Remote Control and Instrument Drivers

Remote Control and Instrument Drivers

The following ten chapters describe basics of the remote control for Rohde & Schwarz test and measurement instruments. They are focused on automation of measurement tasks with the use of a programming or a scripting language.

Included are:

"Hello World" examples with direct SCPI for
Complex examples with direct SCPI for
Complex examples with instrument drivers for
Growing list of examples on our Github repository

The last chapter covers remote operation, which does not strictly belong to the topic of automation. The remote operation chapter describes PC tools such as Remote Desktop, or dedicated apps on a mobile device.

To search and download instrument drivers, please follow the link Search for instrument drivers.

Getting Started

Getting Started

First steps to create a 'Hello World' remote control program. Here you also find a complete list of all examples used in this guide.

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Basics of Remote Control

Basics of Remote Control

The reason to automate a measurement task, the advantages automation brings and the basic components of an automated test setup.

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Introducing SCPI Commands

Introducing SCPI Commands

Standardized almost 30 years ago, the 'SKIPPY' commands are still used in the most modern Test and Measurement instruments.

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VISA and VISA Tools

VISA and VISA Tools

Why the topic of VISA always comes up in reference to remote control. Connect to your instrument with VISA Tester Tool and monitor the communication using I/O Trace utility.

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VISA in Programming Languages

VISA in Programming Languages

Using VISA in different programming languages including practical examples.

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Instruments Drivers vs. Direct SCPI

Instruments Drivers vs. Direct SCPI

Should your application use direct SCPI commands, or take advantage of the Rohde & Schwarz instrument drivers?

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Measurement Synchronization

Measurement Synchronization

Introducing measurement synchronization - a critical part of any automation task. Here, you can also find links to complete examples using direct SCPI commands and instrument drivers.

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Instrument Error Checking

Instrument Error Checking

Often neglected in remote control applications. If you perform it properly, it will save you a lot of time and frustration.

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Speed Optimization

Speed Optimization

General hints for optimizing your application to help obtain the measurement results as fast as possible without affecting their quality.

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Fastest Communication Interface

Fastest Communication Interface

How various physical communication interfaces behave in terms of speed.

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Remote Operation

Remote Operation

References to articles and papers describing remote operation, where no programming or scripting is involved.

If you want to operate your instrument remotely from a PC, laptop, tablet, or a mobile phone, this chapter is the right source of references for you.

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Glossary

Glossary

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