SCPI based integrated test and measurement environment using LabVIEW

Abstract

Test and Measurement processes play a vital role on the quality of hardware functionality testing. Automating these processes provides a better reduction in “time to market” and is more concerned on achieving higher test coverage area when it comes to mass production. Functional testing deals with the observation on the characteristics of the hardware to determine whether it replicates the needs for which it was actually designed. This can be achieved using set of Test and Measurement Instruments which can replicate the environmental condition in which the hardware is to be deployed. This paper provides an environment to integrate set of measurement instruments in a single platform (LabVIEW) and automate the measurement control using command language know as Standard Command for Programmable Instrumentation (SCPI). Script based control commands provide an easy configuration and remote control of instruments. And also programming interface control using Virtual Instrument Software Architecture (VISA) to control instruments using Ethernet and USB protocol.