What Is VISA?

VISA is an acronym for Virtual Instrument Software Architecture. VISA is a Test & Measurement industry standard communication API (Application Programming Interface) for use with test and measurement devices. Some times called a communication driver, VISA allows for the development of programs to be bus independent. Using VISA libraries enables communication for many interfaces such as GPIB, USB, and Ethernet.

Tektronix provides TekVISA for customers who require a VISA. If you already have a functioning VISA solution, you should not need TekVISA. TekVISA maybe required by certain Tektronix software. Please check the software release notes for compatibility.

The VISA standard is currently maintained by the IVI Foundation.

Instrument Communications Block Diagram

Integrated Development Environment		Instrument Driver (optional)		VISA Libraries		VISA Communications Driver		Device Driver		Instrument
application					operating system				hardware