Active Instrument Controller With Script Interpreter

A concept of an active instrument controller with a script interpreter is proposed. It represents a gateway between the computer network and the instrument bus, but, in addition, it can locally execute the measurement script. This introduces distributed code execution in the measurement system, where time-critical measurement loops are locally executed with the main program running on a personal computer (PC). The local execution capability also allows stand-alone operation. We demonstrate the concept with a self-developed active general purpose interface bus (GPIB) controller that uses a CompactFlash (CF) slot. By inserting a communication or a storage card, the controller can operate in network or storage mode. Performance comparison of different operational modes shows a clear advantage of local script execution over conventional network use. Its execution speed is comparable to the commercial script performance implemented in some Keithley´s instruments but, in contrast, is applicable to a wide range of different measurement instruments and setups.