VISA User's Guide

This help section shows VISA programming techniques using C/C++ and Visual Basic. For information on .NET programming languages, refer to the VISA C in Microsoft .NET Tutorial.

This version of the IO Libraries Suite supports Windows and Linux. Available utilities, APIs, help files and features vary by operating system. Variations are flagged in help with these icons:  for Windows and for Linux.

This guide contains these sections:

  • VISA Overview - Provides a short description of the Keysight Virtual Instrument Software Architecture (VISA).
  • Programming with VISA - Describes the basics of VISA and lists some sample programs. The section also includes information on how to create sessions, how to use formatted I/O, and how to use events.
  • Programming via GPIB and VXI - Describes how to use VISA to communicate with instruments over the following interfaces: 
    • GPIB
    • GPIB-VXI
    • VXI
  • Programming PXI Devices - Describes how to use VISA to program PXI, PXIe, and PCIe® devices installed in a PC or PXI chassis.
  • Programming via LAN - Describes how to use VISA to communicate over a LAN (Local Area Network) to instruments.
  • Programming via USB - Describes how to use VISA to communicate over a USB (Universal Serial Bus) to instruments.

See Also

VISA Documentation lists other sources of information on VISA programming.