Clusters in Virtual LabVIEW
Understanding Data Grouping in
LabVIEW
Your Name & Date
Introduction to Clusters
• • Clusters are data structures in LabVIEW that
group different data types together.
• • Used to bundle related data, similar to
structures in C or tuples in Python.
• • Example: Grouping an integer, a string, and a
Boolean value.
Why Use Clusters?
• • Efficient Data Handling – Combines multiple
data types into a single entity.
• • Improved Code Organization – Reduces the
number of wires in the block diagram.
• • Easy Data Transmission – Helps in passing
related data between functions.
Creating a Cluster in LabVIEW
• 1. Open LabVIEW and create a new VI (Virtual
Instrument).
• 2. From the Controls Palette, go to Clusters &
Variant → Cluster.
• 3. Drag and drop elements like numeric,
string, and Boolean controls inside the cluster.
Working with Cluster Data
• • Bundle Function – Combines individual
values into a cluster.
• • Unbundle Function – Extracts values from a
cluster.
• • Bundle by Name – Modifies specific
elements inside a cluster.
Cluster Operations in LabVIEW
• • Cluster Arrays – Creating arrays of clusters.
• • Type Definition – Defining a fixed cluster
structure to maintain consistency.
• • Cluster Constants – Using predefined values
inside clusters.
Example Program: Student Data
Cluster
• • Components: Name (String), Age (Integer),
Marks (Array of Numerics), Passed (Boolean).
• • Implementation: Demonstration of bundling
and unbundling student data.
Clusters vs Arrays in LabVIEW
• Clusters:
• • Can hold multiple data types.
• • Fixed set of elements.
• Arrays:
• • Can hold only one data type.
• • Variable length.
Real-World Applications
• • Data Logging – Storing multiple sensor
readings.
• • Instrument Control – Sending multiple
parameters together.
• • Test Automation – Managing multiple test
case results.
Conclusion & Summary
• • Clusters help in organizing and processing
related data efficiently in LabVIEW.
• • Reduce complexity in wiring and improve
readability.
• • Useful in applications requiring multiple data
types in a single entity.