Using Logical Names

Use logical names to identify a physical instrument and specific driver without including instrument specific information in your test program. In general, creating a logical name that fits the context of your application is best, no matter which specific instrument you use.

For example, the logical name DMM fits the context of an application in which you swap two or more digital multimeters such as a Fluke 45 and an HP 34401A. In contrast, the logical names FL45 and HP34401A do not fit the context because they are too specific.

When you create a logical name, consider if you want to use it in multiple applications. One approach is to create one logical name for all the applications in your system. Another approach is to create a unique logical name for each application.

If you create a global logical name, you can quickly reconfigure your entire system. When replacing an instrument, you reconfigure only one logical name in MAX. The disadvantage of this method is that any change to the configuration of the logical name in MAX affects all applications in your system that use that name. You are also limited by the requirements of all the applications that use the logical name. This approach also requires that you coordinate your applications to use the same set of logical names.

If you create a unique logical name for each application, you can customize the configuration of the instrument for each application. However, if you swap an instrument that many applications use, it may take you longer to reconfigure your system. Also, this approach requires that you coordinate the development of the applications that you run on your system so that they do not use the same logical names.