IVI class specifications and programming methodologies

This paper describes the recently completed Interchangeable Virtual Instruments (IVI) Foundation specifications, concentrating on the instrument class specifications. The paper describes the process by which the foundation chooses and defines an instrument class specification, how that specification is structured, the instrument capabilities that it supports, and its implication on software instrument drivers. The paper also explores how drivers developed according to these class specifications can be used in a variety of development environments including LabVIEW, LabWindows/CVI, and Visual Studio. Finally, the paper explores the relationship between the class specifications, drivers that conform to those specifications, and the goal of achieving instrument interchangeability.