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At Cyth, we offer the necessary technology, expertise, & products to help you effectively create ATE, Embedded, Machine Vision, & Industrial Automation Systems Test & Measurement Automation, Embedded Control & Monitoring Cyth Systems is a specialized distributor and experienced system integrator, helping customers make informed decisions when selecting platforms, products, and components for automated test, factory automation, and embedded control systems. With hundreds of systems designed, and thousands deployed, our team offers our customers the products we use coupled with trusted guidance, from system selection and startup support to programming best practices, code architecture, and technical troubleshooting. Customers can lead their own development with confidence, backed by our scalable support model—ranging from purchasing advice, mentoring, partial co-development, through to full turnkey systems when needed. Our goal is to empower innovation through reliable systems, proven expertise, and practical engineering insight. After over 20 years of successfully helping customers as an NI Certified Integration Partner, Cyth was selected by NI as the ONLY Distributor and Integrator in the Americas. Explore Our Site: View our application areas See application success stories What we do for your industry Shop our products Learn more about Cyth ApplicAreas Application & Service Areas Automated Test Equipment Automated Test Equipment for Manufacturing Circuit Board Testing Measurement Automation Life Test & Reliability Equipment LEARN MORE Embedded Systems Industrial Control Systems Embedded Control Systems OEM Solutions & Volume Manufacturing Monitoring Systems LEARN MORE Machine Vision Area Scan & 2D Inspection 3D Inspection Machine Learning - NeuralVision LEARN MORE Industrial Automation Automated Assembly Product Treatment & Handling Verification and Measurement Motion and Robotics LEARN MORE Engineering Consulting Discuss your design requirements Evaluate feasibility for integration LabVIEW or TestStand Programming Service Detailed technical proposal Schedule time with an expert LEARN MORE Questions? 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They’re involved in the design, building, and supporting automation tools throughout our manufacturing. -J.N., Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturer Industries & Solutions Our hardware, software, and platforms meet your industry's unique needs, and have been universally successful in applications of all kinds. 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Data & Acquisition Entry-Level DAQ Industrial Quality DAQ Desktop DAQ (PCI) Compact DAQ (cDAQ) Browse Products Embedded CompactRIO Rugged Controllers Single-Board Computers (SBC, sbRIO) System On Module (SOM) Browse Products PXI Platform Systems Entry-Level DAQ Industrial Quality DAQ Desktop DAQ (PCI) Compact DAQ (cDAQ) Browse Products Accessories HMIs and Touch Panels Cables Power Supplies Connectors Browse Products See All Products About Us Over two decades of providing trusted technology and expertise engineers need to succeed in their projects for Industrial Automation, Test & Measurement, and Control & Monitoring. Our consultants will work alongside your team to design the solution needed to meet your specifications. Through our proven process, our experience, and our passion for problem-solving we develop your solutions with reduced risk, cost, and an efficient schedule. Learn More About Cyth “Working with Cyth is refreshing. Status reports, budget updates, design meetings... they've perfected the way projects should be done.” -R.J., Senior Quality Engineer, Medical Device Manufacturer Technology Partners Cyth Systems provides the best-possible technology and integration services to our customers. We strategically align with the world’s top testing and technology companies. For more info on our partners, please contact us.

