A USB portable license offers a hardware-based license that is locked to a USB hardware key, sometimes referred to as a dongle (sold separately). You can physically move the software license from one host computer to another using the USB hardware key. When connected to a host computer, the USB key enables use of BenchVue applications on that computer. This type of license enables multiple users who are physically adjacent to one another to share licenses without being connected to a network. Each license is either perpetual (license does not expire) or subscription-based (license expires after a limited time).
You will need to install the software license file on each computer that will share the USB key.
You will need to install the BenchVue application on each computer that will share the USB key.
For USB portable licensing on BenchVue, we support FLEXID-10 (blue) read-only hardware keys. The USB key is NOT included with the license and must be purchased separately.
In order to recognize the USB key, a FLEXID-10 USB driver is required on each computer that will share the USB key. With BenchVue version 2019 and later, the appropriate USB driver was installed as part of the BenchVue installation. If the driver is missing or is corrupt, go to Keysight Licensing USB Driver to download the driver.
CAUTION:As part of the BenchVue installation, the required version of the USB driver was installed on your computer. Note that newer versions of the USB driver may cause the BenchVue license to stop working; therefore, do NOT download and install newer versions of the USB driver from the manufacturer's web site (Wibu-Systems).
The only version of the WibuKey USB driver that is compatible with the BenchVue license server is WibuKey version 6.30b; newer versions of this driver are NOT compatible.
Note:To evaluate a BenchVue application before purchasing a license, free trial licenses are available. Trial licenses are node-locked, subscription-based licenses.
Software Support Subscription
Each software license includes free software updates and support for the specific instrument application for the duration of your support subscription. A perpetual license includes software updates and support for the first year, after which support can be renewed annually for a fee. A subscription-based license includes software updates and support through the term of the license.
Note:The time-bound aspects of the perpetual license (license does not expire) and the subscription-based license (license expires after limited time) start at the time you add the software license to your KSM profile.
Activate Your License
Once you have purchased your software license, you will receive a Software Entitlement Certificate from Keysight via e-mail. You will then redeem the entitlement certificate from within BenchVue and you will receive an e-mail with a software license (*.lic) file attached.
This section summarizes the process for redeeming and activating your license on a 64-bit Windows computer. If you need to set up licensing for a 32-bit Windows computer, see Manual Setup: USB Portable License (32-Bit Windows).
Go to www.keysight.com/find/BenchVue to purchase a Software Entitlement Certificate for the desired BenchVue applications. You can choose either paper or electronic delivery of your entitlement certificate.
After you have received your entitlement certificate, note the Order Number and Certificate Number. You will need these numbers later in this procedure.
Launch BenchVue to perform the next steps redeem and activate your license.
After connecting your instrument, confirm that it was properly discovered and added to the Instrument Panel. For more information on connecting instruments, see Connecting Your Instruments.
Right-click on the instrument icon and select "Licensing" to view the Activate BenchVue Licenses dialog.
Note: You can also access the Activate BenchVue Licenses dialog from the (1) global Settings menu and (2) Manage Instrument Panel menu.
From the Activate BenchVue Licenses dialog, click "Redeem" to begin the process to redeem your license (internet connection required). You will be directed to the Keysight Software Manager (KSM) web site, which will open in your default web browser. You will need to provide the Order Number and Certificate Number from the entitlement certificate (see Step 2 above). In addition, you will need to provide the Host ID for your USB key – the Host ID (also the serial number) is printed directly on the USB key itself and has the form "10-0RESF13B" (see below).
Note:If you are a first-time user of KSM, you will be required to complete a one-time registration on the web site.
Your software license has now been redeemed. You will receive an e-mail from Keysight with a software license file (*.lic) attached. Save the license file to your local computer and make sure to note the location.
Note:You will need repeat steps 3 through 6 above to install the software license file on each computer that will share the USB key.
From the Activate BenchVue Licenses dialog, select the appropriate license type from the drop-down list ("USB Portable") and click "Install" to begin the process to install the license file on your computer. You will be directed to the PathWave License Manager (PLM) software application, which was installed as part of the BenchVue installation. If PLM is not already installed, go to www.keysight.com/find/PLM to download the application. From PLM, select the "Add a License File" option and navigate to the location on your computer where you saved the license file that you received via e-mail.
Note:If you are a first-time user of the License Manager application, you may be required to create a myKeysight account.
Your license is now activated.
Insert the USB (dongle) key into a USB port on your computer. Note that it may take some time before your computer detects the USB key.
If you have not already installed the BenchVue application for your instrument, go to the Applications view located at the top of the BenchVue interface (Home > Applications).
Refresh Your Licensing Status
After you have installed a license, it may take some time for the application to detect the recently installed license. Alternatively, you may manually refresh your licensing status.
Right-click on the instrument icon and click "Refresh Licenses".
