The Interchangeable Virtual Instrument (IVI) is a standard for instrument drivers designed to ensure software compatibility across similar instruments from different manufacturers. Defined by the IVI Foundation, this standard streamlines test system development by addressing driver incompatibility.
Key Benefits
- Interchangeability: Allows engineers to swap instruments--such as replacing a specific DC power supply model--without rewriting the test program.
- Standardized API: Defines a common command set for specific instrument classes, including DC power supplies (IviDCPwr) and digital multimeters.
- Reduced Maintenance: Significantly lowers software maintenance efforts and extends the long-term viability of test systems.
How It Works
Test programs are written using a generic IVI class driver rather than a model-specific driver. The IVI architecture translates generic commands (e.g., ConfigureOutput) into the instrument's native command language (e.g., SCPI). This abstraction layer enables users to replace physical hardware with an IVI-compliant alternative by simply changing a configuration setting, requiring no code modification.
Driver Architectures
There are two primary types of IVI drivers:
- IVI-C: Designed for C/C++ and standard programming languages.
- IVI-COM: Optimized for environments such as Visual Basic, C#, and LabVIEW.
Matsusada Precision provides both IVI-C and IVI-COM drivers to support a wide range of industrial and research applications.