Link This | Email this | Blog This | Comments (1)

LXI and Linux
September 8, 2006

A question was recently raised about whether LXI supports the Linux operating system. One of the great things about LXI is that it is largely independent of the operating system. But there are two aspects to this question.

One is: Can Linux be used by a manufacturer as an embedded operating system in the instrument? Many Linux-based instruments have been certified or are in the pipeline. Therefore, users can definitely employ Linux as an embedded OS for their instruments. Linux has an appropriate networking stack that provides all the capabilities required by LXI--such as DHCP, Auto-IP, Static IP, and duplicate IP detection. It also offers an abundance of web servers to choose from.

The second aspect is: Can a client PC running Linux communicate and control LXI devices? The LXI specification does require the vendor of the LXI device to supply an IVI driver, which is Windows OS specific. But the specification also states vendors can supply other drivers if they deem fit, and some may choose to supply Linux drivers.  If there is no Linux driver for the instrument, there are several possible alternatives:

• user-created instrument driver,
• LabView for Linux,
• MATLAB with Instrument Control Toolbox on Linux,
• raw socket programming, or 
• VXI-11.

Viable alternatives in specific cases will depend on the capabilities of the instrument. Because the type and degree of support for Linux varies from vendor to vendor, the Linux user’s experience may vary as well.--John Ryland, Keithley Instruments, LXI LAN & Web WG Co-chair

Posted by Rick Nelson on September 8, 2006 | Comments (1)