Labview Instrument driver development-career path

Hi,
How is the career path for a labview Instrument Driver Developer ( Third party instruments like Scope,DMM).

First off LINK, just click on your name the link is duplicated in your recient posts on your profile page. (Lots of interesting features in the forums)
As far as career potential for a LabVIEW developer:
All the skill in the world with LabVIEW won't do much unless you can apply it effectively. It is a good skill set to have but, LabVIEW itself is a means to accomplish something else. In my case it facillitates developing automated tests. From your post it would facillitate development of instrument drivers likely, secondary to the goal of facillitating the sales of those instruments. So, you need more than LabVIEW, you should develop skill and knowledge about Instrument driver standards, instumentation, and communications protocols. While you are doing that you also need to be able to demonstrate your LabVIEW proficeincy. Certification can help with that.
Couple some serious understanding of test and measurement techniques with NI Certification and.... well lets just say you can pay the bills with it. I Know.
Jeff

Similar Messages

Advanced LabVIEW Instrument Driver Development Techniques

Hi, reading AN006-Developing a LabVIEW™
Instrument Driver and in page 2 I find:
"refer to the Advanced LabVIEW Instrument Driver Development Techniques application note."
I can not find this AN. Is the name correct ?
Bye
Luca

Hi Luca,
the link you're looking for should be this:
http://zone.ni.com/devzone/conceptd.nsf/2d17d611efb58b22862567a9006ffe76/e7a1635c2166e0728625680a005b0b9a?OpenDocument
Happy new year,
Alberto

Does LabWindows/CVI: IVI Instrument Driver Development Course contain subject like Communicating with Instruments(SCPI commands)

HI, I am having query regarding; Does LabWindows/CVI: IVI Instrument Driver Development Course contain subject like Communicating with Instruments(SCPI commands)
LabVIEW: LabVIEW Instrument Control Course Day 1 coves subject like Communicating with Instruments This lesson describes how you can use LabVIEW tocommunicate with instruments. You will learn how touse NI-VISA, NI Spy, SCPI commands, and theInstrument I/O Assistant to perform instrument I/O. My question is to you,Does LabWindows/CVI: IVI Instrument Driver Development Course covers similar kind of training like Communication with Instruments? I am more interested in learning How to use SCPI commands to perform instrument I/O. Will you please guide me? So I can choose correct training course. Thanks & Regards,Jay +91 90110 62790EXFO Electro Optical Engineering India Pvt. Ltd.701, 7th floor The Ceribrum IT Park,Kalyani nagar. Wadgaown Sheri India, Maharashtra, Pune 411014

stick to the original thread.

Is there a USB Instrument driver developer tool for CVI

Is there a USB instrument driver developer tool/guide for CVI?
Thanks
Chip B.
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Hi! ASIC LabRat,
I agree with your comment. IVI drivers take too much overhead and the executing speed can be very slow compared to the drivers developed using VISA platform. The previous link sent by the NI engineer was very old (2001) and doesn't really help you at all.
Please take a look at this one instead: http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/4713.

Instrument driver development wizard strange behavior

Hi,
I was using the driver development wizard and I started getting strange results. It started creating VI's where the text builder portion ws seperate from the VISA communication portion of the code. I had to delete indicators and controls and wire the seperate sections. Also, the VI's dropped the VISA commands and replaced them with nonsense commands. Very strange. I closed and re-opened LabVIEW, but no change.
Has anyone had this happen to them?
Mark Ramsdale

Hi Mark,
That does seem like some strange behavior. Could you fill me in on some more information?
I'd like to see if I can recreate the issue on my end.
What OS are you running?
Version of LabVIEW?
Version of Measurement & Automation Explorer?
DAQmx Driver?
VISA Driver?
What were you trying to build a driver for? At what point did it start having issues?
Any other useful information you can think of?
Applications Engineer
National Instruments
CLD Certified

Instrumentation Driver Developer Guide Documentation Error p9-44 Ivi_UnlockSession

The source code as listed causes subsequent calls to attribute methods to lock up the development session. Which solution is preferable? Remove the Ivi_UnlockSession statement or add a Ivi_LockSession statement at the top of the method?

