There’s a moment in nearly every test system kickoff when someone asks, “Should we go Real-Time for this?” or “Why are we using real-time for this?” These are fair questions, and they deserve more than a knee-jerk answer. At DMC, we’ve seen both ends of the spectrum—from rugged cRIO deployments in wind tunnels to PC-based validation testers that run for a year without a reboot or freeze. The truth is, choosing between LabVIEW Real-Time (RT) and a Windows PC isn’t just about specs—it’s about strategy. Sometimes, the best strategy is not choosing at all, but combining both.
The Real-Time Advantage—When Determinism is King
LabVIEW RT shines when timing is non-negotiable. Think high-speed control loops, synchronized data acquisition, or safety-critical automation. With platforms like PXI, cRIO, and sbRIO, you get deterministic execution, hardware-level reliability, and the ability to run headless in harsh environments. It’s the kind of setup that makes engineers sleep better at night.
But it comes at a cost—literally.
RT systems often require specialized hardware, longer development cycles, and deeper expertise. Controlling costs requires familiarity with all of the hardware and software options out there, a rapidly increasing assortment. That’s why we recommend RT when the application demands it, not just because it sounds robust, and we carefully choose toolsets before we begin based on all the requirements, not just our preferences.
The PC-Based Powerhouse—Flexibility, Speed, and UI
Windows-based LabVIEW systems are the unsung heroes of test and measurement. They’re often faster to develop, easier to debug, and offer rich UI capabilities and easy data storage that RT typically just can’t match. Do you need to integrate with some weird DLL or third-party drivers? Then a PC may be your only friend.
We’ve built PC-based systems for everything from EV battery validation labs to simple torque acquisition carts. Yes, these systems can be stable—if engineered with experience and care. We have clients that run PC-based testers for years without problems. The secret? Thoughtful architecture, plenty of lessons learned, and smart error handling.
Stability Isn’t Exclusive to RT
While RT systems are quickly becoming all the rage, a common misconception is that only RT systems are stable enough to handle long-term testing. While RT does offer inherent stability, Windows systems can be just as reliable with the right design. We’ve modernized many legacy LabVIEW codebases to run on modern Windows platforms, with smart improvements for stability. The result? Systems that are easier to maintain and just as robust.
Hybrid Systems —The Best of Both Worlds
Here’s where things get interesting. Many clients don’t realize that they don’t have to choose between RT and PC—sometimes they really need both. Hybrid systems combine RT for deterministic control and PC for orchestration, visualization, and data management.
We’ve been building hybrid architectures for decades. Consider a test system where a cRIO handles real-time DAQ and control, while a Windows PC manages the UI, logging, and remote access. They also naturally facilitate extension outside of the NI Universe, if additional third-party RT systems are needed, like UEI, Beckhoff, etc. These systems require well-designed interfaces (TCP/IP, UDP, shared memory, OPC UA, EtherCAT, etc.), but when done right, they’re elegant yet robust, scalable and cost-effective.
One of our engineers likes to say, “RT is the brainstem, PC is the cortex.” It’s a metaphor that works. Each part does what it’s best at, and together they form a complete system
Real-World Examples and More to Explore
Explore some examples of DMC’s work.
- RT-101: Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)
- RT-301: Capabilities of Distributed LabVIEW Real-Time
- Real-Time EtherCAT Motion Control with NI cRIO and Embedded UI
- Real-Time Battery Testing: A Synergy of NI LabVIEW, TestStand, and VeriStand
- LabVIEW Real-Time solution for Chemical Process Monitoring
- Real-Time FPGA System for Fast-Responding High-Voltage Arc Detection
- Browse more examples across industries.
What We’ve Learned at DMC
From NI VeriStand to RT Linux to PAtools, NI cRIO to UEIdaq and PowerDNA to NI PXI, we’ve worked across platforms and industries. We’ve learned that the best solution often isn’t the most complex one. Sometimes a PC-based system with a solid framework beats a full RT deployment. Other times, RT is the only way to meet timing and safety requirements. Often, the sweet spot is somewhere in between.
We’re proud to be one of NI’s Platinum Partners and an NI Center of Excellence. That means we don’t just build test systems—we build the right test systems for your requirements.
Conclusion
Choosing between LabVIEW RT and PC-based systems isn’t a binary decision. It’s a conversation—one that should consider timing, cost, stability, and long-term goals. Sometimes, the best answer is “both.” If you’re wondering which path is right for your next test system, let’s talk. We’d love to help you engineer a solution that’s not just functional—but exceptional.
Ready to take your LabVIEW project to the next level? Contact us today to learn more about our solutions and how we can help you achieve your goals.