Keysight N9000A Manual

Also see for EXA X-Series N9010A: Configuration guide Measurement guide Measurement guide Manual Measurement guide

Contents

Keysight N9000A Manual Manual pdf 10 page image

10Introduction to Programming X-Series ApplicationsX-Series Programming OptionsX-Series Programming OptionsYou can program X-Series instruments using a variety of programming tools, languages and Application DevelopmentEnvironments (ADEs).There are also several software driver technologies that you can use to program X-Series instruments, which offer varioustradeoffs between programming tool, ADE and driver technology. Table 1-1 explains the relative advantages of eachprogramming method and driver technology. Figure 1-1 on page 11 shows a conceptual overview of the hierarchy ofdrivers that are available for X-Series programming.Table 1-1 Programming Options & Driver Technologies for X-Series InstrumentsMethod DescriptionInstrument Drivers Features As shown in Figure 1-1, Instrument Drivers are built upon, and offer a higherlevel of abstraction than, VISA Drivers. Instrument drivers offer a shorter learningcurve than VISA Drivers, at the expense of reduced operational flexibility.For more details, see “Interchangeable Virtual Instruments (IVI-COM, IVI-C)Drivers” on page 11.Acquisition & Licensing Free download from Keysight and IVI Foundation web sites.Requires separate ADE? Yes, but depending on your program development requirements, you may be ableto use a free download such as one of the Microsoft Visual Studio Expresseditions.Driver Support IVI Class Driver and Instrument-Specific IVI Drivers, as shown in Figure 1-1below. These are enhanced developments of the older VXIplug&play Drivers.Also referred to as "IVI-C" and "IVI-COM" Drivers.VISA Drivers Features As shown in Figure 1-1, VISA is a driver technology that operates at a lower levelof abstraction than Instrument Drivers. As such, it offers greater flexibility, at theexpense of a longer learning curve.VISA is a generic, industry-wide standard, unlike Instrument Drivers, which areinstrument-specific.For more details, see “VISA Driver Options” on page 12.Acquisition & Licensing Free download from Keysight web site.Requires separate ADE? Yes, but depending on your program development requirements, you may be ableto use a free download such as one of the Microsoft Visual Studio Expresseditions.Driver Support VISA, as shown in "VISA Library Layer" in Figure 1-1 below.Keysight VEE Features An integrated, graphically-oriented, standalone ADE, which supportsinstruments from Keysight and other manufacturers.For more details, see “Keysight VEE Pro” on page 13.Acquisition & Licensing License must be purchased from Keysight.Requires separate ADE? NoDriver Support Supports both Instrument Drivers and VISA.