Hello Larry,
This looks like a mistake in the DDG Manual. The recommendation would be to add Ivi_LockSession at the top as in the following code (from the latest fl45 source):
ViStatus _VI_FUNC fl45_ConfigureHold (ViSession vi, ViBoolean holdEnable,
ViInt32 holdThreshold)
ViStatus error = VI_SUCCESS;
checkErr( Ivi_LockSession (vi, VI_NULL));
viCheckParm( Ivi_SetAttributeViBoolean (vi, VI_NULL, FL45_ATTR_HOLD_ENABLE,
0, holdEnable), 2, "Hold Enable");
if (holdEnable)
viCheckParm( Ivi_SetAttributeViInt32 (vi, VI_NULL, FL45_ATTR_HOLD_THRESHOLD,
0, holdThreshold), 3, "Hold Threshold");
checkErr( fl45_CheckStatus (vi));
Error:
Ivi_Un
lockSession (vi, VI_NULL);
return error;
If you are interested in driver development, I would recommend downloading some drivers from our website (http://www.ni.com/idnet) and walking through them -- we provide the source to many complete drivers.
Sincerely,
Jeremiah Cox
Applications Engineer
National Instruments
http://www.ni.com/ask

Best way to distribute LabVIEW Instruments Drivers.

Hello,
I'm trying to stick to the standards described just there:
Developing LabVIEW Plug and Play Instrument Drivers
Instrument Driver Development Tools and Resources
Instrument Driver Guidelines
However, I cannot see clearly what is the best way to distribute the LabVIEW Instruments Drivers, except that I need to be compliant with those standards to be on the IDNET (Instrument Drivers Network).
Here is a couple of questions I'm not really sure about their answers:
Is it okay to use a .NET dll and to make some calls?
Is it fine to hide the Block Diagram? With passwords in the Drivers
Can we put prevent the modification
In my situation several devices (or let's say modules can controlled through one communication medium), so basically I might have one instrument drivers for several things.,,
May I use some OOD? In order to control the equipment with methods and set some properties and encapsulate the communication stuff in classes, some equipments could be consider are inherited from others (more recent for instance), or this is totally prohibited by the guidelines above?
What is the most suitable Specification Build type: Packet Library or other? If packed library, how to handle the early version created issue when opening the lib with newer version of LabVIEW then?
How to deal with the copyright thing, do I need to copy and paste the copyright on both the Front Panel and on the Block Diagram?
Is this copyright enough: "Copyright (c) <Company Name>. All rights reserved"?
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Ehouarn wrote:
Hello,
I'm trying to stick to the standards described just there:
Developing LabVIEW Plug and Play Instrument Drivers
Instrument Driver Development Tools and Resources
Instrument Driver Guidelines
However, I cannot see clearly what is the best way to distribute the LabVIEW Instruments Drivers, except that I need to be compliant with those standards to be on the IDNET (Instrument Drivers Network).
Here is a couple of questions I'm not really sure about their answers:
Is it okay to use a .NET dll and to make some calls?
Is it fine to hide the Block Diagram? With passwords in the Drivers
Can we put prevent the modification
In my situation several devices (or let's say modules can controlled through one communication medium), so basically I might have one instrument drivers for several things.,,
May I use some OOD? In order to control the equipment with methods and set some properties and encapsulate the communication stuff in classes, some equipments could be consider are inherited from others (more recent for instance), or this is totally prohibited by the guidelines above?
What is the most suitable Specification Build type: Packet Library or other? If packed library, how to handle the early version created issue when opening the lib with newer version of LabVIEW then?
How to deal with the copyright thing, do I need to copy and paste the copyright on both the Front Panel and on the Block Diagram?
Is this copyright enough: "Copyright (c) <Company Name>. All rights reserved"?
Not sure about 1) but 2) and 3) are definitely a no go if you want your library to be distributable through the ID network. The standard only allows for DLLs in that are really developed in C but would require you to also distribute the C code as far as I understand.
OOP may not be a problem.
Packed Library is definitely not something you want to do. They only work in the LabVIEW version in which they were created. You will hate the moment you decided to go with packed libraries as requests come in for other LabVIEW versions and your drivers are bashed on all discussion forums as being a pain in the ass to use.
Rolf Kalbermatter
CIT Engineering Netherlands
a division of Test & Measurement Solutions

Instrument Driver Template VI's

Hello,
I am doing a study about labview and need to control instruments via labview
in an effort to create an "database" of the instruments at the lab.
In a later stage i shall use these VI's so that i can control a complete
test for emc.
Am i correct in thinking that i should make my own representation of (in
this case a signalgenerator R&S SMY) with the help of an instrument driver
template?
In this case i have downloaded a file that contains these VI's from
http://www.ni.com/devzone/idnet/development.htm#labview and i can open them
with labview buth how do i go about in making these VI apear as an icon so
that i can use the "commands" to create the VI of the signal generator.
Do i have to place the files that i downloaded in a specifi
c dir to see them
in labview ?
THX

You would use the templates to help create a driver for any instrument that doesn't already have a driver written for it. Go to Developing a LabVIEW Instrument Driver for a starting point in how to create your own driver. Once you've created a driver, you can add the functions to the Instrument Driver subpalette. The LabVIEW help contains directions on how to create and edit new subpalettes. The driver files that you create can be stored anyplace but typically they go in the instr.lib folder. You should also be aware that the template VIs only cover a small fraction of the functions necessary for a driver (reset, self-test, err
ror query, and a couple others). Depending on the complexity of the instrument, plan on spending up to month for each driver you need to write.

