Synchronize measurements in labview

[PokiBono5]

Hi,

I am creating a program for measuring different things using many instrument (for example two sr830 lock in amplifier and two keithley 2450 SMU).

What is the best way to create the VI so all the instruments will measure on the same time?

Should i was the triggerlist GPIB command despite the fact I use VISA references or should I use external triggering with digital input?

Thanks in advance.

[cbutcher · Accepted solution]

In general, you should set up triggering with some external trigger that can be shared between your devices, like a Digital Input (Output, if considering from the PC's side).

I'm not familiar with the TriggerList command, but after reading some GPIB references and this NI "VISA Equivalents" list, GPIB 488.2 Functions and VISA Functions, I'd hazard that the trigger list doesn't provide synchronization more accurate than just reading them all as fast as you can in software.

As a result, if you want better synchronization than that, you'll have to go with the shared hardware trigger. If not, you might find the TriggerList a better choice given its simplicity and the lack of physical wiring involved.