User`s guide
Glossary
Agilent VISA User’s Guide 135
explorer view
The tree view within the Connection Expert window that shows all
devices connected to a test system.
handler
A software routine that responds to an asynchronous event such as an
SRQ or an interrupt.
instrument
A device that accepts commands and performs a test and
measurement function.
instrument driver
Software that runs on a computer to allow an application to control a
particular instrument.
Interactive IO
An Agilent application that allows you to interactively send
commands to instruments and read the results. Interactive IO is part
of the Agilent IO Libraries Suite product.
interface
A connection and medium of communication between devices and
controllers. Interfaces include mechanical, electrical, and protocol
connections.
interface descriptor
A handle, returned from ibfind, that uniquely identifies a GPIB
interface (board) in Agilent 488 original API calls. Also called a
board descriptor or board unit descriptor.
interface driver
Software that communicates with an interface. The interface driver
also handles commands used to perform communications on an
interface.