Achieving instrument interchangeability with IVI instrument drivers

This paper illustrates the interchangeable virtual instruments (IVI) tools and architectural elements that enable users to develop software systems that are independent of the underlying instruments. The paper begins by describing how IVI drivers and associated IVI shared components are used to develop a system. An example using a spectrum analyzer and signal generator is presented. The paper then explores how the resulting system can be maintained over time, and the specific steps a customer takes to interchange instruments. The paper then describes where the resulting system may fall short of behaving like the original system. The specific steps that are needed to make the new system behave like the original one are described. Then, these steps are generalized to show what a customer needs to do to create a system that will remain stable when exchanging instruments. Finally a brief description of the IVI measurement and stimulus subsystems (IVI-MSS) standard shows how additional architectural steps can simplify the long-term maintenance of the system.