VISA Drivers

The SCTA libraries use the Virtual Instrument Software Architecture (VISA) standard I/O commands to control our lab equipment. The VISA standard is widely accepted by the Test & Measurement Industry, such as National Instruments, Rhode & Schwarz, and Keysight Technologies. We will be installing VISA equipment drivers provided by National Instruments.

Installing NI-VISA

Hint

Search your programs for NI-VISA. If you already have NI-VISA installed, skip this section.

If you do not have NI-VISA installed, go to the downloads page at the National Instruments website.

You may have to login with an existing National Instruments account. Download the latest NI-VISA Run-Time Engine.

Note

The SCTA libraries have been tested with NI-VISA version 16.0

Updating NI-VISA

In programs, open the NI Update Service.

If you see a red banner telling you to update the NI Update Service, click the Update button.

Click Yes when asking to allow changes to the computer. When prompted, accept all license agreements. When the update is complete, you will be prompted to restart the computer.

After restarting, open NI Update Service again. The red banner should be gone. The Critical Updates section should already be expanded, but also expand the Upgrades and Service Packs section. Check anything related to NI-VISA under the Driver Software sections.

When prompted, accept all license agreements. When the drivers are installed, you will be prompted to restart the computer.

Installing GPIB drivers

Warning

Please ask Luis to fill out this section!

VISA Interactive Control

In programs, open the VISA Interactive Control.

Any equipment connected to the network should be listed under the Devices section.