Programming Example: Python Power Supply Efficiency Example
June 21, 2021
Power supply efficiency is an important aspect of any power supply design. Using a few standard pieces of test gear, one can quickly build a modular system with enough resolution to measure the most demanding applications. This note describes a Python example that we created as part of an application note which describes the basics … Continued
Easy DC power supply efficiency measurements
January 28, 2021
Introduction Many electronic designs require a power supply that delivers a known voltage over a specific range of current loads and conditions. In many instances, the efficiency of the supply is an essential characteristic of the design. More efficient designs covert the input power into a higher percentage of output power than less efficient designs. … Continued
Programming Example: Identification String (*IDN?) return with LabVIEW 2018
December 16, 2019
This LabVIEW VI (version 2018) provides a simple platform to begin creating LabVIEW programs. You can download the VI here: VISA_IDN.ZIP In this example, the user can: Select the connected instruments from the VISA Resource List drop down menu: NOTE: USB devices will automatically appear. For LAN connections, you will need to add the device. … Continued
Testing Intrinsic Safety Barrier fusing and circuitry using an electronic load
December 16, 2019
From Wikipedia: Intrinsic safety (IS) is a protection technique for safe operation of electrical equipment in hazardous areas by limiting the energy, electrical and thermal, available for ignition. The idea is to minimize the risk of fire or explosion by physically eliminating any potential source of ignition. Many IS circuits utilize special fusing and elements that are designed to … Continued
Secure products without K-lock slots
May 20, 2019
Many products have Kensington, or K-lock slots to help provide a location to secure a cable lock or other device to help prevent theft. Some products do not have locations for cable lock connections. In this case, we recommend using a special glue or physical attachment system to secure the cable to the case of … Continued
Programming Example: Using VXI11 (LXI) and Python for LAN control without sockets
October 3, 2018
In an effort to meet the demands of remote monitoring and control, modern test instrumentation is leveraging more communications busses and than ever before. Each type of bus can also have numerous layers that can be utilized for specific advantages. The VXI bus and subsequent software drivers form a convenient software API that can make remote control … Continued
Programming Example: List connected VISA compatible resources using PyVISA
August 30, 2018
PyVISA is a software library that enables Python applications to communicate with resources (typically instruments) connected to a controlling computer using different buses, including: GPIB, RS-232, LAN, and USB. This example scans and lists the available resources. It requires PyVISA to be installed (see the PyVISA documentation for more information) *** ***** Here is the … Continued
Programming Example: Performing a series of measurements with an SDM and Scan Card
March 16, 2018
Here are a list of recommended commands for programmatically executing a scan with a SIGLENT SDM3055 or SDM3065X with scan card option (formerly the SC1016 option) NOTE: # indicates a comment. You may need to change this symbol, depending on which programming environment you choose to use. The commands, shown in quotes, will need to … Continued
Quick remote computer control using LXI Tools
March 13, 2018
Introduction: There are many options for people considering remote communication and control of test and measurement instrumentation. In most cases, a computer is used to communicate to test instrumentation using USB or LAN connections. The computer can configure the instruments, collect and organize data, and present it in a useful and flexible way. Remote control … Continued
Programming Example: Open Socket LAN connection using Python
October 20, 2017
Automating a test can dramatically increase the productivity, throughput, and accuracy of a process. Automating a setup involves connecting a computer to the test instrumentation using a standard communications bus like USB or LAN and then utilizing code entered via a software layer (like LabVIEW, .NET, Python, etc..) to sequence the specific instrument commands and … Continued