3

6-A. Refactoring Inherited Code found at ni.com/

academic/students/lea
6-B. Typical Refactoring Issues
rn-labview/
 Table 32. Fifteen Weeks—Week 14

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 6, None None Work on More Refactoring None

Hour 1

Refactoring Code Exercises

Lab Day - Work on More Refactoring
Exercises

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 7, Lesson 7, 1-13 None Exercise 7-1. Preparing Files Continue using free
Creating and Distributing for Distribution LabVIEW tutorial videos
Hour 2

Applications Exercise 7-2. Create and found at ni.com/

7-A. Preparing the Files Debug a Stand-Alone academic/students/lea
Application rn-labview/
7-B. Build Specifications

LabVIEW Core 2—Lesson 7, Lesson 7, 14-45 None Exercise 7-3. None

Creating and Distributing Activity 7-1. Lesson Review
Hour 3

Applications
7-C. Create and Debug an Application
7-D. Create an Installer
Lesson 7 Review

Complete Fifteen Week Syllabus © National Instruments | 39

Complete Fifteen Week Syllabus ni.com | 40

Table 33. Fifteen Weeks—Week 15

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

Review/CLAD Exam Preparation None None None Continue using free

LabVIEW tutorial videos
Hour 1

found at ni.com/
academic/students/lea
rn-labview/

CLAD Practice Exam 2 None None None Continue using free

Suggestion: Instruct students to LabVIEW tutorial videos
download and take the CLAD practice found at ni.com/
exam 2 from ni.com/clad-prep. academic/students/lea
Students will get a sense of how well rn-labview/
Hour 2

they understand LabVIEW.

Important Note: Students who do not
pass the exam should continue using the
free online LabVIEW tutorial videos
on ni.com, review the LabVIEW Core
1 and 2 materials and exercises, and use
LabVIEW in other projects.
Overflow/Wrap up - Or use this extra None None None Suggestion: Instruct students
Hour 3

time to cover hardware. to use LabVIEW for other

projects to gain familiarity
and proficiency.

Note Refer to the LabVIEW Certification Preparation section for recommended material to prepare for the Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer
(CLAD) Exam.
Fifteen Week Student Syllabus
Table 34. LabVIEW Academy Fifteen Week Syllabus

Week Topics Homework

1 What is LabVIEW Front Panel Reminder: Create a user profile on

Project Explorer Block Diagram ni.com and begin using the free
LabVIEW video tutorials online at
Parts of a VI Searching for Controls, VIs, and Functions
ni.com/academic/students/
learn-labview

• Complete LabVIEW Modules 1-4 on

LearnNI.com

• Continue using the free LabVIEW

video tutorials online at
ni.com/academic/students/
learn-labview

2 Tools for Programming, Cleaning, and Organizing LabVIEW Data Types • Complete LabVIEW Module 5 on
Your VI LearnNI.com
Dataflow
• Complete LabVIEW Module 6 on
Building a Basic VI LearnNI.com

• Exercise 2-2. Simple Acquire, Analyze,

and Visualize VI

• Review LabVIEW Module 6 on

LearnNI.com

Fifteen Week Student Syllabus © National Instruments | 41

Fifteen Week Student Syllabus ni.com | 42

Table 34. LabVIEW Academy Fifteen Week Syllabus (Continued)

Week Topics Homework

3 Correcting Broken VIs Loops Review • Exercise 3-1. Debugging

Debugging Techniques While Loops
• Complete LabVIEW Module 7 on
Error Handling LearnNI.com

• Begin LabVIEW Module 8 on

LearnNI.com

4 For Loops Arrays • Complete LabVIEW Module 8 on

Timing a VI Common Array Functions LearnNI.com
Data Feedback in Loops Polymorphism • Exercise 5-1. Manipulating Arrays
Plotting Data—Waveform Chart
• Begin LabVIEW Module 9-10 on
LearnNI.com

