InstrumentStudio New Features and Changes
- Updated2025-04-08
- 4 minute(s) read
InstrumentStudio New Features and Changes
Learn about updates, including new features and behavior changes, introduced in each version of InstrumentStudio.
2025 Q2
April 2025
Professional License
Only
The following new features are only available with an InstrumentStudio Professional license.
- Sequencer Tool:
- Added support for parameter sweeps in instrument steps.
- Added support for SCPI instruments (third-party instruments) in sequences.
2025 Q1
January 2025
Network Analyzer
- Added support for markers.
- Added support for memory traces.
RF Signal Analyzer (RFmx)
- Spectrum Analyzer - Added frequency counter measurement.
- LTE - Added support for downlink NB-IoT.
- Bluetooth - Added new trace and results for HDT.
RF Signal Generator
- Added the ability to change the active script while debugging test code in script mode.
- Added the ability to switch to CW (continuous waveform) or Arb (arbitrary waveform) mode while debugging test code in script mode.
Oscilloscope
- Enhanced monitoring support- vertical scaling will be automatically updated based on test program settings.
- Added support for all PXIe-5172 onboard timebase rates.
Professional License
Only
The following new features are only available with an InstrumentStudio Professional license.
- Sequencer Tool
- Added support for native instrument types- FGEN, SCOPE, and SMU/VPS panels can now be added to sequences.
- Added support for parameter sweeps in measurement plug-in steps.
- Measurement Plug-Ins
- Added support for parameter sweeps for measurement plug-ins.
2024 Q4
October 2024
- Added segmented sweeps to the Network Analyzer instrument as well as enhancements to pulsed S-parameters, data visualizations, and calibration.
- Added channel merging capability to the SMU/Power Supply instrument to allow combining multiple channels to achieve a higher output current.
Professional License
Only
The following new features are only available with an InstrumentStudio Professional license.
- Added support for SCPI-capable oscilloscopes.
- Fetch data and screenshot captures from SCPI instruments.
- Fetch configurations from SCPI instruments.
- Apply configurations to SCPI instruments.
- Sequencer Tool
- Added support for digital multimeters in the Sequencer Tool. You can now create steps to read measurements from supported digital multimeters.
- Added support for wait steps. You can now create wait steps in your sequences.
- UI improvements to the sequencer tool. You can now view steps associated with measurement panels.
- Measurement Plug-Ins
- Added support for measurement plug-in versioning. Refer to the Measurement Plug-In User Manual for more information measurement plug-in versioning.
- Added support for displaying a link to measurement plug-in documentation in InstrumentStudio and TestStand
2024 Q3
July 2024
- Pin maps are no longer required use measurement plug-ins.
- Added several enhancements to the Network Analyzer instrument, including the ability to save S-parameter measurement results to Touchstone format (.snp) files.
- Added band power markers to the Spectrum measurement in the RF Signal Analyzer instrument.
Professional License
Only
The following new features are only available with an InstrumentStudio Professional license.
- Added support for measurement plug-ins. Refer to the Measurement Plug-Ins user manual for more information on developing measurements.
- Added the Sequencer Tool for sequencing measurements using measurement plug-ins.
- Added support for connecting to plug-in libraries.
2024 Q2
April 2024
- Added manual calibration, pulse mode, triggering, and improved calset support to the Network Analyzer instrument.
- Reference waveform and de-embedding file paths are now stored with the RF Signal Analyzer configuration, allowing for automatic reload.
- Added several enhancements for Channel Sounding packets using the RF Signal Analyzer Bluetooth personality.
2024 Q1
January 2024
- Added support for Fixed Markers using RF Signal Analyzer instruments.
- Added custom bitfile support for RF Signal Analyzer and RF Signal Generator instruments.
Related Information
- Download InstrumentStudio
- License Setup and Activation
- Sequencer Tool
The sequencer tool enables you to perform a series of ordered tasks using instrument panels and measurement plug-ins. Automating using the sequencer tool can enable you to efficiently perform multi-step measurements, saving time and ensuring consistency.
- SCPI Instrument Panels
You can create instrument panels using SCPI-capable devices the same way you create instrument panels for native NI hardware. SCPI instrument panels do not include all of the capabilities present in native NI instruments. These panels are primarily intended to use as companions to third-party hardware, and can perform essential tasks like fetching data, screenshots, and SCPI configuration. Refer to the following sections for more information on adding SCPI instrument panels to your project.
- Measurement Plug-In User Manual
- Connecting to a Plug-In Library
A plug-in library is an HTTP web API that contains services you use to take measurements. Plug-in libraries enable you to share and collaborate across teams. Complete the following steps to connect to a plug-in library.