10
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. Table 1-1 explains the relative advantages of each
programming method and driver technology. Figure 1-1 on page 11 shows a conceptual overview of the hierarchy of
drivers that are available for X-Series programming.
Table 1-1 Programming Options & Driver Technologies for X-Series Instruments
Method Description
Instrument Drivers Features 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.
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 able
to use a free download such as one of the Microsoft Visual Studio Express
editions.
Driver Support IVI Class Driver and Instrument-Specific IVI Drivers, as shown in Figure 1-1
below. 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 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 12.
Acquisition & Licensing Free download from Keysight web site.
Requires separate ADE? 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.
Driver Support VISA, as shown in "VISA Library Layer" in Figure 1-1 below.
Keysight VEE Features An integrated, graphically-oriented, standalone ADE, which supports
instruments 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? No
Driver Support Supports both Instrument Drivers and VISA.
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