I need a driver for a Mini Circuits ZTS-16SP4T switch matrix

[test_maniac]

I am attempting to integrate a Mini Circuits switch matrix into an automated test setup. It came with a Windows GUI that works fine. However, I need to be able to control it from a VI running in a LINUX environment using a USB connection. The vi example that is offered looks for a dll that isn't what they have available on their website and so doesn't load correctly. I can probably use SCPI commands for control once I connect with the switch. However, I can't make the connection.

Has anyone developed a driver or worked with a similar Mini Circuits switch and can give me some advice? Thank you.

[Kyle97330 · Accepted solution]

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@test_maniac wrote:

I need to be able to control it from a VI running in a LINUX environment using a USB connection.

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Why USB?

It looks like this device has both Ethernet and USB.  In my experience Ethernet is 10x more reliable than USB, plus if you use a Telnet connection over Ethernet you don't need a driver, you can just use standard TCP nodes and not need any external binaries.

At my company we often go to great lengths to use Ethernet instead of USB, often paying hundreds or thousands of dollars extra to get an expansion slot or upgraded model just to avoid USB.  

[rolfk · Accepted solution]

Definitely use Ethernet as Kyle says. The datasheet for the device specifies that the USB connection uses USB HID, which is not something LabVIEW can read out of the box anyways. And USB connections are in most situations simply less reliable than pretty much anything else (well maybe with the exception of smoke signs 😁).