The IVI foundation signal interface; a new industry standard

The Interchangeable Virtual Instruments (IVI) Foundation is leading major changes in virtual instrumentation technology. The main focus of standardization has moved from IVI Instrument Driver Class Specifications to IVI Components that allow users to support more robust semantic and behavioral compatibility. There is a new emphasis on interoperability and interchangeability at a deeper level among ATE Systems Integrator and Test System Users. On a grander scale within the environment of synthetic and virtual instruments, users are requesting absolute interchangeability. The potential of full interoperability and absolute instrument interchangeability is examined along with its likely impact. Some of the gaps in current standards are examined, with a focus on the information and IVI Components required for filling those gaps.