User-focused IVI-COM driver development

The IVI standards describe a rich, flexible architecture for instrument drivers. IVI´s advanced features, such as the component object model (COM) interface, offer unprecedented capability for instrument driver developers. With this capability comes a challenge - the challenge to produce drivers that meet the IVI standards while also providing excellent end-user utility. Though the IVI specifications are voluminous, many development decisions are left up to the individual driver developer. These developer choices can have a significant positive or negative impact on the utility of the resultant driver. This paper describes best practices for developing user-focused IVI-COM drivers - drivers that present instruments in an intuitive way, accelerating access to measurement data. The paper covers the following: overall driver API design in various situations, including situations in which existing plug&play drivers are being ported to IVI-COM; driver tuning for various client ADEs, including usage of wrappers; testing and validation strategies to assure conformance with IVI specifications; help files to educate and inform end-users; and optimal driver integration with the IVI shared components.