Interchangeable Virtual Instrument

Interchangeable Virtual Instrument (IVI) drivers are a new standard in instrument driver technology defined by the IVI Foundation. The IVI Foundation is a consortium of instrument manufacturers, system integrators, and end users. The Foundation's charter is to define formal standards for instrument classes to maximize interchangeability. These standards build on the prior VXI plug & play and SCPI specifications and introduce new pervasive computer standards like COM to the driver architecture, providing better usability and interoperability.

Many instrument vendors are participating in the foundation standards activities; all are planning IVI drivers for upcoming products. Many of the first drivers have been timed to coincide with the release of the IVI class specifications for common instrument types. These class specifications define a class driver interface for a generic instrument, enhancing interchangeability across instrument brands.

While the IVI foundation is vigorously pursuing class specifications for the major instrument types, many types of instruments will not be defined in a class specification. This is particularly true for unusual or one-of-a-kind instruments. Additionally, in some cases the completion of the class specification will occur after the scheduled market introduction of a new instrument. Fortunately, most of IVI's benefits are attainable without the use of a class driver, giving vendors the option of delivering an IVI driver with their instruments even when a class driver standard does not exist.

IVI-COM Driver Benefits

• Saves Money
  
• One instrument => one driver => less development cost
  
• Reduced support costs
  
• Reduced internal training costs
  
• Low-impact migration to new technologies
  
• Leverage operating system for advanced features
  
• Utilize abundant MS-based developer workforce
  
• Reduces Risk
  
• Leveraging mainstream software technologies
  
• Seamless integration with customer tools
  
• Vendors retain ability to innovate in software and
  hardware
  
• Increased Sales
  
• Higher perceived value of instrument solution
  
• Lower barrier to entry
  
• Higher performance instrument solution
  
• Increased capabilities
  
• New opportunities in remote applications

Vektrex Electronic Systems, Inc., 8675 Miralani Drive Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92126. Tel: 858-578-6787; Fax: 858-578-6873.