IVI driver development

Is there any place where there are open projects for delveloping
drivers using IVI? I know one is ivifoundation.org but that does not
list if any comapny wants the driver to be developed for his/her
instrument.
u'r help will be appreciated as I am interested in developing IVI
drivers.
Thanks,
RK

I'm not aware of any listing of companies needing drivers written. I'm assuming that you would like to get paid for driver development so you could try contacting instrument manufacturers and see if they have any need. The biggest (i.e. Tektronix, Agilent) include driver developement in the planning of any new product and usually have an in-house staff doing this type of work but occasionally do go outside. You might also approach instrument manuafacturers that aren't part of the IVI Foundation and try to convince them that a driver will improve sales and that you're just the person that can help. You can also browse the other NI forums such as LabWindows/CVI and Instrument Connectivity to search for driver requests. NI also has a Certified Instrument Driver
Developer program that you might want to investigate as it would probably help you get jobs. Also, you might not want to limit yourself to IVI developement (which requires LabWindows/CVI) but also include the creation of LabVIEW drivers.

Need an Instrument Drive for Elmo motion control products.

Hello,
I am going to use a Bassoon servo drive from Elmo Motion Control to control a voice coil. I haven't found an Instrument Driver for Elmo through my LavVIEW program or on their website. Does an Instrument Drive for Elmo products exist?
Thank You!

Hello JMJ,
Here are my answers to your questions:
1. Is it possible for me to communicate with the Basic Serial Read
and Write example and not develop an Instrument Drive? I see that the
write VISA VI takes a string and converts it and sends it to the
control card and the read VI receives a signal and converts it. Is the
conversion converting from the Elmo language to the ASCII code? If I
don't write an Instrument Drive will I have limited capabilities?You could use the serial example to write your entire program. If you only need a handfull of commands, then this is probably the most straighforward for you to get going. Everytime you use the VISA Write, the ascii values are written on the serial lines and transmitted to your device. Your device reads and interprets these commands and acts depending on what the command is. Some command may change a setting in the instrument. Some other command may actually ask for the instrument to write back some data. In this case, you need to have a VISA Read after the write to be able to read the data into your computer.
2.  I was informed that there is an Instrument I/O Wizard that would
potentially be easier to use and program than an Instrument
Drive.  What is your opinion on such matter? Could I use either or
neither?You can definitely use the Instrument I/O Wizard to help you . This wizard really helps in parsing the data received from your instrument. You can look this tutorial if you want to learn more about it.   You could use either one. I suggest you try both these methods and see which one seems more obvious to you.
3. If I develope an Instrument Drive are all the seperate commands seperate subVIs?
A LabVIEW instrument driver usually has a set of VIs with specific functionality. For example, you will have one subVI that will initializes the instrument. This subVI may send 1 to 5 (or more) commands, depending on what you need to initialize your instrument. You can then have one VI that set's an attritube. This one would only require sending one command.   You can look at this tutorial for developping a complete instrument driver. However, keep in mind that this may not me necessary for your application.
I suggest you first look at what functionality you need. Then take a look at what commands this will require. You will then be able to plan out your program a little better. I also suggest you post all this information on the forum, so that we may be able to help you with more specific details.
Have a great day.
O. Proulx
National Instruments
www.ni.com/support

Has anybody got Labview GPIB driver for a Time Electronics 5021 Calibrator

Windows NT and 2000 platforms.
Time electronics ltd multifunction claibrator model no 5021 or model no 9821

Hi,
National Instruments' Instrument driver library is at:
www.ni.com/idnet.
I did a search and couldn't find an instrument driver for this instrument.
You can contact the instrument manufacturer to see if they have a LabVIEW instrument driver.
Other options are contacting an alliance member to develop the instrument driver or you can do the development yourself. Here's a tutorial on writing instrument drivers in LabVIEW:
http://zone.ni.com/devzone/conceptd.nsf/2d17d611efb58b22862567a9006ffe76/117f9eaedfd2c9e58625680a005acd06?OpenDocument
Hope this helps.
DiegoF.

