USB Interfaces Overview

USB Interfaces Overview

USBTMC/USBTMC-USB488 instruments are detected and automatically configured by Agilent VISA when they are plugged into the computer. The Agilent IO Libraries Suite Help describes the USB instrument configuration process in more detail.

Note: Do not confuse the Agilent 82357 USB/GPIB Interface with a USBTMC device. The 82357 is automatically configured as a GPIB interface, not as a USBTMC device, when it is plugged into the computer. Only USBTMC/USBTMC-USB488 devices are configured as USB devices by Agilent VISA.

Due to the complexity of the VISA USB resource string, a VISA alias (simple name) is assigned to each USB instrument when it is plugged into the computer. You can use either the alias or the full VISA resource string when opening a VISA resource, but using the alias is recommended because it is simpler and because it allows substitution of USB instruments without the need to change the VISA program.

You can also create VISA aliases for other (non-USB) instruments, using the Agilent Connection Expert.