how to control more than one instrument via different interfaces at the same time

[shasanka]

Hi, I am new to Labview.  I am working in a project where I have to make a Automated testing tool . So, here is the set up -  I have a Chip on a board to which there are several instruments connected namely Agilent power supply, Agilent pattern generator, oscilloscope,Dmm and Thermotron. All these instruments will be connected to the host computer via ethernet, GPIB or RS232. I have to write a program on Labview where the program  should be able to communicate with these  instruments  at  the same time  and show the ouput  on display unit . I have to run the program once, should be able to view the ouputs. So, Is it possible to write such program in Labview??.  I have  downloaded  few instuments  drivers. Is it possible to combine those intrument drivers and construct a new VI which would be able to control all this ??   Will it be easier to program this on Labview or  I should  go for Labwindows/CVI  ??.
Please mention some useful sites or tips (if u know) for writing program.
Thanks in advance

shasanka

[GerdW]

Hi Shasanka,

ofcourse it's possible to control more than one instrument at a time.
You should use the VISA routines to access all your devices. Every device get it's 'address' as 'VISA resource name'. This resource name contains information on the used bussystem and the (internal) device address (i.e. GPIB devices have an address number).

So I suggest to read the manual and to look at the examples that come with LabView!
And (from your question) it seems you should take the 3 or 6 hour seminar as well! (Look at www.ni.com -> academics.)