Cyth Systems is a Systems Integration Company specializing in Automated Test, Embedded Controls, and Machine Vision. MD&M West 2026 MD&M West 2026 is where medical device innovation happens. February 3-5 at the Anaheim Convention Center, it showcases the latest in device design, manufacturing automation, and materials technology. Read More Past Events Take a look at an archive of our past events to find materials, pictures, and publications... View Past Events Here Upcoming Cyth Systems Engineering Events

NI Training Courses LabVIEW Core 2 Training Course This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More Data Acquisition Using NI-DAQmx and LabVIEW Training Course In this course you will explore the fundamentals of data acquisition using sensors, NI data acquisition hardware, and LabVIEW. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 2 Training Course This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 2 Training Course This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 3 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 3 Course introduces you to structured practices to help you design, implement, document, and test LabVIEW applications.  Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 2 Training Course This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More Data Acquisition Using NI-DAQmx and LabVIEW Training Course In this course you will explore the fundamentals of data acquisition using sensors, NI data acquisition hardware, and LabVIEW. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 2 Training Course This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 2 Training Course This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 3 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 3 Course introduces you to structured practices to help you design, implement, document, and test LabVIEW applications.  Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 1 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 1 Course gives you the chance to explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 1 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 1 Course gives you the chance to explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 3 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 3 Course introduces you to structured practices to help you design, implement, document, and test LabVIEW applications.  Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 1 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 1 Course gives you the chance to explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 3 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 3 Course introduces you to structured practices to help you design, implement, document, and test LabVIEW applications.  Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 1 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 1 Course gives you the chance to explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 3 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 3 Course introduces you to structured practices to help you design, implement, document, and test LabVIEW applications.  Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 1 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 1 Course gives you the chance to explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 1 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 1 Course gives you the chance to explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More Data Acquisition Using NI-DAQmx and LabVIEW Training Course In this course you will explore the fundamentals of data acquisition using sensors, NI data acquisition hardware, and LabVIEW. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 1 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 1 Course gives you the chance to explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 3 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 3 Course introduces you to structured practices to help you design, implement, document, and test LabVIEW applications.  Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 1 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 1 Course gives you the chance to explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 1 Training Course The LabVIEW Core 1 Course gives you the chance to explore the LabVIEW environment and interactive analysis, dataflow programming, and common development techniques in a hands-on format. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More Data Acquisition Using NI-DAQmx and LabVIEW Training Course In this course you will explore the fundamentals of data acquisition using sensors, NI data acquisition hardware, and LabVIEW. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 2 Training Course This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 2 Training Course This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More Data Acquisition Using NI-DAQmx and LabVIEW Training Course In this course you will explore the fundamentals of data acquisition using sensors, NI data acquisition hardware, and LabVIEW. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More LabVIEW Core 2 Training Course This course teaches you how to use common design patterns to successfully implement and distribute LabVIEW applications for research, engineering, and testing environments. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More Certification Program In this course you will explore the fundamentals of data acquisition using sensors, NI data acquisition hardware, and LabVIEW. Start Date | End Date Duration Read More

