Linux Setup

Install PyVISA

Install the python3-pyvisa package using apt.

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y python3-pyvisa

Note: installing PyVISA using pip only inside a venv will not work. The package needs to be installed system-wide first.

Test your setup

In the terminal:

python3 -c "import pyvisa; print(pyvisa.ResourceManager('@py').list_resources())"

You should see a list containing your device in the format INTERFACE::VID::PID::SN::INSTR.

Method Using the NI-VISA Backend

Install these if you still do not see your device, for most interfaces pyvisa-py is sufficient.

Step 1: Get the NI-VISA driver and backend

1. Download the NI package: Visit the NI-VISA download page. Unfortunately, registration is needed. Extract the archive, you should see .deb packages.

Step 2: Install NI-VISA for your distribution

1. Install NI-VISA: Example for Ubuntu: install the downloaded .deb package using dpkg. There are two packages, a "stream" and fixed quarterly version. Use the fixed quarterly version for reproductibility.

   sudo dpkg -i ni-visa_20*.deb
   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install -y ni-visa

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Step 3: Configure PyVISA to Use NI-VISA Backend

1. Set NI-VISA Backend: Ensure that PyVISA uses the NI-VISA backend.

   import pyvisa
   rm = pyvisa.ResourceManager('@ni')

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   You can also provide a direct library path, for example: /usr/lib/x86_64-linux-gnu/libvisa.so. The path for pyvisa-py is @pi.

Step 4: Verify Device Connection

1. Use visaconf Utility: Use the visaconf NI terminal utility to check your device's connection.

2. In Python:

   python3 -c "import pyvisa; print(pyvisa.ResourceManager('@py').list_resources())"

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Virtual Environment (venv)

The python3-pyvisa and python3-pyvisa-py packages must be installed system-wide. After a venv can be used. Installing them in a virtual environment only will not work. Commands for installing in a venv:

pip install PyVISA PyVISA-py

Note: installing the python3-pyvisa package also installs python3-pyvisa-py in debian-based distributions by default. PyVisa-py is a Python VISA backend that replaces the NI backend.

Notes

• Firewall Settings: For Ethernet devices, ensure your firewall settings allow communication with the instrument.
• Windows Fast Startup Interference: Windows Fast Startup can prevent interfaces to reset properly and interfere with device detection.
• Some devices expect termination characters at the end of the commands. Please refer to the dedicated section on the Interfaces page.