Using a Loadable Compiled Module as an Instrument Driver Program File

An instrument driver is a set of high-level functions with graphical function panels to make programming easier. The instrument driver encapsulates many low-level operations, such as data formatting and GPIB, RS-232, and VXI communication, into intuitive, high-level functions. An instrument driver usually controls a physical instrument, but the instrument driver also can be a software utility.

To develop and debug an instrument driver, load its program file into LabWindows/CVI as a source file. After you finish debugging, you can compile the program file into an object file or a Windows DLL. The next time you load the instrument driver, LabWindows/CVI loads the compiled module, which loads and runs faster than the source module.

If the instrument driver program file is a compiled module, it must adhere to the requirements outlined in Compiler/Linker Issues.