Global power services provider eliminated technical debt and gained remote configuration capabilities with turbine monitoring built on NI sbRIO and Cyth CircaFlex. Technician inspects a turbine during routine maintenance in a power generation plant. Project Summary Global power services provider eliminated technical debt and gained remote configuration capabilities with turbine monitoring built on NI sbRIO and Cyth CircaFlex. System Features & Components FPGA-based frequency measurement for deterministic turbine speed monitoring from gear tooth pulse trains Hardware watchdog on FPGA for independent overspeed alarm triggering without microcontroller intervention Web-based configuration interface replacing serial command-line access for remote support Four configurable probe channels accepting active or passive sensors with Boolean alarm logic Form-fit-function replacement maintaining DIN rail mounting compatibility with legacy system Outcomes Eliminated component obsolescence through COTS platform with improved long-term availability Enhanced service team efficiency through web-based remote configuration Provided firmware transparency with custom FPGA logic in-house team could maintain Enabled scalable deployment supporting 50+ monitoring units annually Technology at-a-glance NI sbRIO-9608 LabVIEW LabVIEW FPGA Module Cyth CircaFlex Custom web interface (HTML/CSS/JavaScript) Active and passive magnetic/Hall effect sensors Rockwell PLC communication protocol Gas and steam turbine monitoring Gas and steam turbines are critical parts of the energy infrastructure that provide backup power when renewable energy sources fall short of meeting base load demand. To ensure the safe operation of these backup turbines, monitoring systems prevent overspeed conditions by measuring turbine blade velocity and triggering emergency shutdowns when dangerous speeds are detected. Monitoring system lifecycle challenges present substantial risks for energy service providers, as it's critical to ensure grid stability while mitigating upgrade costs and timelines. Obsolescence Challenges A global power services provider faced obsolescence challenges with their turbine overspeed monitoring systems. Deprecated semiconductor components forced the end-of-life of their existing measurement systems and introduced a critical sustainment risk that could impact the systems deployed to their clients' assets. Considering that the IP of the existing measurement solution was owned by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), the powr services provider was left with a "black box" solution they couldn't modify. They decided to find a partner that could help them reverse engineer their solution and deliver: Form, fit, function replacement: New hardware must be DIN rail mountable and the same or smaller in footprint to avoid cabinet modifications across hundreds of installations Replication of proven functionality: Speed measurement accuracy and overspeed detection identical to legacy system Remote configuration capabilities: Addition of a web interface to modernize distributed power plant support capabilities Firmware transparency: Ownership of IP and deep familiarity with system functionality to ensure sustainability well into the future PLC compatibility: Seamless integration with existing Rockwell PLCs FPGA-Based Monitoring The global power services provider decided to work with Cyth Systems to reverse engineer and improve upon their existing monitoring solution because of their proven expertise delivering reliable, high-performance measurement systems into challenging environments. Working from only user manuals and schematics, Cyth engineered a mechanical test rig to replicate turbine gear tooth patterns and validate measurement accuracy against legacy system specifications. Parallel testing at the customer's facility enabled iterative firmware refinement throughout development, ensuring the FPGA implementation matched proven performance while adding modern capabilities. The resulting architecture delivered real-time RPM monitoring, overspeed threshold adjustment, and measurement breakpoint configuration—transforming field service requirements into remote support capabilities across distributed power plant installations. Cyth built the turbine speed and overspeed monitoring system on the NI sbRIO-9608 with Cyth's CircaFlex technology, a rapid prototyping solution that delivers connectivity and signal conditioning in a compact footprint. System Architecture & Capabilities FPGA-based turbine speed measurement: LabVIEW FPGA Module provides deterministic edge counting logic for gear tooth pulse trains, replacing four CPLD chips with unified FPGA implementation Configurable overspeed alarm logic: LabVIEW FPGA implements four probe channels routing to alarm outputs through user-defined Boolean conditions Real-time hardware watchdog protection: NI sbRIO FPGA monitors turbine speed continuously and triggers digital outputs to Rockwell PLCs without microcontroller intervention Remote web-based configuration: Custom application developed with HTML/CSS/JavaScript interface enabling remote RPM monitoring, overspeed limit adjustment, and measurement breakpoint configuration Multi-sensor probe compatibility: NI sbRIO digital I/O accepts both passive magnetic and active Hall effect sensors across four independent channels PLC communication compatibility: Backward-compatible protocol maintains seamless integration with existing Rockwell PLC infrastructure for drop-in replacement Commercial off-the-shelf platform: NI sbRIO consolidates bill of materials, reducing custom manufacturing requirements and improving long-term component availability Sustainable COTS Platform The NI sbRIO-based monitoring solution dramatically enhanced the sustainability of the platform by building on a robust, high-performance COTS hardware foundation while the custom application developed by Cyth gave the service provider complete ownership of system IP to eliminate vendor dependency. The power services provider experienced several operational improvements: Improved service team utilization: Web-based configuration enabled remote customer support, decreased average service response times, and greatly reduced required field service visits Reduced installation complexity: Form-fit-function design allowed rapid hardware swaps in existing cabinets without PLC system modifications Enhanced long-term supportability: BOM consolidation onto COTS hardware platform and ownership of software IP eliminated vendor dependency The ability to remotely configure and maintain firmware differentiated the provider's turbine monitoring offerings. Full ownership of software IP enabled the global services provider to develop system support expertise internally and greatly mitigate long-term sustainability concerns.

