Table of Contents
Quick start guide
This document describes how to begin using the ZSOM-Control and ZSOM-Mini.
What do You need to Get Started
A ZSOM-Control Starter Kit or a ZSOM-Mini with power supply and USB-C cable
Installing Software on the Host Computer
Before using the ZSOM, you must install the following application software and device drivers on the host computer.
| Software |
|---|
| LabVIEW 2017 SP1 or later (See also the compatibility information from NI ) |
| LabVIEW Real-Time Module 2017 or later |
| LabVIEW FPGA Module 2017 or later 1) |
| NI CompactRIO Device Drivers 17.6 .. current (see compatibility chart to check which version of CompactRIO device drivers works on your LabVIEW version |
| ZSOM SDK see downloads (login required) see also upgrade SDK |
Connecting the ZSOM
Connect the Power Supply
caution the heat spreader can get hot
Connect the supplied power supply to the ZSOM power connector. The input voltage rating is 9-28 VDC. The board draws up to 1 A; use a supply that delivers at least 1 A.
The Status LED stays solid during boot and will turn off after boot
Connect the Network
USB C
- Device drivers are installed automatically
Ethernet
If you prefer connecting the device to your Network, use the RJ45 "ETH" connector.
Installing Software on the ZSOM
The ZSOM-Control-Starterkit ships with installed Software and is ready to go. Your installation will most likely not match the software versions on the target. If so (LabVIEW tells you when you deploy an application), use NI-MAX to install the matching software packages on the Target. If you want to deploy or retrieve your own image refer to Installing Software on ZSOM
Using the ZSOM Example Projects
The examples are installed with the SDK. In LabVIEW, open Help → Find Examples and search for “ZSOM”.
The FPGA bitfiles are precompiled, so the examples can be used without the LabVIEW FPGA Module. The examples are built for a generic use of the board. They can be used as starting point for a customized application.
Establish Connection
- Right-click on Realtime Target → Properties and set the IP to the discovered address (a ZSOM connected through USB-C has the IP “172.22.11.2”)
- Right-click on Realtime Target → Connect
- A light green dot on the Realtime Target icon in the Project Explorer indicates success
Explore the Fun!
Open the “RT” Folder and the vi “RT_main.vi” and run it.
More information
- Quick start guide for ZSOM-Mini (moving from ZSOM-Control to ZSOM-Mini)