HCM- PD (mass upload of career paths)

Hi Experts...
I am working on carrer & Succession planning in PD.
I have developed career paths based on jobs (TCode for creating career path is - OOQ4).
Need to upload 500 such paths....but its not possible through LSMW....as the screen is using Network & hierarchy tool ....please guide me a solution to upload these career path in R/3 system ( ECC 6.0)
Regards
Anupama

Hi Anupama,
the XI/PI forum is not the correct place for this thread.
Try creating a thread in the correct forum, e.g.
ERP HCM (HR)
Regards
Kenny Scott
XI/PI Forum Moderator

PD - mass upload of career paths

Hi Experts...
I am working on carrer & Succession planning in PD.
I have developed career paths based on jobs (TCode for creating career path is - OOQ4).
Need to upload 500 such paths....but its not possible through LSMW ....as the screen is using Network & hierarchy tool ....please guide me a solution to upload these career path in R/3 system ( ECC 6.0)..i dont know if it is possible through BDC ..but i guess it wont record ....
Regards
Anupama

Hi Anupama,
the XI/PI forum is not the correct place for this thread.
Try creating a thread in the correct forum, e.g.
ERP HCM (HR)
Regards
Kenny Scott
XI/PI Forum Moderator

Import CVI Instrument Driver in LabView 8.6

Hi,
I am working on Instrument Driver and have code developed in LabWindow/CVI. I have got the information of importing those code in LabVIew through Import CVI Instrument Drive option in Tools»Instrumentation but can't able to see such option on the stated menu. We are using LabView 8.6 Evaluation Version and about to get the License of the same. Does such option unavailable in 8.6 version or am i missing somewhere??
Please help me !!
Thanks in Advance,
Vivek
Solved!
Go to Solution.

Hey Thanks Alot Dennis. I didn't know we need to perform such things. But Why we reaaly need to install those Wizard. If possbile would definitely like to know the reason.
Thanks,
Vivek

Conversion of an Instrument Driver from LabWindows/CVI to LabVIEW

Hello All,
Conversion of an Instrument Driver from LabWindows/CVI to LabVIEW
http://zone.ni.com/devzone/conceptd.nsf/webmain/9A93316BEBEDB17786256FA300675A0A
But I can not find any hyperlinkt to download
"LabVIEW Interface Generator for LabWindows/CVI Instrument Drivers"
Is there any evaluation version for downloading?
Thanks,
nonomiya

So strange,
I go through three pages but does not find any entry for download,
hmm...,
1. After press the hyperlink,
See Also:
LabVIEW Interface Generator for LabWindows/CVI Instrument Drivers
2. and for a resuest info. form.
3. press download..
====
LabVIEW Interface Generator for LabWindows/CVI Instrument Drivers
System Requirements
NI LabVIEW 7.1 or later
Windows 2000/NT/XP
Use the LabVIEW Interface Generator for LabWindows/CVI Instrument Drivers to create LabVIEW VIs for VXIplug&play and IVI-C instrument drivers from function panel (.fp) files.
Instrument Driver Network
Before using the conversion utility to create a new instrument driver wrapper, please visit ni.com/idnet to see if a LabVIEW Plug and Play instrument driver is available for your device. The Instrument Driver Network (IDNET) provides support for more than 3,000 different instrument models from over 170 different instrument vendors.
Recommendations
This utility was created for developers of C-based instrument drivers who wish to provide a LabVIEW interface, but do not develop a LabVIEW Plug and Play driver. By developing the C and LabVIEW interfaces together, it keeps the components synchronized, and eliminates the need for customers to create their own LabVIEW interfaces. Vendors should distribute the LabVIEW wrapper files with the associated VXIplug&play or IVI instrument driver, so that end users do not have to visit multiple web sites to download the complete driver.
If you are not an instrument vendor, we recommend that you use this utility only if you have instrument driver expertise. Access to the instrument driver source code is preferred, in case you need to edit the C instrument driver in LabWindows/CVI.
After generation, the wrapper VIs should be tested with the instrument.
Instructions
Once you install the software, simply access the utility from the Tools>>Instrumentation>>Import CVI Instrument Driver...menu in LabVIEW. This software replaces the built-in tool and provides feature enhancements.
For additional information on this utility, view the resources below.
Readme for the LabVIEW Interface Generator for LabWindows/CVI Instrument Drivers
Submit your Driver
Visit the Instrument Driver Network
nonomiya

Labview Instrument driver development-career path

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