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8 Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide
Getting Started with Remote Operation
IO Libraries and Programming Languages
VISA VISA is an IO library used to develop IO applications and instrument drivers that
comply with industry standards. It is recommended that the VISA library be used
for programming the signal generator. The NI-VISA and Agilent VISA libraries are
similar implementations of VISA and have the same commands, syntax, and
functions. The differences are in the lower level IO libraries; NI-488.2 and SICL
respectively. It is best to use the Agilent VISA library with the Agilent GPIB
interface card or NI-VISA with the NI PCI-GPIB interface card.
SICL Agilent SICL can be used without the VISA overlay. The SICL functions can be
called from a program. However, if this method is used, executable programs will
not be portable to other hardware platforms. For example, a program using SICL
functions will not run on a computer with NI libraries (PCI-GPIB interface card).
NI-488.2 NI-488.2 can be used without the VISA overlay. The NI-488.2 functions can be
called from a program. However, if this method is used, executable programs will
not be portable to other hardware platforms. For example, a program using
NI-488.2 functions will not run on a computer with Agilent SICL (Agilent GPIB
interface card).
Selecting IO Libraries for LAN
The TELNET and FTP protocols do not require IO libraries to be installed on your computer.
However, to write programs to control your signal generator, an IO library must be installed on your
computer and the computer configured for instrument control using the LAN interface.
The Agilent IO libraries Suite is available on the Automation-Ready CD, which was shipped with your
signal generator. The libraries can also be downloaded from the Agilent website. The following is a
discussion on these libraries.
Agilent VISA VISA is an IO library used to develop IO applications and instrument drivers that
comply with industry standards. Use the Agilent VISA library for programming the
signal generator over the LAN interface.
SICL Agilent SICL is a lower level library that is installed along with Agilent VISA.
NI-VISA is a registered trademark of National Instruments Corporation.