How to setup MAX to use Pickering's Switches with NI Switch Executive
Our IVI installation pi40iv.msi places an example driver session (pi40ivSample) into the MAX configuration (see picture below).
There is also an entry in the Instrument Driver Software Modules folder (pi40iv). All created devices for PI switch modules will relate to these entries.
Each instrument used must have a valid resource descriptor in the Hardware Assets folder or the "Simulate with" entry field is set to "Specific Driver"
otherwise an error will occur when creating a Switch Executive Virtual Device.
The below images might not reflect the latest MAX version.
The easiest way to setup MAX for Pickering Interfaces switch modules is to Create a New Driver Session and copy, paste and change the
appropriate fields from pi40ivSample. This will be described on the following pages.
Repeat the following described Step 1 to Step 5 for each module to be inserted into the MAX configuration.
Example: adding PI module 40-548-001 to Switch Executive
Step 1 - Create IVI Driver Session
Create New Driver Session by right clicking the Driver Session folder
In the driver's general tab the most important entry is the model description: Model:40-548-001
The model number entered must match exactly with a model in the Pickering card definition file pi40iv.ini which may be located in the IVI folder system, usually at C:/Program Files/IVI Foundation/IVI/Drivers/pi40iv.
To simulate the card, select 'Specific Driver' in the 'SImulate With' selection combo box.
In the driver's hardware tab a hardware asset with the exact resource description for each module has to be selected.
If required create a new asset and change the descriptor.
(Don't forget to check the tickbox to select the asset!)
In the driver's software tab select the pi40iv as the necessary software module.
If you wish to use Virtual Names, these can be defined on the Virtual Names tab.
Step 2 - Create IVI Logical Name
Create New Logical Names by right clicking the Logical Names folder. A driver session for the logical name has to be selected in the consecutive window.
These logical names will appear in the later defined Switch Executive Virtual Device.
Step 3 - Create Virtual Device
Create New Switch Executive Virtual Device by right clicking the Switch Executive Virtual Device folder. Add all necessary devices from the list.
All system modules which have to be interconnected must be listed in one device.
Step 4 - Edit the Virtual Device, adding aliases
Edit the IVI channel alias names, check the channels which will be reserved for routing (usually the y-channels). In the example no exclusion are defined.
Step 5 - Edit the Virtual Device, add routes
Edit Routes and Route Groups as your connections require.
TestStand
Launch TestStand. Create a simple test sequence with one test step. Right click the test step and select Properties.
In the Switching tab the required switching can now be selected.