Semiconductor equipment manufacturer achieved next-generation etching capabilities through advanced waveform generation and control built with NI PXI and LabVIEW FPGA. Custom Advanced Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG) Project Summary Semiconductor equipment manufacturer achieved next-generation etching capabilities through advanced waveform generation and control built with NI PXI and LabVIEW FPGA. System Features & Components High-speed arbitrary waveform generation with complex waveform capabilities enabled the generation of waveforms with 1,000+ samples per millisecond (>1MS/s) Highly-synchronized waveform control and oscilloscope measurements for coordination of digitized signal measurement Streamlined vacuum chamber integration for semiconductor wafer processing applications Outcomes Next-generation semiconductor chip manufacturing enabled through high-precision waveform control Widespread customer adoption in every major silicon wafer fabrication site in the world Sustainable innovation enabled by robust and flexible system architecture built on NI PXI and LabVIEW FPGA Technology at-a-glance PXIe-1071 Chassis NI PXI-5441 Arbitrary Waveform Generator PXIe-5105 Oscilloscope PXIe-8822 Embedded Controller PXI-7852R FPGA Module LabVIEW FPGA Silicon Wafer Etching Almost every single modern electronic device contains at least one semiconductor chip. Smartphones, TVs, washing machines and cars depend on the precise and complex control of electrical signals that semiconductors provide. Silicon wafers are a foundational material from which many semiconductor technologies are made. Part of the semiconductor manufacturing process includes etching microscopic, 3D patterns onto these silicon wafers to form electronic devices like transistors, capacitors and interconnects that are critical for the function of the manufactured microchip. The level of precision with which these electronic components are etched into the silicon directly impact the performance of the microchip, making the uniformity and accuracy of these etched features critical at the nanometer scale. Complex Waveform Requirements A major semiconductor equipment manufacturer was facing significant limitations with their equipment’s ability to support the manufacture of next generation chips. Their semiconductor manufacturing tools were deployed into many silicon wafer fabrication sites and their manufacturing customers were continuously coming up against the limitations of their systems, putting their market position and market share at risk. They needed to upgrade the simple signal generators in their current solution to waveform generators capable of delivering the complex waveforms necessary to precisely-control the microscopic piezo coils central to their unique etching process. To maintain and expand their customer base, they required a solution capable of: Precision Control : Their equipment needed to drive microscopic piezo coils at rates of 2,000-100,000 times per second, requiring advanced control capabilities with arbitrary waveform programming and thousands of sample points per period. Complex Waveform Requirements: Simple waveforms like sine, square and triangular signals were not sufficient for controlling the complex etching operations their customers required; they needed the capability to customize every single point within the waveforms controlling their piezo coils. High-Speed Synchronization: The waveform generator required tight coupling with oscilloscope measurements to synchronize digitized signal acquisition Global Deployment: The solution needed to integrate seamlessly with semiconductor manufacturing equipment deployed worldwide Customized Advanced AWG The global semiconductor equipment manufacturer approached Cyth Systems for help improving their etching capabilities. Cyth’s expertise developing complex, highly-synchronized control systems and custom waveform generator solutions enabled them to rapidly iterate on the customer’s existing solution to provide high-performance waveform generation, measurement, and control. The development process of the Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG) included three iterations: 1st generation: Replicate simple, existing waveform generation capabilities on NI PXI platform 2nd generation: Synchronize AWG pulses with oscilloscope measurements to ensure accurate digital signal data acquisition 3rd generation: Further refine synchronization between waveform pulses and oscilloscope measurements to enable the driving of piezo coils in the upper frequency ranges (up to 100,000 times per second) Left: 2nd Generation Arbitrary Waveform Generator, Right: 1st Waveform Generator. The AWG system was built to perform sophisticated waveform analysis, generation, and control without operator intervention: Collected waveforms, measured their length and characteristic shape Determined the optimal number of points required to accurately describe each waveform Set appropriate sampling rates based on waveform complexity Calculated the precise number of points needed to achieve target sample rates The equipment manufacturer required 1,000+ samples per millisecond (>1MS/s) to accurately characterize the waveforms to be generated; the samples were then upscaled to 200MS/s to ensure smooth signal quality as the waveform is output. The waveform generator was tightly coupled with an NI PXI oscilloscope in a closed-loop approach to enable real-time system optimization. The synchronization in the measurements of digitized signals ensured precise