Using High-Level Configuration Functions

Rather than Setting Individual Attributes

IVI class drivers have both high-level and low-level configuration functions. Using the high-level functions to configure an instrument is a good practice. The high-level functions group the setting of related attributes into a single operation. When you call a high-level function in a class driver, the class driver invokes the corresponding function in the specific driver. The specific driver is responsible for setting the attributes in the correct order for the instrument. Also, the specific driver can handle complex interactions between multiple attributes for the instrument. If you swap instruments, the new specific driver sets the attributes in the correct order and handles attribute interactions for the new instrument.

With the low-level functions, you set values for individual attributes. When you use the low-level functions to manipulate attributes, you must understand the relationships and interactions between the attributes for an instrument. When you replace the instrument, the attribute order dependencies are likely to change. Therefore, you have to change the order in which your program sets the attributes when you swap the instrument.