NATIONAL Instruments has released the latest version of its graphical system design software platform for control, test and embedded system development.

LabVIEW version 8.6 is said to exploit the inherent parallel nature of graphical programming, allowing its users to make use of multi-core processors, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and wireless communication.

According to the software developer, the latest version provides a single platform to increase test and control system throughput with multi-core processors. It can also reduce the development time of FPGA-based advanced control and embedded prototyping applications.

Multi-core-optimised features in the software are said to help engineers process increasing amounts of measurement data to meet advanced control application challenges and increase test system throughput.

Test technicians can use the software to develop applications to evaluate wireless devices at speeds up to four times faster than currently possible.

The software also has support for wireless technology, allowing users to acquire and analyse data from remote systems. The data that can be request has also expanded, with possibilities for environmental and structural monitoring.