timing coordination between waveform output and measurement feedback. Graphs comparing the outputs of a simple waveform generator vs. an arbitrary waveform generator Leveraging the NI PXI platform with LabVIEW FPGA software, Cyth created a sophisticated Arbitrary Waveform Generator (AWG) capable of supporting next-generation semiconductor equipment with dramatically improved high-speed and high-sample rate waveform control. For the semiconductor equipment manufacturer, the greatest differentiators of the NI platform were: Measurement integration: Synchronized waveform generation and oscilloscope measurement in a single platform Firmware flexibility: LabVIEW-based algorithms enable rapid parameter adjustments and optimization Hardware reliability: NI PXI platform provides industrial-grade reliability for 24/7 manufacturing operations Compact footprint: 4-slot PXI chassis delivers advanced capabilities in space-efficient design ​System PXI Card Specifications ​Use PXIe-1071 Chassis 4-Slot Chassis PXI Chassis NI PXI-5441 43 MHz, 100 MS/s AWG, 16-Bit, Onboard Signal Processing Arbitrary Waveform Generator PXIe-5105 60 MHz, 8-Channel, 12-Bit PXI Oscilloscope High Speed & High Sample Rate Waveform Measurement PXIe-8822 Embedded Controller – FPGA-Based I/O, 2.4 GHz Quad-Core Processor PXI Controller Data Logging & Control PXI-7852R Virtex-5 LX50 FPGA, 750 kS/s Data Logging & Control Sustainable Innovation The Arbitrary Waveform Generator delivered transformative capabilities that positioned the equipment manufacturer for next-generation semiconductor manufacturing leadership. The most impactful system performance improvements were: Advanced waveform control:  Transition from simple signal generation to arbitrary waveform programming with thousands of sample points per period Synchronized measurement:  Tight integration between waveform generation and oscilloscope measurement for closed-loop optimization Scalable sampling rates: Flexible sampling from >1 MS/s for analysis up to 200 MS/s for output generation The overall system improvements enabled the customer to deliver: Global deployment capability:  System integrated successfully across every major silicon wafer fabrication site worldwide Next-generation semiconductor manufacturing capabilities:  Advanced waveform control capabilities support production of cutting-edge semiconductor devices Future-ready platform:  Modular PXI architecture enables flexibility for continued system evolution and capability expansion The new, advanced capabilities fundamentally strengthened the semiconductor equipment manufacturer’s position as a leader in their space. The transition from simple signal generation to sophisticated arbitrary waveform generation and control enabled their equipment to meet the high precision requirements of next-generation semiconductor chip manufacturing. These modernized etching systems became a critical enabler for the semiconductor industry's continued advancement toward smaller, faster, and more efficient devices. These systems were built for sustainable innovation. The proven software architecture and modular NI PXI I/O enable continuous capability enhancement as semiconductor manufacturing requirements continue to evolve.

Ultra-high vacuum equipment manufacturer developed high-precision rotor balancing system in five weeks using the NI USB-9234 DSA, LabVIEW, and the NI Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite. *As Featured on NI.com Original Author: Gerard Johns, Edwards Edited by: Cyth Systems Edwards turbomolecular pump CAD rendering Project Summary Ultra-high vacuum equipment manufacturer developed high-precision rotor balancing system in five weeks using the NI USB-9234 DSA, LabVIEW, and the NI Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite. System Features & Components Integrated IEPE signal conditioning of NI USB-9234 enabled direct accelerometer connection without external amplification NI sound and vibration measurement software included signal reconstruction and analysis functions that facilitated quick implementation of custom processing algorithms LabVIEW software enabled rapid prototyping , automated code generation, and implementation of parallel processing architecture Parallel processing architecture balancing of two pumps simultaneously per station enhanced balancing operation throughput capability through Interactive operator guidance tools translating phase angle and magnitude calculations into correction mass assembly instructions Outcomes Complete system development from concept to production deployment in under five weeks Dynamic input range exceeding all commercially available balancing systems Parallel balancing and correction operations per NI USB-9234 increased production throughput at a fraction of the cost of a typical commercial system Class-leading vibration measurement performance enabled successful product launch  Technology at-a-glance Hardware: NI USB-9234 Dynamic Signal Analyzer (obsolete  – comparable NI C Series module NI-9234 ) Accelerometers Digital photo sensor for rotor position detection Software: NI LabVIEW NI Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite (obsolete – replaced by LabVIEW Sound and Vibration Toolkit) Ultra-High Vacuum Pumps Laboratory mass spectrometers and electron microscopes require ultra-high vacuum environments where even minimal vibration compromises measurement accuracy. Edwards, a leading manufacturer of vacuum equipment serving semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries, faced a critical