Agilent N4010A programming using .net

[mikestro]

I have an Agilent N4010A and I have an example vi from Agilent. I am attempting to write a program that will test a WiFi wireless acsess point that we are designing. I need to write a LabView program that will communicate with the access point and the N4010A. I have learned from Agilent that the N4010A does not have a standard SCPI command list (when using the WLAN test option) like all other instruments I have dealt with in the past. In fact, it states you must use a COM or .NET interface with it. I don't understand what that means. Does that mean I need to be able to program in COM or .NET environments in order to control this piece of equipment? How do I go about automating a test when no SCPI commands are available?

 

Thanks,

Mike

[smercurio_fc]

What they are referring to is that they have a COM library and/or a .NET library that can be used to control the instrument. The COM library would be accessed using the ActiveX Automation functions. You do not have to program in a .NET language to use the .NET library. You can call the .NET library using LabVIEW using the .NET functions. For both of these examples ship with LabVIEW.

The most likely problem you will run into with calling the .NET library from LabVIEW would stem from compatibility between the .NET version and the LabVIEW version.

[mikestro]

Do I need to load .NET functions that are specific to the N4010A in some manner?

[smercurio_fc]

It would be done in the manner described in the documentation for the N4010A library. The .NET functions in LabVIEW are used to create the classes that exist in the N4010A library and call the methods and properties for those classes.

[hatemachine]

I'm just curious if you ever got up and running on the code for the N4010A.  I am writing code now using .NET.  If you still need help or want to cross reference, let me know.

[Bittu2011]

Hi There,

Could you please provide some steps on how to program the N4010A using .net. I am having the same problem as Agilent doesn't have SCPI commands for WLAN testing using N4010A

Regards,

-Bittu

[JordanG]

Hello Bittu,

I looked on our website to see if we had drivers for this specific instrument (www.ni.com/idnet), but we do not. You will need to contact Agilent to get the correct drivers, DLLs, example VIs, etc. However as stated above, once you have access to those drivers and DLLs, you can call the .NET library using LabVIEW using the .NET functions.

Have a great day!

Jordan G

[JefCo]

Hi,

You need the Agilent.N4010.WLanTest.dll, which comes with the installation of the (I think) virtual front panel. There is then also a little Labview programming example which you might find usefull.

Let me know if you need further help.

[Bittu2011]

Hi Jef and Jordan,

Thanks a lot for your quick help. I got the dll from Agilent, When I tried adding the .net assembly references (Agilent dll)  using Tools--->Advanced------>, I was unable to add.

simply it won't take...sorry could you pls help me why this is so?

[JefCo]

Hi,

You need to place a constructor node on your block diagramm, then select the .dll and create an e.g. instrument reference.

I attached a little example that opens the connection to the instrument and reads out the Driver Version and Instrument Manufacturer.Hope that helps.

kind regards