Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: support for LXI devices (Bustec ProDAQ 6150 specifically)

[Mark Rivers via Tech-talk <tech-talk at aps.anl.gov>]

Hi Richard,

Here are some examples of support for VXI-11devices I have written.  The database and protocol files are here:

https://github.com/epics-modules/ip/tree/master/ipApp/Db 

The medm OPI files are here:

https://github.com/epics-modules/ip/tree/master/ipApp/op/adl

• Rigol DG4000 Arbitrary Waveform Generators:  The Rigol_DG4000* files in above locations.

• Rigol DS1000Z Digital Oscilloscopes:  The Rigol_DS1000Z* files in above locations.

• Instek GPP power supplies:  The Instek_GPP*  files in above locations.

• Advanced Energy iLS series and Versatile Power XR series power supplies:  The AE_ILS* files in the above locations.

Mark

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From: Evans, Richard K. (GRC-H000) <richard.k.evans at nasa.gov>
Sent: Friday, July 10, 2026 8:02 AM
To: Mark Rivers <rivers at cars.uchicago.edu>; tech-talk at aps.anl.gov <tech-talk at aps.anl.gov>
Cc: Evans, Richard K. (GRC-H000) <richard.k.evans at nasa.gov>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Re: support for LXI devices (Bustec ProDAQ 6150 specifically)

 

Hi Mark,  Thanks for the quick response.

 

Yes. the User Manul does say on pg 25 that the unit is a VXI-11 Device with an IVI/VXI plug-&-play compatible driver, but you’re right, the manual’s focus is mainly on the web-interface and it is not clear about the availability of SCPI commands or if there is another document such as a programming reference guide that is available. I have sent in a question to Bustec to clarify this and will share what I learn here when I hear from them.

 

In the meantime, thanks for sharing that you use StreamDevice to communicate with VXI-11 devices. If nothing else that gives me a solid direction to head in wrt to EPICS integration.

 

/Rich

 

From: Mark Rivers <rivers at cars.uchicago.edu>
Sent: Thursday, July 9, 2026 6:27 PM
To: tech-talk at aps.anl.gov; Evans, Richard K. (GRC-H000) <richard.k.evans at nasa.gov>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: support for LXI devices (Bustec ProDAQ 6150 specifically)

 

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Hi Richard,

 

I have used many VXI-11 devices.  VXI-11 is a subset of LXI.  I use StreamDevice to communicate, using SCPI (Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) protocol.  The Bustec 6150 says it supports VXI-11.

 

I looked at the manual you referenced.  Unfortunately, they only discuss how to control it using the Web interface for configuration and Windows library they provide for acquisition.  I would guess that it probably uses the SCPI protocol for the actual low-level communication,  but this is not documented in that manual.  Without documentation for the SCPI commands you would be forced to use that Windows library.  Do you know if the SCPI commands are documented?

 

Mark

 

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From: Tech-talk <tech-talk-bounces at aps.anl.gov> on behalf of Evans, Richard K. (GRC-H000) via Tech-talk <tech-talk at aps.anl.gov>
Sent: Thursday, July 9, 2026 4:05 PM
To: tech-talk at aps.anl.gov <tech-talk at aps.anl.gov>
Subject: support for LXI devices (Bustec ProDAQ 6150 specifically)

 

Hello,

Is anyone currently using LXI devices from a company called Bustec?

We are interested in using Bustec's ProDAQ 6150 (a 48-channel thermocouple measurement device) [1]. I checked the EPICS hardware support database and the Tech-Talk archives, but I couldn't find any mention of Bustec.

Since the ProDAQ 6150 is an LXI device, I know it can be interfaced with third-party software like EPICS. Before I attempt to develop support for it from scratch, I wanted to check here to see if anyone has already written something or has advice on the best approach (e.g., using asyn/StreamDevice) for Bustec specifically - or LXI devices in general.

For context, the device communication details are in section 6.3 (page 55) of the User Manual [1], which provides a few C code snippets demonstrating how to communicate with the device using their drivers.

Any advice or pointers would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Rich

[1] User Manual: bustec.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/6150-XX-UM.pdf

Richard Evans, Information Systems
NASA's Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility
6100 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, Ohio 44870
mailto: richard.k.evans at nasa.gov