{"id":39786,"date":"2025-11-20T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dmcinfo.com\/?p=39786"},"modified":"2025-12-23T09:44:46","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T14:44:46","slug":"developing-real-time-test-applications-with-ni-veristand-tips-and-tricks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dmcinfo.com\/blog\/39786\/developing-real-time-test-applications-with-ni-veristand-tips-and-tricks\/","title":{"rendered":"Developing Real-Time Test Applications with NI VeriStand: Tips and Tricks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

At DMC, we\u2019ve built dozens of real-time test systems using NI VeriStand\u2014from battery test systems and BMS HILs to fuel cell simulators. While VeriStand offers a robust framework for deploying real-time applications, the real magic lies in the non-obvious tips and tricks our engineers have discovered through hands-on experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Real-Time<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of our favorite insider strategies for maximizing the benefits of VeriStand:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Use Built-In CAN Control to Avoid Custom Devices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your hardware sports a CAN interface (like so many different battery cyclers), you can skip writing a custom device entirely. VeriStand\u2019s built-in CAN functionality is often sufficient for direct control, saving hours of development time and reducing long-term maintenance. We use this so often that you can simply check out any VeriStand case study here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This trick came up quickly while quoting a battery test stand project where we immediately realized we could control the cycler natively\u2014no LabVIEW or custom device needed.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Delete the VeriStand Cache to Fix Project Crashes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

VeriStand occasionally crashes when loading large or complex projects. One fix that worked for us: delete the .cache<\/code> folder inside the project directory. This resolved persistent load failures and is now part of our troubleshooting checklist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We discovered this during SAT preparation for the Power HIL Test Stand for an Autonomous Air Vehicle<\/a>. This one is a lifesaver when you’re under deadline pressure.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Real-Time Sequences Run Independently of the PC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once deployed, VeriStand real-time sequences continue running even if the host PC disconnects. This makes VeriStand ideal for low-cost autonomous test stands\u2014just make sure your sequences don\u2019t rely on dynamic updates from the PC. See a case study using this trick here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We confirmed this with NI Tech Support and now use it to run long-duration tests without worrying about PC uptime.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Custom Device Development for HMI Integration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Need to push data from VeriStand to an external HMI? Skip the PC and consider using the Ethernet\/IP or Instrument Add-on custom device. This allows you to build flexible VeriStand UIs without relying on LabVIEW, which is great for clients who want maintainability and are sensitive to licensing costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We used this approach in a project with an energy storage startup company to integrate a touchscreen HMI with a fuel cell test stand, while keeping their replication costs minimal.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Python-Based Real-Time Sequences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

VeriStand\u2019s Stimulus Profile Editor supports importing Python-based sequences. This opens the door to more flexible scripting, especially for teams more comfortable with Python than NI\u2019s native tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of our engineers once documented this in a \u2018what if\u2019 brainstorming list, and it\u2019s now our go-to method for complex stimulus profiles.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Simulating Battery Behavior with Custom Models<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In a recent BMS test stand, we built a custom electric circuit model in VeriStand to simulate battery state-of-charge, voltage, and temperature responses. This allowed the client to test flight termination scenarios and temperature excursions without real hardware. See the case study here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This technique was key to validating edge cases that would be risky or impossible to test with live batteries.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Tiered Architecture Strategy: VeriStand + TestStand + LabVIEW<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When designing battery test systems, we often present clients with three architecture tiers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n