Instrument-Independent Software: a Case Study

Recently, a standardised software interface for measuring instruments has been proposed by the IVI (Interchangeable Virtual Instruments) Foundation. The aim of the proposal is to provide independence of measuring system software from the specific instrumentation employed in a particular implementation of a test system, allowing for total interchangeability of instruments within a given class. Replacement or upgrades of hardware within an automatic test system would then be possible without affecting measurement software. The authors have implemented IVI-like drivers for some instrument classes, and have analysed their impact on the performances of a simple measurement system. The paper presents the main results of this analysis, providing indications about the implementation of IVI drivers in the most common visual environments for instrumentation.