KEPCO KLP Series Developer's Guide, Rev 1 - Manual (Page 43)

KLP-DEV 031113
4-1
SECTION 4 - LABVIEW G DRIVER
4.1 INTRODUCTION
The LabView G driver can be used for remote programming via the LAN [-1.2K models only]
and GPIB ports. It is designed to operate in LabView 6i environments only. NOTE: The
LabView5 driver available from the Kepco website is recommended to be used only with Lab-
View 5 and supports remote programming only via the GPIB port of the KLP. Both the LabView
G and LabView 5 Drivers can be downloaded from: www.kepcopower.com/drivers/
The LabView G driver uses VISA calls to communicate with the power supply. Since LabView
automatically installs the VISA libraries, the proper version of the library should already be
installed on your computer.
NOTE: The LabView G driver is modifiable by the user. Once any utility or function is modified,
it is the user’s responsibility to verify there are no unintended errors introduced.
4.2 LABVIEW G INSTRUMENT DRIVER
The LabView G driver is a multipurpose driver. It is capable of operating most Kepco Power
supplies except for multiple output units such as MST. The LabView G driver does not report
model-specific errors but, using case structures, passes the function and an appropriate model-
specific response to the user’s program.
4.3 LABVIEW G INSTRUMENT DRIVER FUNCTIONS
Kepco’s KLP LabView G instrument driver provides programming support for Kepco’s KLP
Power Supply. It contains functions for opening, configuring, taking measurements from, test-
ing, calibrating and closing the instrument. To successfully use this module, the instrument must
be connected to either the LAN or the GPIB.
The driver supports all functions of the KLP except the instrument state commands of Store,
Recall and Memory Read. The driver is also supplied with some simple examples and an inter-
active demo program. Users that are modifying the driver are encouraged to copy parts of this
program to maximize usage of tested functional sections. Table 4-1 lists the functions that are
available.
TABLE 4-1. KLP LABVIEW G DRIVER FUNCTIONS
Function Name Purpose
KepcoDCPWR initialize with options Makes Visa Connection. Creates Open handle
Provides ability to issue Reset and parse IDN
KepcoDCPWR initialize Makes Visa Connections, No Reset, IDN is parsed and Kepco model is properly identi-
fied.
Kepco Serial initialize with options Makes Visa Connection. Creates Open handle
Provides ability to issue Reset and parse IDN
KepcoDCPWR close Closes the driver, freeing resources
Recognize Model Sends *IDN? And verifies KEPCO string returned
KepcoDCPWR IDN parser Parse the IDN string – determining model
KepcoDCPWR Revision Query Uses IDN parser to determine firmware revision