5 Auto-Indexing • Continue LabVIEW Module 9-10 on

Clusters LearnNI.com
Type Definitions

6 Case Structures • Exercise 6-1. Temperature Warnings

Event-Driven Programming with Error Handling

• Complete LabVIEW Module 9-10 on

LearnNI.com

• Exercise 6-2. Converting a Polling

Design to an Event Structure Design

• Continue using free LabVIEW tutorial

videos found at ni.com/
academic/students/
learn-labview/
 Table 34. LabVIEW Academy Fifteen Week Syllabus (Continued)

Week Topics Homework

7 Understanding Modularity Measuring Fundamentals with NI DAQ Hardware • Exercise 7-1. Temperature Warnings
Icon Automating Non-NI Instruments VI–As SubVI
Connector Pane
Documenting Code
Using SubVIs

8 Accessing Files in LabVIEW Using Sequential Programming • Exercise 9-2. Temperature Monitor
High-Level and Low-Level File I/O Functions State Machines VI–Logging Data
Comparing File Formats • Exercise 10-1. Weather Station Project
9 Variables Race Conditions • Continue using free LabVIEW tutorial
Using Variables Appropriately Queues videos found at ni.com/
academic/students/
learn-labview/

10 Design Patterns Functional Global Variable Design Pattern • Begin Exercise 3-4. Create a Histogram
Simple Design Patterns Application
Multiple Loop Design Patterns • (You will also have a lab day to
complete this exercise)

• Continue using free LabVIEW tutorial

videos found at ni.com/academic/
students/learn-labview/

11 Error Handlers VI Server Architecture • Begin Exercise 4-3. Create SubVIs for
Generating Error Codes and Messages Property Nodes Common Operations
Timing a Design Pattern Invoke Nodes
• Continue using free LabVIEW tutorial
Control References videos found at ni.com/academic/
students/learn-labview/

Fifteen Week Student Syllabus © National Instruments | 43

Fifteen Week Student Syllabus ni.com | 44

Table 34. LabVIEW Academy Fifteen Week Syllabus (Continued)

Week Topics Homework

12 File Formats Write and Read Binary Files • Continue using free LabVIEW tutorial
Creating File and Folder Paths videos found at ni.com/academic/
students/learn-labview/

13 Work with Multichannel Text Files with Headers Refactoring Inherited Code • Continue using free LabVIEW tutorial
Access TDMS Files in LabVIEW and Excel Typical Refactoring Issues videos found at ni.com/academic/
students/learn-labview/

14 Preparing the Files Create and Debug an Application • Continue using free LabVIEW tutorial
Build Specifications Create an Installer videos found at ni.com/academic/
students/learn-labview/

15 Review, Practice, and CLAD Exam Preparation Suggestion: Use LabVIEW for other
projects to gain familiarity and
proficiency.
Supplementary Materials

Table 35. Hardware Topics

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 8, Lesson 8, 1-25 None Exercise 8-1. Using NI MAX None
Acquiring Measurements from to Examine a DAQ Device
DAQ

Hardware- DAQ Exercise 8-2. Programming

8-A. Measuring Fundamentals with with the DAQmx API
NI DAQ Hardware
Non-NI Instruments

LabVIEW Core 1—Lesson 8, Lesson 8, 1-25 None Exercise 8-3. Instrument None
Acquiring Measurements from Continued Configuration with NI MAX
Hardware Exercise 8-4. Exploring
8-B. Automating Non-NI Instruments Instrument Drivers

Supplementary Materials © National Instruments | 45

Supplementary Materials ni.com | 46

Table 35. Hardware Topics (Continued)

Topics Slides In-Class Demos In-class Exercise Homework

Selected introductory topics from N/A Chapter 1 LV/ELVIS Lesson 1—NI ELVIS II Lesson 2—Digital
Introduction to NI ELVIS II, NI Demonstration Workspace Environment, Thermometer, Section 6
Multisim and NI LabVIEW Visit ni.com/info and Sections 2–6 Visit ni.com/info and
Visit ni.com/info and enter the info enter the info code Visit ni.com/info and enter the info code
code lvaelvis. elvisdemo. enter the info code digitaltherm.
ELVIS

