You control instruments by sending commands and data between the instrument and the computer. You can develop various LabVIEW applications to configure and control many types of instruments.

Choosing Method of Instrument Control

Due to the wide array of instruments and instrument control interfaces, it is important to choose the proper method of instrument control. The following flowchart can help you choose the appropriate method of instrument control.

Using Instrument Drivers

Use instrument drivers to control and communicate with instrument hardware in a system. LabVIEW instrument drivers are sets of VIs that simplify instrument control and reduce test program development time by eliminating the need for you to learn the complex, low-level programming commands for each instrument.

When you need easy-to-use drivers with block diagram source code, use LabVIEW Plug and Play instrument drivers. LabVIEW Plug and Play instrument drivers include error handling, front panels, block diagrams, icons, and help. (Windows) When you need advanced functionality such as instrument interchangeability, simulation, and state-caching, use Interchangeable Virtual Instruments (IVI) instrument drivers. Refer to IVI on the National Instruments Web site for more information about IVI instrument drivers.