For engineers and scientists working in mechatronics, aerospace, and automotive industries, the LabVIEW Control Design and Simulation Module is an indispensable tool. It bridges the gap between theoretical control theory and real-world deployment on hardware like CompactRIO or PXI.
However, with National Instruments (now part of Emerson) releasing new versions annually, teams often face a dilemma: Should we stick with the stable 2018 release, or upgrade to the newer 2021 ecosystem?
In this post, we will explore the key differences between the 2018 and 2021 versions, focusing on performance, compatibility, and the migration path.
Version 2021 introduced a set of Actor Framework-compatible control classes:
Controller.lvclass – base class with Update method.PlantModel.lvclass – supports simulation or hardware I/O injection.Observer.lvclass – Luenberger, Kalman, or custom.This enables hierarchical, reusable control systems without global variables. Performance impact: Runtime polymorphism adds ~2 µs per call (negligible for loops > 1 kHz).
Elias packed his bag, leaving Sarah to her marathon run. labview control design and simulation module 2018 2021
He realized the story of the software wasn't about new icons or darker menus. The 2018 Module was the peak of the "Offline Simulation" era—perfect for analysis, perfect for desktop math. The 2021 Module was the matured "Hardware-in-the-Loop" era—designed for a world where simulation doesn't just stay on the screen, but flows directly onto the chip.
The robot walked out the door, powered by math that was finally free of the sandbox.
The LabVIEW Control Design and Simulation Module is an essential add-on for engineers and researchers using National Instruments (NI) software to analyze dynamic systems and design controllers. Spanning major updates from 2018 to 2021, this module provides a comprehensive toolset for the entire model-based design process, from initial system identification to real-time deployment. Core Capabilities and Features
This module integrates directly into the LabVIEW environment, offering specialized palettes for simulation and control design.
Dynamic System Simulation: Construct and simulate complex mathematical models using block diagrams, including differential and difference equations. Bridging the Gap: LabVIEW Control Design and Simulation
Controller Design: Features tools for both interactive and programmatic design of controllers using classical and state-space techniques.
System Identification: Includes the System Identification Assistant and VIs to build mathematical models from measured stimulus and response data.
Real-Time Deployment: Allows for rapid control prototyping (RCP) and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations when used with the LabVIEW Real-Time Module and NI RT hardware. Version Highlights: 2018 vs. 2021
While the fundamental architecture remained consistent, the transition from LabVIEW 2018 to 2021 brought critical updates to compatibility and the underlying development environment. LabVIEW 2018 Module LabVIEW 2021 Module OS Support Supported Windows 7/8.x (32 and 64-bit) Windows 10 (version 1909+) and macOS 11 Python Support Basic Python node capabilities Supports Python 3.6 through 3.9 New Tools Control Design and System Identification Assistants Reintroduced MATLAB function calls and improved SFTP VIs Operating Modes Offline, RCP, and HIL Enhanced security for "Run When Opened" VIs System Requirements and Requirements
To run these versions effectively, users must meet specific LabVIEW Development System benchmarks. Controller
Software: Requires LabVIEW Full or Professional Development System for the corresponding year (e.g., LabVIEW 2021 for the 2021 module).
Disk Space: At least 800 MB of available space is required for installation.
Optional Add-ons: The LabVIEW MathScript RT Module is recommended for those who prefer text-based language for designing and simulating linear controllers. Practical Implementation Tips
For those getting started with the Control Design and Simulation Module, understanding loop timing and hierarchy is key.