How to read and display a signal from my PIC Microcontroller onto Labview?

[ash_85]

Hi,

I am doing a project on a Pulse Oximeter and i am trying to read and display the signal from my PIC Microcontroller on Labview? How do i go about doing it? I am using the PIC16F877 and also making use of the USART?
How do i implement and initialise the USART in PIC16? What are the steps to be taken, please guide me through the process? The link provides information regarding the USART connection, initialisting and stuff? Is it correct to use these codes in my program?Link: http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/en/AppNotes/00774a.pdf
Also, i am using the RS232 serial interface to connect to the PC? The connector i am using is the DB9 Connector. Which template and VI can i use? Am i supposed to use the NI-DAQmx and VISA? Also, for my USART connection, i am using the MAX232 Driver which is applicable for my application as i am working with +5V. So far, i have been reading and trying out on Labview and the steps i have taken are:

1) Open a New VI and used the Instrument I/O(Read & Display) template?
2) How do i configure the Instrument I/O Assistant Express VI to read the info from my device connected to COM1?
3) I was reading the Labview Manual, 'Getting Started with Labview' and i was following the steps under Page 55, Communicating with an Instrument. Am i on the right track?
4) How do i check and make sure that the port settings of the I/O Assistant and my PIC Micro Match

Please help me out and guide me through the process. I am student at a polytechnic and i am very new to Labview and the software is used as a development tool for the project. I have a deadline to meet and i hope i can get a response as fast as possible. Your help will be kindly and greatly appreciated. I hope to hear from you guys soon.You can e-mail me all your answers at ashwinm@pacific.net.sg
Thank You

Best regards,

Ashwin

[Ray.R]

Hi Ashwin,

It is a good idea to first be able to communicate with the microcontroller using some sort of serial communication software such as "HyperTerminal" or "Procomm", etc. Refer to MicroChip's recommendations on this.
Once that works, then you are ready to use LabView.

Here is a link which covers many aspects of serial communication. Link - click here

You probably received a development kit. They usually have a readily available interface. It's been a long time since I played with the PIC, but I seem to remember that you need to program the serial communication driver (as well as at least a bootloader) to get the serial communication going. The driver contains the necessary protocols so that you PC can have a machine conversation with the target (PIC).

It sounds like a fun & interesting project. Please avoid to have replies to your personal email. By having the answers posted to this thread, you will get much more support and advice.

Have fun,

JLV