Enhanced source code tool for developing instrument firmware

<%=company1%> announced today the NI-Device™ Driver Development Kit (DDK), a new source code version of NI-Device software. With the NI-Device DDK, developers of ANSI/IEEE Standard 488.2 devices now can write bus-independent firmware for their instruments. NI-Device is the first tool in the industry that helps developers create IEEE 488.2 instruments while isolating the instrumentation code from bus-specific communication details.

NI-Device DDK, which works with GPIB-based instruments, now expands to include support for additional GPIB hardware interfaces and devices with or without an operating system. NI-Device handles most IEEE 488.2 requirements, including the Message Exchange Protocol, so instrument developers no longer have to implement these tasks. Together, these two features help developers quickly and easily write the instrument communications code and shorten the overall instrument development time.

The NI-Device DDK is a comprehensive C++ source code package that contains the core functionality for implementing NI-Device applications. Now, by adding the interface between NI-Device and a particular operating system, developers can use NI-Device for instruments that run any operating system, as well as instruments that run without an operating system.

About NI
NI leverages commercial technologies, such as industry-standard computers and the Internet, to deliver customer-defined measurement and automation solutions. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, NI has more than 2,700 employees and direct sales offices in more than 35 countries. NI increases the productivity of engineers and scientists worldwide by delivering easy-to-integrate software and modular hardware. In fiscal year 2000, NI recorded its 24th consecutive year of double-digit growth with revenue totaling $410 million.

Price, Availability, and For More Information
The NI-Device DDK is now available with prices starting at $50 (U.S. Dollars), €85 (Euro), ¥10,000 (Yen). For more information about the NI-Device DDK, contact NI, 11500 N Mopac Expwy, Austin, Texas, 78759-3504. Call toll free in the United States and Canada at (800) 258-7022, fax (512) 683-9300, or e-mail info@ni.com. Readers also can access information through the company's Web site at ni.com/ni-device.

Source: National Instruments