challenge when developing their nEXT Turbo Molecular Vacuum Pump. They wanted to achieve world-class vibration performance, which required rotor balancing tolerances that were impossible to measure with existing solutions available on the market. Edwards needed a custom balancing system that could measure vibration with unprecedented precision for rotors spinning at high velocities. Measurement & Data Analysis Challenges The nEXT Turbo Molecular Vacuum Pump utilized a turbine rotor spinning at 60,000 rpm, with blade-tip velocities approaching 90% of the speed of sound. These unparalleled capabilities of this technology presented a few critical manufacturing challenges for Edwards. Inaccessible measurement location:  Rotor assembly contained within sealed pump housing prevented direct vibration measurement at the source, deviating from standard balancing methodology Manual calculatios:  Off-the-shelf balancing solutions required operators to perform manual calculations and balancing compensation, which greatly slowed production and increased the potential for human error Compressed timeline:  Product launch was weeks; Edwards needed to take their concept through validation to production deployment relying only on their internal teams for development Measurement precision:  Dynamic input range required for the detection of minute vibrations and high rotor speeds exceeded all commercially available rotor balancing solutions Due to technical and timeline constraints, Edwards knew they could not rely on the conventional balancing solutions commercially available. They decided to leverage an NI-based technology stack to accelerate development while staying within budget. Left: OEM vacuum pumps by Edwards, Right: the inside fan blades of a turbomolecular pump. High Measurement Accuracy Edwards' engineering team selected the a few key pieces of NI platform to prototype and deploy a custom balancing solution. Core Platform Selection: NI LabVIEW software:  Graphical programming environment enabled rapid prototyping and robust application development into production environments NI Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite: Domain-specific libraries with signal reconstruction functions and vibration analysis algorithms NI USB-9234 dynamic signal analyzer:  Precision measurement hardware with 51.2 kS/s sample rate per channel, 24-bit resolution, and 102 dB dynamic input range Integrated IEPE signal conditioning:  Direct connection from USB-9234 to the accelerometer simplified system architecture and reduced potential signal degradation points This development approach enabled Edwards to accelerate prototyping and application development without sacrificing the high measurement accuracy critical for this application. Rapid Prototyping Through Production The NI Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite signal reconstruction functions enabled interfacing a digital photo sensor with analog inputs for rotor position detection. An accelerometer attached to the pump body captured vibration data. The Sound and Vibration Assistant automatically generated LabVIEW code from the prototype configuration, eliminating weeks of manual coding and providing a validated foundation for production application development. Edwards built production-ready features on the LabVIEW foundation: Automated calibration functions to maintain measurement accuracy across multiple balancing rigs Proprietary calculation algorithms for measuring pump imbalance through the housing rather than directly at the tip of the rotor Interactive operator guidance tools to translate phase angle and magnitude calculations into straightforward instructions for rotor balancing Using LabVIEW's parallel processing architecture, Edwards configured the USB-9234's remaining channels to balance two pumps simultaneously. This effectively doubled production capacity from a single hardware platform at a fraction of the cost of purchasing two commercial systems. In less than five weeks, Edwards took their proof of concept through validation and into production deployment. Increased Production & Enhanced Sustainability Edwards’ augmented technical capabilities far exceeded commercially available balancing equipment. The key technical features enabled by the NI USB-9234 included: Detection and correct of vibrations in rotors spinning at 60,000 rpm 102 dB dynamic input range enhanced measurement flexibility and enabled quick accommodation for variations in pump models and rotor configurations Leveraging the NI technology stack, Edwards increased their rotor balancing operation efficiency: Cost Savings: Parallel, dual-pump rotor balancing capability delivered two complete balancing rigs at fraction of the price for a single commercial system Improved cycle time: Automated imbalance calculations and operator guidance tools reduced balancing cycle time and training requirements Operational control: Internal solution support eliminated vendor dependencies and enabled direct implementation of system enhancements as product line expanded Platform standardization: LabVIEW and NI hardware as accepted standards across Edwards’ production test, global service centers, and R&D laboratories, resulting in reduced training complexity and enhanced knowledge transfer In five weeks, Edwards used LabVIEW, the USB-9234, and the Sound and Vibration Measurement Suite to rapidly develop a custom solution for high-speed rotor balancing that outperformed commercial alternatives. Original Author: Gerard Johns, Edwards Edited by: Cyth Systems