X-Series Programming Options - Keysight N9000A Manual

Introduction to Programming X-Series Applications

X-Series Programming Options

X-Series Programming Options

You can program X-Series instruments using a variety of programming tools, languages and Application Development
Environments (ADEs).
There are also several software driver technologies that you can use to program X-Series instruments, which offer various
tradeoffs between programming tool, ADE and driver technology.
programming method and driver technology.
drivers that are available for X-Series programming.
Table 1-1 Programming Options & Driver Technologies for X-Series Instruments
Method
Instrument Drivers
VISA Drivers
Keysight VEE
Figure 1-1 on page 11
Description
Features
Acquisition & Licensing
Requires separate ADE?
Driver Support
Features
Acquisition & Licensing
Requires separate ADE?
Driver Support
Features
Acquisition & Licensing
Requires separate ADE?
Driver Support
Table 1-1 explains the relative advantages of each
shows a conceptual overview of the hierarchy of
As shown in Figure 1-1, Instrument Drivers are built upon, and offer a higher
level of abstraction than, VISA Drivers. Instrument drivers offer a shorter learning
curve 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.
Free download from Keysight and
Yes, but depending on your program development requirements, you may be able
to use a free download such as one of the Microsoft Visual Studio Express
editions.
IVI Class Driver and Instrument-Specific IVI Drivers, as shown in
below. These are enhanced developments of the older VXIplug&play Drivers.
Also referred to as "IVI-C" and "IVI-COM" Drivers.
As shown in Figure 1-1, VISA is a driver technology that operates at a lower level
of abstraction than Instrument Drivers. As such, it offers greater flexibility, at the
expense of a longer learning curve.
VISA is a generic, industry-wide standard, unlike Instrument Drivers, which are
instrument-specific.
For more details, see "VISA Driver Options" on page
Free download from Keysight web site.
Yes, but depending on your program development requirements, you may be able
to use a free download such as one of the Microsoft Visual Studio Express
editions.
VISA, as shown in "VISA Library Layer" in
An integrated, graphically-oriented, standalone ADE, which supports
instruments from Keysight and other manufacturers.
For more details, see "Keysight VEE Pro" on page
License must be purchased from Keysight.
No
Supports both Instrument Drivers and VISA.
10
IVI Foundation web sites.
Figure 1-1
12.
Figure 1-1 below.
13.