This guideline provides an overview of elvisenv. (Assign if students can access

using ELVIS with LabVIEW. Lesson 2—Digital ELVIS outside of class time.
You may chose to use additional Thermometer, Sections 2–5 Or, students could write the
materials from this courseware set as Visit ni.com/info and LV program for homework
appropriate for your objectives. enter the info code and test in the next lab class
digialtherm. period)

Selected introductory topics from N/A Setting up Your myDAQ Tinker, Learn and Do Tinker, Learn and Do
NI myDAQ Getting Started and Support Visit ni.com/info and Engineering with Engineering with
Visit ni.com/info and enter the info enter the info code NI myDAQ—Lab1: DC myDAQ—Lab3: Touchless
code mydaqgs mydaqsetup Measurements Electric Lock
and Take Your First Visit ni.com/info and Exercise 3-2, Automatic
Measurement Using enter the info code Door Opener
Tinker, Learn and Do Engineering with
NI myDAQ and mydaqlab1 Exercise 3-3, Touchless
NI myDAQ
NI ELVISmx Instruments Tinker, Learn and Do Electric Lock
my DAQ

Visit ni.com/info and enter the info

Visit ni.com/info and Engineering with Visit ni.com/info and
code mydaqtinker
enter the info code NI myDAQ—Lab 3: enter the infocode
This guideline is intended to provide an Touchless Electric Lock
mydaqfirst mydaqlab3.
overview of ELVIS with LabVIEW.
Take your Second Exercise 3-1, Getting Started
You may choose to use additional
Measurement, Build an Visit ni.com/info and
materials from this courseware set as
Audio Equalizer Using enter the info code
appropriate for your objectives.
NI myDAQ and LabVIEW mydaqlab3.
Visit ni.com/info and
enter the info cod e
mydaqsecond.
 Table 36. Learning LabVIEW with ELVIS Labs

LabVIEW Core 1 and LabVIEW Core 2 Lessons Learning LabVIEW with ELVIS Labs

LabVIEW Core 1, Lesson 1 —

LabVIEW Core 1, Lesson 2 —

LabVIEW Core 1, Lesson 3 —

LabVIEW Core 1, Lesson 4 Lab 2

LabVIEW Core 1, Lesson 5 Lab 3

LabVIEW Core 1, Lesson 6 Lab 2, 9

LabVIEW Core 1, Lesson 7 Lab 5

LabVIEW Core 1, Lesson 8 Lab 1, 6

LabVIEW Core 1, Lesson 9 Lab 4

LabVIEW Core 1, Lesson 10 —

LabVIEW Core 2, Lesson 1 —

LabVIEW Core 2, Lesson 2 Lab 8

LabVIEW Core 2, Lesson 3 Lab 7

LabVIEW Core 2, Lesson 4 Lab 10

LabVIEW Core 2, Lesson 5 Lab 11

LabVIEW Core 2, Lesson 6 —

LabVIEW Core 2, Lesson 7 Lab 11

Supplementary Materials © National Instruments | 47

LabVIEW Certification Preparation ni.com | 48

LabVIEW Certification Preparation

Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer Resources

• NI Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) Info—From here you can download an exam E-Kit with a prep guide and practice exams.
– Visit ni.com/info and enter the info code cladinfo.

• Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer (CLAD) Exam Preparation—Watch this webcast to prepare for the Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer Exam.
– Visit ni.com/info and enter the info code cladprep.

• Understand the Most Missed Concepts within the Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer Exam—Watch this webcast to learn what have been the most missed
concepts in the Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer Exam.
– Visit ni.com/info and enter the info code cladmissed.

National Instruments Certification

Find information about LabVIEW certification and other NI certifications.

• Get More with NI Certification—Visit ni.com/training/certification to get started.