PXI Driver

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The following tips can help you successfully program the VNA.

Similar to an individual-module driver, though, an instrument driver helps the user realize the flexibility of a modular system by supporting a variety of module configurations. Two multimodule PXI-based instruments will help illustrate these concepts: a continuous-wave (CW) source and a vector signal generator (VSG). The 0.5Amp 40-558 BRIC12 modules can also hold up to 18 matrix daughtercards, offering up to 9216 crosspoints, making it the industry’s highest capacity PXI matrix switch module. Like previously available 2, 4 and 8-slot versions, the new 12-slot modules feature an internal screened analog bus that maximizes signal integrity.

PXI
  1. Our IVI drivers also fully support National Instruments' Switch Executive and all of our PXI switch modules can be accessed from Keysight VEE (formerly Agilent VEE). Go to Software Driver Downloads here Go to Switch Path Manager Downloads here Take a look at our Software Capabilities Brochure.
  2. Power down the computer, then the PXI(e) chassis. Power on the computer and install the compatible version of PXI Platform Services. Make sure that the compatible device drivers for all peripheral modules are installed by: Checking the Readme for the peripheral module to identify what drivers are required. Confirm the peripheral module model.

SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments)

The VNA is programmable using the SCPI language. The SCPI documentation is included in this help file.

In the VNA, SCPI commands MUST be sent through either HiSLIP or through the IVI-COM/Labview driver pass-through.

HiSLIP

The VNA software supports the HiSLIP interface for SCPI commands. This MUST be enabled from the Soft Front Panel using the IO configuration dialog. Learn more.

Note: (M937xA) If you can NOT connect with an external PC using LAN (HiSLIP), add a single exception to the firewall – either for the 835x.exe or for port 4880.

Pxi drivers

IVI-COM / IVI-C / LabView Driver Interfaces

These drivers are the preferred programming interface to the VNA software. The IVI COM driver is extensively documented in its own help file located at 'c:program filesivi foundationividriversagnaagna.chm'. The IVI driver is also installed at the firmware installation.

  • There are numerous examples for using the IVI-COM driver to perform common operations. They are located at: 'c:program filesivi foundationividriversagnaexamples'.

  • Each of these drivers has a SCPI pass-through interface that can be used to send SCPI commands directly to the instrument.

  • It is NOT necessary to launch the soft front panel to use these drivers.

Live Soft Front Panel (SFP)

By default, the SFP is NOT visible when using the driver interface to connect to the VNA. However, both the remote program and the SFP can run simultaneously. This can be useful during development to help diagnose any programming errors. Start the SFP by clicking the 'Network Analyzer' icon on the controller desktop.

PXI VNA connection string

The PXI addresses are available in three locations:

  1. through the Launcher application (Network Analyzer icon on the desktop)

  2. through Keysight IO Libraries

  3. through the VISA library by using viFindRsrc().

From the Launcher application copy the address on the dialog. For a 1-module example, a PXI address may be PXI15::0::0::INSTR

PXI Driver

If you know the chassis and slot number of your module, you can also format the connection string this way:

M937xA / M980xA

PXI0::CHASSIS<Chassis#>::SLOT<Slot#>::INSTR. For example, if you only have 1 chassis (this is most common), and the PXI VNA is in slot 9, then the connection string would be:

PXI0::CHASSIS1::SLOT9::INSTR

USB VNA

PXI0::CHASSIS<Chassis#>::SLOT<Slot#>::FUNC0::INSTR. For example, if you only have 1 chassis (this is most common), then the connection string would be:

PXI0::CHASSIS1::SLOT1::FUNC0::INSTR

Speed up Measurements and Data Transfers

Multiple Modules (M937xA / P937xA / M980xA / P50xxA)

When using multiple VNA modules, you can choose to use them in a Multisite or Multi-port configuration.

Pxi Driver Ed

Multiport

When connecting to multiple modules, at least one of the modules must have option 551 (M937xA) or option S97551A (P937xA/M980xA/P50xxA) . The connection string for Multiport is a semicolon ';' delineated list of addresses.

For example (M937xA): The following creates a 4-port VNA using a VNA module in slot 9 combined and another in slot 10. Port 1 and Port 2 are measured on slot 9. Port 3 and Port 4 are measured on slot 10.

Pxi 8360 driver

PXI0::CHASSIS1::SLOT9::INSTR;PXI0::CHASSIS1::SLOT10::INSTR

Learn more about Multiport configurations.

Multisite

When connecting to Multisite VNAs, simply connect to each of them separately and configure them individually.

When running your program on the PXI controller using the IVI-COM, Labview, or IVI-C driver, you can use the PXI VNA connection string (shown above). The VNA firmware does not need to be started with the launcher GUI.

You can also connect over LAN using the HiSLIP address. First, you must enable the HiSLIP interface using the GPIB dialog. Then, you must launch the VNA modules using the Launcher GUI. Use a unique address to identify each of the VNA firmware instances as follows for 2 VNA modules.

  • TCPIP0::<hostname>::hislip0::INSTR

  • TCPIP0::<hostname>::hislip1::INSTR

Learn more about Multisite configurations.

Mix and Match

Pxi Driver

You can mix-and-match your Multisite and Multiport instances. For example, with 4 M937xA PXI VNA modules, you can run a 6-port Multiport instance using 3 of your PXI VNA modules at the same time that you run a 2-port instance using the last module.

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